Ithaki –The Journey Home
Thankfully I have a mother; God rest her beautiful soul, who yearned for adventure, self-discovery and soul medicine. I inherited her joie de vivre aka- kefi.
Thats why when the invitation arrived in the mail; join us for our Wedding in Ithaki, Greece September 2024, my heart skipped a beat.
And I then skipped all the way to my computer to book my flight overseas.
This wasn't going to be just a destination wedding; this was my epic journey to some of the world’s most interesting and beautiful places.
Here begins the story of “Live a life You Will Remember.”
First stop, the capitol of Greece - Athens.
September in Athens is by far my favorite month to be there.
The air is sweet, warm, not hot, with an energy which invigorates the mind, body and spirit.
This mild weather sets the stage for a perfect walk all over the heart of modern/ancient Athens, or Syntagma. Walking in the center of this glorious city is your best bet to discovering its secrets, worldwide contributions in the most famous neighborhoods.
I recommend the Athens City Tour, Acropolis, Ancient Agora and Agora Museum. You will see the archeological sites of Athens and get an understanding of how ancient Athenians developed valuable ideals we implement to this day.
Experience a concert or event at the Odeon of Herodes. This theatre in the Acropolis is breathtaking and I had the great fortune to attend “The Stars Shine Under the Acropolis,” featuring top international ballet dancers. The performance, ambiance and atmosphere were unforgettable. My favorite dancer, Daniil Simkin from the Berlin State Ballet. He was a high energy yet graceful yet highly skilled performer.
Athens is best traveled in September and there are numerous historic and ancient segments of life everywhere in the capitol of Greece. Experiencing Athens via foot is the way to learn and immerse in this gem. The food on the islands and the mainland is mostly organic, loaded with extra virgin olive oil, comforting and it is a perfect side to visiting with friends and family.
Overall, the Acropolis still has remnants of many temples which in ancient times were places for Athenians to visit, discuss politics, govern the city, visit a hospital for healing and even see a show at the theater.
UNESCO sites are all over Greece. There are 19 inscribed on the World Heritage List, 17 of which are cultural sites and two (Meteora and Mount Athos) are listed for both their natural and cultural significance. Meteora has been on my bucket list for years, and at last, I visited. Britannica describes Meteora as a group of monasteries on the summits of vertical rock formations in Thessaly. The rock formations are 60 million years old. The monasteries are located just north of the small town of Kalambaka. Cool fun fact: the name Meteora is derived from a Greek contraction meaning “suspended in the air.” The monasteries were built average 1,000 feet in height. When in Greece book a tour to experience this miraculous site.
Next stop Kefalonia, Greece.
This Ionian Island, supposedly the best one of the Ionian groupings is charming and gorgeous. Kefalonia is known for Myrtos Beach and the caves like Melissani & Drogarati Cave, which we did not have time to see as we were laying over on our way to Ithaki. We did have a chance to see Trapezaki beach because it was yards from Celestial Suites where we stayed overnight. The hotel located in a wooded area with green foliage and herbs surrounding the property lent a fresh and nature vibe to the emerald looking beach close by. Next time we allow more days on this island to experience the sparkling bays and hidden coves.
The Ionian Sea is, in my opinion, is prettier, warmer, milder and more wonderful to take a swim, than the Aegean.
Ithaki.
The reason I am in Greece. My cousin’s daughter is getting married to a young man from the mythical magical island. My extended family and I have arrived for the festivities, and as we step off the ferry onto the land, I immediately feel the spirit and ethos of Homer’s Odysseus. The landscape, the sea, the air, the vegetation connected me to the adventurous Odysseus. In some ways, I am the female Odysseys- maverick, adventurer, free spirit, lover of life and people, home seeking and resourceful. The island reveres the reputation of its legendary hero, Homer’s protagonist. As a matter of fact, there is giant statue of him in the center of town on the island.
Ithaki was first inhabited 4000-3000 BC. The antiquity is ever noticeable. The small island is bursting with beautiful beaches and serene colors of emerald green, aqua, deep blue, light blue and every other hue of blue and green.
The wedding hosts gifted us ferry boat ride around the island to experience the love and serenity of Ithaki. The beaches are one of a kind, romantic, healing, enticing but also family oriented.
SARAKINIKO BEACH has sunbeds and a beautiful cove to swim in this part of the Ionian Sea. There is also a tiki bar with drinks and food. Lots of pebbles leading into water so bring water shoes.
FILIATRO BEACH is stunning. Great swimming, busy family beach, restaurant bar and showers. You can also paddle board and kayak.
GEDAKI BEACH- we sailed this beach and stopped to swim. Refreshing water, incredible backdrop with enormous white washed volcanic rock as you get out of the water and head to the sand. This island is ideal for capturing the most beautiful & iconic pictures.
Memorable restaurants that we dined at include:
MILLS- at Vathy Harbor in the center of town. Food tasted like it was prepared by a Michelin 5-star chef even though it was mom – the owner of this kitchen. The fresh caught snapper was the meatiest, moistest and best piece of fish I have ever eaten. The appetizers set off a symphony in my mouth....ohhh . The Tzatziki, fried zucchini, octopus and Baked cheese balls are still on my mind. Excellent Greek wine to drink when in Greece: Malagouzia- Μαλαγουζια.
TREHANTIRI TAVERNA in Vathy- the main town is a traditional Greek homecooked food restaurant. Food so yummy, you cannot stop eating it. My favs: spinach, cheese and mushroom pies, Greek rocket salad, Pastichio, baby potatoes with evoo and rosemary. Lamb fell off the bone, mouthwatering. This taverna is surrounded by shops located in the heart of Vathy, meaning deep.
Ithaki or Ithaka is a must see. You will find culture, history, classical literary influences and the natural attractions are heavenly. If you are thinking about going, reserve your hotel 6 months out because there are not many places on the island.
My OLA KALA self-discovery with my Greece trip last week is this; slow down, live the moments you will remember, be thankful, go the extra mile to journey to a special place, enjoy dinners, walking is man/woman’s best friend, our roots lead us home and trips are good for the soul.
The happiest people romanticize their life because they know magic exists where they choose to find it.
Find it traveling, so you can simultaneously boost your health and slows down aging. You will feel young and vivacious all over again.
Filakia — Kisses!
Kiki