Hydra Island: Like Out of a Movie, But Better

So on Saturday we all boarded a ferry and took a little trip to the island of Hydra.  It is a very small island about an hour and a half off the coast of Athens that was used as a stronghold for the Greeks in their war of independence.  It consists of only about 2,000 people and cars are outlawed on the island.  The only way to get around is to go by donkey or walking.  And I must say, this might have been my favorite part about the entire island.  Sitting a little ways above the port, where all of the action on the island takes place, without the sounds of cars, trucks and motorcycles, the silence we experienced was unlike any I have ever heard (or is it not heard?).  The subtle sound of the sea crawls through the thin alley ways and gave me a sense of ease that I'm not sure can be replicated.  Never underestimate how at peace with the world one can be when they are in silence.

However, the water and the sea itself was as breathtaking as the peacefulness of the island.  No picture could ever do it justice.  There is something that cannot be explained about diving into that water, feeling the salt rush through your nose and mouth, being able to float without effort because of the salt density, all while being able to see the fish swim right underneath or around your feet.  You could look straight below you, and even though the depth was probably about 40-50 feet, the ground was crystal clear.  The temperature of the water felt amazing and we all splashed around on the beach for about 2 hours.

After that, we were treated to a multi-course Greek lunch that was to die for.  If only I ate like that on a consistent basis, rather than my standard meal of noodles with olive oil, salt and pepper...

Alas, we took the ferry back and on Sunday, with two girls in my program, we went to one of the public beaches in Athens and spent the day there.  This beach, however, was not quite as pristine as the Hydra beach, as there was trash floating around in the water and cigarette butts as far as the eye could see.  A gorgeous day made better by our lunch we had on the beach as the sun set on the water.  Fresh calamari and cod, combined with a Greek salad made for a delicious meal.  And a Mythos to wash it all down (think Heineken but lighter).  I think I can get used to this life.

Oh yeah, school goes on once in a while too.  But nobody cares about that.

Santorini next weekend.  That's going to be wild.