At Sea & Sifnos Island
Joining an expedition trip is a very different experience from a typical cruise, and today showed why many of us appreciate our type of travel very much. The early morning plan was for sailing. Well, there was absolutely no wind and the sea was as flat as a mirror. So, plans changed a bit and we motored towards a sheltered cove on the south of Sifnos Island for a relaxing morning. On the way, we had an introduction to the Cyclades Islands by Effie and Jemma, which was nicely interrupted by a pod of dolphins cruising by. We then reached our sheltered anchorage at Vathi Bay where some took a swim, many relaxed on the decks, and others of us went ashore for a quick stretch on the sandy beach. It was a very scenic spot, surrounded by olive trees and terraced farming.
After lunch, we docked in the small port of Kamares, on the western side of Sifnos Island. We set out to explore the island, and our first stop was a secluded monastery on the southern end that was perched on a tiny island. From there we went to Kastro, meaning castle, and wove our way through the narrow streets up to a fantastic viewpoint. Way below, on a tiny point, was a glistening white church with a characteristic blue dome. The sea was still glassy and distant islands dotted the horizon.
Our final stop was the capital of Apollonia, where we got to experience many different aspects of the local culture. We were an excitement to the locals who talked about the visitors who were wandering the streets. We had the pleasure of witnessing parts of a wedding, and visiting a sweets shop and a many hundred-year-old Greek Orthodox Church. All the while, we were greeted by many smiling faces, and were in awe of the lay out of the town and the surrounding vistas.
Overall, it was an expedition day, on an island rarely explored by ship based travelers like ourselves. It was a day of experiencing traditional Cycladic culture and architecture, with perfect temperatures and sunny skies. Flat seas were difficult for sailing, but wonderful for dolphin viewing and smooth cruising.
Joining an expedition trip is a very different experience from a typical cruise, and today showed why many of us appreciate our type of travel very much. The early morning plan was for sailing. Well, there was absolutely no wind and the sea was as flat as a mirror. So, plans changed a bit and we motored towards a sheltered cove on the south of Sifnos Island for a relaxing morning. On the way, we had an introduction to the Cyclades Islands by Effie and Jemma, which was nicely interrupted by a pod of dolphins cruising by. We then reached our sheltered anchorage at Vathi Bay where some took a swim, many relaxed on the decks, and others of us went ashore for a quick stretch on the sandy beach. It was a very scenic spot, surrounded by olive trees and terraced farming.
After lunch, we docked in the small port of Kamares, on the western side of Sifnos Island. We set out to explore the island, and our first stop was a secluded monastery on the southern end that was perched on a tiny island. From there we went to Kastro, meaning castle, and wove our way through the narrow streets up to a fantastic viewpoint. Way below, on a tiny point, was a glistening white church with a characteristic blue dome. The sea was still glassy and distant islands dotted the horizon.
Our final stop was the capital of Apollonia, where we got to experience many different aspects of the local culture. We were an excitement to the locals who talked about the visitors who were wandering the streets. We had the pleasure of witnessing parts of a wedding, and visiting a sweets shop and a many hundred-year-old Greek Orthodox Church. All the while, we were greeted by many smiling faces, and were in awe of the lay out of the town and the surrounding vistas.
Overall, it was an expedition day, on an island rarely explored by ship based travelers like ourselves. It was a day of experiencing traditional Cycladic culture and architecture, with perfect temperatures and sunny skies. Flat seas were difficult for sailing, but wonderful for dolphin viewing and smooth cruising.
