Thursday, July 1, 2010

Paros Island: Island of Marble

Ancorage of Monistar, Town of Nauossa, Island of Paros: Greece---(June 18-23 and June 30-July 5) We have been at this Island/Ancorage twice now. Once on our way to Crete and now, returning from Mykinos with Marybeth. It is a wonderful anchorage spot with a ferry stop about a 3 minute dingy ride away. For 2.50 Euro, you can go to Nauossa, about 2 miles away. We've also taken the dingy there several times but the rolling sea has gotten us soaked a few times so the Ferry is a nice option.

Our anchorage, named for the Monastery near by has a somewhat private beaches, and a great hiking trail. We are in about 15 feet of crystal clear water and swimming is our daily exercise. My attempt at training for a triathlon last summer has enormously paid off in learning more about ocean swimming, breathing on both sides (so you can see the speed boats approaching) and peeking ahead of you in the middle of the swim stroke. Paros is famous for it's MARBLE. In ancient times it was its fame and many temples were built with Paros Marble. The last emperor to raid Paros was Napoleon! After that, other last quarries were found leaving this Island to use its own structures and STREETS out of marble!   In Naoussa, they were doing street projects when I was there and huge mesh bags used for construction, were set along the sidewalks full of sparkling perfect smoothed marble rocks. At certain times of the day the cobble stone style streets sparkled.

Inside Nauossa, is a sweet village of tavernas and shops, again in a maze of walking only streets. It took me about 5 days to figure out to not get lost among the center of shopping.  Once Marybeth joined the boat, I had decided to let them have some "family time' and get a hotel on one of the Islands. After being disgusted at Mykinos, I chose to stay on Paros and found a hotel for only 30 Euro a night! (1.25 exchange rate at the time!) I had checked in Santorini and the price was $140 Euro per night! With my savings...I got to shop a bit.  My room was a simple single with a fridge, bathroom, and patio. No view but that wasn't the point. It was also located within a few steps of the marina and the heart of the town square.  I stayed here alone for 5 days, however, my plan to let them have family time turned into Sick Bay for them as Marybeth arrived not feeling well and a cold was passed between all of them while I was gone. They also stayed anchored there, so rather than re-joining them in Milos, I simply took a Ferry to the anchorage and joined them after they felt better. From here we head to the last Greek Island in our Trip: Milos/Kimilous.

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