Paros and Naxos Islands
When we awoke this morning Panorama was anchored in Naoussa Bay on Paros Island. This bay lies at the northeast end of the island, and offers good protection and lots of options for a relaxed morning spent on the beach. Our weather was ideal, and we were planning to take full advantage of this. The majority of the first wave of guests who decided to head for the beach joined Michelle for a hike to a lighthouse poised at the northernmost tip of Paros Island. The rest of the early risers chose to hit the water for snorkeling or kayaking and this was supplemented by some fine sandcastle construction. Just prior to lunch we returned to the ship to clean up and grab a bite before departing for our destination for the afternoon.
There was a short break for a siesta or time on deck as the Panorama repositioned to Naxos Island. Upon arrival we separated into the “adult” group and the “kids” group. The adults headed off to visit a local potter’s workshop and an olive press located further towards the center of the island at the small village of Damalas. Ellie, one of our Greek guides led the kids group out to the Portara near the harbor which was the beginning construction of a temple to Apollo. Although it was never finished, it is a prominent feature for the island. Just after this the kids boarded their coach to arrive at the workshop just as the adults were departing. Manolis is the local potter that runs the shop and he had much more of a hands-on plan for this group. Clay was plentiful as many of the younger crowd took a shot at some “messy” molding and then most took a turn at the pottery wheel with just a bit of assistance from Manolis. By the end, there was a good lineup of new creations in the shop. We cleaned up as best we could, gathered our pottery and headed back to Panorama. While we were gone the adults had joined Elleni, one of our Greek guides for a tour of the historic Kastro in Naxos town. When we arrived, the Greek party was in full swing and a delicious Greek buffet was ready shortly thereafter.
We had thought that the day was finished but a local dance troupe arrived with a few local musicians to entertain us and show us some of the local dances of the area and of Greece. By the end of the performance they had us on our feet, joining them for a few dances to finish this fine presentation. The Greek night and the day finished just as it should – with a chance to wander the streets of this fine harbor town. Late in the evening, the temperatures of the day dropped, and the local residents came down to the waterfront to enjoy the evening.
