Day 693 - Corfu to Corinth, Greece
Ferrying to Igoumenitsi
A hearty middle-aged cab driver directed us to the ferry that would take us 20 miles across the Ionian Sea to the Greek harbor Village of Igoumenitsi. We were on the northern fringe of modern Greece as the ferry skated past Corfu's old fort, carrying its cargo of cars, vans, small trucks, and us. About 50 or 60 came along for the ride, mostly locals, children and parents, workers, a small scattering of tourists, and an aging Greek woman or two bundled in their babushkas and shawls.
An hour and a half later, we rolled off the ferry in search of the Avis Rent-A-Car we had hired (paying almost $200 extra for the privilege of dropping it off at the Athens airport the next day).
Often experiences like getting off of a ferry, to locate some sort of transportation leads to confusion often with me silently growling something along the lines of, "why must these places be up 100 steps and down seven alleys (the case in Rejecki) before they show themselves." But this time all was a breeze! Avis sat directly across the street! 75 yards later we were there.
The Drive to Corinth
Off we went skirting the Hellenic coast, sweeping up up up. The flora was green, if not lush. On our left, high rugged mountains of crumbly, gray rock. And on the right, the sea's slate-blue water bouncing sunshine back to the rest of the universe. We passed small, fishing villages, broad beautiful beaches with a fancy restaurant or two on the water, a gas station and coffee shop. Here and there a camper or tent, and an upright surfboard nearby. This was a perfect beachcomber part of the world. It reminded me of parts of California on either side of Pismo Beach. The waves weren't as big, but the weather was delicious and money didn't look to be an issue here. If I were to be reincarnated as a surfer dude, this would be stop number one.
The closer we came to Corinth the bigger the highways and traffic. The town of Corinth itself was, however, quite small and charming. When we arrived, the sun was low and by the time we had settle into our hotel and located a restaurant, we found ourselves looking at the sun setting over the great Temple of Apollo, the place where the Delphi Oracle decided some of ancient Greece's most important decisions. I was floored.
Recommendations
If you’re setting out for the Balkans and Adriatic Regions of Europe, please consider some of these recommendations.
A great place located just next to Split’s Old Town with walking access to Croatia’s unique heritage, including Diocletian’s Palace and St. Domnius Cathedral. Visitors will also find excellent shopping and dining nearby.