Island of Hydra #2 : Flora and Fauna

Hydra is famous for typical Flora and Fauna, main reason being the petroleum cars/bikes are not allowed in this ancient island, so they need to have some alternatives.

My most interesting capture was this white pigeon. The contrast against the deep blue Mediterranean attracted me and I took sometime to have a steady shot. We all know that pigeon is emblem of peace, and it might be good enough to serve the purpose of a vehicle, if Hydra was an island of lilliputian creatures of Gulliver travels. But fortunately the inhabitants are normal hardworking humans.

I captured some interesting flora (plants and trees) in this island, starting from sea-shore to the top of the mountains. The half-burnt flower trees in the seaside drew my attention, and again I used the blue background contrast, but no way better than the first one.

Then I came across many cats, dogs, small birds, fishes etc. Cats were fighting to each other but the most intriguing one was the Donkeys. They are mostly serve the vehicle purpose but not by drawing carts as carts are not preferred in rough hilly areas. Just ride them to roam around. I have seen young chaps, local heros were riding the oldest model of communication, keeping the latest mobile in there ear, the most innovative communication tool of this civilization. That was simply outstanding.

The following BW shot is little hazy, but still I like it as it resembles to the Arabian fairy tells (as if Alif Layla is passing through the lanes of Old Middle east civilization). The next one is also caught my eyes because of its Indian look. Hydra is full of flowers and the colorful island will keep me haunting for years.

Click to get larger view

Island of Hydra(Greece) #1

Hydra is a wonderful island in Greece. Colorful, vibrant, cheerful and the most importantly no petrol vehicle is allowed in this hilly island. They how the inhabitants commute? That I will explain in my next post. May be this is the reason my friends didn’t want to accompany me; the poor guy traveled alone in the ancient island of Greece.

Hydra Island - a panoramic view

So, I was alone in this tour and that’s the reason I enjoyed it most. Don’t take it otherwise, what I mean to say, I rambled freely, walked up the mountain, roamed around the harbor, gazed the beauties in small beaches. Oh! I am revealing everything :-)

Flying Dolphin approaching Hydra Port

Took a flying Dolphin from Piraeus (Port of Athens) and it took couple of hours to reach Hydra port. The boat was really flying (only couples of blades were in touch with the water). I was seating next to a middle aged German woman who was traveling with her cute boy. Have had a breakfast with fried feta cheese bread and Cappuccino and enjoyed the blue Mediterranean for the last time, as it was my last trip before I said goodbye to Greece.

Hydra has old culture and history. Everything is perfectly preserved in one museum which is worth visiting, its called "Historical Archives - Museum of Hydra" .

As of now I am posting few shots of some ancient churches. Greece is always considered as orthodox Christian country and Hydra is not exceptional in this context. Previously Christianity was a basic requirement to get Greek citizenship, but not now (though still one has to know basic Greek in order to get citizenship, EU wants flexibility in this one also).

This Church is up above the mountain, I walked to explore the panoramic view and found a wonderful church. In my next post I will write about the journey.

This one is a small church near the harbor.