I left Mykonos early in the morning yesterday. I was scheduled to take the 7:30am ferry to Rafina and then somehow find my way over to Athen's main port, Piraeus. On a recommendation from Eric, I added Hydra as a place to make it out to during this trip. My goal was to make the 2:30pm ferry to Hydra.
When I left Mykonos in the morning, there weren't any taxis over in taxi square so I made the lone 3 mile or so walk in the dark morning. If I looked to my left at the cruise ships in the calm waters..I was reminded of Titanic. If I looked right on the cars passing, I felt like a vagabond! Once I got to the base of the port, sure enough, taxi after taxi started to appear! I boarded my ferry and made the 4.5 hour journey to Rafina. I thought about taking the easy way out and just taking a taxi to Piraeus but at 35 euros or about 50 bucks..I decided to dig out the 2 euros and look for the bus. I took the hour+ ride into the center of Athen at which, I asked the driver, where I can take the metro to Piraeus. He pointed me to the right direction but I over shot it by a few blocks and was guided back to the right direction by a very nice Greek woman who didn't speak any English. We got by with signals and body language! I hopped on the metro for ten stops..between the first and second..I was almost pick pocketed..almost..there's Athens for you! Got to Pireaus..made my way to the port..boarded the 2:30pm ferry to Hydra.
Hydra- maybe one of my Greek Isle favorites.
Landed in Hydra- the long journey was well worth it!! A picturesque harbor greeted me..nice weather..no winds..there aren't any vehicles or buses allowed in the town of Hydra so no having to cross the streets like you're in New York City. The way they transports things are through the use of donkeys! They strap everything on those little guys! Computers...waters..pillows..you name it..they carry it! Every morning at the port, ships would come in with stuff and donkeys would be waiting at hand. It's really quite a sight! Hydra is full of narrow roads.. harbor shops..nice people..nice sunsets..quaint..just lovely. I was in love with Hydra the moment I stepped off the boat!
The only thing that this town lacks is a beach..but tourists and locals make it suffice by laying on rocks. Yes, rocks! By the water are many rocks suitable for laying out on to catch some rays. Pool ladders that lead you into the Saronic Gulf for a dip in the 71 degree water. If you pay close attention to the water, you'll see schools of fish flying out and into the water! Yes, Flying Fish!
Many have warned me about the Greek men and it was definitely apparent in this town. I haven't met a Greek male that didn't ask me where I was from or either how old I was or if I had a boyfriend. I did meet some Californians, finally! Oh, and a couple from Minnesota! They actually met while he was selling her a bike. That's now two couples that I've known that have gotten together via a bike sale. You know what that means Heidi and Mel..I think one of you is going to have to date Jarod now!
Hydra..a lovely gem of a town.
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