Greek traditional decoration

One of my favorite decoration in Greece are these birds and other figures on the roof like this. The colours look so nice against the blue sky. 

Samos island is a marvellous place to explore different kinds of churches and monasteries which are located in lovely places. Remember to have a proper outfit when you go inside these buildings. 

The atmosphere is always relaxing. This little church was up the hill behind hotel Kalidon. The road was smooth and easy to walk. I managed with my flip flops. I heard childrens voices from the beach like an echo. It took only fifteen minutes to go there from Arion Hotel. 

This walk in the evening was such an experience which gives me warm feelings also afterwards.

Good bye November and welcome December! <3 Tuija

Samos Sun

Hotel Samos Sun near Pythagorion in the village of Nea Poli was our destination in summer 2014. We had our rooms in a beautiful (red like a rosebud) building up the property with a great view towards Potokaki beach from our little balcony. We had a great holiday.

Breakfast was served in a terrace with lots of climbing bougainvillea plants. Charming place and I remember that delicious fresh orange juice. There was also other flowers in big pots all over the hotel stairs. Hotel was clean and fresh. 

Swimming pool was filled with sea water which felt good.Service in the pool bar was nice. Thanks Yannis! 

It was about nice walk to Pythagorion. It took only about half an hour to walk from Samos Sun to the centre. Taxi was only five euros. 

We love to rent bikes and and cycle along the beach to Ireon and other places. There was also nice to run in the evening from hotel to Chora. It is a little village near Nea Poli. 

Ireon

Pappa beach

Ireon

Honey man's store near Ireon

Potokaki beach

Poros Sea Side

Souvenier

Samos has a special place in our hearts. We made our first interrail with backpacks over 30 years ago and nowadays we return to these lovely places again and again. Ten weeks in ten years is not enough yet. 

                      Holiday dreams, Tuija

Samos collection

November in Finland is not the easiest month for a person who loves sun and sea. I'm grateful about my prize in September. My memories of Samos has given me  lots of inspiration and it has been much more easy to deal with this darkness which makes me feel melancholic.

Our aim is ahead us. We have six months time to organize our vacation in Samos island.  I googled pictures of Samos and what a great feeling!

                                       
                                                   Smiling! Tuija

Christmas time

Ten weeks ago I was eating my delicious pizza in Basilico restaurant in Kokkari. I took some pictures of this cute candle. I was wondering then that this good be a lovely idea to make at Christmas time as an advent candle holder. Now it occured again to my mind. I must definitely make at least one like this because it has so nice memories. 

I wish you lovely Christmas time! Tuija

Verdant Samos

These pictures from Samos Island makes me happy. I have lots of memories and warm feelings from these places where I have been walking around with my camera. 

Blue sea and green forest among colourful flowers smell in my nose right now although there is thousands of kilometres between me and greek nature. I have an excellent imagination.

Next summer's plans includes one Jeep to explore this favorite place more. Up to the hills and down to the silent beaches. 
Oh my, I can hardly wait for it. At the moment: I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.

Waiting for Christmas! Greetings from Villa Iiris, Tuija

Ice-cream in Pythagorion

"Orange" Gelateria-Cafe is in my mind tonight. My husband has his birthday and if we were right now in Pythagorion I'm sure that from this place we would find something delicious. My favorite is lemon sorbet and he loves chocolate. 

See you next summer in the main street! <3 Tuija

Landscape from Vourliotes

The shades of the sea are like a painting. The forest smell fresh. The power of nature is condenced in honey and mountain tea. These are specially good souveniers from Samos. 

Dreaming of next summer! Tuija

Kerannymi jewelry

This necklace is made of beautiful small stones in Manolates village. There is lots of lovely stores but our favorite is Kerannymi jewelry where Alek Lindus and Maria Karavatou have their lovely workshop.

The wooden box is made by my husband at Koti meidän -workshop. I have bought a ring almost every time when we have visited Greece. It's nice to keep them in this handmade box. 

With grateful thoughts, Tuija

One photogenic greek cat

           And a dog in a car. Wonderful memories from Samos. 

Greetings, Tuija

Samos sun in my mind

Early in the morning

Late in the evening

I got lots of strength while I was a photo blogger in Samos and still the pictures I took give me the power of Samos sun into my heart. 

Thank you my friends: Nicholaos and Maria!

                                               <3 Tuija / Villa Iiris Photography

Samos lovers

Last September I had my first holiday alone in Samos island. My destination was Arion Hotel in Kokkari in the north coast of island. In my Finnish blog Koti meidän I have also written about our adventuries earlier. Take a look!

When I came home I wrote a post about my feelings during the holiday. I saw everywhere couples and friends together and I must admit that I missed my family. Somehow it was marvelous to walk in peace up the hill and take lots of photos.

Samos is an interesting place where we are going to return many times. Next time it will be nice to show these new places to my husband.

Samos has a good public transport and it is specially cheap to take a trip round the island. The roads are also in good condition if you prefer to rent a car. This island is known about beautiful beaches and the nature is untouched.

Expecting great journeys next summer! Tuija

                     

Greek food

                     Can you guess what is my favorite dish in Greece?

                                                 <3 Tuija