How I spent this summer..or God bless the Greeks!

 Life goes on ... endless workdays, fleeting weekend, and finally, a long awaited vacation! Last year I met a wonderful country! Greece captivated me with stunning nature, mild climate, sights, cozy architecture, and most importantly - the friendliness and hospitality of the Greeks. Therefore, the choice of the country for the next vacation, for me, was obvious - we go to Greece. 14 days vacation on the Aegean coast. What could be better? Formalities a visa is not required - multi visa was already in my passport. You only have to shovel a lot of information on the Internet, read reviews of tourists, the advice of seasoned travelers, recommendations of friends and colleagues. When choosing a resort we stayed in Halkidiki. Funny shape of Halkidiki Peninsula known to all - it resembles a Trident of Poseidon, the Peninsula is adjacent to three of the Cape, the common people called "fingers" : the Western - Kassandra, in the center of Sithonia and East Agings, better known as Athos 

 We decided to go to Sithonia, which is famous for its turquoise beaches, picturesque and cosy harbours and fishing coves, pine trees and olive groves. Ideal for nature lovers and a relaxing measured rest. So, the tour is bought, bags are Packed, the guides are ready. Nice plane takes us to the warm Greece. 

  

 And now, we are in the land of Gods: Greece greeted us with beautiful weather. From the airport in Thessaloniki to our hotel for another hour drive. The hotel is located in Nikiti. On the website the hotel stated as a 3*, but actually turned out to be a good 2*. The hotel is cozy and small, consists of several buildings. 

 On the first evening stay in the hotel came the representative of the company Mouzenidis travel. Told us about the excursions planned. Since we had a lot of information about local attractions and given the fact that proposed by the Agency the tour was not cheap, we took the decision to rent a car. But there is two whole weeks of vacation and the first week we decided to get some sun, swim in the sea and engage in "doing nothing" about which we have dreamed of in Russia) and the Beach from the hotel was at a distance of 100 meters. Coastline I absolutely do not like sand mixed with small pebbles, stones and boulders, and even free beach chairs from the hotel did not save the situation. Moreover, in the stones near the shore are sea urchins, which brought a lot of trouble stinging needles bare feet of tourists. 

 So we went to the municipal beach, with good sand. Separately want to tell about the sea. The locals have an amazing expression, which most correctly describes the sea off the coast of Athens- "the sea like butter". This is true, the water feels like, envelops the body gently caressing. A few days down on the beach, pretty light up, we decided to proceed to local sightseeing. 

 The old town of Nikiti. 

 According to custom, we woke up early, went for Breakfast and went on the road in the old town of Nikiti. I learned about it from my friend from the Internet (ABA, thank you) She is so good painted this wonderful place that we could not wait to meet him. Passing along the main street, we turned to the traffic light (the only one in the entire city and employees a benchmark for all the rest) and turned the sign to "Old city". Just a few metres we began to feel that we are on the time machine moved for a couple of centuries ago. We were surrounded by houses built in the 19th century. 

 It would seem that the houses are similar to each other, but each has its own personality. As, for example, that with car Parking) 

 In addition to homes were also abandoned, but not lost its charm. Please note, instead of tile roof houses lined with flower pots! 

 In the old town and old cars)))

 And seeing the balcony of the house, I immediately imagined a girl living in this house in the 19th century, sitting on the balcony and breathing in the scent of flowers, and in love with him a young man who was secretly watching her. Or secretly... and singing the song loudly. Corny? But romantic) and as they say on the Internet: "mi-mi-mi")))) 

 And after a few meters we saw the house, which was adorned with wedding paraphernalia, there walked before the wedding) All my romantic thoughts were brought to life. Fiction) 

 The Greeks live is beautiful, they decorate their yards. Or multiple colors, or a wonderful hanging lanterns on trees 

 Or decorative pots:) 

 Or skeletons from fish) but the original!!!:) 

 So, climbing a steep hill, we reached the Church.Nikita, in whose honor and named the city. It was Sunday morning, and according to tradition, the Greeks went to the morning service. The father read a beautiful prayer that was broadcast over the loudspeaker. Despite the fact that the Greeks are also Orthodox, all women parishioners were without hats, and among them were women in pants or short sundresses. Apparently strict requirements for appearance, there is not respected. Inside the temple there were so many people. After going round the Church from all sides, I was amazed to see several of the parishioners standing on the stairs. They just do not have enough space inside the Church, and they stood on the stairs, and was baptized, was praying, no different from those in the temple... 

 My advice to those who are planning to visit the town of Nikiti - don't be lazy, be sure to go to the Old town, there is amazing atmosphere that will not leave anyone indifferent. 

 A boat trip around mount Athos. 

The next point of our study program was chosen Chalkidiki mount Athos. But since Athos is the world's only monastic state, women are strictly forbidden to set foot on the territory of this sacred land. Therefore, the only option remain boat tours around mount Athos. The departure of the ship daily from Ormos Panagias, which is 10 km away from the city of Nikiti. Taking a taxi for ridiculous money, we went to Ormos Panagias. Around the Marina are several travel agencies that sell tickets. The ticket price for an adult is 25 euros for children - 12 Euro. (for comparison, the price from the guide Mouzenidis on a similar tour – 50 euros, and children discounts do not). Walk for 6 hours with a 2 hour stop in the town of Ouranoupoli. On the pier we saw a handsome ship 

 Each guest was met by the captain of the ship 

 The capacity of the ship about 400 people, many Russians, Germans, Italians, and Greeks. During the trip the representatives of tourist companies on the loudspeaker spoke of the history of Athos and its inhabitants. Around the boundless sea, the blue sea and the bold gulls that accompanied us the whole journey. They swam very close to the deck, begging for bread, and they managed to catch it out of the hands of kids on the fly) the Ship consists of three decks, each of which has a bench, both outdoors and inside, for those who don't like to be in the sun 

 Throughout trips under the sounds of Greek music we watched the monasteries. Today in Athens there are about 20 monasteries of the Greek, Serbian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Russian, etc. From shore he can't see. 

 Russian monastery of St. Panteleimon is distinguished by its scale, its called the most beautiful and majestic. It's hard to disagree, right?) 

 After reviewing the monasteries our ship turned around and we went back. Ahead was a scheduled 2 hour stop in the town of Ouranoupolis. Many have decided to devote time to shopping and buy crosses, icons, and we decided to look at a fish restaurant. The number of cafes on the waterfront, a huge amount, we chose the restaurant that attracted us nice decor and a friendly welcome. In General, the Greeks are so friendly that coming to them in the cafe they enjoy visitors like I know them for 100 years. And I meet as true friends or relatives. 

 Besides, the name of the tavern was so inviting - Lemonadias  wanted cooling ice drink as a child, but in time think better we ordered the white table wine. MMMM, what delicious wine they serve in their mini-pitchers.. 

 I chose sardines) 

 During lunch we were approached by the owner of the tavern, asked them if we ordered food, hearing encouraging words and seeing in response to our happy faces - he beamed and shouted happy waiters that girls from Russia - a compliment from the owner. Here on our stoyale appeared sweet watermelon slice. Yes, the food dessert is a tradition in almost every institution. You will be treated to sweet pastries, ripe fruit or ice cream. And not because cute girls, but because the Greeks are good! Heartily thanking the entire staff of the tavern we went to the ship. On the way back the ship was presented the program "Greek night". Live music, folk songs, and of course the Sirtaki. Everybody dance! Indifferent are left 

 What sea aboard!!! 

 At the end of the trip I was approached by the captain of the ship and asked an unexpected question: "what's my favorite color." I was confused, and for some reason said BLUE! May be because in front of me was the blue sea? I do not know) the Captain nodded and disappeared in the direction of souvenir shops. When he returned, he handed me a piece of turquoise and said: "for the most beautiful girls my ship." The people around revived, I'm confused (not know and do not like to accept compliments). Turquoise, of course, not real, ordinary jewelry, but a nice hell)) 

 On this wonderful note and ended our sea excursion. 

 Waterfalls - Edessa Aridaia sources 

 As we neared the Parking lot, feeling the closeness and the sound of water. Scenic paths lead us to the waterfall. 

 Climbed the ladder you can go inside the waterfall, feeling thousands of cooling spray on the body. 

 In General, walking the grounds at the waterfalls is not more than an hour. Enough to walk up and rested travel to Aride. Enter Aridea we were a bit confused because neither one pointer had no information about the thermal springs. Stopped at the store I asked the seller what direction we go and how far. The Greeks didn't know English, but nevertheless refused to help, and within 5 minutes carefully explained to me in Greek as better to drive. Realizing that I almost understood nothing of his emotional speech, he grabbed the paper and pen drew a detailed map) CHEERS! We're saved! It appears, from the town of Aridaia need to go even a decent distance, almost to the border with Albania, a town called Loutraki. Near the thermal springs there was a HUGE number of cars, mostly Greek. Slightly annoyed, we decided that in the pool with thermal water will be a lot of people. But, fortunately, a large part of the guests sat in a cafe and peacefully drank lemonade. Natural swimming pool under the open sky, divided into two zones. 

 On the right is a pool with warm water. All year round the water temperature reaches 37 degrees Celsius, and a mini waterfall out of it flows from the river Thermopolis (in translation from Greek means "warm river") Falling warm water jets do a decent massage, and warm water has therapeutic properties. Don't know the power of persuasion, or something else, but after 30 minutes in the pool my skin was like silk) 

 To the left of the warm pool is a waterfall with icy water cascading from mountain springs. Sensations after bathing in the temperature of 37 degrees, with further icy shower non-transferable. Mountain air, heady with its freshness and crystal-clear water, filled us with energy for a long time) 

 Around Sithonia. 

 Not forgetting that our "finger" the most picturesque and wild beaches are the most beautiful, we went on a trip to Sithonia. It's safe to say that the most beautiful white sand beaches located near the village of Vourvourou. Only in the heart of Vourvourou is very crowded, although the sea fine sunset, it will be convenient for those travelling with young children 

 If you want solitude with nature and no people around, then you need from Vourvourou you go in the direction of the village of Karidi. There is a stunningly beautiful beach and cliffs , like figures made out of sand. 

 

 The scenery during the trip to Sithonia are changing incredibly quickly, we see a dense pine forest, the olive groves, the vineyards, the huge cliffs, literally hanging over the cars. And everywhere we are accompanied by the smell of pine needles and salty sea. What could be better?)

 Two weeks of our holiday flew by, back in rainy Russia did not want to. Every day I review fotografiiyu and terribly nostalgic for that time) 

If there "above" work of the cupids that spread their arrows, then I firmly pierced the arrow of love to Greece. And I will continue my acquaintance with her:)