We clamor into taxis in time to get down to the Poros town dock and board the high speed ferry. Next stop, Hydra.
Shelia and Patty are all smiles.
The tickets are handed out...and away we go!
The Flying Dolphin takes us across the sea in a quick 30 minutes. Soon we are perched under a shade tree and our guide, Vagelis, recounts some of the island history. We have time to climb up to the fortress still standing today as a sentinel over the harbor as it has for centuries.
Stepping back down, we arrive at the waterfront to find the donkey greeting committee.
Due to the "no motorized vehicles rule" donkeys, small hand carts and feet are the main mode of transportation here.
Donkey jewelry! Beauty donkey style.
Ahh, it's time for, as Winnie the Pooh would say, "A little smackal of something being as it's just about 11:00 'clock." Clock tower cafe is the designated meeting spot.
The cafe late is perfect! So artfully done!
Michael finds a happy place in a stop for refreshment.
As does Steve.
Then it's back to the street...and the stairs. There is a theme here....which is something like, "Up, down, and up...and Up...and Down...and..."
Vagelis leads us to the town cathedral. Upon entering we stop to light candles and say prayers for the safety and good health of our family.
Then we look.....UP! This church is no ordinary little church on a little Greek island...
The cathedreal interior dome is beyond impressive.
To say the least, the Hydra town square church is very very fancy...evidence that Hydra has been home to the rich for a long time...even before movie stars and song writers. The wealth exhibited in the church is way beyond anything we have seen in the islands of Greece.
Take a look at all the rings and jewelry left as offerings for safe return of sailors. Many, many gold rings, necklaces and watches were offered as gifts hoping loved ones would have safe passage home.
Vagelis points out the pure silver chandeliers in the sanctuary, each one provided by a wealthy family, some with a silver boat dangling on the bottom, designating a family name.
Then it's on to more paths...leading, up of course...where we find...
......the oldest pharmacy in all of Greece. This family owned business still operates today and makes several special hand creams and oils, as well as provides the full range of "drug store" items for sale. Usually no photographs are allowed, but many of us buy things to take home, and we are welcome to take a few snaps. When the son of the owner finds out Myrna is from Alaska he wants to meet her! He is ready to go!
But wait...there is still more "up"...as we continue climbing stairs and winding through small "streets." We finally arrive at the palatial home of one of the early Port Captians of Hydra.
Myrna is overwhelmed by the site of this beautiful tree, so we make a photo stop on the way up.
The view from the top, of the Port Captian's mansion is admired by Michael and Gini. (Overwhelming?)
It seems, the higher on the hillside, the better the place for your home. Why? So hard to get to...exactly...a safer haven from pirates!
Then there is back down again, as what goes up...must come down. Nan and Carol are definitely overwhelmed by yet, more, stairs.
Yikes! Donkeys at the crossroads!
We must be getting close to lunch.....
Ahh, the spot chosen for lunch is the taverna favored by Leonard Cohen....remember him? (Hint: Hallehalua!!!") Doukos Taverna!
Here's the cover shot from the Life Magazine featuring the famous songwriter and life on Hydra...and at the taverna where we are eating lunch today!
We we enjoy yet another Greek meal, in the vine covered courtyard, next to the tree where poets and song writers have written, and composed world renouned favorites.
Had to have this photo....as it's another..."Who would think we would be here...in this special place..EVER?" ....moment!
Thank you, Michael Adcock! You Rock!
Group uke hug....right under the leaves of the tree where Leonard Cohen sat....and we hear Sophia Loren spent time here as well!
The windows and doors of Greece are fascinating. Always an invitation to wonder....what lies just beyond?
It's too soon, back down to the waterfront...to board the 4:00 ferry back to Poros. We are warned...don't miss the boat! Or, you will have to take the last boat at 7:00 p.m., pay for it yourself, IF there are any tickets /seats left!
So, no time like the present to make another cafe stop...order a coffee...and suddenly the ukes break out...it's our own sort of flash mob Hydra....so many gather around and join in!
Goodbye Hydra....
Goodbye kitties....
...Goodbye pups....
...Goodbye boats and yachts...and donkeys...
Oh wait! What's this?? A Fisher 30 in Hydra harbor...working on weighing anchor...finding another anchor chain wrapped around his chain. This Fisher (a boat like ours but 7 feet shorter) hails from Pireaus, Greece.
Reboarding the fast ferry, we arrive back on Poros...just in time...for....dinner and music, music and dinner....
