Since this is catch up day. On to Hydra

So I already discussed almost missing the boat quite literally we arrived in low clouds the rain had stopped but as we got off the boat with a million other people we located the hotel porter to take our bags to the hotel.  It is up hill as most accommodations are in Hydra but the walk isn’t too bad.  About 5-100 minutes.  As we pass a couple of open air restaurants they are packed with people, it is party time on Saturday night.  After seeing our room we head back down to get something to eat, all the shops are open and people are all over

Next morning at 7am the church bells sound and we hear people talking over a public address system. Dan seemed to think they were broadcasting church services but it was intermittent and would start and stop. We also had whistle blowing which we had never heard in any church service (not that we are experts)

Down to breakfast.  I never talk much about breakfast until today’s.  It was wonderful. The dining room was set with china, there were 3 hot freshly made items including spanakopita, Brie in puffed pasty and an apple strudel to die for.  Fresh orange juice, and all the other traditional breakfast items, breads, cold cuts and more pastry.  Some eggs, bacon and sausages. I actually took pictures. It was terrific. Our room had some view and it is a great place. Too bad we are only staying 1 night.

This is really a pretty down day for us the sun is shining and we have nothing planned. Hydra is a small laid back place and is known for its number of beaches. Unfortunately it is not beach weather and although the sun is out it is still cool. Down to the main shops we go to look for fun things and take a walk. We are still curious about why all the whistles which continue and as we get closer to town there is cheering and clapping.  Turns out it is “race day in Hydra”.  They have a 7 k, 10, k, and marathon. There are several different heats for the children. The whistles were to warn the shoppers and tourists who are out strolling to get out of the way. One young girl caused a runner to stumble and grab her so she wasn’t knocked to the ground.

We spent the day doing nothing, some walking, lunch in the sun a nice decompressed day. One think about all of the parts of Greece we have seen is that cats abound. They lay in the sun, will beg at tables where people are eating and there is no competition or fighting with dogs. The dogs are just as lazy and have no desire to chase the cats.

Our ferry across the bay does not leave until 7:40 pm. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening as the Greeks by sitting in a cafe with a glass of wine watching the runners catch some of the other ferries for other islands, ports or back to Athens.  We are in good company sitting and all the shilops are closing since it is Sunday night and Monday will be back to normal for the Hydraians

Tonight we take the ferry to the town of Ermioni, we will rent a car for the next 2 days and explore The Peloponnesus. It is supposed to rain tomorrow but we are thankful for the great day we had in Hydra