We just got back from a spectacular experience visiting Greek Islands thanks to 2 amazing couples!
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| Karina & James (yes they are both beautifully part Greek) |
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Becky & Josh (aka TANface) above introduced us to Karina and James
Last year, while celebrating the matrimony of Beckster & Tan, Karina and James invited us to join them in Greece on their sailboat, the Zephyr!
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Zephyr, all 53 feet in the background
We met the boat in the small fishing town of Sivota on Lefkada Island. |
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First Greek beer - Mythos, ahh refreshing
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| Spanakopita & Dolmades (garlicky grape leaves) |
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Grilled octopus (succulent & crispy)
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Greek food was mind blasting especially at this local Sivota taverna!
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| Captain James & Scoots |
Living at sea was surprisingly luxurious since the boat had everything we could possibly need: beds, showers, fridge/freezer, oven, microwave, Vitamix...
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Scoots and Beckster making coffee
Karina and James generously spoiled us with gifts and it felt like a 5 star hotel. We had our own cabin with bunks so Scott couldn't steal the covers :) |
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| Cute monograms |
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Welcome Baskets in our cabin:
hats, polo t, towels, sunscreen galore |
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Becky & I wearing our newly purchased "boat shoes" with clear soles to protect the boat and our toes
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Many hours were spent swimming and frolicking in the warm clear sea.
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| Becky, Me, James, Tan (flailing) |
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| Scoots with his new spear fishing gun trying to catch us some dinner |
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| Tan, Beckster, and Karina on dingy heading to shore |
We hiked (strolled) to the famous waterfalls of Nydri.
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| Lovebirds - 1 year anniversary time frame |
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| Goofy tourists |
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| We took the dingy back with this view of Lefkada Island |
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Greek church in the distance
Captain James and Karina ("the Admiral") taught the guys sailing skills like dropping anchor, deploying fenders, tying knots, securing stern lines...
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| Tan "learning the ropes" and giving line to Scoots to help tie up the boat to rocks |
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| Sails up |
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| Scoots' versatile garment protecting dimples from sun |
looking tough not sea sick, hooray!
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| Becky pitching in by "batting down the hatches" in her cabin |
While the guys and Becky worked up a sweat, I was tasked with crucial responsibility to keep the canine in line.
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| Fina, the most wonderful sailing pup, is part yorkie part maltese ("Morkie") |
We concocted lots of traditional Greek salads (no lettuce) for lunches on board. |
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One of many- simple recipe: tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives,
capers, red onions, olive oil & red wine vinegar |
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| Huge chunks of feta and olives at the market |
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HoneydewColadas - refreshing and nutritious!
The Zephyr was equipped with everything from board games like Cranium to blow up cornhole. |
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| Fina perched atop the corn hole (bean bag toss) game |
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| Beckster's perfect tossing form led the gal team to victory! |
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| Evidence of pathetic attempts from the man team |
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Obedient Fina (and Scott) with wind blown hair
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Headed to dinner on the island of Meganisiou!!
It is pronounced MEG-AH-KNEE-SEA - The promise land for a gal named "Megano"
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Tan telling Scotts about "orzo" shots in Athens and discussing his favorite manscaping techniques
The paella at Ey Zhn was delightful (many of us agreed better than Spain) |
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| Me, Karina, and Becky in front of the historic church on Meganisiou |
The town of Gaios on the Island of Paxi was also one of my favorites.
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| Fisherman (not many tourists in site) |
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What does a pirate call a prostitute?
A hook aarrrrrr! |
Scoots clutching his trusty spear gun
Pretty pic and I predict future creators of cute cashew babies
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| Taverna offered fantastic views and fresh seafood |
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| Appetizer dips |
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Greek salad and gigantes beans
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We devoured many apps (mezes) like taramosolata (fishroe & breadcrumbs), eggplant, and tzaiki
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| Grilled octopus |
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Complimentary waffles and ice cream
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This vacation was the perfect blend of physical activities and relaxation!
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Wild Tan mid backflip off boat
Love
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Morning paddle with the pup to land, Scoots in background holding plastic poo bag
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The Zephyr was even equipped with a gas grill! |
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| Chef Grillmaster Tan |
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| James, Tan, and even Scoots in Zephyrs ball caps |
One night we anchored near Agios Stefanos, a tiny village north of Corfu Town.
Our crew enjoyed a leisurely Greek meal at Fagopotion (unique name indeed).
The owner proudly announced The Guardian magazine named his the best food on the island and provided menu suggestions followed by Greek dance moves.
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His name was probably Costas or Christos
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Langostines- tasty like a shrimp lobster hybrid
The last day on board was truly bittersweet (only the knowledge of Mical's upcoming Germany arrival was getting me back to the mainland).
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We spent our last night exploring Corfu Town.
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| Bottle of traditional dry Greek wine called Retsina (made with pine resin) on right |
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| Bromance |
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Old town of Corfu
Already miss these 3 gals
A very special "Efcharisto'" to Karina & James and "Grazie" to the Fuhrs for taking us on this memorable voyage!
Safe sailing :) |
