JUN 19, 2012 CORFU, GREECE

TUESDAY JUN 19, 2012 CORFU, GREECE

This morning we thoroughly enjoyed our approach into Corfu harbour, the sun was shining under blue skies and there were no other cruise ships in port - just us.  We remembered our visit here in May 2009 when we came in with Holland America (and Joan Merrick and Ford Clark).  That time we did a tour of the island for the day and so this time we planned to spend the day in old town Corfu and its’ old and new fortresses.

Shortly after 8am we were tied up alongside the dock and by 8:30 we were off.  The port shuttle bus took us to the port gate and customs (no checking at all) where Windstar had arranged for another free shuttle bus to take guests into downtown and back with buses every half hour.  This was a nice bonus as last time it was impossible to get a taxi driver to do that short ride when first thing in the morning every one of them wants to score an all day trip at 55 Euros/hour.  Who can blame them - especially on a day like today when there are only 260 people on our ship.

The shuttle dropped us off right at the entrance to the old fortress and we were the first people in when it opened at 9am which was a real bonus to be able to take our photos without other people in them.  The old fortress dominates the east side of city.  It is built on a large rock peninsula which was converted into an island, during the 15th century when the Venetian Empire ruled Corfu, by digging a channel to create a moat.

Corfu started on this site in the 6th century as part of the Byzantine empire.  The fortress evolved during several takeovers until the Venetians in the 15th century made extensive modifications to provide for the use of artillery.  The fortress proved itself in the mid-16th century during a long siege by the Ottoman Turks who attempted, without success, to conquer the island from the Venetians.  In 1864 Corfu was united with the rest of Greece and the fortress was put out of commission.  Most of the buildings were actually destroyed between 1815 and 1864 while Corfu was an English protectorate and the remaining buildings suffered heavy damage from Nazi bombing during World War II.  Nonetheless, the fort is very impressive with many very old parts still intact and its location, especially for anyone who climbs to the top (count us in), provides a commanding view of both the city and all the water approaches.

Even though it was early, it was very hot.  By the time we had climbed to the top and enjoyed the amazing views over the town and the ocean, then descended back down to the main courtyard towards the entrance, we were soaked.  Fortunately we discovered a lovely shady spot with a patio, beer, water and WIFI - so considering the circumstances, a nice cold beer at 10am hit the perfect spot for Terry.  We had a good relax in the shade, caught up on some emails, and cooled off before heading out to explore the old town.

We had no real plan, just to meander and look around all of the really narrow winding streets.  No cars are allowed in the old town which was nice - but there are motorbikes which makes walking not entirely carefree.  The old town has lots of pretty buildings with lots of flowers and flowering bushes, and there were  jewelry shops and shoe stores everywhere.  It was really hard to not look in every one, but we resisted well!  The shoes are so colorful and at reasonable prices and the clothing is also very colorful this year with lots of hot pink, bright lime greens, and yellows. We passed small cafes and bistros with brightly colored umbrellas around every corner with tons of people wandering around and looking like they were having a good time, most carrying a shopping bag or five!

We thoroughly enjoyed poking around in some of the stores selling designer handbags at prices that we could afford (too many bags, too little luggage space)!  but we couldn’t resist every one of them!  The heat had continued to rise as we hit early afternoon, and we were hot and sweaty and starting to think about a swim or a shower back on the Windsurf!  Around 1:30 pm we decided it was time to head back to the waterfront where the shuttle bus would pick us up but first Terry had seen a nice spot under some trees right at the waterfront where we could get a cold drink while waiting for the bus. Looking out over the harbour at some very sleek and no doubt, expensive, yachts anchored below the high walls of the fort Terry enjoyed an ice cold IONIAN locally brewed beer(4E each) while Jan drank what seemed like litres of ice cold water!

We caught the 2pm shuttle back to the Windsurf arriving too late for lunch in the outdoor Verandah restaurant, so we picked up a Greek and French sandwich at the ship’s all day sandwich bar “The Yacht Club” and headed back to the cabin for a much needed shower!  The rest of the afternoon we spent sitting in the shade at the back of the ship trying to stay a little cooler.  The temperatures were in the mid 30 degrees celcius and we must be getting old since it’s way too hot for us to lie in the sun, hang out in the pool is a much better idea!

Our dinner tonight was early at 7:30pm in the Restaurant and it was excellent: escargot, Caesar salad, and crab-stuffed chicken with asparagus (Terry’s entree was penne gorgonzola).  We both had excellent meals and fabulous atmosphere sitting at a window seat.  The sun had not yet set by the time we were done since it is only a couple more days to Jun 21, Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year.  We managed one short dance in the Lounge on the way through, a bit of a visit with some of the group in the Compass Rose lounge on the back deck (while we listened to songs by a great duo playing live on the Windsurf (from the USA) called CC Maxx).

Tonight the clocks get turned back one hour (yeah) as we head West so we will get an extra hour sleep!  So tomorrow we will be only 9 hours ahead of Vancouver time.