Greece - Day 4 - Postcards for Panos

September 22, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized

So my Greek friend Panos in LA, who I really will have to meet someday, is feeling homesick for mother Greece. I promised I would make some snapshot postcards for him which I did today during my 10 mile walk around Syros, up one hill and down the next. The rule here is what goes down must go back up, and sharply! I climbed more steps in one day than I have in the last two years, which incidentally, was the last time I was in the Cyclades.

The port of Ermopolous lies below two faiths, each with their own church on two opposing hilltops, one Greek Orthodox, one Catholic. They may have opposing perches and history but they do celebrate each others religious holidays. I started in Ermopoulos, once the largest port in Greece and still an important shipping center and shipyard, and climbed up the “Orthodox hill” and then down and then back up to the “Catholic hill” and to the remarkably well preserved medieval town of Ano Syros. Then I got lost in the maze of Ano Syros for awhile. No better way to explore a new place than to become lost. I am doing it often.

A good day, with good sandals. The path to God is indeed long, winding and steep!

These postcards are for you Panos. Wishing you were here … so you could translate!