When Brant planned the trip he was very worried about a 2hour connection as we had to claim our luggage and move it to another airline. We did not realize it was 2 different airlines initially. SO of course, everything went wrong. The first flight was about 45 minutes late. Sadly the luggage was also late, another 40 minutes or more. As we checked the screens we could see final boarding call before we even got through security, but we thought lets go for it! Sadly our bad luck continued, our boarding passes would not scan. Security was incredibly backed up and far pickier but not as adept at finding things as Istanbul. It appeared they were training a group of new agents. Every single device had to be powered up. Every item had to be in a separate bin! For example, Brant’s belt had to be in its own bin. The agent became angry when I prematurely went through scanner (I was unwisely trying to speed the process and the woman behind me as well). A very loud argument (in Greek) ensued with the agent—I decided to try to quickly slip away not wanting to be a part of this threesome when security arrived. I told Brant to take off running. He did and once I extricated myself I did too….oh and of course, we had the last gate! We ran and ran and ran around wheelchairs and even one walker (must have run out of wheelchairs?)…… then we were told to get on the bus (our private bus all to ourselves), when another couple calmly joined us from Vienna, their 22nd trip to Naxos. We suspect the plane was held for them, not us. But we made it! That was when I realized I had failed to wait for my IPad and had gone running without it. The flight attendant assured me she had done the same thing at the same airport and they had a great system for getting it back. She was correct…I did it get back on next flight through Athens. The police officer was so happy when my pin that I had to give to him opened it when I called. Very awkward to give to him but he assured me, I am POLICE OFFICER! The same man was there when I picked it up. Wow tough job. He was constantly answering phones, trying to decipher what they were saying and honestly just seemed so happy when he could actually help someone. When we left he said, “Bye Bye!”—I kid you not. I said, Bye! Bye!. Sorry a long story—-but so funny (until I realized IPad gone).
Our driver at Naxos airport who works with the property management was very friendly and informative. After a quick walk through winding alleys we got to our apartment. When we rented it we were concerned about noise factor but 80 reviews said not a problem. The first night we sat on the deck listening to a large group of young women doing an ABBA sing along. We kind of wish we went out to street to watch at bar but on deck we could laugh all we wanted without hurting any feelings—and trust me, it was hilarious. Sadly, the techno pop that did not turn off till 3 am did require ear plugs. We were surprised that 80 reviews could be wrong but when we mentioned the 3am music to the rental property the late night music stopped and all was good. (Suspect they were violating a noise ordinance).
We have chosen our places to stay to try to get a variety of experiences and it has worked very well with mainly very pleasant surprises—-like the beautiful fruit, wine and crackers left for us at this apartment. It was fun to be on the “main drag”. Fun to watch the boats and people—then step out door to shops, ferries, restaurants and bars.
We did not realize it would be so tough to organize ferry day trips. It was surprisingly expensive as well…for example, 86 euros per person one way to Santorini. As it turns out there is much to do on the island that I would not have wanted to miss.
One day we explored to the northern part of the island via sailboat—much of which cannot be reached by road. Lots of jumping off the boat for swims and a little cliff jumping. Beautiful relaxing day… We met a couple on their honeymoon. They were from New York and now living in Dallas. They were trying to plan a move to Sicily. I also met a woman from North Attleboro, Mass—my hometown. She literally lives around the corner from where I grew up. We were so shocked. We actually knew same people in town—still there after more than 50 years! Great also to hear the energy and excitement in the young people on the boat. There were people from France, Germany, Czech Republic, Canada and the US on the boat. Sign language is important here.
One day we rented a car and explored the island. We could have used the local bus but decided I like to stop way too often for that to work. This is where Zeus spent his child hood (born in Crete ). Maris had told us it was a great hike to mountaintop but that our hottest day during the trip (90s)with no shade on the trail so we opted for rabbit stew, rotisserie chicken and aperol spritz’s in a beautiful village in the mountains.
We also found an outdoor movie theater and watched “Where the crawdads sing”. All in Greek subtitles! They had excellent food and drink without US movie prices. We enjoyed walking through the downtown….So many bakeries and fish shops…
We spent time swimming and relaxing on the beach. As in all of Europe you just rent those loungers on the beach. Maybe we need to start that service in LB?
The flight started easily enough….one person to check you in, one gate that the same person in charge of it. Remember Wings TV series? . A short walk to the little airplane….
So the question, would we come back: I would like to do the hike to Mount Zeus. There were really nice beaches here but not as nice as our next island. I think the answer is maybe. It is a great base to start out from to explore this area but I think probably works better to just move from one island to another if that is your goal.
This was just a great place to wander around and try to get lost in the little streets. Naxos has a nice combo of modern and old….and the people were so friendly and helpful here.
Life's Been Good To Us So Far! 