The island of Paros is the home of fine white Parian marble, used throughout the ages for sculpture and temples. Ihla had arranged a bus for whoever wanted to check out the beach on the other side of the island and then the fishing village at the north end, Naoussa. We drove through but didn't stop at the small mountain village of Lefkes (Lefkas) which is supposedly known for it's weaving...wish we'd had time to stay there. We weren't really into beach bathing, so took a walk up the beach and had lunch with several of our comrades at the "Blue" cafe--very pleasant.
Then back down the beach to take the bus up to Naoussa (spelled various ways). In this little fishing village was a small church for sailors (dedicated to St. Nikolas), remains of a very small Venetian castle, and some octopus drying on racks.
Back in Parikia we went to "Our Lady of the Hundred Gates" church (Byzantine).
When we got back to the boat for "Greek Night" --dinner and dancing-- we actually had ouzo and octopus for "mezedes" (appetizers). I liked the octopus, but never could get used to the ouzo, even ice cold. This dinner, like every other meal on the boat, was very good and way too much food. The only reason we didn't gain weight was because of all the walking we did during the day. Paros was definitely one of my favorite islands--I wish we could have spent more time there.
