My Return to Naxos...sans Internet

 

Jeff—Saturday

I have not missed a blogpost in a dozen years, and I'm not about to start today.  I'm in a remote village on the glorious island of Naxos, and trying to get a new post up ain't working...undoubtedly because of my Luddite ways. So I'm resorting to posting my last post from there offering photos of historical interest (sort of), and as the history hasn't changed, all of that remains current. Here you are, with my apologies, but the subjects in the news I wanted to talk about will be around next week...sadly.

For those of you who like to know the punch line right off the bat (to mix a metaphor or two) the surprise is Naxos, the largest and possibly greenest of the Cycladic islands, and neighbor to Mykonos. It’s like going back in time…starting with today and marching back through decades into centuries until ending up somewhere six or seven millennia BCE when this island launched the Cycladic period. It’s had a storied history, but this being my birthday I feel a bit sensitive about discussing the ancients today.

Instead, I’m offering a brief taste of the sorts of surprises this fabulous island has to offer, all as photographed by Photobomber (who took the photos). To be sure, they and a few other surprises will work their way in my next book. I should add, that book is still in search of an alliterative title and all suggestions are welcome. 

So, without further delay, here’s just the briefest glimpse of the enchanting island of Naxos:

Imagine yourself following this road

You find this deserted undeveloped beach

You see this structure off in the distance

Curiosity sends you off exploring

It becomes more and more interesting

What can it possibly be?

Better still, what was it?

Not Stonehenge...perhaps ConcreteHedge?

Stepping inside and looking back at the spectacular view,

You wonder what harm can befall you exploring.

Perhaps it's time to rethink that conclusion.

And who's this?

Aha, uplifting thoughts.

A bit of a different perspective

I'm beginning to think getting out there's not such a bad idea.

Definitely not a bad idea.

Though this means of escaped does cause one to pause.

Ahh, free at last!

But what's this?

And this.

At last, a friendly face.

Can't say the same thing about these birds.

What happened to friendly face?

An interesting lady

Alfred E. Neuman's sister?

An editorial?

What is this place. I better go find out.

But first a stop at the beach.

And then a bite to eat.

The path up to our hotel....the other path looked more welcoming

A killer view back toward town....so to speak.

On a journey to the Naxos Archaeological Museum at the top of the Old Town Kastro or castle.

Self Portrait by Photobomber.

On her way to the top.

Through the streets.

More streets.

The old castle walls (Venetian)

The Catholic Cathedral and Duchy Palace

The rear of the Museum

One of its treasures, some as old as 5th Millennium BCE

Just a cool shot of the Museum

Naxos harbor at sunset.

It's still setting.

A mountain vista

A broader mountain vista

A mountain vista with sea on the side.

A valley village.

Example of the fertile land in action.

Access to the islet housing the symbol of Naxos.

Here it is, The Portara.

  

The Portara panorama

Hard not to miss this place.

—Jeff