Re: places to see in Crete, Santorini,etc.

Hi -

I'm writing this from Samos, which is easily the most hauntingly beautiful 
island I've ever been to - very wild, lots of forest.  I'm sending along a 
picture of the village of Vourliotes, which is high up (I mean *high* up) 
above the area of Agios Konstantinos on the north side of the island.  The 
second is a nice Hypericum species that is common here.

Now I wish I could say this is close to Santorini but it is not...  For an 
island closer to Santorini, you might try Naxos.  It is the largest of the 
Cyclades group, and has high mountains, a permanent river (a big deal in the 
Cyclades), lots of green.  The wildflowers were wonderful; several species 
of orchids (Four at the moment including one Orchis, two Ophyris and one I'm 
not familiar with) are in bloom, as well as deep blue lupines, poppies 
(including a very unusual small bright orange one with intense red centers 
and yellow stamens, found at higher elevations), interesting Echiums, etc. 
etc. etc.  If you take the walk from the village of Kaloxylos to the village 
of Moni (the back route) you will see a lot.  Also the hillside above the 
village of Lionas, and the area around the very beautiful village of 
Aperathou/Apeiranthos is quite rich.  Be sure to try Kitron, the local 
liqueur made of Citron.  I just came from there yesterday so I can vouch for 
the accuracy of the botanical timing. :)

enjoy!

bob
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vourliotes.jpg.jpg

hypericum.jpg.jpg

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