Lake Vouliagmeni (vol-jia-MEN-i) is “sunken” like a gem that local would hide from tourists. Swimming in it was magical. One side is shallow and bright, you see rays of sunshine piercing toward the deep end, following your every motion, and make you feel as if you are stationary. The other side, close to the cliff, is deep and dark. I felt a giant sea monster was lurking in that black abyss. There is a mysterious warm current that teased me into a small cove protected by fallen rocks that cut sharply into the water and were covered with slippery green moss. Someone hung a piece of rope on the cliff to give swimmers a break. I grabbed it and found myself facing a pigeon. “You are in my space,” the bird gave me an accusing look before flying away.
Local believe the water is therapeutic and work to keep the lake clean. The water is salty and at constant temperature of 75°F. No one knew the source of the warm spring and adventurous divers died looking. No soaps or shampoo allowed here; bring your own towels too.
This city of Vouliagmeni is a favorite local hang-out. Clubs and restaurants line the street. Expensive ones monopolize the beach, but not the view. Foods are delicious, particularly when the menu shows no English.
Greek have seawater in their blood. Anywhere you turn, there is an expanse of blue water ahead of you. It is magical to look out to the horizon and watch the play among waves, sun, and sky. It is transfixing and soothingly relaxing. It makes every problems fixable. It also makes you wear sandals, and seek friends to enjoy some foods and wines together. The debaters will find solutions to worldly problems. The less philosophical simply go play in the sea. Islands provides variations and some physical excursions, both are invigorating. The athletic will never go home again. There are water-ski, jet-ski, wind-surfing, para-sailing, sail boating, motor boating, yachting, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, scuba-diving, and, of course, just plain swimming.
Among those ruins, one cannot escape a sense of sadness. The golden era of Greece lasted less than 100 years about 3 millennia ago. Its influence on western civilization was profound, yet discontinued. After Alexander the Great, Greece lost its independence for thousands of years and fought it back from Ottoman empire only about 200 years ago.
Four to five days will be perfect for an Athens vacation: a day in the city for Acropolis and museums; a day for an out-of-city destination, we picked Delphi; a day or two for sea faring; and a day just to hang out on a beach. Hiring a tour guide, or join a group, would worth your money; there are too many stories and legends to study up.
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