After taking a 60 minute flight from Athens to the island of Ikaria, we were greeted with a huge smile and hug from our island hostess, Thea Parikos. Thea lives on the island with her family (husband and 2 sons) and runs a small inn with five rooms. On the way to Thea’s inn, we stopped in the village of Faros for an authentic island (and beachside!) lunch. Lunch included grilled sardines, smelt, greens, beets and fresh homemade bread with olive oil, and wine. Each food item provided an aroma of freshness and pleasant taste of our liking. It was as if the vegetables themselves welcomed us to the soil they were planted on.
Soon we learned that this welcome also extended throughout the people of the island as we met with the family of a local older adult during dinner. As we met with the family we learned how they viewed the importance of family, culture of the island, and being active as a key component of healthy aging. We really enjoyed hearing their perspective and are excited to learn more.
– Jennifer Cannon
What a wonderful welcome! It sounds like you were instantly introduced to many things on the island. Looking forward to how things progress.