Off to the “Crypto-Friendliest City in the World”, Loutraki, Greece! (Part 2)

in #life7 years ago (edited)

Off to the “Crypto-Friendliest City in the World”, Loutraki, Greece! (Part 2)


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After such a long trip, a huge jet lag and the wall of heat arriving in Greece, a quick shower in a marble bathroom was just as powerful an experience as the sleep that followed!

As soon as I woke up, I couldn’t help it. I jumped out of bed, to see what view was going to be opening before my eyes. I knew the Mediterranean Sea was at my doorstep, some healthy mature palm trees growing across the street, but nothing prepared me for the sight coming up too slowly for my likings at that point. The mechanical blinds were grinding their way up as the sun rays started to pound on my feet, travelling upwardly all the way to my heart till I felt compelled to slide the door open…

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A soft breeze floated through the doorway, but almost like a white noise, the sound of cicadas was the main undertone of the experience. Against a desert background and pungent sumac scents simmering in the salty waters of this humid air, the vista was punctuated by a calm and colourful sea. Reflecting its banks, the aquamarine mirror gently shared its pastel revelations. In itself, it was heartbreakingly beautiful.

From this balcony, three story high above the street, early morning joggers of all ages went back and forth, fishermen were busying themselves with their passion if not necessity, and a few swallows attracted my attention well below. Swooping through branches of giant fig trees, they were chasing one another and effortlessly carried my gaze to the cutest little house I have seen in the area. This very humble abode with its terracotta roofing was decorated of its traditional Greek designs and colours, white and blue. One would not forget to add up the national flags as pride if not dignity is characteristically strong in the area.

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Straight form the street, the owners had build a little party through the rocks and bushes along which they had carefully placed miniature effigies only hidden them partially so a curious walker would see them appear both on the way up or the way down the dusty path. The arrangement seems to be rather appealing for children of all ages…

Exhilaration mounted quickly and all signs of weariness vanished like fog in the sun. I quickly turned back on my heels, closed the deck door and blinds, allowing for A/C to do its proper job again. I jumped in a pair of shorts and a thin cotton shirt to mosey outside as quickly as I could after slinging on my camera. Time for a bit of a walk in the easily endured early morning warmth. It was only 7 a.m. after all!

The soft briny air and ocean-like smells reminded me of home, but such temperature was anything but Haida Gwaii where temperatures would usually be nearing 13 to 16 degrees on very exceptionally warm morning. Hardly any cars or motorcycles drove by. Actually, there were more joggers and people enjoying their early morning walks than anything else out there on the street. An excited pack of stray dogs, perfectly harmless, roamed the sidewalks while claiming territories and socializing.

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I crossed the street and took a first shot. It felt a bit like me at the moment. This small boat pleasantly floated in front of me while seemingly looking ahead, gazing at the horizons opening before itself. Through what looks like a giant gaping mouth far in the distance, the Mediterranean Sea opened onto its vast expanses and, with the subtle pink and golden light of the moment, the shores across from where we stood were humbly glowing. We were in for a seriously hot day I presumed.

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Slowly venturing out toward the heart of the city along the building crowded shore, I turned around to face the mountains on my left-hand side. Heralding under the umbrella of “The Sacred” as the theme of the day, a lone monastery had appeared beyond the heights of the nearby hotels and apartment buildings in various states of deterioration, sometimes vacant while sometimes packed and everything in between.

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A few kilometres further up the road, a marina as small in stature as its famous boats offered another opportunity for photography. These endearing little vessels were seemingly hanging on a transparent turquoise platform that had the look of a giant blue-green block of plexiglass.

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As time went by rather quickly, I knew I had to return to the hotel where a free Mediterranean breakfast was served. I subsequently learned that most hotels served a free breakfast over there and what a breakfast! Fresh local olives and apricots, bananas and oranges, cottage cheese and fresh yogurt, sunny-side-up eggs floating on a thin layer of exquisite olive oil, right-out-of-the-oven baking of delicate pastries as well as the usual accompaniment of toasts, jams, butter and whipped cream for the waffles and fruits, coffee and teas, including freshly squeezed orange juice. I sat on top of the hotel, over looking the sea as the breeze swayed my highly appreciative thoughts of gratitude for life and my hosts, the palm and fig trees down below, and the expanses of water before my soul.

I was told the night before that our friend @liondani would be coming over to pick us up around 9 a.m. to go to church, so I had to be ready and dressed for the occasion by then. A very short 45 minutes later, time had just went by so smoothly, I could easily have missed the boat! After a quick reminder from our friend @onceuponatime, I bolted downstairs to find @liondani along with his wife, @kerkyra, with whom I was introduced promptly and off we were for a full day of adventures!

First, the Mass! Time pressed us on as the ceremony was just about to start. The sinuous road up to the church brought us up higher and higher along the sides of the same mountain I had peered at earlier where a monastery hung in the middle of the slope, apparently alone in the area…
This specific location and its surroundings has been over the centuries a centre for devout, for saints and spiritually endowed pious pilgrims, from all over the world. A very special gift was coming to light for me. Our friends were unofficially giving us a tour of the sacred lands and pilgrimage sites around their stomping grounds!

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Our first stop would be the “Monastery of Agios Gerasimos”, the Monastery of Saint Erasmus, a traditional Greek Orthodox church hanging on the flanks of the Geraneia Mountain that rises straight from behind the hotel where I am going to be staying for the next four nights. The narrow windy road to get up here could hardly allow two cars to pass each other on the side of the precipice. apparently though, the drive was well known to our special driver of the day and @liondani could have probably tackled it blindfolded, so it seemed…

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(As one walks inside Saint Erasmus Church, near Loutraki, a strong sense of sacredness emanates from the place. the thick walls prevents the pilgrims and pious churchgoers from feeling the brunt of the heat outside, during the summer, or the frigid humid air of winter.)

Deferring to our hosts as to how one has to go about in the process of the ceremony, I religiously followed the instructions. With a heart as wide as my eyes, I contemplated on my surroundings. Meanwhile, the liturgy unravelled ceaselessly. Familiar singing resembling the Ottoman inspired style from Sufi classical music toned out of a small choir and soloing man sang the praise. The orthodox priest went about his religious affair back and forth while prayerful people of all ages went about the icons of the holy images making the triple signs of the cross over their forehead, heart, and shoulders, sometimes bending in a procession of movements crowned by a kiss or the semblance of one.

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(A close-up painting pf Saint Erasmus, only a few steps inside the church, on the left-hand side of the entrance.)

We were but another group of people among this highly reverential pastoral gathering. Yet, a strong sense of community reign in the space. I was feeling blessed, graced by an unknown I had only sensed a few times in some special churches, cathedrals and sacred places. In my entrails, I couldn’t have known that it was only the beginning of a long and holy day, but I could feel its imprinting and texture permitting my spirit.

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The multiple buildings around the main compound have a lot in common and their architecture is quite typical of the area. After the ceremony, we congregated outside or inside a small chamber to share in discussions and tea while munching on small cookies. After a few minutes, @onceuponatime and I were brought up to a towering 13 meter cross found a short distance from the site of worship.


(I am describing in French what I ave described to you up above.)

After reconvening with the main crowd and while everyone were socializing, I took a few minutes to wander around photographing my favourite vistas around the location. I was particularly taken by a set of three bells. I have always loved bells! Maybe it comes from my grandfather, on my mom side who used to hang me off of the ropes he used to pull to make them ring in the church where he used to be the verger. As i was about 6 years old, maybe a bit before and certainly a while after, he’d tell me to hold on tight to the rope after a few of his strong pulls and I’d be holding on for my life as I would be pulled up at least solid four feet up and down in the air from his secure and loving embrace, always ready to catch me if I were to let go…

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The temperatures under the sun were already reaching over thirty degrees and we still had a quite a few more stops to go to. So, we all happily walked back to the car under the command of our F1 driver, @liondani, flanked by @onceuponatime, up front, while @kerkyra and I jumped in the back, ready for another stretch of joyful unknowns!

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(@onceuponatime meditating on the state of cryptocurrencies after our divine encounter... Maybe the smile indicated a God sent rise in the value of Steem?!?)


I hope this start to our trip in Loutraki, Greece, is enough to make your mouth water for some more as there is a lot more coming our way in the near future. Next time, we are going to visit with the body of Saint Patapius of Thebes, a.k.a. Saint Patapius of Egypt, whose incorruptible body can still defers miraculous phenomenon, we are going to visit Hera’s Temple, wife and sister of Zeus daughter of Rhea and Cronos, a marriage goddess, go for divine Greek food - including the most amazing tzatziki I have ever came across (Who would think a tzatziki could steal the show!?!), an excellent coffee with @onceuponatime, decadent ice-cream with @kencode and a crypto visit with @liondani to the “House of Madness” along a mandatory pit-stop in a cigarette smoke ridden café and a super quick visit to Athens with @vpbokos for serious crypto-business and more, much more!

Stay tuned and, till next time, keep your smiles and taking good care, thrive on and namaste :)

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Hey, Eric.,
How goes it on Vancouver Island?

This is a really well written post! Sounds almost as if it could have been based on a true story (with only the names changed to protect the innocent) :-)

As if there are any innocent LOL

Upvoted and re-steemed

Thanks a bunch for the kind words, the upvoting, re-steeming and ceaseless and entrusted fellowship. It is all so greatly appreciated! I'm so glad you enjoyed the writing and take it as a huge compliment coming from you.

Here, in Nanaimo, the temperatures are getting back to normal in their mid-twenties, sunny while still being able to swim in the ocean, the schedule is packed with Steeming and a very new family life I am gladly and mostly joyfully adapting to. Life is very busy so far and manage to catch up on sleep when time arises...

Thrive on brother, keep your smile and taking good care, namaste :)

Beautiful place ...I feel compelled to visit...

It is definitely worth the trip, so much more than words can say. I wish it to you. May it be so. Namaste :)

Beautiful monastery the photographs are great. Do you speak Greek?

Thank you so very much for your kind words. I unfortunately don't speak Greek and, as much as I have tried to do so while I was there, it has been a very difficult language for me to get into, so far...

Namaste :)

Yes, Greek is a hard language to pick up but enjoy the rest of your time there l🌞 it's a beautiful country.

I did have a great time and it was in deed very beautiful, thanks for the kindnesses. Namaste :)

Where did you go to roam? she is so beautiful. Some places are so good. And the boat is beautiful too. The view of the mountain is good. And the beach is very beautiful from far away.

Thanks a bunch for sharing these thoughts and kind words with me! This is in Loutraki area, in a country called Greece. I'm glad you enjoyed it so far, stay tuned for some more... Namaste :)

thanks so much!, Thank you for telling me. Have a good day.

Great photos and what a wonderful sounding place. Thank you for sharing, very worthy of a follow and upvote

Thanks you so very much for your kind words, fellowship, upvote and I'm really glad you are enjoying it so far. Namaste :)

Great story, and amazing photography!

Thank you so very much, I'm really glad you enjoyed and hope you'll equally like what is coming your way in these terms... ;) Namaste :)

Great story and nice photograpy! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so very much, I really appreciate the time and compliments. It touches my heart and motivates me to continue in the same vein, it is such a pleasure.

Namaste :)

What a lovely experience. I will have to visit the area one day as well!

Thanks, I would greatly suggest a visit. The Steem crew out there is out of this world while my highly positively biased comfort with the Mediterranean climate agrees with me beyond words...

Never mind the heavenly weather or the great foods, the change about to happen there through the coming of crypto-currency infrastructure will revolutionize the area and turn Loutraki into the “Crypto-Friendliest City on Earth”! Maybe you'd like to be part of that change??? ;) The location is ripe for it.

Namaste :)

omg
this is first time that i ever read the long post in my life
during the time of reading , i really enjoyed and never get bored
even sometimes i thought that this story is based on reality. is it
thank you so much for posting these kinds of content
really love your post
Please keep posting
:)
upvoted and resteem

Your comment is one of the most flattering one I have ever came across... Thank you so very much!

Sadly, by now, I guess I really have to shorten my posts. Quite a few people don't take the time to read and only look at the pictures, but you courageously went on reading and got into the real story of my first trip ever outside of North America. It is a true story! ...And there's a lot more coming your way, stay tuned, Part 3 is coming out soon.

Namaste :)

oh yeah
i waiting for it

sorry to forget one thing
Namaste:)

#onceuponatime and your experiences have me feeling very curious about visiting this place and surrounding areas <3

We sure hope so! ;) Namaste :)

I see some visits to Greece in my future!

This is an exciting trip, friend @eric-boucher! I enjoy the mountain landscapes and landscapes of the sea, where I have never been! You are writing interesting! Thank you for sharing!

Thank you @olga.maslievich, it is such a pleasure to be able to share this with you all on Steemit. Namaste :)

P.S.: I see you have also "resteemed" my article, this is so very kind, thank you very much. I also follow you too now.

Beautiful pictures and great story. Yes, it is a wonderful city and the majesty of the city is enchanting. Thank you for sharing this @eric-boucher!

Thank you so very much for such kind words. I'm really glad you enjoyed it, it is such a pleasure to be able to share all of this with people, such as you, who appreciate it, probably even more so because you have been there yourself?!?

Namaste :)

great delight reading ones article. it's wealthy in info My supporter and that i probing for even so I appreciate article some reasonably musings that "The substance of the article may be marvelous" rattling work.

Thanks a lot for the kind words, really appreciated. Namaste :)

no matter sir its my duty

beautiful view,,
make our eyes open to enjoy nature, the view of the ocean.

@syahruddin

Thanks a bunch, I am glad this type of writing touches you in this fashion. Namaste :)

Awesome landscapes! Greese is amazing)
You seem to be very happy to be there) That's great)))

Thanks a lot for the kind words, Greece was in deed very beautiful and inspiring on so many levels... It really found a cushy spot in my heart. Namaste :)

wonderful photos of your adventure, really like the one with the boats and that 2nd one! thx for sharing :)

Thanks a bunch, I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. It is such a pleasure to be able to share this with you all. Namaste :)

Wow, Im surprised by the clear water on the picture. Seems not only the land looks brilliant, but also the sea seems to be very clean. The churches are a kind of secrets, like we know from before, but many overhere are not so authentic anymore. Thanks for the nice written blog and pictures.

Thanks a bunch for the kind words and comment, namaste :)

its a very helpful post, thank you...

nice shoting @eric-boucher, Im sure you have fun there.

It was GREAT!!! Thanks for the comment and namaste :)

Great stuff!
wow..
upvoted..
folow me for more upvote.
thnks ..

Thanks a bunch for the kind words, namaste :)

Greece the city of the gods, i like this stuff Follow,Upvote n resteem my blog @dilimunanzar

love ur photo........nice post keep it up

Thanks a bunch, glad you like it, namaste :)

Nice bro..👌👌
It's Amazing place..👌👍😍
Enjoy your time..😃😃

Thanks, I sure had a great time, priceless really. Namaste :)

wonderful Post....beautiful Photos...Good Job :)

Thanks a bunch, I'm glad you enjoyed! Namaste :)

Great post @eric-boucher, even if there is a lot of writing in it.
I hope to visit Greece one day!

Keep it up !!

splandid great my freind i love what you doing for us

@eric-boucher Thanks for publishing this Charming instant in time for yourself..

what an amazing place this is!! just speechless

Thanks a bunch, I'm glad you enjoyed it so much, namaste :)

Thank you Eric, nive to see Loutraki in more detail.. can't wait to visit this place..

More details to come very soon, namaste :)

very nice post. Good information.

Thank you so very much, I hope you'll appreciate the other posting related to this one. Namaste :)

@eric-boucher A great deal details thanks for sharing. Like it..