Title: A day each on the islands of Paros and Naxos that positively attenuated the pace of travel as compared to Athens, thereby resulting in a quietude that further enabled self-reflection.
Author Information: Priyanka Desirazu (in person) along with memories of Athens, friends and family (in spirit)*
* Once again alive, but now slightly worried that they will be at the receiving end of endless WhatsApp video calls from me, animatedly exclaiming about how beautiful the islands are.
Throughout this rather prolix article, I’ve slipped in Greek Alphabets in 12 words – if you find them, let me know! Alert: This is not a test.
Introduction: As much as Island Hopping sounds very flamboyant, picking the islands you want to play hopscotch on is quite an arduous task. Since Athens was undoubtedly on the plan and I had just a few days remaining of my hallowed PTO from work, I decided to pick islands close to Athens. Now, the Cyclades are a group of about 220 islands in the Aegean Sea that constitute the Aegean archipelago. They are known as the Cyclades since they form a circle around the sacred island of Delos, which to ardent followers of Thucydides out there, is one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece. Now my herculean (referencing a Roman god here was not intentional!) task was to narrow my pick to just three islands. Many suggested that I visit the island of Kea but after looking into a motley of transportation options (read as “just the one ferry that transports people back and forth on very specific days of the week and very fixed times of the day that depend on the phase of the moon etc.), I foμnd that short of me swimming to and from the island – Kea is not going to make it to the Top-3 islands that I will hop to this time.
Paros was an easy pick for many reasons; one – being that it is your picture perfect mind’s eye version of Greece in all its glory (think white and blue galore), two – that it is known for its enchanting rural villages and magnificent beaches and three (most importantly), there is a ferry from Athens to Paros that will get me there regardless of the earth’s natural satellite grid location. So there you go, the stone was first thrown successfully into the box called Paros.
© 2019 Priyanka Desirazu All Rights Reserved
Naxos became the most obvious next island to visit, given its proximity to Paros, the chance of experiencing the hustle and bustle of a port town, visiting the ancient sites, feasting your eyes on the amazing natural landscapes it βoasts of and most importantly the fact that it is one of the most under rated islands even though it is the biggest of the Cyclades. I remember looking at many travel guides and found that people very rarely chose Naxos. I always enjoy cheering for the underdog and that made my decision as crystal clear as the waters of the Aegean Sea. If you are still thinking of hopscotch, the stone’s trajectory for now is Paros to Naxos.
© 2019 Priyanka Desirazu All Rights Reserved
Materials and Methods:
Just to recap, the previous article culminated in Athens and I was ready to take to the seas, quite literally. I called for a cab that would drop me off at the Port of Piraeus in Athens, from where I would take a ferry to the island of Paros. Somehow I thought a ferry would be a medium sized vessel that transported humans and cargo from one place to another. I had to reconstruct my definition of a ferry while my cab pulled into the port. What I saw dθcked, was a ship as huge as the Titanic we were shown when that movie released in theatres, on TV when Star Movies used to run it on a loop and again in the theatre when it came out as a 3D movie! And even though it was 6:45am, I could almost hear Rose and Jack’s Irish dancing gig track, amidst all the chaos.
© 2019 Priyanka Desirazu All Rights Reserved
I was just overawed taking in the scene and therefore, trying to hold on to my backpack and suitcase while stepping on to the ship, I fumbled clumsily to fish out the ticket I had to display to the handsome steward dressed in a crisρ white uniform. After it was established that I have indeed earned my right to board this large vessel, I finally stepped foot onto the grand Blue Star Ferry. I rode the elevator (yes, you read that right) to the expansive lounge. I found a comfortable couch by the window and watched the sun rise as we headed towards Paros, while eagerly texting friends and family from my Orange Mobile SIM Card hoping feverishly that I would have cellular network in the middle of the Aegean Sea. I totally did – and have to say that Orange Mobile’s service was a life savior – very reassuring to know that you are always connected to the world, have access to high speed internet for Google Maps so that you actually reach the ancient site you want to visit.
© 2019 Priyanka Desirazu All Rights Reserved
After eating a good selection of Greek food in Athens, I was ready to eat a scrumptious veggie burger with fries and Sprite, on my way to Paros. With the burger in one hand, Daniel Kahneman’s “Thinking Fast and Slow” in the other and the stunning view of the turquoise water, my 4 hour and 5 minute journey was incredibly smooth sailing. The exact sαme vessel would take me from Paros to Naχos the following day. On that leg of the journey, I ended up sitting in the same place by the burger joint but instead of Kahneman this time, I had some lovely company with whom I spent my nautical journey from Paros to Naxos.
Results:
I had less than 24 hours in Paros so planned it in such a way that I am able to see the important sites (primarily, the ocean!) at leisure and also get a feel of what island life is like. I got off the ship and was greeted by the cheerful Alexandro, who was my host in Paros. While browsing through the listings on Booking.com, I came across many hotels but decided to pick a home instead so I can live in Parikia – an enchanting maze of streets and passages paved with marble and fronted by cubed shape white washed houses with balconies and shutters. We passed by Parikia’s signature statement – a lone windmill which almost marks the middle of the town. We chatted about Paros as Alexandro led me through the winding streets, finally reaching the place I had chosen to stay – “Bougainvillea House”.
© 2019 Priyanka Desirazu All Rights Reserved
© 2019 Priyanka Desirazu All Rights Reserved
About 10 minutes from the port, this charming place added a beautiful splash of color to the city’s white walls. Alexandro’s mother, Phaedra was at home, making sure I had everything I needed and even had a large assortment of fruits ωaiting for me! They gave me some sound advice about navigating through Parikia and then left me to figure out the course of my day. I first walked to the Panagia Ekatongapiliani – The Church of a Hundred Doors and was enamored by the Byzantine stone patterns, Cornithian capitals and the iconostasis in front of the apse. I then visited the Archeological Museum of Paros that has a lovely lapidarium at the entrance and is known for its marble statue of Nike where the head, arms and wings of the statue are missing. I decided to take a long stroll in Parikia, taking my time to stop and talk with the locals and sit by the sea-facing benches and alcoves. It was time for dinner and I stopped by this café called Exesion that had more vegetarian options than I could ever think of! I ordered a mélange of dishes and was thoroughly satisfied as I slowly walked backed to Bougainvillea House. I have to admit that after the tumultuous nights in Athens, the pin drop silence at night in Paros was a little unnerving. I tried my hand at Alexandro’s guitar but was quite disturbed with the possible ramifications of that action, given the nature of noise (not beautiful sounds) emanating from my room.
© 2019 Priyanka Desirazu All Rights Reserved
© 2019 Priyanka Desirazu All Rights Reserved
© 2019 Priyanka Desirazu All Rights Reserved
© 2019 Priyanka Desirazu All Rights Reserved
The next day, I took the same Blue Star Ferry from the Port of Paros and reached the port facing town of Naxos about two and a half hours later. The minute you step foot into town, you are in the towering presence of the Portara – a marble doorway called the Jewel of Naxos. Apart from being the biggest island of the Cyclades, Naxos is also ςonsidered to be one of the greenest. I was excited to stay at Hotel Coronis on Protopapadaκi Street, with a room facing miles and miles of water. The city of Chora is one of Naxos’ major tourist sites that has a stroll worthy waterfront and a ubiquitous marble look, no matter where you view it from. It is a place where time has stopped.
© 2019 Priyanka Desirazu All Rights Reserved
It was a rather boisterously windy day and I spent the afternoon by the waterfront – watching ships, eating an Italian meal and contemplating about the years I have spent on this planet. I was then told by a local that if I had the time, I should view the sunset from the islet of Palatia where the Portara is situated. While planning this leg of the trip, I had decided to visit the Portara of course, thinking I will circumambulate the structure, admire the islet and probably spend about 20 minutes at the most. I was only coming to realize how fallacious that plan was!
© 2019 Priyanka Desirazu All Rights Reserved
At about 3:50pm, I started to traverse the promenade, walking to the end of the waterfront where there is a narrow mud path that takes you to the islet of Palatia. I felt a deep sense of excitement as I climbed the hill. It was 4:24 pm when I reached the top of the hill and the sun was beginning to set. What I then saw was absolutely breathtaking!! I was right on top of the hill on the islet, all alone, surrounded by the phenomenal Aegean Sea and a tempestuous wind. It was a hauntinglγ beautiful moment. The Portara loomed large in front of me – and I had to remind myself that it is an unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo built in the 6th century. Greek Mythology says that Theseus abandoned the Minoan princess Ariadne here, right after he killed the Minotaur (… Thank you Mind, I didn’t have to be thinking of monsters when I am in solitary confinement on an islet). The next hour, solely documented by photos, is where one can see the color of the sky changing and this is by far the best sunset I have ever seen in my life. I will take a breath and let the photos do all the talking.
Discussion:
I spent some time just walking through the network of winding streets in Paros initially keeping a track of where I’m turning and how to trace my steps back. After a while, I decided to just go with my instinct and keep walking. No matter how convoluted the path was, I was always able to easily find my way back. There was an instant sense of familiarity with this gorgeous tear-drop shaped island. Ancient relics, Venetian castles, whitewashed homes, blue domed churches present a scene that epitomizes rustic Greece at its prettiest.
I was completely spellbound by the sunset I saw in Naxos and cannot recommend it enough. I’m glad I visited Greece in the off-season months because it enabled me to experience island life with the locals and have the entire islet of Palatia to myself! Thinking about it even now is exhilarating to me! Thanks to Orange Mobile’s fabulous network, I was able to call close friends and family from even the islet to show them what my eyes were seeing. Contrary to my earlier thought, they were rather happy to be virtually present in my journey! I remember Avva (my grandmother) saying that she could not believe that tεchnology today enabled me to video call her from a remote island in Greece. Of course she cautioned me to stay away from the edge of the hill and advised that I eat dinner as soon as possible!
© 2019 Priyanka Desirazu All Rights Reserved
Supplementary Materials:
After staying at the pleasant Hotel Coronis in Naxos, the next day (post a salubrious breakfast), I boarded the Blue Star Ferry to one of Greece’s most popular islands – Santorini. The villa situated between the two famous blue domes of Santorini was waiting for me and I was thrilled beyoηd belief! Continue with me on this journey as I drop anchor in one of the most gorgeous locations in the whole world!
Excellent write up well supported by right photographs. You possess not only writing skills but also art of photography which is at its best.A nice book is in offing!
Pinks, this was such a brilliant read! Loved the little sarcastic bits of humour. The pictures look absolutely stunning. Can’t wait to read about Santorini 😃.
Loved it !!! Strolled through Paros and Naxis with u 🙂 pictures are breathtakingly beautiful…a coffee book oneday???
What a fascinating read ! So eloquently and beautifully crafted. Loved the pictures Priyanka! You’re a gifted writer.
It’s beautifully written Priyanka 👍
I can imagine what an amazing experience it would have been.
Nice pictures 👍
Loved it ❣️
God bless you 👏
Deeply engaging ! Loved all the pictorials. Interesting way to enthuse the reader…kept looking for those Greek letters as I read along… paused momentarily…ruminated and moved on…
Looking forward to more…enjoy writing !!!
Grateful for being one of those who were with you ‘in spirit’ 😉 while there, and also reliving the experience with you now through this story. Also for showing me what a beautiful place my ancestors are supposedly descendants of!
Very much enjoyed this one too !! Looking forward to more…..and yes, we are tempted to consider visiting these places.
Keep penning your adventures.
Masterpiece. I did some research on these islands for some past plans to visit. And did not know the reason why they are called the Cyclades until now. I guess that is the difference between visiting the place versus just reading about it. Love how useful this blog is. And ROFL-ing at the humor in it 🙂 I’ve made a mental note on Orange Mobile as well. Thanks for that useful info.
To your challenge on greek words, here goes:
1) found
2) boasts
3) docked
4) same
5) Naxos
6) waiting
7) considered
8) Protopapadaki
9) technology
10) beyond
(cafe, melange – are French. hmm…where are the other 2?? I fault the gorgeous sunset pictures for this. My eyes are glazed over now)
Ok..cannot wait for your next article on Santorini Yanks! Keep ’em coming!
wait….found one more ‘crisp’! Yay! one more to go…
The twelfth one is “hauntingly”
Mind blowing article-so well written
The use of letters of the Greek alphabet -very orginal!!!
Waiting to get off the boat in Santorini
Gorgeous pictures and a great read. Hoping for many more!!
A very good one, while reading felt as if I was travelling myself. Photos are very professional 😊👍
Way to go Priyanka- the author in you is evolving- keep at it sweetie!! I suppose by Greek words you meant the usage of symbols – beta , theta, omega etc????? The houses and hotels look so picturesque, the sunset is magical – lucky you had the moment to yourself 😊👏 start the next write up asap – am waiting 🤗
I’ve never missed traveling this much!! So much inspiring detail and insight, and all presented in such a professional yet engaging way. You’re a great author!
Great account Priyanka – The islands aren’t so “Greek” to me anymore. The photographs are fabulous and I managed to uncover quite a few of your Cloak and dagger symbols as well! I’m surprised you didn’t prop yourself up at the bridge with the crew of the ship!
OK now Santorini Ahoy!
As usual, beautifully written and the pictures are stunning!
I absolutely love the detailed descriptions. Makes me feel like I was there and with the way things are, that’s the most we can hope for travel these days!
hi there, your post is perfect.Following your posts.
First of all I want to say excellent blog! I had a quick question which I’d like
to ask if you don’t mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and
clear your mind before writing. I’ve had a tough time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out.
I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the
first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted just trying to figure
out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints?
Kudos!
Here is my webpage – Ottawa accountant
Amazing blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed ..
Any suggestions? Cheers!
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am
impressed! Very helpful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot.
I was seeking this particular information for a very long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
Highly energetic article, I liked that bit. Will there be a part 2?
There’s certainly a lot to find out about this topic. I love all
the points you have made.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought
this post was good. I don’t know who you are but certainly
you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already
😉 Cheers!
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I
to find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I
am hoping to provide one thing back and help others such as you helped me.
Stop by my web blog – 피망머니상
Your style is so unique in comparison to other people I’ve read stuff from.
Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this blog.
Visit my blog post: 메이저사이트
A person essentially assist to make seriously articles I might state.
This is the first time I frequented your web page and to
this point? I surprised with the analysis
you made to make this actual post amazing.
Wonderful task!
Here is my webpage … curtain wall glazing system
Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that
would be ok. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward
to new posts.
my web blog 메이저사이트
Can I just say what a relief to discover someone who genuinely knows
what they are talking about on the internet. You certainly
realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
More and more people need to look at this and understand this side of the story.
It’s surprising you are not more popular since you most certainly have the gift.
Here is my homepage … 피망머니상
I couldn’t resist commenting. Perfectly written!
Have a look at my website – 메이저사이트
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is fantastic, as well as the content!
Feel free to surf to my homepage :: 먹튀검증
Hello! I simply wish to give you a huge thumbs up for your great info
you’ve got here on this post. I will be coming back to your web site for more soon.
Here is my website 피망머니상
That is really interesting, You’re an excessively professional blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and stay up for seeking extra of
your magnificent post. Additionally, I’ve shared your website in my social networks
Awesome blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers?
I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost
on everything. Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress
or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there
that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any recommendations?
Thanks a lot!
Good day! This post couldn’t be written any better!
Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He
always kept chatting about this. I will forward this post to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
you are in point of fact a excellent webmaster. The web site
loading pace is amazing. It sort of feels that you’re doing
any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterwork.
you have performed a fantastic activity in this matter!
You should take part in a contest for one of the most useful sites online.
I’m going to recommend this web site!
My web page – 더존 카지노
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very hard to
get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appeal.
I must say that you’ve done a very good job with this.
Also, the blog loads extremely fast for me
on Safari. Exceptional Blog!
Incredible story there. What occurred after?
Thanks!
Good write-up. I certainly love this site. Thanks!
I think the admin of this website is actually working
hard in support of his web site, because here every material is quality based stuff.
I’m extremely impressed with your writing abilities and also with the format in your blog.
Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Either way keep up the excellent high quality writing, it is uncommon to look a nice blog like this one today..
First of all I would like to say terrific blog!
I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear
your mind prior to writing. I’ve had difficulty clearing my mind in getting my ideas
out there. I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are
usually wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations
or tips? Appreciate it!
Feel free to surf to my site: Schlüsseldienst München
Simply wish to say your article is as amazing.
The clarity on your submit is simply spectacular and i
can suppose you are a professional in this subject.
Fine with your permission let me to clutch your feed to keep updated with coming near near post.
Thanks one million and please continue the rewarding work.
This is really interesting, You are a very
skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more
of your great post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
Take a look at my web page :: Türöffnung
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got this from.
kudos
Feel free to visit my web blog: Schluesseldienst Bogenhausen
You need to take part in a contest for one of the highest quality blogs on the
net. I’m going to highly recommend this blog!
Have a look at my blog post Schlüsseldienst München
I don’t even understand how I stopped up here, but I assumed
this post used to be great. I don’t know who you’re but certainly you’re going
to a famous blogger when you are not already.
Cheers!
Check out my blog post :: Schlüssel abgebrochen
Awesome blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go
for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused ..
Any recommendations? Kudos!
Have a look at my site; Schloss wechsel
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your next write ups thank
you once again.
I every time spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s content all the time along with
a cup of coffee.
Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Appreciate it
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a
lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message
home a little bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog.
An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.
Howdy! I simply wish to offer you a big thumbs up for your great info you’ve got here on this post.
I’ll be coming back to your site for more soon.
My blog :: Schlüsseldienst München
Thanks very interesting blog!
Stop by my website Schluesseldienst Thalkirchen
You should take part in a contest for one of the most useful sites online.
I’m going to highly recommend this site!
Hey there! I’ve been following your blog for some time now and finally got
the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Dallas Texas!
Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic work!
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve visited your blog before but after looking at a few of the
articles I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely
happy I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and
checking back frequently!
Simply desire to say your article is as amazing. The clearness to your submit
is just spectacular and that i could assume you’re a professional
on this subject. Well along with your permission let me to clutch
your RSS feed to stay updated with impending post.
Thank you one million and please carry on the rewarding work.
Also visit my page: HP Venezuela
Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to
and you’re just too wonderful. I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the
way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it sensible.
I can not wait to read far more from you. This is really a great site.
My web blog :: HP Venezuela
Hi there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my
friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this
web site.
Also visit my blog post :: Presentation Skills
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve
put in penning this website. I’m hoping to check out the same high-grade blog
posts by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site
now 😉
Tremendous things here. I’m very happy to look your article.
Thanks so much and I’m taking a look forward to touch you.
Will you please drop me a mail?
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up and
the rest of the website is really good.
Very energetic article, I enjoyed that bit.
Will there be a part 2?
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as
long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog?
My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would
genuinely benefit from a lot of the information you provide here.
Please let me know if this alright with you.
Appreciate it!
Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored at work so I decided to
check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I love the info you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get
home. I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, good
site!
Also visit my blog :: Einbruchshcutz
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you, However I am encountering difficulties with your RSS.
I don’t understand the reason why I cannot subscribe to it.
Is there anybody getting similar RSS issues?
Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond?
Thanks!!
Also visit my blog post – judi slot
Heya great website! Does running a blog like this take a massive amount work?
I’ve absolutely no knowledge of programming however I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways, if you
have any suggestions or techniques for new blog owners
please share. I know this is off topic nevertheless I simply wanted to ask.
Cheers!
Here is my homepage – judi online
Excellent post. Keep posting such kind of info on your blog.
Im really impressed by it.
Hello there, You have performed an incredible job.
I will definitely digg it and in my view recommend to my friends.
I’m confident they will be benefited from this website.
Here is my blog post … Türschloss tauschen
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who had been doing a little research on this.
And he actually ordered me breakfast because I stumbled upon it for him…
lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this matter here on your internet site.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really
well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info.
Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I
have truly loved browsing your weblog posts.
After all I’ll be subscribing in your rss feed and I’m hoping you write again very soon!
Also visit my page: Schlüssel abgebrochen
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.
I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will eventually
come back at some point. I want to encourage you to
ultimately continue your great posts, have
a nice evening!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up
plus the rest of the site is really good.