Corfu

Corfu is the second largest and greenest Greek island on the Ionian Sea. The island is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but steeped in history dating from the beginning of Greek mythology. The weather is perfect in the summer with an average temperature of 36 Celcius (88 F), after a very rainy winter, that makes everything luscious green.

We stayed in Messonghi, on the south-eastern part of the island, where the water temperature is perfect, and the sea is crystal clear. This picture was taken from Captain Mantos' boat Konstantinos. I told him that I would mention him in my blog, especially since he managed take us out on a boat tour the only day in three years when the wind was so strong that we came home by bus after the boat was tossed and turned by the choppy water. We took on so much water that there started to be more water inside than outside.

Syvota Cave. Syvota was the possible landing place of Odysseus, and might actually be the historical Ithaca, right next to the cave of nymphs. According to the legend, if lovers swim through this cave, they will stay together forever. But you really need guts to do that, and the water there is ice cold, so nobody in our group chose to try it, not even honeymooners.

Our pebbly, sandy beach was pefect for long walks and of course swims. Oh, I will miss swimming in the sea! It is a fabulous feeling when you only see the sea and sky and get lost in your thoughts . . . , almost like meditation but you are actually moving and loosing calories . . . what a combination.

More to come about Corfu in the next couple of days, including the legendary Blue Lagoon.