It was a day for a boat cruise around Alonissos, a small group tour for the day. It’s a great way to see the island but also better learn more about marine protection in this region. We are a group of 8, a combination of Greek, Italian, Brits and me.

It’s certainly not a super yacht but it does the trick and is cheap, about $50 for the day trip. We stop in several remote coves for a swim and snorkel. I’m hanging with Jules and Tony, my new UK friends. I truly enjoy their company, they have been here before and are spending 2 weeks here. It’s also really helpful to learn from their experience in navigating the island. This is a small island but scattered, so for a short visit it’s really important to know how to spend your time.

We stop in a small fishing village for lunch and it is the iconic Greek taverna experience, Greek salad and fresh fish.

It’s a lovely day on the water and on the way back I hear the two young couples, one from Italy and one from Greece, debate on the best place to live between the two. They talk about the high cost of living, low wages and their struggles to get ahead. They don’t want to just “take a job for security” they are each looking for the opportunity to have a job that they truly love and live in a place that allows for a good style of living. I hear them say “oh if I could have a remote job…that would be the dream”… I’m reflecting on the opportunities we have in the US to make money and work remote and know that we are very fortunate. In Greece the normal wages are about $1500 Euro a month. Many young people live with their families or take advantage of a family-owned home. If they don’t I really don’t know how they can make it.

The highlight of the boat trip was the spotting of a few dolphins. The Greek and Italian couples both shriek with joy, they have never seen dolphins and, candidly, I didn’t even know there were dolphins in these islands!!

For the evening I take a taxi to the Old Village, the original and oldest town here set up from the hills. It’s a lovely village with several hotels close by, lots of restaurants and lots of shops.

The dinner is quiet and delicious but I love the walk back to the town entry, the cute shops and cafes. It’s not an easy path, with old cobblestone streets and lots of steep steps. I don’t think this town would pass the US ADA requirements😳

A reminder that these beautiful quiet islands were impacted directly in WW II.

Again as with most of these islands, the more I see the more I understand why it is so special. This is why it is so difficult to choose a favorite Greek Island. They are all magical in their own way!

A few more random photos:

Headed to the beach, again one of the hardest decisions….which beach to go to????