Hydra

Donkeys, the only way to travel! inside the Orloff Hotel

I think it's safe to say that Hydra is an island unlike any other. You arrive by ferry in a small port brimming with small boats and houses nestled into the hillside. It's a bit like going back in time-the only mode of transportation is by donkey or by foot. We walked through narrow cobblestone streets to the Orloff hotel, which is this great place where the Kennedy's once stayed. We quickly put on our swimsuits to go explore the island's beaches - it was so easy because we didn't have to worry about taking a bus or anything, we just walked!

The water here is so salty that you easily float, but you can barely submerge yourself because there is so much pressure! Snorkeling isn't a big deal because there aren't many fish to see, but the water is warm and crystal clear. It was a bit creepy being able to see so far down, the water must have been over 100 feet deep! Being the huge dork that I am, I brought my goggles along so I could observe all of this. I let everyone in the group borrow them so they could see as well, and of course they were gone by the end of the day. It was a sad day for the whole group, since it had been such a big joke for the entire trip. I of course went and bought a new pair the next day, but nothing compares to my favorite TYR goggles that you can only buy at swim meets.

After I cried the whole way home about my goggles (not really) we spotted a "ballin" bar that overlooked the water - with margaritas! I had been dying for a margarita ever since we got here, but these didn't come close to Paula's Patron Margaritas from earlier this summer. As you can see by the progression of pictures, we had quite a blast at this bar. We were bad and ordered American food because it was the first we had seen of it in weeks...buffalo wings? potato skins? Mozzarella sticks? It was pretty tasty...but don't tell anyone. Some people I know would say this "was not a true Greek experience." But I can tell you I'd never eat buffalo wings at a place like this in the US!
Don't worry though, the next day I was an all-star traveler. I took charge and planned an educational excursion to the Lazaros mansion, a huge place on the hill that includes original artwork, stoves, furniture, and other Greek artifacts. The Lazaros family was never involved in the Greek government, but donated a lot of money and hosted many posh parties at this mansion. When the last Lazaros died with no children, he left the mansion to the town so it could be turned into what it is today. I might not be right about all of this, but I'm going from memory here...

After our educational adventure, we went to a beach that I had been dying to go to since we first arrived. It was this gorgeous cove that you see when you walk through the town and overlook the sea. We walked down a ton of steps to get there, but it was worth it! Under my lifeguard supervision, we swam out and jumped off a bunch of pretty high rocks. I even did a few dives. Andrew pretty much rock climbed his way to the cliffs so he could take action shots of us jumping. Those will come eventually, as soon as I steal the pics from him. Overlooking my fav swimming cove

That night there was a Greek soccer game on and the entire town gathered at taverns by the port to watch it. Everyone was sitting outside and watching the game on this projection screen - it seemed like the entire town was there and it was so cool. I pulled a classic Lumbard move and passed out in my chair halfway through the game though.