Join me for ...

Join me for ...
... a journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes of Greece
... wanderings through the less traveled mainland and islands of Greece
... a pilgrimage into the deep vistas of the land of the gods
Showing posts with label Beaches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beaches. Show all posts

Saturday, August 23, 2014

How to Undress (with Discretion) on a Public Beach


When she walked onto the beach, she owned it. She was as lovely as a soft, summer's day and as sultry as the wine-dark night. She wore golden sandals and a caftan-like top that was on the very edge of her white shoulders. In her hand was a large beach bag. Into the bag she reached and pulled out two tiny pieces of cloth. I guessed (correctly) the strings were a bikini top and bottom. Her one hand went under her caftan and down fell a tiny pair of panties; her other hand went back under the garment, did a few twists and turns, and down fell what looked like a bra.

Her garment suggested transparency, but that was a trick--you saw what your eyes wanted you to see. After discarding the "street" clothing, she reached for her beach attire. With two quick steps, the bikini bottom disappeared under the caftan and with a reach behind and a reach on top to tie the knot, the bikini top was put in place. As she lifted her shoulders and allowed her caftan to fall, she raised her arms and removed the ribbon from her hair. She shook her head and her lovely, silken hair cascaded to her waist.

The grey-eyed goddess Athena stood before us. And this performance cost not one euro.

I could hardly wait to get back to my flat to imitate this routine. If she could do it, so could I--with practice. Wearing my appropriate undergarments covered by a large top, I slipped off my white, cotton (not too sexy) underpants and then did Athena one better by kicking them across the room. Ah ha, that was a good move. Dramatic. It would get attention. But when I tried smooth movements to remove my top, I fumbled and fumbled with hooks and realized that, for me, this just would not work. I was all thumbs.

To accomplish what Athena did, one has to appear to be poetry in motion. And that is what she presented on the beach--a lovely tabloid of poetry in motion. Thank you, Athena. I would wager that not everyone on the beach noticed your grey eyes, but I did because I saw them sparkle when you completed your exquisite performance.

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Schinias Beach – Shhh, it’s a Secret!


There are not many places in Greece where you can enjoy a walk in a forest and a stroll on a beach, but most Athenians know of such a place, even though it has been called “a best-kept secret.” It is Schinias Beach, near Marathon, about 45 kilometers from Athens on the east coast of the Attica Peninsula.

Schinias has been called “one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece” and in comments posted on the Trip Advisor website, one reviewer called it “the best beach in the world for families with small children.” On the same site, another said “it is Greece’s best kept secret.”

Known for its natural beauty, crystalline waters, and very long beach with very fine sand, Schinias is on the edge of a serene pine forest that reaches the water’s edge. The coastal resort has been called “picture perfect” by some travel writers and is a favorite weekend destination for Athenians. It features comfortable facilities, including a water sports center and rental equipment, and is ideal for families with children. Because the sand is so fine, it is perfect for children who want to build sand castles. Windsurfers discovered this beach years ago and find it ideal for their sport.

Protected by the Schinias Peninsula, there are no currents or large waves and toddlers can wade a hundred or more meters out to sea and not be in water over their heads. Because there are no waves, adults can swim long distances at a leisurely pace without tiring. Others prefer to simply float and soak up the sun while chatting with friends.

Schinias is an easy drive – less than an hour – from Athens. There is plenty of space for parking and it is free. It can be reached, also, by the local bus that leaves from Mavromateon Street at the Pedion Areos Park. The nearest metro station is Victoria. Once there, you will find a nice variety of tavernas and seafood restaurants and, if you are a tourist who wants to spend a few days in the area, hotels are just a few kilometers from Schinias, and also in Marathon.

Published in The National Herald, June 2014