5/24/10 - Monday - Prespes, Psarades, Kastoria

5/24/10 - Monday - Prespes, Psarades, Kastoria

So, today since we decided to leave and go down to Kastoria for the night. Per earlier posts, there's NOTHING to do in Agios Germanos. We came down, had breakfast, loaded the Jittery and headed to take some pictures @ Psarades. Yours truly was in charge of driving this time and for the rest of the trip (we have assumed control).

Once we got there, we hired a boat for a 40 minute tour (3 hour tours are dangerous). The guide puttered around, showed us some wildlife and a bunch of ascetic hidey holes. There were about 8 of them on the Greek side of the big Prespa lake. We were about 400 meters from the Albanian and Macedonian borders. Apparently there are more on those shores, but we didn't cross the borders. Bobbe took bushels of pictures - I was still having battery issues (now on both the phone and camera).

After our 40 minute tour, we found a nice taverna and had lunch. I finally got a chance to try the Gigantes. I'll have to agree with the locals. These were some of the best beans I've tasted - ever. And I've eaten a lot of beans. I'm glad I bought a Kilo to take back.

Dry

In order - Navy beans, Dried Gigantes, soaked Gigantes, Cooked Gigantes

What they looked like on the plate.

We also had a large fried lake fish that I could not identify (Give it a 8) 3 different kinds of croquettes (tomato, bean, squash) escargot, and the usual assortment of greens and salads.

After lunch, we jumped in the Jittery and headed for Kastoria. The drive was really nice. All through the mountains, the roads were good. We got there in about 90 minutes and drove around the lake enjoying the view. We stopped at a Kafenion, had coffee and snacks and drove around looking for the hotel. Found the hotel after another tour of the city. One of the co-travelers called her daughter to find us a place to stay. She recommended the Limneon.

Now, this is a nice hotel. She said it was the best in town. After our accommodations in Agios Germanos, I'll have to agree. We checked in, chilled out for a bit, played some cards and decided to head out for dinner. I think by this time we were getting on each others' nerves, but that's just my opinion. Found a parking spot and had dinner at a local grill house. It was adequate. Back to the hotel for resting up.

That's all for now... Stay tuned...