Farewell Ioannina!
The time finally came to bid a fond farewell to Ioannina and it was a wrench! It was a bucket list item for ten years and after finally making it, it didn’t disappoint. In fact, it far exceeded my expectations – whatever they may have been. As much as I adore the islands, I found myself falling in love with the lake and mountains – though I think it was always going to be that way. I’m sure I’m not the only person that plays ‘fantasy Greek home’ – that place that should a lottery win fall into your lap (a necessity since that travesty known as Brexit!) you’d up sticks and move there like a shot? After all these years of travelling in Greece, I think I’ve finally found ‘the one’! Ioannina has overtaken the Peloponnese and risen to the top of the league! As soon as I arrived in the town I felt comfortable. I felt like I fitted. Ioannina is an eclectic mix of the old and the new, the traditional and the trendy and it all melds together beautifully.
How on earth do I begin summarising such a fantastic stay? Of course, my trip to the Zagori National Park was incredible. The quaint mountain villages of Zagori, a view over the Vikos Gorge and the Stone Forest were all unique experiences. Even this coward with acute vertigo was coaxed over three stone bridges! Well if anyone was going to push me out of my comfort zone it was going to be a former officer in the Presidential Guard! A million thank yous, Ioannis! I can’t rate Epirus Traveller highly enough. If you’re in Epirus you mustn’t hesitate to contact them if you want a trip to remember!
‘The Island’ sitting in Lake Pamvotida often appeared to be floating in a blanket of mist and was like a magnet for me. There was something mysterious about the place. Once you learn about its history from the establishment of the monasteries to the story of Lady Frosini, you will understand why it feels so magical. I’m still haunted by my visit to The Drowning, (part of the Ali Pasha Museum) and the music of the lament, that soul-stirring polyphonic chanting has never left me. If you visit the Island, don’t forget to walk its perimeter and let the peace and tranquillity absorb into your soul.
Back on the mainland, I visited the Citadel almost every day not just to cover everything that it had to offer but it was also another place to escape the hustle and bustle of the town. It would take several days to cover the site and visit all of the museums so take your time and relish everything there.
The Perama Caves – well it’s not for the faint-hearted especially if like me, you suffer from vertigo but if you can – do it!
It was easy to fill my days with things to do as Ioannina is awash with culture. At the time of my stay, there was a citywide photography festival spread across different venues that I enjoyed immensely. However, there is nothing that I love better than to just ‘wander’ and the old town of Ioannina was perfect for this. The quirky little shops and the traditional architecture full of patina and decay are what really floats my boat. I spent endless hours discovering new alleyways and little back streets – the street art was like walking through a living art gallery. The architecture of the old town is my absolute favourite. The buildings with a protruding sachnisi, ornate balconies and shuttered windows transported me to another time and place. As a door and window obsessive, my collection of photographs during this stay is too extensive to post here – I’ll put them in a separate social media post.
The architecture inspired me so much that I picked up the sketchbook again – something that I hadn’t done for years. I’m no artist but I was so enchanted with the architecture of the old town that I was compelled to create – such is the magic of the place! As I drew I began to notice more of the architectural features. Things that had passed me by at the time began to shout ‘Hello, I’m here!’ It may look like something my grandchildren had drawn but like writing, my enjoyment of the process far outweighs the lack of talent!
Anyway, now it’s time to leave Ioannina and head to – well I decided at the last minute to go to Paxos. My day trip from Corfu had left me a little undecided about the place but I thought the island deserved another chance. Besides, after an action-packed 10 days in Ioannina, I think I deserved somewhere to rest and relax. Who am I kidding? I don’t know the meaning of the word!
Great artwork Stephanie !
Well thank you for calling it art work Liz! I need lots more practice! ❤️