Sun, Sand and Sea...

Rossikos Bay (Russian Bay) and its Cantina run by Maria Gnitsou became our favourite haunt in the very hot weather that we experienced in the second week of our stay at Poros in June 2010. Because of this, the days we spent are described on this one page. We did spend a day at Love Bay, an old favourite, and an afternoon beside the pool at the Saga Hotel, but there is no doubt that sun, sea, sand, refreshments and history at Rossikos, together made for a good time of relaxation. At times it was patronised by couples, at others, by families, but the large beach could have taken them all and remained an oasis of tranquillity.

View of Rossikos Beach from the Cantina

7th June : Monday : Professor Maniakes and Rossikos Bay...

Professor Yannis Maniakes was at the Public Library so I managed to get a lot of useful info from him. He kindly translated the details of the ships on the picture of the Hellas burning. Then to see Jenny at the Asteria where we had necessary drinks.

First visit to Russian Bay/Rossikos - and many changes since 2007. The café is shut and instead Maria Gnitsou runs a snack bar (Russian Bay cantina) and the most comfortable sunbeds on Poros. Made friends and said I'd write a page on Rossikos. Maria and her daughter wear bikinis and wraps - Maria is well built, but the bikini is quite flattering and essential in hot weather. A very nice woman. Discovered that the Russians had built a memorial to their naval base - a cubic pedestal remains, but the upper section has gone.

Meal at the Rota - nice fish dinner. Olí, the waiter, took our picture with my camera. Rota is as good as ever, but one of the pricier ones - although the tavernas get even more expensive south along the harbourfront.

View of the Beach through the Base Forebuilding

10th June : Thursday : Hair and Sun...

To Dimitri's supermarket in Kanali at 11 am to pick up a few things and for Jen to go to Dimitri's sister who is an excellent hairdresser. Trim for Jenny was 13 Euros, which was good for hair, pocket and Jen's morale. Day very hot - heading into 30s by 12 noon, so we went to Rossikos. Jen lazed on a sunbed or took a dip in the water, whilst I paced out more of the irritating Russian Base layout. Finally realised that the quadrangle was 100 paces square and filled the flat ground.

Evening visit to Frances and Dennis's new home in Poros old town - a beautiful modern home in an old setting, tastefully and sympathetically done. Y Ghonia provided the meal - excellent wraps, chips and salad. Most enjoyable. Camera battery headaches but got a good shot of their patio garden.

Jenny waiting for the bus at Rossikos

13th June : Sunday : Zoodochos Pighi, a Reversing Bus and Rossikos Bay...

Second visit to Zoodochos Pighi : Nice, as always, but this time we got a look through the door of the little chapel to St Katherine outside. The bus was delayed by coaches. On the way back it was reversed for nearly half a kilometre before it could turn, even passing a coach going to ZP. I looked through my phrasebook and told the driver he was excellent when we reached Askeli. For which I got a big grin.

Another afternoon at Rossikos followed by a good meal.

Jen in sea at Rossikos

15th June : Tuesday : Frustration Day...

Frustration day - to Kostas in Kanali to get ATV but turned down as not used to automatic shift. Recent disastrous crash killing two British tourists. Kostas decent fellow and his caution praiseworthy. Back to hotel - Jen disappointed as she had screwed up her courage for trip to Vagionis Bay. Spent more time at Rossikos after 2 pm bus there. Sun, sea, sand for Jen, pacing, thinking, writing, burrs in socks for me. Not bad at all. Good chats with Maria. Day's highlight was the meal at the Poseidon in the evening cool - lemon chicken (Jenny) mushroom chicken (me) followed by ices and an evening at the Asteria.

Families on Rossikos Beach

17th June : Thursday : Chill Out at Rossikos...

The title says it all. We spent a lot of the day at Rossikos then at the day's end returned to the Saga by bus (temperature still high twenties) to change before going out to the Poseidon. I had settled up with Zefi for our three meals and occasional drinks - 84 Euros - and otherwise we just packed, leaving a lot of toiletries behind...and guess what? The cases weighed less when we departed (by almost 3 kilos) than when we had checked in at Manchester. Most ironic.