13 - 22 October 2013 Our Trip to Aegina

It was a long pause , as we had friends  over for he weekend and enjoyed the time with them.

 The sea is still warm enough and swimming was part of the time spent together. Long walks and plenty of laughter. The evenings are cooler now, it is evident that the weather is changing.

The temperature is in the high 70's and the sea has been calm and filled with promise.

I noticed this morning that the fishing boats changed areas were they stop to fish,  I guess in
autumn they change positions where the fish migrate to, most likely warmer water therefore a number of them were in our little gulf.


I did forget to mention that yesterday on way back from our walk,  we experienced a first, there was a very colorful flotilla docked near by, one of the boats must have had a serious problem with one of their ropes. They called a local person who specializes in such issues and he climbed all the way up to the top of the mast, being held by ropes and a special belt. We were holding our breaths until he successfully got down!

Hard to see as the sun was setting but he is on the very top of the must on the picture above, incredible .

A very colorful sail, would't you say?

So yesterday Ron and I got up at 5AM, in order to catch the 6AM Ferry to the island of Aegina,
we had to be there on time, all the vessels large and small that transport people within the islands
are amazingly sharp on time and they do not linger at all, they are like a bus, in and out!

Here is a page you could read about the island's history: http://www.aeginagreece.com/aegina/pages/history/index.html

Bellow you will see the map indicating the island of Poros and it's proximity to Aegina.



We went to visit family who have a lovely summer home nestled among almond tree groves and surrounded by the most wonderful lush garden.

Their garden is abundant with pomegranate, fig, orange, lemon, olive, quince & tangerine trees. I was mesmerized walking around, smelling the jasmine, lavender, thyme and oregano growing in it's
familiar invironment.  I can only imagine what this wonderful paradise could be like in the spring.

They put up their own olives and enjoy all the abundant fruit. Actually we brought back lemons and juicy pomegranates, Ron is pealing one as I am writing for our salad and tomorrow's breakfast.

The vistas are so wonderful with all the small islands on the horizon.

I took this picture as  I was walking in the water, it is a sea anemone that moved with the movement of the water as if it was dancing a slow waltz. 

 We also visited some new homes that have been  built on a hill about 600ft. high which is steep and the view is breath taking.

Another cousin of ours is the architect and they are now finished and we were so looking forward to see the result of these three structures.

All three built with local stone, all with these gorgeous infinity type pools in the local island style. Actually two are going to be sold.

Here are some pictures , even though it was is hard to  truly capture this view. The sun was coming down while I was taking them I do not do them justice.

We also visited the Monastery and impressive church of "Agios Nektarios" (St. Nektarios)

You may see further information at: http://www.aeginagreece.com/aegina/pages/articles/culture/the_monastery_of_agios_nektarios.html

We continued on on to the near by Paleo Hora (Old Town), it was a magical town perched on a hill from the 9th century, it was so special, very interesting history, you may see it: http://www.aeginagreece.com/aegina/pages/articles/culture/aeginas_medieval_village_palea_chora.html 

A Fresco remaining inside of one of its churches.

The altar to my surprise was actually set up in this small and truly ancient church, the light was coming through it's small deep set window, spreading the sun rays into a sacred area that was filled with
so much history, the small bible was left there as if the service had just ended.
The walls had so many frescoes with traces of iconography that was on the walls throughout.

I could not resist, this tree was leaning on this rocks that had been used  (imagine) during the 9th century to built this town, it's trunk looked as if it was revived at one point in it's life
and decided to soar to the sky.




We also walked around the main town of Aegina, hear are some shots from the town including the fish market.

The colors  of the old homes that had been renovated were so beautiful with their classic colors.

This plaque was nearby this tower. 

We walked by the water, the sea was as calm as glass.

Reflecting just like a mirror the bright colors of the fishing boats.

Walked into a store filled with items from the past.

Some more color on the older part of town.

And through the narrow streets filled with so much character.

The island has these horse drawn carriages taking people along the water front and the old city.