Corfu's Achilleion Palace II

While visiting Achilleion, there were three things that I consider memorable and striking during my visit: (1) statues - especially of Achilles and Sissy; (2) fresco of The Triumph of Achilles; and, (3) the palace interior.

One of the most dramatic statues I've seen during this visit, is this interpretation of the dying Achilles.

This statue was created by Ernst Herter in 1884, Achilles Dying.

 A closer look at Achilles' helmet.

Another interesting statue at the palace pond.

The original painting on canvas was by Franz Matsch, an Austrian artist. This painting which can be viewed at the palace is called The Triumph of Achilles. It depicts the mighty yet angelic Achilles dragging the body of Hector around the walls of Troy at the back of his chariot. This is Matsch own interpretation of an episode from Homer's The Iliad.

I love how the statues are so life-like especially their facial expressions.

Finally, we meet Elizabeth "Sissy," Empress of Austria.

I think she's beautiful.

Corfu's Achilleion Palace: Statues and Views

The last stop of our Mediterranean cruise was Corfu. As our bus zipped through the island's towns and villages, I was taken aback of how rundown-looking some of the villages were. Also, driving there seems to be like a sport. Our bus encountered motorists who narrowly tried to overtake us in certain uphill turns. It was both amusing and nerve-wracking to witness such occurrences; this was after all, how they do it in Corfu. For me, it was all part of experiencing Corfu's island style.

That day, our bus was taking us to Gastouri to visit the Achilleion Palace. It was a relaxing drive as we passed through orchards of oranges and olives. We even saw tourists who randomly stopped at a nearby orchard to pick olives who were drooping outside some fence. I secretly wished we could do that too.

According to our tour guide, Achilleion Palace was built in 1890 as a summer retreat for Elizabeth also called "Sissy," the Empress of Austria. Unfortunately, Empress Elizabeth was assassinated in 1898 in Geneva and the palace was then deserted until 1907 when it was bought by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.  The palace is impressive and classical in design. As we walked the palace grounds, I was taken by the statues that adorned the palace and of course, the breathtaking view of Corfu's Coast visible from the garden grounds.

View upon entering the Palace gates.

A statue of an athlete.

Achilles overlooking the coast of Corfu.

A statue of a maiden at the Palace gardens.

I think this is a statue of Mercury.

Another statue at the Palace's roof.

The next photos were taken from the Palace gardens overlooking the coast. I think these views make the Palace a perfect summer retreat.

When we visited, it was very quiet and the weather was mild and cool. I also noticed that the Palace was perfectly situated to have an unobstructed view of the picturesque town of Corfu.

Next, I'll post interior photos of the Palace.

Santorini: Skala Pier

I am hosting a Cherry Blossom Festival Giveaway at my other blog Kassidy's Notes, so hop in there for a visit and join.

*****

Skala Pier or Santorini's Old Port has a life of its own. While we waited for our boat back to the ship, we kept ourselves busy with the trinket shops and relaxed at the cozy seaside cafés. Apart from last minute souvenir shopping, I was also intrigued with these houses built within the island's rock.

Door and windows to where?

Boat docked at the port.

The Old Harbor

Watching the cable run back and forth.

A better photo of the house built in the rock.

I thought this was really cool. I wonder what's it like to live in there.

A glimpse back as our boat left the port.

I found this last night. The zig zag path I was referring to as the mule path on my previous post.

Santorini: Cable Or Mule Ride

Alas, the moment arrived. It was time to bid Santorini adieu.

I thought that I can finally cross out Santorini on my travel list, but at that same moment, I realized that I have to put it back on my "must return to visit" list. Santorini is more beautiful than I have imagined. The photos I took couldn't justify the beauty I've seen. In my opinion, Santorini must be experienced in all five human senses. If there's a sixth sense, by all means use it too.

A beauty I'll always remember.

The fastest way to descend from Fira to the harbor is through cable.

We opted for the cable.

Getting tickets for the cable ride.

The cable ride is comfy and fast.

Unless, you're more fit to take the mule path. Here's the pathway from Fira to the old harbor (vice versa). I've seen people hike the whole thing and if you prefer, you can ride a mule through that steep, long and winding path.

 Here's a better photo of the mule path. (Source)

I heard comments that the path is smelly as it is littered with mule droppings. All part of the experience if you're up for it.

A quick ride and we were already at the harbor.

Pathways

In life, we each take, follow or lead different pathways. Sometimes, it is our choices, our experiences, our heartaches and our longings that pave way to finding our true route in life.  May we all follow our own true path and enjoy the journey as well.

Pathways...

that seem unending.

that lead to the sea.

that show a glimpse of the destination.

to a lovely home.

that seem to end.

to togetherness.

going down.

to the top.

to an overview of the beautiful town of Fira.

Note: If you look to the right, lower corner of the last photo, you'll see the winding, traditional route going down to the old port of Fira. You can hike, take the cable or ride a mule to take that steep pathway. If you decide to hike that route, just be careful with mule droppings.

LP: Bughaw (Blue)

Ito ay mga simbahang may bughaw na bubungang bilog sa Santorini.

These are the blue domed churches in Santorini.