Tag Archives: Naoussa

Naoussa on foot

30th June 2012

If yesterday was Paros by car then today has to be Naoussa on foot and oh boy did we help the Greek economy today.

Sarah found a handbag range she fell in love with and walked away with two new ones. The story goes that George and Gina were German climbers, they married and had Lucy. One day as they were climbing George died or was killed, I’m not sure which and some time after that Gina started the brand in his memory. Funnily enough it’s called George, Gina and Lucy.

Beaded clothes hanger from Paros

Beaded clothes hanger from Paros

Personally I think the story influenced her as much as the bags did. But then again – we found a store where every piece of clothing was on a hanger covered in multi coloured beads and I’d have to say my purchase there was heavily influenced by the fact that I’d end up with one of the hangers so I guess Sarah is no worse than I am. What did insult me was that she then asked the shopkeeper if she could just buy one of them and he gave it to her for nothing – the advantages of youth!!

Coincidence sure is a funny thing, I have not long ago heard about fish spa’s and today we stumbled on one here on Paros. The couple who own it were both there and had just recently fed their fish but said we were more than welcome to let our legs dangle and hopefully the fish would have a nibble!!

Paros Fish Spa

Paros Fish Spa

They were a totally enchanting couple, we talked with them for almost an hour and the fish did a little nibbling at our feet while we were chatting. It was so very interesting to hear about their life. He grew up on Paros and would like for them to live there all year round although at the moment they still spend half their year in Athens. They wouldn’t take any money from us when we eventually left and invited us to return later for another go because the fish weren’t very active.

Sarah's lunch!

Sarah’s lunch!

What a hard life – lunch by the water, more exploring around Naoussa then back to the hotel for swim, sunbake, siesta then drinks.  Sakis and Stellios were stressed this evening, a large group of Greeks had descended on them and were apparently quite a bit more demanding than we’d been. They’re still trying to get Sarah to go out with them, although I don’t like their chances. We made our usual trek back down town for dinner and amazingly found places we hadn’t seen before – I find it hard to believe with all the miles we’ve covered but there’s probably more still if we only knew. We did call back to our new mates at the fish spa and spent even more time sharing stories of our different homelands and ended up swapping email addresses, we also met their daughter and niece who were just as lovely .

Sakis and Stellios were winding down by the time we got back to the hotel and were in for another big chat – I feel like all I’ve done here is talk, eat and drink.

I’ll be a wee bit sad to leave tomorow, again I’ve had a fabulous time, met some really lovely people and discovered a little bit of paradise I think.

4 Comments

Filed under Greece, Mid-life travel, Travel

Paros, but first we explore Naoussa

from Naoussa, Paros

from Naoussa, Paros

28th June 2012

Poor Sarah had a very red and sore eye this morning, it hurt to open it anywhere near light. Sakis thought she’d been out last night and might have a hangover – he offered her an extra strong coffee! Apparently a few of the staff partied last night and he had about an hour sleep. He’s a funny guy, only young and came to Paros a couple of years ago from Pakistan. Breakfast wasn’t quite the same standard as the Myconian K on Mykonos it was still more than enough for us.

More laneway goodness in Naoussa, Paros

More laneway goodness in Naoussa, Paros

We couldn’t wait to go walking down to the town, it’s just so gorgeous here. Took Sarah to a pharmacy where they gave her some antibiotic cream for her eye, so hopefully it will come good quickly. We spent quite a long time talking with the owner of a lovely store named Tantanac. Apart from having beautiful items in his store he was a delight to talk to and we had our first lessons in the Greek language, learning how to say hello, please, thank-you and a few other simple words. He warned us (while laughing) not to say ‘calamari’ for good morning – it has to be ‘kallimera’ – so, no asking for squid for us.

Shady spot in Naoussa, Paros

Shady spot in Naoussa, Paros

We finally got round to trying gyros – they are every bit as good as everyone has been telling me. We bought some fruit on the way back to Kanales, it was so tasty and juicy. Can’t you just imagine the ancient Greeks laying back biting on ripe nectarines with the juice running down their chins being all very decadent?

Seeing as we had the whole resort to ourselves now I braved getting out in my swimsuit. The pool water was quite cool and the sun-loungers were definitely built for sleeping – we both dozed off. I woke Sarah when I startled myself awake and started laughing hysterically and couldn’t stop. A few chosen people will have heard how I startled myself, suffice to say it was hilarious but not very ladylike, so I won’t share here. Will leave that one to your imagination!!

Oh what a life – back to the bar for a cocktail before heading up to our room for a shower and change of clothes and a wander back to town for dinner.

2 Comments

Filed under Greece, Mid-life travel, Travel