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Wednesday 20 August 2008

Kefalonia Part 3......



We got a day's rest after the boat trip and had to be in bed early on the Saturday because we were being picked up at 7.30 a.m. ( I know, we're gluttons for punishment)on the middle Sunday for a coach tour of the island (Kefalonia).

Still half asleep we climbed aboard the coach with Julie and Dave, a couple who were staying at our hotel with whom we had struck up a friendship. We drove NorthWest past the capital Argostoli stopping to view the most photographed beach on Kefalonia, Myrtos Bay. (see slide show). Although beautiful it is not safe to swim in the bay because of the currents, but you can sunbathe on the beach, however the extremely steep, winding road down to the beach is not for the faint hearted and certainly not designed for coaches so we could only take photographs.

Travelling North to the beautiful little fishing village of Assos a small and charming village 36 kilometres from the capital of Kefalonia. It has about a hundred inhabitants and is one of the most picturesque and beautiful villages of the island. Dominated by the ruins of a 16th century Venetian castle, the village of Assos was built on a small peninsula that has the same name. Its traditional and charming atmosphere is created by the hospitality of its inhabitants, the traditional architecture, the narrow alleys and the excellent little taverns perched on the quayside that overlook the bay. This unspoilt village is a must for photographers, with its pretty white washed and pastel houses surrounded by a picturesque stone-terraced hilly terrain. Assos sits on the west coast of the peninsular on Kefalonia, sadly damaged by the 1953 earthquake, but beautifully restored with the help of a donation from Paris,which is why the square is officially known as Paris Square with a marble inscription acknowledging the assistance received from France in rebuilding the village. There are remnants of houses from the earthquake for sale at 100,00Euros, if you buy one you have to restore it in keeping with the architecture keeping the original as it stands. Everyone on the bus agreed that if they won the Lottery they would be returning to Assos, purchasing a ruin to restore and retiring there it was so beautiful.


Continuing our journey we skirted the northern tip of the island then took the road south to the harbour town of Fiskardo - the Marbella of Kefalonia. The rich and famous moor up there and consequently the restaurants and cafes think that everyone who visits is rich. Fiskardo was not affected by the earthquake so consequently most of the original buildings have survived. We had lunch at the Cafe Tselenti which has been owned by the Tselentis family since 1893 . We were given the picture below with our bill and the text on it reads:

In 1900 all of the inhabitants of Fiskardo assembled in front of the
building which has been owned by the Tselentis family since 1893 for what we presume was a celebration for a Greek National Holiday.
Fiskardo 1900




Apparently at the end of the holiday season there are only 100 inhabitants in Fiskardo.






Tune in for Kefalonia Part 4 and the rest of the Bus Tour, visiting Melissani Lake.

26 comments:

Pam said...

it looks so beautiful there *sigh* great photos. somehow i don't think you're too much of a bitch :) now, i know i am LOL

Queenie said...

The colour of that sea makes me want to throw the suntan lotion in a case at drive to the airport, this is torture!!!!!! Did you see a plate for Mwm?????

CG said...

i would love to go to greece! But Phil won't go!!

buffalodick said...

Neat idea to get those old places back in operation!

PRH said...

Thanks for stopping by and the comment on my blog. You have some great photographs.

It appears you are into family history/genealogy as am I. My one blog:

http://israelhouseworth.blogspot.com/

is about my surname family from the mid 1700s when my GGGG-Grandfather arrived in America.

Thanks again, I'll stop by often.

pat

Akelamalu said...

It is beautiful Ciara, and you're not a bitch!

I know you need a holiday Queenie - soon babe, soon! There were any number of plates for MWM but I'm not that cruel!

Is it flying he doesn't like cg?

Yes it is Buff, I just loved the old photograph.

Thanks Pat, and welcome. Hubby is the one doing the family tree, I just published my Grandmother's Biography which was written by my father, though I do love family history.

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

i just love it that you take such wonderful vacations!!! yay for you!

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxxooxxoox

Sandi McBride said...

Oh lucky lucky girl! What a beautiful place for a vacation! Now, next time you must come to Myrtle Beach, SC...and maybe spend a few days with us!
hugs
Sandi

storyteller said...

What amazing BLUE of the water in that first photo! I’ve never been to Greece … but you make me want to plan a trip of my own!
Hugs and blessings,

G-Man said...

Love your pics Ake!!!!!
I'd be eating bread dipped in olive oil, cheese, and lamb and fish all day!!!
What a Paradise!...G

Dianne said...

the sea is soooooo blue!

love your photos. what does that sign you were holding up mean in Greek - I assume 'lovely one'

Linda said...

I can see why people want to win the lottery and move there - what an absolutely breathtaking place! Such blue water and white sand!

San said...

Wow, Pearl, that place is storybook-lovely. I want to go there!

And I want that plate for my car!

Jo Beaufoix said...

I love Greece so much. I could live there, I really could.

david mcmahon said...

Great travelogue.

Ron said...

You should start a travel blog, Akelamalu.

You're descriptions of everything are always so detailed, interesting and very well-written!

You do such a great job of making us FEEL like we're THERE!

And from the glorious photo's, and knowing how much you enjoy warm climate, I bet you were in HEAVEN!!!

I really like the photo you took of the header on your hotel bill. Very vintage!

Hey, listen...and did they have a license plate that said, Bastard?

I would of bought one for myself.

tee, hee!

Thanks for sharing your wonderful vacation with us. Thoroughly enjoying it!

Mimi Lenox said...

I love the way you take us with you....

I have a special post for you at Bloggingham Palace.

A Late Valentine For Me

Robin said...

love the pics and the descriptions as always.....

and as always, i always love a visit from you!! thanks for stopping by!

Flowerpot said...

oh ak I am deeply envious - what a lovely sight. And I saw Mamma Mia last night so I'm full of Greece!

Anonymous said...

Absolute WOW! Not very good English I know but it's how I felt when I first started reading. Thanks for sharing those beautiful photographs.

CJ xx

Akelamalu said...

I just wish we could have more Bee!

We would love to visit the States Sandi but it will have to wait another 18 months until I retire! I'll let you know! :)

Greece is amazing Storyteller, you would love it!

A paradise indeed g-man, you must go!

The colour of the sea is just beautiful Dianne, all shades of blue and turquoise. Of course the sign means 'lovely one'! ;)

Yes Linda a lottery win would make it possible to live somewhere so beautiful. I've bought my weekly ticket!

Oh San someone as lovely as you doesn't want that plate!

You and me both Jo!

Thanks David :)

I was in heaven Ron, it would be TOO HOT for you though honey. Glad you enjoyed my report. :)

Mimi, I just read the post and I thank you, you're so kind. x

Glad you enjoyed it Robin x

I still have to see Mama Mia Flowerpot, soon I hope!

My pleasure CJ, thanks for taking the time out to read it. :)

Suldog said...

Nice photos! Lovely stuff. It sounds like a very interesting place to visit... well, at least if you're rich :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by at my place, and for the kind words.

Cath said...

Ah I love it. And so miss Greek islands. I've never been to Kefalonia though. Thanks for taking us with you!

Jeff B said...

What a great experience. makes me want to pack my bags and go!

Travis Cody said...

What a perfectly lovely vacation. One of these days I hope to do some international travel.

There's still so much here in the states I want to see too!

Akelamalu said...

Hi Suldog and welcome. Yes it's a lovely place alrighty.

You have to go Cath you'll love it!

Go on Jeff, do it!

You live in such a huge country Trav it could take you a lifetime to see it all. I haven't see very much of the UK really cos we're always going abroad!