Corfu

This was my second trip to one of my favorite Greek Isles. When I came in 2008 with friend, Mary H, our time was constrained by days. Because we were on  a cruise schedule, our time today was constrained by hours. Oh, so much to see and do in so little time.

We bounded off the ship thirty minutes before scheduled "release". Found a rental car and began exploring the island. We headed west to Paleokastritsa where we first put our toes in the Mediterranean Sea and tried to capture some of the rugged beauty in mere photographs. Next was a stop to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary. We were reminded why we had chosen NOT to go with tour groups. We counted 8 buses crammed in a space equivalent to about half a basketball court. The people were equally crammed in the different rooms and spaces of the monastery. And the nuns liked cats. A lot. So that stop was brief.

North to Angelokastro to see the Byzantine (1200s) Castle of Angels. Impressive structure and view. Further north to the scenic overlook of St George's Bay. Wow. South to Glyfada Beach. It had been recommended by several locals as one of the most beautiful beaches. Caramel colored sand. Turquoise water. Perfect temps. Tom and I swam/floated in the cool water while Greg walked the stretch of beach and Caroline lolled in the sunshine. A pleasant respite in an otherwise driven day.

Back in the car we had to decide between Old Town Corfu and Achillieon  Palace as our island time was dwindling. We chose the former and headed back to port. Saw both Old and New Forts, cricket field, couple of streets of shopping and then a mad dash back to the ship. 

Capped a great day with a Spades game for the record books. Tom & Greg were whipping Caroline & me. Last hand they only needed 40 points (4 tricks) to win. We went blind 10 for 2 (before we picked up our cards to look at them we said we would take 10 tricks...blind made it worth 500). Came down to last card of last hand. The  boys couldn't set us and only picked up 3 tricks. Come back (and bragging rights) are oh so sweet!