Island Of Poros and at the Saga Hotel

I, like most of you, have traveled many places, seen sites, made friends from all over, but in our minds there is that one place we always want to go back to.  My place is here, on the Island of Poros, staying with owners/friends of the Saga Hotel, Takis & Zefi Alexopoulos.  You may wonder how I put it like I do...."staying with"...at a hotel as a guest there.  Once you have been there, you would know.   To their family, the girls and son included, you are not just another guest checking in for them, you become one of the family to care for.

The summer of June 2008, not my first time, I went for a much needed rest.  Wanted to just lay by the pool, read, eat, sleep and of course visit.  The town is walking distance, restaurants along the water front, all with the TVs going turned on sports of course, skooter rides for those wanting to, ferries to take you on day trips to other islands, the hotel even has a boat to take you around the island if the sea is not too rough.  Then back to the Saga for some of Takis' homemade, excellent wine and meals by Zefi if you didn't eat in town.  The pool has lounge chairs all around them, great for more relaxation.  You just don't feel pressured to rush here and there, no busy traffic to worry over....nothing but friends meeting, laughing together, finding common goals, and of course making new friends along the way with the exchange of email addresses.

Each time I am there I joke with Zefi that she just has to hire me and thats all there is to it.  All we have to do is come up with a title for laying around a pool and eating and sleeping job.  Will keep you informed here when we do.  Seriously, since I can not take everyone there with me, I'll just share pictures with you.  I wanted to include this one page just for them, Takis & Zefi, the kids, and employees, of the Saga to let them know how important they are to me.  Efxaristo!!

Upon entering this front door to the Saga Hotel, you are not just going into yet another hotel on another trip.  You are about to become part of the family belonging to Takis & Zefi, a friend to the returning guest who, just like me, have to come back year after year, and also become part of a solitude, restful vacation if that is what you seek.

On a friend's motor bike, the favorite mode of transportation around Poros.  I was even met at the ferry by Takis on his motor bike, after assuring Zefi that I only had one small piece of luggage and had no problems climbing on the back of one.

The Saga has this area where it is more meeting place for everyone, or visitors center, than anything.  Actually, its the outdoor bar/lounge area, with grape vines overhanging the top as cover.  Also residing in this area is the adopted pet of the guest, Freddie, the beloved Parrott...well, except when he comes out with a very UN-polite Greek word that has Takis rolling his eyes!!  In 2007, I taught him to say Kathryn and now he watches for me and my toast and will say it over and over until he has had at least 2 big bites of it.  He knows a sucker am thinking.

On the mainland, across from the Island Poros, there are many fields of flowers growing for the markets in the cities and towns. 

Takis always has a smile for everyone, takes time to visit with each and everyone, makes sure you are enjoying your visit, and solves any problems for you that may come up.  The team of Takis and Zefi, along with their family and staff, know what makes a place a special place.

Standing by the lounge chairs out by pool looking toward the cabana area.  Over that area there are grape vines making for a nice cool area to sit and pass the time away...whether you are eating, reading, or just visiting with other guest.

STREET ON POROS

The view from my room's balcony.  There was always a breeze sitting out there at night and good place to get a good book, sit back and enjoy the time of night.

While riding around on Poros, this is one of the views I found.  Many more just like this, beautiful and peaceful places.

The view from the ferry boat coming into the port at Poros.

If one wanted to own a hotel, then this friend, Zefi, is the one person they would want to talk to. She knows how to make a guest feel special.  Reading over the guest book at the front counter, you can read the notes left by guest over the years.  They leave with fond feelings of the family, write of the wonderful food and wines, and the true holiday experiences they had staying there.  

This is the one place where I have been that I would always put on my agenda for the future. Thanks to the whole family and staff for making my holidays so great.

The boat out in the water is the boat from Saga.  Takis had taken guest out for water skiing and wading in the sea.  Relaxing time to visit more with others from other countries and make lasting friends we hope to see again.

Just enjoying the beach area while younger ones were skiing.  Takis had taken us all out to this small island out from Poros so ones could enjoy the afternoon and the younger ones could try out the skiing.  I tried two times but gave it up until next year with a promise from Takis he would get me up on my return!!