A trip into the ancient lands of Greece - part 1

What does it take to be satisfied when entering a land like Greece through the gate of the ancient Gods?

     
the gates of Olymp

1. Majestic mountains?

2. Mythological stories and creatures?

3. Warm greek sun?

4. Pristine water?

5.  Polite folks?

6. The food?

Everything and more is my answer. Immediately upon entering the country, i was hearth welcomed by the warm mediteranean climate, the strong sea currents which get close to the land plus the torrid sun keeping me company like a scorchingly passionate friend. I observed the mountains blend into the sea and vicersa and my heart was pleased. Days passed and time came to take a cruise.


Olympian sun and ambrozia like rays

               near Skiathos Island

In my vivid imagination i expected mermaids and poseidon like creatures to rise from the sea, being only slightly dissapointed of the immediate reality of my location. I was on a sailing ship which resembled the long forgotten pirate vessels, and not in a romantic way of seafarring but a modern capitalistic way of money grabbing from the unknowledgable. Still, despite of the obstacles, the song of the sea ran strong through my windy presence, and my mind was mostly unclouded by the distractions.




               The light of the warm greek sun creates a special type of fauna and flora on the island, with cactuses everywhere, giving me the impression that i'm in Mexico, and i do wish to drink Ayahuasca or eat cactus fruits. The ancient greek psychoactive brew was named kikeon, and i can vaguely feel how the experience of ingesting the concoction would have ended.

Not only the land was magical but my significant other as well, being next to me and loving the moments spent toghether. The sea "made us" stay even closer.

The coastline was spectaculor too, wish i could dive in the caves.

                                                             in the bay of Volos

If the sea speaks and it does, then all the water around covers the other voices which are not so significant. Then and only then, the sea tells the story of the lost continent of Atlantis, which was and is less legendary and more tangible to me since forever. I felt all powerfull and mighty staying in the front of the ship winds full blazing me as i departed the port of Volos towards Skiathos. I felt invincible and blessed, like i drank the mexican ayahuasca in my mind, combining the cocktails with a bit of greek flavour.

 

                                                                 near the Marina Museum 
 
Greece is not an expensive country, but public transportation can be costly, for a 200 km trip the price would be around 20 euro per person, or for a smaller 15 km road the price is around 3 euro. The cruise tickets are around 20 euro for a one day full cruise with a big group, which is not that much but you can be surprised to find out about the pirate maneuvers of some egotistical boat captains. Or, read my review and don't be. As you lay your foot on the sea vessel, the captain shakes your hand with a smile and invites you to take a picture with him. You like the attention and feel great. You take the picture because you really have no choice, do you? El capitan is there blocking your way and his marauder crew is supporting him. Later you willl pay around 8 to 10 euros for the printed version of you and the smart captain. Sounds great, right? Trust me, just say no.

  

        the White Tower of Salonic
                                                 
A small advice: if you arrive at the bus station in Salonic, don't be discouraged by the mess you see. The city will get better and will deliver, i promise as much as a man can do that.












In the past century the greeks would put criminals of all sorts in the White Tower which was used as a prison. A bloody history indeed, and a punishing one, to be so close to the water and the freedom it gives, but to still be in the tower. I visited the complex structure and watched the volume of water through the iron bars, as a convict would do not too long ago. 

                                      inside the tower
                                                   






What if you would have to spend a few years inside your own mind, inside you own decaying passions and guilt? An uneasy question, but nothing to worry though since the pirate ship awaited me outside. I had the liberty to take a free cruise after visiting the tower. Yes, you can take that corsair cruise which is as historically realistic as it gets, since the boat actually existed and was used in the first world war operations as a trade cargo. It's not a reproduction, the wood and everything is all real timber bars. The crew is outstandingly great, what you see is what you get, no hidden tactics of ripping you off for more money like in other places. You only have to buy a beer, a juice... minimum pay around 5 to 6 euro.

 The music is Portuguesse or a chill mix, plus there are seagulls flying on top of your head. Absolutely awesome and hazy like dream of the birds. 

Did you like my story so far? If it is well received, there will be more to come. Do share your story as well and thank you for existing.

Have a good day, adventurer Alex