When Daedalus, the creator of King Minos’ labyrinth on Crete, sought to escape from Minos and his cretan prison, he fashioned a pair of wings made of wax for himself and his son, Icarus.
Before setting off across the Aegean, Daedalus warned his son not to soar to close to the sun or his wings would be scorched, but there was no stopping Icarus once he began to fly.
Icarus was lost in the beautiful moment, and, in the eternal tradition of rebellious youth everywhere, he ignored his father’s warning, flew too close to the sun and crashed into the sea, creating the island of Ikaria. This was man’s first attempt at flight, and serves forever as a warning to those who think themselves invincible.
Daedalus’ loss is our good luck.
Ikaria is everything a Greek island dream should be: naturally beautiful with secret azure swimming coves and hidden waterfalls, yet still unmarred by rampant tourism. I’ve visited over 20 Greek islands over the years, and I’ve never encountered the friendliness of the Icarians anywhere else.
Maybe it has something to do with the diaspora? Most visitors to Ikaria are local islanders who immigrated to America, Australia, Canada and the UK, and who come home every summer…because they just can’t stay away.
Ikaria is also the birthplace of Dionysos, god of wine and revelry. I’ve come here seeking to kill two birds with one stone. First, I’m going to bathe in Ikaria’s mineral hot springs — known since antiquity and said to be the most radioactive waters in Europe — then, having been cured of the neurological disorder that has prevented me from drinking any wine for the past three years (migraines), I will take a big gulp of Ikaria’s local red, made from grapes crushed by the feet of the Icarians themselves, and so strong, it’s color is more black than red.
I was told to limit my time in the hot spring to 15 minutes, but, since the thermal waters ran into the Ikarian Sea, and it felt so good to be in a sea so warm, I soaked for more than two hours.
I was a prune when I emerged from the water, but all my little dermatological nuisances were cured with one soak. I dunked my head into the water for good measure, hoping the radioactive powers would work magic on my brain and all it’s troublesome capillaries.
I checked myself later to see if I glowed in the dark.
© 2010 – 2011, Ithaka Bound. All rights reserved.
I Must get to this island next time i’m in Greece, it is so beautiful. What hotel did you stay in?
Hi, Clayton. I recommend Sunshine Studios, overlooking the beach in Nas, if you like to get away from it all. Otherwise, Armenistis has a lot of rooms and is also near the beaches.
Did it work?!?!?!
I had a glass of wine that was so strong, I had to dilute it by half with water. I’ve never committed such sacrilege against a glass of wine before and I was only brave enough to try a few sips.
I’m going to try a sulphurous volcanic vapor cure as well, on the next island, just to be doubly sure. Thanks for your e-mail! You sound great.
Beki!!! Beautiful pics! I miss you!
Hey Bella…miss you too!