Naxos II

Naxos
Early next morning we saw the seas looked very calm so we got going by 7 a.m. and 5 hours later we were in Naxos city – our real destination for the next few days.
There was no room to get on the dock so we had to anchor in the harbour right behind the breakwater. It was a very bouncy night – huge ferrys coming and going at all hours and a container ship pulled in very close to us.
Again, our wonderful anchor held well and we managed the night. Next day by noon we were able to move onto the docks. This time it was very tricky and took about 5 tries. It was a tight squeeze between two other vessels and the winds were still pushing us around. Many helpful people on shore yelling to go this way and that way, hold here and drop anchor there, etc. and we finally made it. Other sailors are always willing to help and give advice (helpful when the harbour master is busy yelling in Greek!!! The winds have quieted some and we feel very secure here.

In Levitha (2 islands ago) we met a British couple – Peter and Sandra -who invited us onto their Moody – 42.5 ft. We had a drink together and exchanged books that we had finished reading. It was fun. They have sailed the Medd for 7 years, only going home to England to have Christmas with their son and daughter.
I tell you that to tell you this... we met Peter and Sandra again- right across the pier from us. We had afternoon tea together today and caught up on the last few days of sail.

Finally in the afternoon we started to explore Naxos town. At the highest peak is a castle that was built for Venetian aristocracy in the 1300s. There is actually an active Catholic church there, the only one we've seen so far. Parts of the old area are left and the old town (chora) is all around it so you have to wend your way around the pathways and hope you'll end up where you want to be. It's all fun and picturesque - and if you're walking upward you'll get to the top and if you're walking downward... well, you'll get to the tourist traps and waterfront.

We had such a wonderful evening. Jim and I went to a concert up near the castle. (Marg and Dave went to a different concert) It was sort of an outside event situated against two walls of the castle which provided very good acoustics. The other non wall was open to view the sea and allow some fresh breeze into the area.
One man played the piano and one man played the bouzouki, they each sang from time to time too.
I couldn't believe how much the bouzouki player looked like my dad and younger brother. I mentioned it to Jim and he said that he had thought that too. Of course this man was dark haired (like my dad) but the high forehead, curly hair, straight nose were all so familiar. He even had blue eyes!!! I didn't get a chance to ask him if he is my long lost brother/cousin.
The music was modern yet ancient. It was very Greek and very enjoyable. It was interesting to watch the audience too, all ages, many european nationalities.
Two girls and one man also came out now and then and danced some Greek dances, and one gal did a belly dance.
The walk back through old town was amazing as it was 11:30 pm. All the restaurants were full, people shopping and just wandering the alleys enjoying the genteel atmosphere.
Another wonderful night in Greece.