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...

5/23/10 - Sunday - Prespes, Agios Germanos

5/23/10 - Sunday - Prespes, Agios Germanos

So, today, we packed the Jittery and headed out to the Prespes lakes. Our ultimate destination was Agios Germanos as this was where our hotel reservations were.

Along the way, we stopped for lunch, coffee pictures and other things you do when you travel as a group of 7. The route took us through many kilometers of peach and cherry trees along with rice paddies. It was impressive to see the scale of it all.

Also along the way the Jittery became airborne. We're cruising along at 100K (65Mph) and we're about to cross some railroad tracks. The sign nearby says 50K, but the driver does not see it or decides to ignore it. We hit the ramp with such a precise angle and ideal speed that the back end left the road and hovered for a split second before slamming down and continuing on. Luckily, nobody else hit their head. I was sitting at the very back and my butt was in the air about a foot off the seat. Being well insulated, my head did not sustain any additional damage (mental note to thank my barber). For the record, I was NOT driving (I was in the 3rd row).

We finally arrive at Agios Germanos safe and sound. Now Wikipedia says the population is 231. Locals said it's around 150. I'm with the locals. So with our 7 invading the village, we managed to increase the population by almost 5%.

This is where we stayed. This was my room (middle picture). Other pictures of the town and surrounding area.

We check in, and walk around the village. After about 10 minutes, we've seen all there is to see and decide to hang out at the local kafenion (yes, there's only one) play some tavli (backgammon) and enjoy the local herb tea. A couple of the group wanted to go take some pictures in the late afternoon sun and I went along. Drove around, found the lakes and hang out there for a bit. I don't have any pictures myself, but will try to upload some from another group member (camera battery issues).

We came back from our jaunt and tried to decide where to eat. Our choices were the local Kafenion, or the local Kafenion. We chose the local Kafenion. Good thing too, because they had food.

While all this action was happening, most of the group decided we'd like to only spend one night in Agios Germanos. Someone (Elena) took it upon themselves to find accommodations in Kastoria.

Now, the Prespes area is famous for growing beans. All kinds really, but the most prized are the Gigantes (pronounced YEE-gan-tess - very good class) or giant white beans. Sadly, the local Kafenion, did not have any. The server actually looked puzzled when we asked. When prodded further, he explained that gigantes are considered a winter food an they stop preparing them in mid April. He offered to have some ready for next day though if we stayed for dinner. We declined and ordered off the menu. The food, was quite good considering the location and cost.

Over Elena (thank you) announces we have reservations at the top dog hotel and spa in Kastoria. I for one, was quite excited with the news.

After dinner, we all went to our respective accommodations and tried to crash. I had a bit of a problem as the local canine decided to start barking nonstop as I turned in. I tried to wait him out, but it was not happening. After about 20 minutes I get up, dress and head downstairs (btw, there are no phones in the rooms) and register a complaint with the proprietor. He did his best to quiet the dog and I head upstairs for a fitful night's sleep.

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