Tag Archives: Greece

November 1, 2013 · 5:35 am

Corresponding on Corfu


Corfu Storefront

Corfu Storefront

Two ports in two days — Katakalon/Olympia was reached only one day after we embarked from, and Corfu followed the day after that.  This cruise had a busy beginning, as immediately after that we also stopped at the ports of Kotor, Montenegro; and Dubrovnic, Croatia.  Hiking-wise, Ursula and I were averaging six or more miles a day for the first four days.

Corfu Café

Corfu Café

The Greek island of Corfu sits only a mile or two off the shore of Albania, but the residents are most assuredly all Greek.  The landscape is dotted with Greek Orthodox churches, including the impressive tower that marks St. Spyridon Church.

St. Spyridon Church

St. Spyridon Church

In the Old Town section — which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — you’ll find a maze of charming, narrow backstreets.

Corfu Side Street

Corfu Side Street

Many of this backstreets will offer the photographer the opportunity to capture that prototypical European sight (and one of my favorite subjects) of laundry suspended above the narrow expanse.

Laundry Corfu-Style

Laundry Corfu-Style

By the way, the following shot was taken from one of two fortresses overlooking Corfu.  Take the time to make the trek to at least the Old Fortress — the lower of the two — to capture some great scenery.

Corfu as Seen from the Old Fort

Corfu as Seen from the Old Fort

Corfu is a great place to take some really fun shots of everything from quaint shops and charming cafés to nifty architectural details such as shutter-framed windows and ancient wooden doors.  Below are some examples of what I mean (click on any image below to bring up today’s slideshow).  Next week you’ll see more of the transatlantic adventure we started on Saturday, October 19, out of Piraeus, Greece.

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October 30, 2013 · 5:35 am

Ogling Olympia


Olympia 1

Olympia

Olympia is just over 25 miles (41 kilometers) from Katakalon.  Make sure you bypass the taxi drivers hounding you as you first pass through the port security gate.  They want a ridiculous €80 (about $112 U.S.), and for that price you get just one hour at the site.

Olympia

Olympia

You’ll need almost two hours just to visit the ruins, and that’s not even stepping into the museum.  So, how do you get there for less (a lot less) and get the time you want?  By bus.  Geo Travel is located just past the parking lot outside the cruise ship wharf.  This outfit will transport you to Olympia in a comfortable and air conditioned Mercedes Benz tourist bus, give you 2 ½ hours or more onsite, bring you back to town, and they’ll do all that for just €20 ($28 U.S.).

Olympia 3

Olympia

Entry to the archaeological site is €6 ($8.40 U.S) per person.  Make that €9 ($12.60) if you want to add a visit to the museum in the same package, but you won’t really have time for that.  That’s especially true if you want to quench your thirst before climbing back onto the bus for the return trip.

An Olympic Goddess

An Olympic Goddess

One of the sights you’ll see as you traverse this incredible site is the arched gateway to the Olympic field.

Gateway to the Stadium

Gateway to the Stadium

Beyond that gateway is the stadium where the games took place and the marble line that designated the starting point for many of the races.

Starting Line

Starting Line

Below is a gallery of other wonders awaiting you at Olympia.  Click on any image to bring up the slideshow.

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October 28, 2013 · 5:35 am

Catching Katakolon


Katakolon

Katakolon

This was our second sojourn to Katakolon in just over three years, the first while on our 54-day cruise aboard Holland America’s MS Prinsendam.  It’s a charming little fishing village that in ancient times served a very important role as the port city serving Olympia — the site of the original Olympic Games.

Katakolon Fishing Boat

Katakolon Fishing Boat

Since we’d been here before we spent only of small fraction of our port time in Katakolon itself this trip.  Instead, we took a bus to visit Olympia.  But, as you can see, you can do a lot of great photography in a very short period of time here in Katakolon.

Dining on the Waterfront at Katakolon

Dining on the Waterfront at Katakolon

All around you’ll find great colorful details to photograph.  Spotting a photographic gem is not difficult to do here.

Freshening the Bedding

Freshening the Bedding

Restaurants line the waterfront of the village, as well.  Many offer free WiFi in addition to cold beer, so kick your feet up after you’ve returned from Olympia.

Katakolon Closeup

Katakolon Closeup

While you’re sitting there, sipping beer and cruising the internet, keep an eye out for those splashes of color awaiting your camera.

Reflections on Fishing

Reflections on Fishing

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