October 6-9, 2008 (Monday – Thursday)
Impression of Piraeus
To go to Hydra from Athens, we have to go to the Piraeus - the ancient port of Athens and still functions as the chief exit point from the city by sea for destinations amongst the Aegean Islands and elsewhere in the east Mediterranean.
Hydra Island
The momoent I step in Piraeus, I can instantly feel the difference between Athens and Piraeus. To start with, probably Piraeus is not part of the renovation project for the Olympics, it is super old with lots of graffiti in the area. But you can still feel the importance of Piraeus as a port. There are lots of large cruise ship – including the impressive Queen Victoria!
Again … on strike!
We are originally very worry our way to Piraeus as the local metro is on strike, from 8:00 to 23:00! This is not the first time I encouter union on strike in my trip in Europe (last time was in Paris – Palace of Versailles). Accordingly to the concierge of the hotel, this is not the first time. Most of buses (as they share the same union) and metro are stopped for whole day. Luckily, the line to Piraeus is under the management of Railway instead. Otherwise, we may have to pay 35 euros for one way taxi!
Fall in love with Greek Island
It takes us nearly 2 hours by ferry to Hydra - a cosmopolitan, glorious and magnificent island, combined with tranquility and relaxation. I “fall in love” the island at first sight. I particularly like its amphitheater shape which once served as a safe shelter for Saronic Pirates. I enjoy the charm of the islands, in particular the traditional white-washed houses and the narrow cobblestone streets!
As currently is the low seasons for tourists in the islands of Aegean Sea (the number of ferry cut from 13-14 per day to 2-3!), there are not many tourists on the island. This provides us the opportunitiy to relax on this wonderful island. We taste the smell of the salted water (… and feel the cold as well!) of the Mediterranean, having my first seafood meal (shrimp + squid) on greek island, and my first Coffee Frappe con Bailey!
Final notes on Greece
Overall, I like Greece. I like its local passion with football (soccer), its English-friendliness (both on the street / TV, as compared with Italy in particular!), and its wonderful islands. Hopefully, I can visit the other famous islands such as Mykonos next time!
More Photos at Photo Gallery http://community.webshots.com/album/567868178hjzEoo
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Interesting fact:
when the Greek government built the metro in this ancient city, they keep digging up the ancient ruins. As a result, the metro route has to re-designed or they preserved the ruins inside the metro (like a museum inside the metro!). As a result, it is very difficult to build this metro line in Athens with many delays.
Reference
- Ms Queen Victoria: http://www.choosingcruising.co.uk/Cruiseweb/ShpDetailsQuery.asp?nshp=402
- Hydra Island: http://www.hydra.com.gr
- Ferry to Greek Island from Athens: www.nel.gr
