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Sailing the Cyclades Islands

September 24, 2003
From Astypalaia we sailed on to Amorgos for more interludes of swimming and basking in the sun, and dining out in Katapola. Unfortunately, because of limited time and transportation options, we did not make it to the ancient Minoan archeological dig there. Oh well, maybe next time!

September 25, 2003
Midway through our trip, we embarked on what was to be the most thrilling (nail-biting?) part of our sailing venture. The winds whipped to upwards of 25 knots, making it hard to keep the boat on a steady course. It was the coolest, wettest, and longest day of sailing we had encountered so far. But with Giannis and Fredrik's capable and experienced hands guiding us, we weren't too worried – just eager to make it to the next calm blue water cove! Because the wind was against us, we decided to bypass Naxos and head straight on to Antiparos, so that we could spend more time there and at Paros the next day.

September 26, 2003
The most captivating sight on Antiparos is a deep cavern that has been a tourist destination since the 6th Century A.D. In addition to the stalactite and stalagmite formations, the cavern also has graffiti dating back centuries from visitors who left their mark there. It was fascinating to see signatures and names carved from Greek philosophers, Roman centurions, crusading knights, 18th Century European nobility on their "Grand Tours," occupying Fascist soldiers, and modern day interlopers carved into the walls of the cave alongside each other. Unfortunately, we could not add our own names to this march through time as the practice is now prohibited. Sigh.

The last leg of our sailing trip to Paros was short but sweet, as the wind conditions were very favorable. Shar had a go at captain a few times earlier, but never before under such ideal sailing conditions. Everyone took turns steering before we put into harbor. Once in Paros, we strolled through town taking in the sights and sounds. It was bustling with the most tourists we had seen in our travels, which is not too surprising since many of the other islands we visited were off the beaten path. We checked out a beautiful Byzantine Church of a Hundred Doors and had our last dinner in the islands at a place specializing in local seafood – unusual mollusks and very tender octopus.

That evening we said our goodbyes and heartfelt thanks to Giannis who was joining another sailing charter on his way back home. We stayed on the boat that night and would leave it there for another skipper to pick up a few days later.

September 27, 2003
In the morning, after having a breakfast sojourn in a nearby town of Naoussa, we packed our bags and caught a high-speed ferry back to Athens. Once in Athens, we checked into our hotel, relaxed, freshened up, and then went out to walk through the Plaka – the central shopping/eating/tourist/see-and-be-seen place in the city. We had dinner outdoors on a picturesque tree-covered square in the Plaka and made it an early night as we were all worn out after a week's sailing.

September 28, 2003
Sunday morning we took in the Parthenon and some of the surrounding sights Athens has to offer before we were off to the airport and on our way back to Rome and the last week of our honeymoon.

We really enjoyed this special side-trip to the Greek Islands. It wasn't in our original plans, but when the opportunity arose to sail the Mediterranean, it was an offer we could not pass up. We really are thankful to our friends Fredrik and Jennifer, who were wonderful traveling companions for us on this unforgettable voyage, and without whom it simply wouldn't have happened!

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