It's All Greek To Me

Trip Start Sep 26, 2010

Trip End Oct 17, 2010

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Where I stayed

Arion Hotel

(Corfu Town hotels)

Flag of Greece Corfu Town, Ionian Islands, Greece
Thursday, September 30, 2010

Our first full day in Corfu started with a lazy morning sleep-in that all four of us needed. I am trying to take advantage of having free internet access at the hotel so I will make an effort at this blogging thing while we are here. Today was "get to know" your neighbourhood and we did tons of walking as well as visiting Ahillion Palace. This palace used to be the home of a prominent military commander from Austria in the 1800's (just a baby in age compared to most notable landmarks in Greece).

Ahillion Palace

Beside the palace there was also a wine distillery selling boozy drinks so we tucked into there for some tasters. Kumquat liqueur is everywhere in Corfu and it is actually quite tasty and a gorgeous orange colour. Who knew that this fruit could pack a punch. The ride up to the palace on a public transport bus was a little hairy for 2 kms since it meant driving hairpin turns with barely room for two cars to pass. The bus drivers are apparently fearless and I just hung on for the ride. There is no way you could pay me enough to drive those large beasts here.

Old Town area in Corfu

Once we returned safely into town, it was more walking around and some shopping. I kept on stopping to take photos of the buildings and luckily didn't lose my friends once. It is a maze of streets in the Old Town area of Corfu (a world heritage sight) packed with vendors so it's very easy to get distracted so losing my peeps would be expected. But we had a system of keeping an eye out for each other which is tricky with four shoppers! Had to eat souvlaki again and for dessert a fantastic baklava. Greeks do their souvlaki a little different from home. Souvlaki here additionally contains french fries in the pita with gravy, yes I know it sounds awful, but it was absolutely delicious. I am trying to make my way through all Greek dishes so wish me luck. Pretty sure I will be coming back a few pounds heavier despite the walking.

Reading any kind of store or street signage is a wee bit challenging at times but most Greek people speak better english than I do their language. So anytime one of us can't decipher words I began the trend of saying , "I don't know, it's all Greek to me". The joke never gets tired and we laugh every time.

Weather is nice but not hot, 22 C, we're hoping for some heat tomorrow since we are off to a beach and I am going to try to find somewhere to rent gear to snorkel. Hopefully the big waves don't gobble me up or any other sea creatures!

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