Greco Albania

Trip Start Oct 03, 2008

Trip End Nov 02, 2008

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Flag of Greece Corfu Town, Ionian Islands, Greece
Thursday, October 30, 2008

30 October - Our final destination in Greece is in stark contrast to that which we visited yesterday. Here near the border of Albania and Northwest Greece, groves of olive trees join pine and cypress forests studded with orchards of oranges and lemons across a panorama of hillsides on the mainland and the "Emerald Island" of Corfu. Named for its unusual greenery the region has a rich Phoenician, Greek and Roman history with an old fortress and a palace and gardens reminiscent of its Austrian connection in the 19th century. Here, modern Greek culture connects with ancient Hellenistic mythology in curious relationship with Orthodox Christianity. The result is a culture with a certain incomplete hollowness that makes it yet another perfect tourist destination. Devoid of anything one can finger as "Greek," except the concourse of traffic and pedestrians among featureless canyons of plaster buildings and narrow streets, the town is a very busy destination for tourists and locals alike pursuing their day's activities. Coptic priests stroll among youthful locals dressed in the latest western fashions, buzzing on cell phones and listening to techno music. We enjoy the long walk through town but don't know quite what distinguishes this Greek culture among the mix that makes up the European Union. "Amazing weather," everyone comments. The horsy tail wisps of an oncoming weather front can be seen high above us to the west. Indeed we have been thinking of other post-Feast travelers as a massive cold front has swept down across Europe, but hasn't reached us yet. We are thankful too of our friends and family and homes and brethren on both sides of the globe whom we long to be with again.