When I say we explored Corfu, I am not kidding. We wandered North, South, East, and West. What we discovered was not only beautiful beaches and spectacular views, but amazing history as well.
On the Northeastern shores of Corfu, planted on the hill above the bay, sits Kassiopi Castle, part of the Byzantine fortress constructed from 582-602AD. However, some excavations have discovered ceramic pieces of pottery called ostraca dating back to the 300s. The 300s?? Talk about wandering through history!
Though the ruins are degrading, there are still signs of a massive garden area in the middle. As we made our way around the inner walls of the fortress, we came upon this ancient well that, amazingly, is being used to this day by incorporating it into the modern-day water supply system using piping and pumps. There are obvious signs it was built up around the top. But, I mean, why not? Why reinvent something that’s already very capable and has withstood time? We were quite impressed.
Breathtaking Beach Views
After exploring the Castle and Fortress, we made our way around the shoreline and could not believe what our eyes beheld. No photo will ever truly capture the magnificence of the crystal clear turquoise waters and breathtaking beachfront. As it was still early Spring, we weren’t able to ‘dive in’ as the water and wind were much too cold. I guess we’ll have to go back another time when it’s warmer…darn.
Going South
The next day, we decided to explore the Southern part of the island. Our day started at Kanoni Harbor and the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna.
This monastery was built in the 1600s and was home to many nuns until it closed in 1980. There is a small church inside the walls. However, it was closed for renovation so we didn’t get to see it. This particular monastery is often used in photos and Greek films, so it’s possible you may have seen it before not knowing what it was.
The other significant thing to point out is on the right side of the picture. What you see there is a pedestrian walkway called the Kanoni Causeway. This bridge connects the peninsula to the southern part of Corfu town. But even more significant is this…
Pedestrians stand out in the middle while airliners fly overhead and land at the airport. Crazy tunes! We managed to get there right as this small plane came in for a landing. I cannot imagine being there as a passenger airliner was coming in.
Community
The best of everything comes in the community and connections we make. Often, while wandering through Corfu Town, we happen upon guys hanging out playing music together. Corfu is the most musical Greek island as it hosts the Ionian Music University and is also home to 18 marching bands. It’s so fun! We stopped and chatted with them a bit then I asked if they would play something for us, which they happily abliged.
But this next picture says it all.
Outside the only Starbucks for hundreds of miles, we sat and had the most wonderful conversation with this group of high school students. We all had so many questions for each other. They shared what it was like to go to school in Greece, what their village was like, how they were focused on passing their final exams coming in the next year that set out the course of their futures, what they hoped to do with their lives, and what they would like their teachers to help them learn in the meantime.
Then they peppered us with questions; Do kids really come to school with guns and kill people? Why? Is America dangerous? Is it as crazy as they say? How much does it cost to live there?
It was the most amazing three hours spent together sharing our lives. We all came away from there with the deepest sense of gratitude and a much better understanding of life in Greece.
Which leads me to this:
There is always time to stop, take a breath, and enjoy the beauty of creation. Sharing that time with those you love brings more joy than you can possibly imagine. Thank you, Joe and Carmen for flying halfway across the globe to spend time with us on this magical island! It was truly a gift.