I’ve written about travellers and tourists but there is a third set of people who make their way to destinations away from their day to day life. They have a week or two to opt out of their normal routine and buy into a different reality. They generally travel as couples or family groups and their sole aim is to have fun. We hadn’t encountered such a group until we found our way to another slice of Greek paradise on the island of Zakynthos. This island has been subjugated by many influences over the centuries but retains a charm and character to go with its spectacular setting. The people are generous and welcoming. Our host Fani is a shining example. As if a free of charge upgrade was not enough, a quick history lesson, painting a word picture of the entire island and providing her Mum’s homemade delicacies completed the package. Not to mention sorting out the intricate local bus system for us. A former archaeologist, now linguistics tutor her mission was to make our stay in the village of Alykanas a memorable one. She succeeded. Of course the environment helps! The sea is various shades of crystal clear blue. The water is shallow and sumptuous. A person is so relaxed you could float to the next island without noticing. And the mountain backdrops are stupendous. The beach is sandy and long. For the traveller it invites a long sojourn to the next village to further explore the delights of the island. Fifty metres behind the main strip of tavernas and accommodation establishments, with no fanfare, the village turns rustic. Very few of the fun seeking holidaymakers venture where the olive groves meander through the rolling countryside. Where horses, goats, sheep and even deer camouflage themselves in lush fields that abound with poppies and other wild flowers. Small churches are dotted throughout the countryside. All have the most prominent positions. Katastari, a small village of perhaps 100 residents, has numerous churches with heavy Byzantine influence and unimpeded coastal and mountain views. Its small piazza is a haven for the traveller. An outdoor cafe serving the strongest coffee with maximum hospitality. Time to reflect on the two hour trek up the hill and ponder the return trip. Zakynthos’ tourist season lasts from June to August. Fortuitously the olive harvest kicks in in November giving locals an ongoing source of activity. Transitioning from the beach to the countryside is normality. Making sure their guests, whether they be traveller, tourist or holiday maker is normality. Producing high quality olive oil is normality. Living on an island paradise can never be taken for granted. The island and its surrounds are the subject of constant earthquake threats. Never swim close to a sheer rock face was Fani’s advice. The holidaymakers are in the water but they’re not swimming. Simply standing in waist deep water having a chat is enough! Why not? Return to the sun lounge and order the next beer or cocktail. The simplest of pleasures can be the most enjoyable. But if there’s one thing that travellers, tourists and holiday makers can agree on, it is that Zakynthos has everything you need or want regardless of your motivation for being there. And the people like Fani make it all happen for you.
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