Just a quick note before we continue our crazy tale: The shipwreck that I refer to in this section is the famous iconic photo you see in a lot of the advertising for Greek tourism, the rusty old hulk, lying on a pristine sandy beach in a small cove. This ship, the “Panagiotis”, sailing from Turkey to Italy in October, 1980, and was caught in a huge storm and driven ashore on the west coast of Zakynthos. On Zakynthos they call it “Navagio Beach” and has become a major tourist attraction, both for those who arrive by boats, or like us, drive to the top of the cliff to look down. I mention that when we were there, a large section of the cliff collapsed suddenly, swamping some boats close to shore, and injuring several people. Thankfully, nobody was killed.
We continue:
When on the safari, we saw many things and more,
Old villages, olive groves and vistas galore.
The shipwreck beach was a highlight terrif,
where we all got out to look over the cliff.
We stood on a ledge that would make you turn pale
all crowded around, hanging on to a rail.
As we gazed down on the beach below,
hundreds of tourists like ants did go.
Looking down on the beach
A day or so later we were glad not to be there,
as the cliff fell down, giving everyone a scare.
Huge chunks of rocks crashed down on the crowd,
With roars and screams that were so loud.
Shipwreck Beach
Further on this tour, an olive press was seen
Where they squeezed all the olives for soap to make you clean.
And lots of oil for salads to flavour
with added lemons, oranges and garlic to savour.
Left photo – An Old Olive Press Right photo – Olive Press
We returned back home, our bodies feeling poor
Glad we had all made the jeep tour.
Our bodies then called for an exquisite warm shower,
followed by a wonderful nap for an hour.
With barely enough time to get things right
We went to the pool bar for Maria’s ‘Greek Night’.
Music, drinks and food par excellence
Then Greek dancers like leaping a fence.
Maria’s ‘Greek Night’
It was a great evening of music and dance
Jackie, Martyn, Bill and Jan all took a chance
While Sheila, Diana and I saved our seats
while continuing to sample the drinks and eats.
A drink break in town
Then came a day when it was time to shop
so off in two taxis that did not stop
to the centre of Zante our crew did go
For clothes, shoes and jewels just made for the show.
Tourist Train
One evening after dinner to Sheila’s delight
They played “Happy Birthday” and candles did light.
We all sang Happy Birthday and gave her our wishes
with a Greek birthday card and a cake so delicious.
Another Shopping Break
Our trip in the boat to see turtles and caves
was a little disappointing and did not get raves
Our glass bottom boat had one thing to show
which they said was a turtle, but no other life below.
Zakynthos Turtle
Neither the bus nor the boat had a toilet to show
Which made it real difficult for those who had to go.
Some went for a swim which helped them a lot
While others looked behind bushes and rocks for spot.
Caves in the cliffs
Then departure day came for four of our gang
Who left in two taxis that Maria had rang.
Bill and Jan were the first to ride
Jackie was next with Martyn by her side.
All that was left was just us three,
so we decided to tour the north end to see
the villages and sights we had missed before
and go to many places just to see more.
A stop in a village had tourist treats galore
with drinks and attractions you couldn’t ask for more.
A lovely lady came out and gave us the sell
We bought a nice blanket that will cover us well.
Another day of driving along the coast to the east
Where the tavernas and restaurants were a good place to feast.
One stop for money and a shirt to buy,
A relaxing trip and the time did fly.
Our final trip to the airport was certainly a toil
with bags overpacked with Greek souvenirs and oil.
A flight to Gatwick did not make us grin
As we could hardly wait for our tonic and gin.
Three of us with Maria, our hostess
With thanks to the “Seaview Village” Staff:
Of the people that worked there
I must tell before I go
Every time we said “efharisto”, (thank you)
they replied with “parakalo”. (You’re welcome)
Filoxenia was number one service
of our friendly staff
Who always made us smile
and often made us laugh.
Kalimera, Coula, with your potato rolls so great
And Christos and Kostas with the other food we ate.
The un-named gardener with the big straw hat
who mowed lawns, carried bags and handled this and that.
Up that hill, which should have made us thin
Was Timos, from Kalamaki, who mixed our tonic and gin.
While lovely Angie and her crew we had seen
were laughing and giggling while every room they clean.
Stamatis the chef cooked up meals so good
reinforcing our love for traditional Greek food.
Alex at the front desk to prevent any loss
And wonderful Maria was always the Boss!
Ionian Sunset
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