Greece Trip - Day 4

June 29, 2009 – Syros

This morning we took taxis to the hill top church of St Georges at Anos Syros – the medieval part of the Island, just above the main town and port area. The view from the top of the hill was lovely – it overlooked the port area, the tranquil sea and the tops of churches buildings. We walked down through the jagged streets, between white-wash square houses with blue windows and doors where the locals stepped out of the houses to say hello or “Kalimera”. We came across a very sweet old lady, who showed us the correct path to take to the museum and into the town. This part of the town was so quaint and cute. The main town was also nice, but had the usual touristy feel to it once you got closer to the waterfront streets and shops.

After visiting the port town, we went back to our little village on the other side of the Island and headed straight for the beach. They have umbrellas and sun lounges along the beach, so we took up a lounge and then went straight for a swim in the clear water. The bar took drink orders from out seats and they also had people walking around giving Chinese massages, so I had a leg and foot massage while I lay on the beach under my umbrella. It was such a relaxing, fun filled summers day.

That night for dinner the entire group went to a family run tavern close to the beach. The family were so excited when we arrived and the smiles never dimmed. They were so friendly and welcoming. The son – George, was our waiter, and his mother “Mamma” and wife were the cooks. George’s English was fantastic and we fun chatting to him and telling him how great the food was. The food portions were huge and the flavours were devine – everyone in the group was more than pleased with the food and wine. After our meals, they gave us platters of yoghurt with preserves fruit on top and platters of various plums and apricots from their orchard. We asked for “Mamma” and his wife to come out and we thanked them for such wonderful food and said our goodbyes. We then went to the beachside bar and had some Ouzo to complete our night of Greek traditions. It was a great night and a great beginning to our Greek holiday.

Recipe from Syros:

Aubergines Imam
Ingredients: Aubergines, oil, garlic, onion, puréed tomato, sugar, salt, pepper, potato
Method: Cut the aubergines in 4 and remove the bitterness by soaking them in water. Clean the potatoes and cut into cubes then fry them in oil. Fry the aubergines in the same oil and squeeze a clove of garlic into the pieces. Strain the aubergines and potatoes. Fry the onions, puréed tomatoes, salt, pepper and sugar separately in oil and then add the aubergines and potatoes back into the pan and let the mixture simmer until the sauce blends.