Paxos- Family Paradise

3 Doors, 3 Generations

… and wonderful vacation rentals when family is not there.

September 20, 2926

Skiathos & Greek Family Tradition

Twenty six years ago we rented a farm house on Skiathos. It was our first “World Wide Web” booking. We rented from an English couple who came to Greece in the ‘70s and never left. They fell in love with Skiathos, each other, and evolved from free love hippies to capitalist entrepreneurs. They had a thriving organic farm selling vegetables in town, a rental property and charter sailing company. Their two teenage daughters were in boarding school in England.

We found their adaption to Greek generational planning captivating. While pregnant with their first child they built a house on property purchased with cash and then built two more houses over the years as money permitted, one for each daughter thereby insuring the children had a home to return to, no matter where in the world they settle.

So here today, anchored in Gaios, Paxos we see houses dotting the hill side and feel the nostalgic lure of family homecomings. The architecture is apparent. Most have multiple entryways, one for each child and their family. All ready for multi-generational family gatherings. Further evidence of this core value are meals at the local restaurants. Large tables with lots of seating including highchairs, large platters of food being passed around and lots of robust conversations occurring all at once.

The Charming Town of Gaios

Entering the town through the canal in our dingy reminded us of our sails on Passport up the canal to Saugatauk, Michigan.

Charming Waterfront Promenade

The universal "Table of Wisdom"

Walk to Port Police to stamp DEKPA.

Town Church had chanting through the day.

Around the bend often sparks memories.

Towns we visited up the Italian coast.

Butcher closes at 2pm.

A perfect lunch of mussels

with grilled sardines and salad.

Shared our anchorage with her this am.

Following fishing boat home.

Perfect end of day.