Another visit to memory-lane! We used to camp here, back in the late 80’s. Now, everything has changed, except of course the water and the rocks.

Going back to our unique camping spot at the Baths of Aphrodite area was both cleansing and moving. Takis Takkas is gone, but I could still feel his presence everywhere. His youngest daughter, now in her 30’s, was then only a newborn baby.

According to the legend, Petra tou Romiou (Πέτρα του Ρωμιού – Rock of the Greek) is the site of the birth of the goddess Aphrodite (aka Venus).

The present name Petra tou Romiou  associates the place with the exploits of the hero Basil as told in the Digenes Akritas. Basil was half-Greek (Romios) and half-Arabic, hence the name Digenes (two-blood). Legend tells that the Christian Basil hurled the huge rock from the Troodos Mountains to keep off the invading Saracens.

Petra tou Romiou is a famous Cyprus landmark, widely depicted on post cards and tourist brochures.

Petra tou Romiou

Up at the tourist pavilion

Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, emerging from the foam in this very area.

Up at the tourist pavilion

Up at the tourist pavilion

Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, emerging from the foam in this very area.

Up at the tourist pavilion

Mackenzie Beach in Larnaka was always beautiful. Now ever better, with a lavish bar scene!

On a sailboat to the island of Trizonia, then a ride through Nafpaktos and over the world-famous Rio-Antirrio bridge back to Aigion.

We were thrilled to see our dear friends Fotis and Kaiti up at the picturesque town of Aigion.

One year went by since we had the privilege to host them in Canada, along with the rest of the gang, and they haven’t changed a bit!

First night Fotis prepared this incredible pork roast, out in his courtyard-with-a-view. A secret marinate (which belongs to the local butcher) and an amazing, meticulous, 4-hour cooking process made this THE BEST pork roast I ever tried. Ever. Hands down!

For day-2 at Aigion, Fotis had arranged a sailboat ride with a local friend to the beautiful islands of Trizone, right across Aigion. More on this day here.

Aigion

On the way

At Fotis' house

Dinner with a view!

Traditional oven

Traditional oven in the courtyard.

Stunning sea view!

That's how it's done!

Rotisserie, Fotis-style

Fotis is breading tons of birds

View from Fotis home, Aigion

View from Fotis home, Aigion

Outside Fotis' home

Outside Fotis' home

Outside Fotis' home

Happiness Street

With Apostolos, Fotis and Dimitris Kontis (Navarchos)

On the way

At Fotis' house

Dinner with a view!

Traditional oven

Traditional oven in the courtyard.

Stunning sea view!

That's how it's done!

Rotisserie, Fotis-style

Fotis is breading tons of birds

View from Fotis home, Aigion

View from Fotis home, Aigion

Outside Fotis' home

Outside Fotis' home

Outside Fotis' home

Happiness Street

With Apostolos, Fotis and Dimitris Kontis (Navarchos)

Sun. Light. People. Beach. Swimming. Greece.