Syros
We bounced our way into the deep protected harbor of Hermoupolis on the island of Syros late last night. We were all ready for a great day of exploration in this thriving metropolis. Armed with our latest scavenger hunt list, we plunged into the city looking for the goddess of Victory, a couple of Apollo’s muse friends, and something totally awesome.
We found them all and much more. To our delight and amusement, a pair of local Greek “guide” dogs joined our walking entourage when we arrived at the government square. They even escorted us inside for awhile, and then joined us on the front steps as we ate the local lollipops Ellie had found for us. This was the walk for the taste buds. We sample a jellied candy made here in the islands called “Turkish Delight.” If you have an aversion to powdered sugar, you should stay away from it as the jellied cubes literally swim in their box of sugar. Most of us ended up wearing a bit of sugar sprinkled on our chins and fingers. Next up was the mastic gum. There is a small tree that grows on some of the Cyclades Islands from which a sap is taken. Chewing gum, toothpaste and candies are some of the places this mastic ends up being used. We found it to be a very durable gum, but not the best for popping bubbles.
We had a lovely surprise of a visit in a local home. We were fortunate enough to have a childhood neighbor of one of our guides call as she saw our ship come into port. It gave us a chance to visit with gracious hostesses and have a little refreshment in their charming home.
We managed to fit in one more trip to a sandy beach for sand, sun, volleyball and a last snorkel opportunity. Then back to the ship to prepare for our Greek play finale. It received rave reviews! We had a busy week exploring the Cycladic and Dodecanese Islands. The memories and stories will be shared for many years to come, some may seem practically mythical! Shared with you now are a couple of reflections from some of our younger travelers.
The Greek Islands are cool
They have many whitewashed square houses
The water is crystal clear
Ryan Curto
In the Greek Islands
We went to Milos
Santorini too
And the small island of Kos
On the Panorama boat.
Mackenzie Best
We bounced our way into the deep protected harbor of Hermoupolis on the island of Syros late last night. We were all ready for a great day of exploration in this thriving metropolis. Armed with our latest scavenger hunt list, we plunged into the city looking for the goddess of Victory, a couple of Apollo’s muse friends, and something totally awesome.
We found them all and much more. To our delight and amusement, a pair of local Greek “guide” dogs joined our walking entourage when we arrived at the government square. They even escorted us inside for awhile, and then joined us on the front steps as we ate the local lollipops Ellie had found for us. This was the walk for the taste buds. We sample a jellied candy made here in the islands called “Turkish Delight.” If you have an aversion to powdered sugar, you should stay away from it as the jellied cubes literally swim in their box of sugar. Most of us ended up wearing a bit of sugar sprinkled on our chins and fingers. Next up was the mastic gum. There is a small tree that grows on some of the Cyclades Islands from which a sap is taken. Chewing gum, toothpaste and candies are some of the places this mastic ends up being used. We found it to be a very durable gum, but not the best for popping bubbles.
We had a lovely surprise of a visit in a local home. We were fortunate enough to have a childhood neighbor of one of our guides call as she saw our ship come into port. It gave us a chance to visit with gracious hostesses and have a little refreshment in their charming home.
We managed to fit in one more trip to a sandy beach for sand, sun, volleyball and a last snorkel opportunity. Then back to the ship to prepare for our Greek play finale. It received rave reviews! We had a busy week exploring the Cycladic and Dodecanese Islands. The memories and stories will be shared for many years to come, some may seem practically mythical! Shared with you now are a couple of reflections from some of our younger travelers.
The Greek Islands are cool
They have many whitewashed square houses
The water is crystal clear
Ryan Curto
In the Greek Islands
We went to Milos
Santorini too
And the small island of Kos
On the Panorama boat.
Mackenzie Best
