Our second day in Paros arrived, loaded with promise, a mix of jitters, high hopes, and the kind of excitement that makes you check your pulse. Today was the day for our maiden voyage into the mesmerizing Mediterranean with Captain Ben’s Sailing Tour. Ahoy!
Figure 1: Breakfast for Kings, Hotel Arganauta
After a glorious night’s sleep (yes, 5:22 AM is the new 8 AM in my book), we faced a breakfast spread that could rival a royal banquet. Toast, jam, yogurt, fruit, eggs in every conceivable form, olives, cherry tomatoes, halva, and rice pudding—talk about a feast! I briefly feared I might have to be rolled to the port, but thankfully, I remembered to pop a Dramamine, just in case the sea decided to tango.
By 9:03 AM, we were at the Windmill on the port square, where our chariot awaited—a swanky black Mercedes van. I mused over the extravagance of such a spacious ride for three, but then a gaggle of 10 girls and 1 boy piled in, turning our quiet morning into a mobile party.
In a breezy 20 minutes, we reached Antiparos, just in time for the “Lazy Day” cruise. We were ushered to our seats atop the boat—one lounge and two seats. The girls snagged the seats, and I found myself squished cozily between them on the lounge. With tea, coffee, cookies, and cakes on offer, you’d think I’d be first in line, but somehow, the thought of adding more to my already full belly was less than appealing.
The skies were cloudy, the wind had a nip to it, and the waters looked about as inviting as a cold shower. But soon, we arrived at the blue lagoon, where Captain Ben upped the ante. He promised an ice cream to the first brave soul to jump from the top deck into the chilly abyss. After a collective pause, a daring girl stepped up and took the plunge, followed by a few more adventurous spirits. Vanya was among them, and I captured her valiant dive on video.
While I passed on the thrill of the high dive, opting instead for a more dignified entrance with a foam noodle, the cold blue ocean was surprisingly refreshing—and yes, super salty. After about half an hour, we climbed back aboard for “wine” time, a celebration of our watery exploits. I clinked a crisp glass of chardonnay, embracing the chill, and marveled at the day’s unexpected turns. Only on vacation do you start with a breakfast for kings and end swimming in the sea, sipping wine in wet swim trunks. What a world!
Figure 2: Chilling and drying with Chardonnay!
Our day with Captain Ben continued with more high-seas hijinks. Next up, we moored near some cliff edges primed for adventure diving. Feeling the chill, I skipped the plunge this time, but Vanya, ever the intrepid explorer, dove right in. Nidhi, meanwhile, embraced her role as the dry, warm spectator, sipping wine and munching cookies, probably chuckling at our shivering antics. To spice things up, Captain Ben’s crew tossed an octopus among the swimmers, and the shrieks that followed were the stuff of legends!
Figure 3: Swimming in the cool blue ocean, Antiparos
Peer pressure finally wore me down at the caved archways, and I couldn’t resist another icy dive. Turns out, you numb to the cold pretty fast—good to know! This time, armed with goggles, I found myself in a staring contest with a fish, probably wondering why humans are such odd creatures.
Climbing back on board was a warm welcome, literally, as the sun decided to grace us with its presence. I’ve never been more thankful for that big ol’ ball of fire, especially as it dried my trunks and warmed my soul.
Figure 4: Cheers to 38% Ouzo!
Our next stop was a quaint island where we hopped off to lounge and play volleyball on the beach. Captain Ben whipped up some tasty snacks: sausages, octopus, and Greek salad, paired with Ouzo, a potent 38% alcohol drink that smells like fennel. While I tried to rally the girls for some games, they preferred basking in the sun’s embrace.
I chatted with some fellow passengers and marveled at our diverse circle—most were from different states in the US, meeting in Greece for a cultural mix. At this rate, Americans will soon have a fantastic sense of the world’s different cultures!
Lunch on the boat featured delicious Tzatziki, pasta salad, potato salad, and chicken skewers. I opted for water this round, given the amount of Ouzo already coursing through my veins.
Figure 5: Beating the cold plunge with tea, Antiparos
Post-lunch, Captain Ben unveiled a two-story water slide, challenging us to get our groove on. Vanya couldn’t resist, while Nidhi and I sat this one out.
Then it was party time! The music blared, the dancing kicked off, and the scene turned into a raucous display of half-naked revelry.
As the tour concluded, we were dropped back at our hotel, promptly slipping into our now-familiar siesta.
Figure 6: Fantastic Sunset in Paros
We woke just in time for the sunset, making our way to the beach for one of the most breathtaking views yet—sorry, Oia, but this one takes the cake! The debate over dinner led us from Little Green Rocket (LGR) to Cuoro Russo. After discovering LGR’s slim pickings for vegetarians, we ended up at Cuoro Russo, where two authentic Italian pizzas later, we were blissfully sated. No room for dessert meant only one thing: shopping! Vanya picked out jewelry for herself and friends, while the girls snagged a couple of perfumes.
Figure 7: Wonderful conversation with talented and lovely Zeta in Memories Jewellery!
And so ended another unforgettable night of our vacation.