Rain and Wind

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 –

Rain and wind ----- that is what we have had today.  The weather forecast was for 82 and clear.  Not so – we had storms during the night and this morning it was all rain and WIND.   We had to walk across the pier to get to the bus this morning, and I thought we were all going to be blown off into the Ionian Sea.  Not so – we hopped on the big bus and started up the mountain (once again – I never knew Greece was so mountainous) on a winding, narrow road.  We were headed to the Rombola Winery.  On our way up the mountain we passed many vineyards,  olive trees,  and cypress groves.  Do you see a pattern beginning here???????

After discovering the secrets of Ionian-wine-making with a tour of the Rombola Winery, I’m still not sure what they are.  Linda and I have visited wineries before, and we were not too impressed with this one.  It was too modern, sterile and showed no character.  Just plain  bland……. That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.

Next on our schedule was the St. Andrew’s Monastery – the old monastery church is the sole building to have survived the Great Quake of 1953.  The church also serves as a small museum.  The ancient frescoes and icons of the church that were exposed during the massive  quake of 1953 are all on exhibit.  The monastery ‘s chief religious relic is the preserved foot of Saint Andrew.

On our way back to the ship we stopped to see the white-columned Argostoli lighthouse which offers panoramic views of the Lassi Coast beaches.

When we arrived back at the port we were once again blown across the pier and back  to the ship.  Time for lunch and relaxation -----