When I was planning my itinerary to Greece, I focused on islands I hadn’t been to before. I wanted to see if there were any jewels that I was missing by not venturing from the islands that I had come to know and love. There were two islands, however, that I couldn’t overlook no matter how many times I’d visited them before. One of them was Lefkada.
After 5 days on the mainland, I was desperate to get back to the islands. I’d finally answered a question that had plagued me since childhood, a question that we’ve all asked ourselves at some point: if I had to choose only one, would I pick the mountains or the sea? It’s hands down the sea for me.
Only 365,895,267 more questions to go.
Also, the surface temperature in Greece was 50 degrees celsius (you do the math, please) and my head was on FIRE. I’d been dodging a migraine since those last few days in Skopelos.
Lefkada is in the Ionian island group, in the far west of Greece, next stop Italy. The Italian influence was everywhere, in the architecture, in the food, in the Cypress trees, and in the cute ragazzi trying to chase me off the road at breakneck speed.
I went to Lefkada many, many years ago for the first time. I was in search of a beach with aquamarine water called Porto Katsiki. At that time Porto Katsiki still hadn’t been dubbed one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and was still a mellow yet beautifully surreal place to relax for a few days. There was a red dirt road leading down to the beach and if you drove you had to park your car as far on the inland side of the mountain as you could get. There was a single little cafe above the beach that served drinks.
From that first trip, I remember that there was a plot of land for sale high above the beach. The seller was asking about $3,000.
I didn’t buy it.
I didn’t buy it.
Hello? I didn’t buy it. Why oh why oh why oh why….
Porto Katsiki:
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At least you answered one question. That is a good start! I miss you my dear beautiful friend. I can still feel the warm sun and taste the purifying sea water. Mostly, I still laugh when I think of our trip. I had such a wonderful time. Your are an amazing woman and I am so glad that you get to enjoy this Greek adventure. If I could I would visit again before your time in Greece was up. You are the best host and a dear dear friend. In time the Dyonisis will sweep me off my feet and take me back to Greece. Until then, my feet are firmly planted on the ground. Enjoy – Enjoy – Enjoy! I miss you!
Oh and $3000! OMG! But don’t fret – I think you found another hidden gem – of which I can’t wait to visit.