A Three Island Tour

Hi Everyone,


Yesterday (Easter Monday) we booked a cruise on a large catamaran which sails to the islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina. We had to get up early as we were to be picked up at 6.50 from the lobby of another hotel a block away. We were collected at 7.10 and got to Piraeus, the port of Athens, at 7,45. On the way we picked up large numbers of tourists from other hotels.

The boat left Piraeus at 8.00 and we sailed towards Poros. We arrived at 10.00 and spent an hour wandering around then it was back on board and off to Hydra. We were a little surprised to find that we were in the group having first lunch - a wee bit early, 11.30! Anyway we had lunch, a very ordinary meal, indeed, and then we arrived at Hydra.  

On Hydra we found the first large numbers of cats that we've seen since we arrived in Greece, (a poor use of words but I'm sure you understand). Hydra is the island where no motor vehicles are allowed so it is quiet and peaceful. Many wealthy people have holiday homes on Hydra and it is much 'shinier' than Poros or Aegina. Donkeys are the main form of transport here.We had 2 hours on Hydra so that was nice. We strolled around and found a lovely donkey standing in a field of yellow daisies. He was beautiful. We talked to lots of cats and a few lovely dogs and eventually got back to the boat at 2.15 to sail to Aegina.

We got to Aegina at 4.15 and had 2 hours again to stroll around. There were horses and carriages for the tourists to use and the whole place was much busier and noisier than Hydra. There were large signs as you arrived promoting a volunteer organisation that is sterilising the stray cat and dog population of Athens and many of the Greek islands.

We left Aegina at 6.15 after buying some pistachios, They are just yummy. Growing and selling pistachios and honey production are two of the main 'industries' of the island - not counting tourism of course!


We sailed back to Priaeus and arrived at 7.30. We found our bus and were dropped back near our hotel. What a lovely day. The weather was warm and sunny and a little breezy, just right for boating.

Athens has been incredibly quiet these last two days - Easter Sunday and Monday. Everything is closed except some of the businesses and restaurants in the Plaka (the real touristy part). None of the Museums, historical sites or even the market have been open. It's very different. On Sunday we walked around to the Victor Hugo Hotel where Mum and Wilma stayed when they first came to Athens. It's now a Youth Hostel and is in a seedier part of Athens than it was then. It was good to see it.

Love to all

Maz, Great Gran and Andi