Corfu to Saranda

June 21, 2012

Corfu

Corfu to Saranda

The flight from Dusseldorf was relatively short and efficient; Berlin Air a model of German organization was fantastic. Airlines in the US could certainly learn a thing or two from the professionalism, comfort and efficiency of their German counterpart. We arrived right on time on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu and within minutes had gotten our luggage found a taxi and were on the short trip downtown to the wonderful Cavalieri Hotel.

Lee & Michael

We had basically one night to stay and explore Corfu city and after quick showers we headed out on to the narrow streets that were crowded with people shopping in the many stores, enjoying the small cafes, bars and restaurants that populate the beautiful Oceanside locale.

Lee

Corfu is the second largest of the Greek Ionian islands and has a rich history and features two significant mountain ranges along its forty mile length. Corfu city is where the airport and ferry terminal are both located and features a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets lined with restaurants, bistros, bars and shopping. It is fantastic and while we were able to explore a little, I hope to spend a little more time when I pass back through on my way back home.

Corfu is incredible and beautiful, we basically had the single night to explore and enjoy and Saturday night turned out to be pretty fun, especially since Greece was playing Russia in the Euro ’12 soccer tournament and the crowds were packing every café and restaurant to watch the game. 

The mood turned celebratory when Greece won and fans took to the streets for a raucous celebration, which was really cool to experience. Lee & I had a great Greek meal at a waterfront restaurant then had some drinks in a local pub before wondering through the celebrating crowd back to our hotel. They really take the soccer seriously and the entire place basically turned in to a huge street party. It was a tremendous travel experience and an auspicious start to my trip.

Chris

We were up early the next morning and on our way to the ferry terminal to catch the short ferry ride from Corfu to Saranda, Albania. We met the first of the other students and instructors waiting to board the ferry. They easily stood out by their massive piles of scuba gear and we were able to hang out and talk with them during the ferry ride over. When we arrived, we were greeted by our friends Derek, Howard, Kela and Dola as well as Dola’s mother and were soon off to the hotel to begin the next phase of our adventure.

Lee

http://www.albaniamarinecenter.org/pages/education.html