Erato Experience

In slapdash last-minute prep fashion, we chose our island of a recommendation from bargirl at Lozanni, Christie. So off we headed to Aegina and the funky Erato backpackers. Erato, run by a Greek-Australian and his gorgeous partner, was lots of fun. At the backpackers itself, they have a pool, free internet, good cookups and a nice bar.

A walk away, we visited the temple of Aphaia in Aegina Marina. We spent ages exploring this wonderful reconstruction. Unlike the writhing waves of tourists keen for a postcard shot at the Acropolis (we did get there eventually) there was no-one at Aphai when we first arrived. After an arduous but fun walk uphill, we spent ages looking at the place, from the freakingly cavernous cistern to composing silly pics. Unfortunate was the unexplored museum - the ticket people didn"t mention it. Two days later we learnt it existed! The church of Agios Nikolaoui (close-ish!) was spectacular. They let us inside - me clad with a makeshift skirt - and Dave was blown away by the detail and imposing design.

Using the fun and lively Erato as our base, we also hired a scooter to hoon around the island on. Scootering in Greece is pretty wild - total disregard of safety and road rules characterises their 'anything goes' road mentality. We felt pretty safe for most of the time, with the exception of a disturbance from an unconventional road user. Banking around a long, flowing bend, we looked up to see the swish of a peacock tail as it hopped out of our way. First time we'd seen the buggers, and it almost caused a road catastrophe!

On Aegina we scootered around, frolicked at the Aegina Marina beach and had coffees galore. Freddocinos - a kind of frappe, coffee and icecream mix - are divine. We were fortunate to catch the islands's Saint Day - Aegina is named after a saint. Big processions began at the church behind our hostel and people spilled out onto the beach as they headed towards another imposing and beautiful church. That evening, we watched the festivities from the Paradise Restaurant. We sampled an average stifado and a delicously (fatty) yet tasty yiouvetsi - lamb with risoni pasta. We then headed out to catch the markets and listen to some interesting live music.

Our last evening was spent in a delightful way. Earlier that day, we scootered out to Sovala and consumed a monstrosity of an omelette - a ham, bacon, cheese fried delight. Totally stuffed, we waited for dinner to eat again. This was fortunate, because we enjoyed live music at a local gyros (kebab shop). We had wine by the barrel - two types of non nosy red and white - deliciously sweet and different. We headed out after for a few more drinks and what Dave deems the most sumptuous chocolate cake ever. It was a wonderful way to end the fun at Erato!

I'm off to the quiescent island of Sikanos today via ferry, so this is a short one to touch base and keep you entertained. Will fill in the Santorini gaps soon!