Now In Athens, Greece

I met two very nice people on the ferry to Samos. Jon of Australia and Burcu pronounced like bonjour of Turkey. It was kind of funny how we met. I thought Burcu might be from U.S. So I asked her. She was sitting across me. I thought she was an especially attractive young girl. She said that she was Turkish,but worked in L.A. for 14 months and would love to go back. Jon sat next to me with a book in his face and had a strange looking musical instrument on the floor. He said I am sorry and moved his instrument at which time I introduced myself and Burcu to him.

Jon was going to Mykonos and Burcu had plans to go to Santarini. I asked if I could join her. I had no definite plans except I knew I wanted to spent sometime in the Greek islands before going on to Athens. I was told Athens was more expensive.



Anyway we hit it off so well we spent time together on Samos,Mykonos,Delos and Naxos islands. And I think I started a romance between Jon and Burcu. Anyway time wll tell.



Burcu changed her mind so we did not go to Santarini. Burcu left us after Mykonos to return to Turkey. Jon has many interests and talents. He loves Ancient ruins so I joined him on a half day ferry trip to Delos,a very important rich city in ancient B.C.

Jon comes from the hill country of Australia so loves hiking. So when we got to Naxos island which is situated almost equal distance from Turkey and mainland Greece, we hiked 5-6 miles into the central part of the island. We met James of Kent, England in Chiaki, a young man probably a little younger than Jon (33 years old)who joinned us. I told them to go at their pace and I will follow behing at my pace. They were nice enough to check on me now and then and wait for me if I fell back too far. We visited old,old churches following narrow paths. One had pictures and story of John the Baptist. The truncks of the olive trees around the churches were so huge I am sure if they could talk they would be able to tell us a lot.



I really liked Naxos. It was a good place to rest and relax. Jon stayed for three nights before he left for Athens where he was meeting some old friends. Jon has been working in Scotland for 3 years as a Maritime curator. But before he left we rented a car together and went completely around the island. We had a funny experience when we stopped at a beach to eat our home packed lunch. We had two groups of people waving to us to come. We tossed a coin to see which we would sit and have coffee. Apparently we choose the restaurant of a couple who had been there for 30 years. They felt very threatened by their neighbor(restaurant)who had been there for 6 years.

The sea was too rough here so we looked for another nice beach where we could swim and rest.

The waters here are very clear and blue. It was much cooler her than when we took that gulet around the cloves of Fethiye. There the waters were unbelieveably warm.



Anyway after Jon left I stayed on until the 24th of Sept. Totally 11 days on Naxos. While Jon was here he introduced me to the concerts offered by the Museum which was fairly inexpensive.

I especially enjoyed the Local Folk singers and dancers group so I went back to see them three times. The director said you are more than a visitor. You are part of us. I especially like the two male dancers. They were terrific!!! And so handsome;not only in looks but they zest and pose.



Last night the moon was big and full. I, all of sudden forgot her name,but a nice young girl,a dorm mate and I walked about three miles to find the Dora Stratou Dance Company. Apparently they aren't performing anymore. Anyway we decided to have late dinner at a Lonely Planet suggested eating place right near Student Inn, called Byzantino. It was very nice.

Later we heard Greek Folk music and followed the sound. It came from another restaurant so we just enjoyed it sitting in a near by courtyard.