Embracing Island Time
The final stop on my European adventure - Naxos! This island, located in the Cyclades of Greece, turned out to be my favourite destination among all the places I've visited (I know I've probably said that about all my stops). There was something extraordinarily beautiful and laid-back about Naxos. Everyone appeared to be in a state of relaxation, the locals were abundant, and the island itself was a natural marvel.
However, my introduction to Naxos via the ferry was an interesting experience. The Greeks have a peculiar way of being both punctual and organised (insert sarcasm here). I purchased a ticket for the 3.45 pm ferry from Santorini, yet I didn't set foot inside the boat until 4.15 pm. I left my suitcase among a random collection of luggage in the middle of the lower deck (no allocated spaces), then I ascended to the higher decks to await an announcement that never arrived, indicating our arrival on Naxos island. I've come to understand that this type of organisation is affectionately known as 'island time,' and I quickly accepted it in Greece. Packed like sardines with other Naxos explorers, I finally set foot on the island and made my way to my accommodation.
I'm grateful that I booked a place near the ferry terminal because we arrived just as the sun was setting in a spectacular fashion. I couldn't resist watching it from the balcony of my room. It was a magical evening. The next morning, I decided to enjoy a completely restful day. So, I sauntered over to the nearest beach, found a comfortable spot, and stayed there for a few hours. The strong winds finally got to me, so I decided to stroll around instead. I wandered aimlessly, taking in the breathtaking beauty of Naxos's charming alleyways. Eventually, I found myself in a bakery, purchasing a piece of baklava to go. Before returning to my accommodation, I ventured through the Old Town Market and relaxed at a bar while sipping a Naxian Bliss, a cocktail made with local distilled lemon liqueur called Kitron.
After savouring my baklava and passing out from pure joy, I awoke the next morning and thought to myself, "Hmm, I'd really like to climb a mountain today." So, I headed to the local bus stop, bought a ticket to the town of Filoti, and embarked on an adventure to hike to the highest peak on Naxos - Mt. Zeus (or, in Greek, it's known as Mt. Zas). Boy oh boy, did I not know what I was in for. Even the first kilometre was quite a challenge. Fortunately, about halfway up, I met a gentleman from the Netherlands who was also making the journey to the top. We navigated rocky sections and lush green paths, even walking alongside mountain goats at a point. Once we reached the peak, we sat and recharged for an hour. During that time, I had the chance to meet people from around the world and even witnessed an eagle soaring through the sky.
I've observed a common theme during my mountain hikes since I started in 2018 - there is an incredible sense of humility and kindness at the summit (towards yourself and towards others). During this particular hike, an American hiker asked if he could take a Polaroid picture of a father and his young son and then gave the picture to them. He was deeply moved by their achievement in reaching the mountain's peak together. Hearing this interaction blew my heart right open. After recharging, I descended the mountain and rewarded myself with Saganaki for dinner.
Naxos truly was a place that offered both relaxation and personal achievements. I'm thrilled that I had the opportunity to explore this beautiful island. I'm also incredibly thankful to all of you who have taken the time to follow along with my European journey. Traveling allows me to relax and tap into my creativity. It encourages ideas to flow and opens up new realms. I say "realms" because we all perceive specific environments differently. So, thank you for stepping into my “realm” for a moment. I hope you've enjoyed it here!