The Colombians Invade Paros

It's hard not to go "big" when the Colombian extended family arrives from all corners of the world. This time was no different, but it came with a slight twist... the choice of summer get away locations was the first time our girls got to choose the location they wanted to go. It started with a Google search of photos of Greece and, after some looking around, ended with a photo of Paroikia, Paros. Though our final destination was, in face, Dryos, it was close enough and filled with the wonderful of Cycladic lifestyle and the goodness of Mediterranean fare. The place we stayed, a family owned hotel and rooms, was supervised by a friendly man named Frangiskos. On two ocassions during our stay he was out at the back of the hotel overlooking the sea below, singing and playing a guitar with two others. The ladies of the party allowed themselves a chance to go and be absorbed by the Greek music and cool evening spirit. 

But while were there it was important to get around as well. Arguably the best day was our visit to Antiparos, a smaller island just seven minutes away by ferry boat (the 'pandofla' as they call the open boats you just drive right onto). Around Antiparos, on the very end of the westward side, we found our way to Agios Georgios, a delightful place with idyllic, calm waters. Perfect for a game of volleyball on the beach.   The town too was beautiful and, though smaller than Paroikia and Naousa (which we also visited one of the prior evenings) it could complete with the 'feel' of the Cyclades. 

Of course, another highlight, for which we have no photos, was the time spent on the deck of the six hour boat ride (leaving from Rafina and making it's way south eastward to Andros, Tinos, Mykonos before anchoring in Paros) looking - just looking - at the sea, the waves, for dolphins (sadly we saw none), the islands, anything and everything. What beauty the sea holds for us. 

Add to this a fair share of sunning, eating, walking around, shopping, etc., and we found something for pretty much everyone (except, on occasion, for TTMouz - who's thoughts were elsewhere to friends and workouts missed). 

We returned with a bit more 'red' to our tone, a bit more bulge to our bellies and a bit wider smile to our faces. Ready for the next stop of the holiday... Athens and Holland awaited!