Corfu, the jewel of the Greek Isles.

We arrived in hte port of Corfu before dawn. WE had forgotten, until a few days ago, that we were coming to this Island and hadn't researched/planned our day. The six of us met this morning and decided if we COULD find a 6 passenger van and driver, we would negoatiate a tour of the area around the town of Corfu, otherwise we would pay the 15 euro fare to take a taxi the 2 miles into the town..

The town features two fortresses, the old Citadel built by the Venetians in the 16th century and the so called 'new' fortress. Besides being hte birthplace of Prince Philip, it is was the home of teh first Greek Prime minister.

We met up with Spiros, a young driver with a 6 passenger Mercedes van, and we negotiated a 3.5 hour tour for 25 euros each. We agreed and set off for the small resort town of Paleokastritsa, an idyllic town situated on the Ionian sea side of Corfu and home to a hilltop monastery. Before arriving, Spiros took us to a small family run farm market selling olives, olive oil products and the local liquer 'Koum Kouat' a sweet orange flavored dirink made from Kumquats.

we then proceeded to teh monastery where we caught up with several ship tour busses winding their way up the one way road. Spiros drove us past their parking lot to the top of the hill, while the ship's tourists slogged up the slope. We then left the area and took a circle route back towards Corfu with a stop at hte Achilleion Palace, formerly owned by Empress Elizabeth of Austria until her assassination at which time the Kaiser Wilhelm took ownership. THe palace is perched atop a hill overlooking the twon of Corfu an is filled with marble statues and busts and boasts a beautiful garden with panoramic views al the way to the Albanian coastline. The palace is now a histprical site owned by the state and is open (for 7 euros)to the public. THe other 5 opted out, leaving me the group delegate to go in and take as many pictures as I could in 30 minutes.

The rural landscape is covered with Olive trees, as teh Venetians paid locals a fee for each ttree planted to support the demand fof Olive Oil on hte mainland. The groves are dotted with tall Cyprus trees from which the fruit is converted into capers.

Finally we returned to Corfu and drove past the Citadels and viewed the narrow cobblestone streets ofthe Old town before returning to the ship and bidding Spiros 'Efharisto' for a fabulous day. We would recommend his services to anyone, and have his cards.

This was probably the best port day we have had so far, and Corfu is one place I would gladly come back to spend more time in.

And now, on to Split, Croatia!