TWO VASILIS, TWO SWIMS, A POTTED BASIL, A FISH AND A DUCK

While the bad parrot has heightened our awareness of omens, the ‘potted basil’ featured was a central positive omen yesterday as we boarded the Oceania to head to Alonyssos a protected marine park. Not only did we have a basil in the pot but two Vasilis on board, as our skipper, next to our Vasili in the photo above, was also Vasili.

When we arrived on Skopelos this time, Steven (who met us at the port and was part of the landlord team-with Robert- at Cypress House last time) invited us to join 4 friends on the charter so we did.

Check out http://www.aegeo-sailing.gr/ukaegeo1.htm

So we were at the port on Wednesday morning at about 10ish to join the expedition with one other visitor, and 5 other (now) locals who have relocated to Skopelos from different parts of the world and from amazing and varied careers. Our group included a nuclear scientist/project manager; a former professional flutist (now based half the year in Vienna and half the year In Skopelos restoring an olive grove); and a 30 something oil rig trouble shooter.

It was a near perfect day for sailing (we used some motor) and the water was perfect for swimming. It was so salty and buoyant, you didn't really have to move your arms or legs.

The pictures tell a story- blue, blue clear water; spectacular swimming bays; another taverna and another lunch. We ate the fish (skorpina) and did not eat the duck.