Hydra as a museum

Hydra is a picturesque popular Greek island in the Saronic Gulf. Look at the red-tiled houses and stone-paved narrow alleys. This gulf lies between the islands of Poros and Spetses, near the coast of the eastern end of the Peloponnese. Hydra is known as the "museum island" which has remained since the 1800's. Rich villas, artists, writers, and film makers still make their residences in Hydra since the sixties. The island still maintains a highly cosmopolitan character.

Some of the best spring and fall hiking are in Hydra and can be tailored for your interests. At Easter, the island is carpeted with flowers and has a reputation as one of the hottest Greek islands as it has very little shade.   But, in September, the weather is temperate.   It is worth the hike to The Profitis Ilias Monastery which is perched on the highest hill above the town.

Aside from the views from the monastery, every year there is a celebration of the famous fire of then Admiral Miaoulis which ends in the burning of a ship at sea. But, maybe you are interested in art? The yearly summer exhibition is at the Hydra's Melina Mercouri Gallery. The artist, Michael Lawrence is a native Californian contemporary painter and sculptor who was brought up and educated in Los Angeles.  And what a pleasure to see his paintings! “I have made Hydra my full-time residence for over a decade.  It gives me the opportunity to live and paint in beauty.  This is my world.”   It was enjoyable meeting another native Angelian from California who also has a residence in Greece.

How do you get to Hydra? Take a car ferry from Piraeus Harbor. It also leaves daily during the warmer months from Ermioni which is a small quiet harbor located on the eastern part of the Peloponnese and takes approximately 20 minutes versus the ferry trip of 3.5 hours.

Hotels are approximately 50 Euros or more per night. The Hydroussa Hotel and the Four Seasons are a couple of hotels for 80 plus euros per night. It might be worth the extra money to get luxury.

Did you hike, see the reenactment of the ship burning, see artwork from one of the resident artists? What about a hike? Whatever your preference, you enjoyed your stay on the island of Hydra.

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The Imposing Mystras

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Slideshow for Dry Well

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Dry Well

Do you awaken every morning to the sound of the waves hitting the shore? Does a mule stand in front of your house so he can graze on the heather? Time stands still for the residents in Xiropigado. The main business occupations are fishing and farming (mostly olive tree cultivation) for the 400 hundred occupants of this quaint, serene seaside picturesque village built below the craggy cliffs and steep hillside (Zavista Mountains) of the coast of Argolida in Greece. These pristine waters are 165 kilometers from Athens. But, how did this village Xiropigado (dry well) begin? The dry well was discovered in 1860 by Yioannis Mountzouris who bought a small tavern. The nightclub was established at the bottom of the house which sits on the property of the once flourishing cheese factory. Below the cheese factory is the dry well which became an interesting addition. The village began to mature as many of the inhabitants moved from the Zavista Mountains to “The Dry Well”. There were a few rooms above the tavern that were open in 1990. In addition, the port authority of Astros constructed a boardwalk in 1990 which definitely helped to obtain more guests at the inn as the only entrance was originally by the sea. Next door was the only nightclub, Evita which was built in 1985. In 2005, Sunset Hotel was constructed. Now Xiropigado has become more of a well-known resort inclusive of archeological sites of the area; Mycenea, Epidavrous, Naphlion, Argos and Nemea to name a few. This village provides excellent scenery, friendly residents, good home cooked food, good climate and fishing. The view of the sea makes the owner of the hotel feel freedom and happiness. The local insurance broker, farmer and café owner is friendly and helpful. Many different trades’ people live in this village along with expatriates who would rather live in Xiropigado than in their own countries. In addition, visitors from Los Angeles come by from time to time who say “…”And why not? The weather is temperate most of the year unless you take a trip to the Zavista Mountains and enjoy the snow. So if you are looking for where the past meets the future, come to the only hotel and nightclub on the boardwalk in Xiropigado. Don’t forget your bathing suit and an overnight bag. Enjoy your sunsets with the Mountzouris family!

The Essential Gardens of Athens information

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The Essential Gardens of Greece

By Roberta Mark Engel Did you know that Athens has fewer gardens than any other European city? There are only 2.5 square meters of greenery per person compared to the 10 square meters of a more garden friendly European city. Enjoy them with Joanne Koss from Los Angeles. Joanne has traveled to Athens many times as well as Descanso Gardens in the Los Angeles area. “It is amazing that Descanso Gardens alone has 13 square meters of grounds as compared to these parks in Greece. They are still quite beautiful especially due to their layout, colors, golf course appeal, and greenery,” states Joanne. The grounds named below are well maintained with new benches and herbaceous borders which provide a respite from traffic fumes and honking horns on a walking tour of “The Essential Gardens of Athens”. Access The Philopappou Hill from The Acropolis metro station and Dionysiou Areopagitou Street is a great short walk in Athens or take bus 230 which goes to the main entry point. The cross streets of this The National Garden are Zappeio, Irodou Attikou Street and Vassilissis Sofias Avenues. Enter through Vassilissis Amalias Avenue. Take the 714 bus from Vathis Square to the funicular railway which takes us up to the casino on Mount Parnitha. Take transportation is by metro Line 1 (ISAP) to Maroussi or KAT; by busses 550, A7, B7, or E7 along Kifissias Avenue to Syngrou Estate.“These are my favorite gardens. A view of the exclusive homes and shopping area make them even more appealing.” By car from Athens, turn right through the entrance at the lights for the "KAT" turnoff on Kifissias Avenue. Parking is available. “A walk through the surrounding residential areas near the nearby Plaka is quite fun.” Take the 224 bus from Academias Street or Vassilissis Sofias Avenue or the 223 from Kaningos Square to the entrance of The Kaisariani Monastery. From there, the walk up the hill is about twenty –thirty minutes. The easiest choice of seeing Lycabettus Hill is by a funicular railway to be accessed on Aristippou Street. Joanne Koss hopes that you enjoyed "The Essential Gardens of Athens". These gardens offer an experience not normally journeyed in a busy city as Athens. “It is a fascinating country with a lot to do. Come visit like I did. You’ll be back.” If you enjoyed this article, please go to www.examiner.com/greek-travel-in-los-angeles/roberta-mark-engel Search for Roberta Mark Engel. Click on an article of your choice and subscribe. I would love your input.