COVID Tests and Tinos

Before I get to the good stuff…I had to get a COVID test today. As always, it’s an adventure getting across an island. First the bus, then lots of walking, and finally, a taxi. I made it to the SEA Medical clinic where I got a PCR test. 

Even with my vaccination card, the U.S. requires proof of a negative test. I’m actually anxious about the results. So anxious, in fact, I dreamt about testing positive last night. I’ll have the results some time in the middle of the night.

After the test, more walking. I needed to get to the port in an hour to catch the ferry to Tinos. The busses aren’t reliable, as I’ve learned, so I scheduled a taxi pick up. The line to get printed tickets was real long, and I was cutting it close. Thankfully, another two ticket kiosks opened, I got my tickets and ran to the ferry.

My vineyard tour and wine tasting wasn’t for another two hours so I walked around the port and through the streets. I stopped at a little restaurant for a tasty gyro! Again with the fries?

My guide for the day text and told me the previous tour finished early, and she was ready to meet me and take me to the vineyard. 

Bus? Taxi?

Taxi.

I had to get to the town of Falatados and meet my guild at a taverna. Panayiota arrived in her car and we set off for the vineyard. 

I’ve only visited the wineries in Palisade, Colorado, and don’t remember touring the vineyards. It was such an educational experience for me. Panayiota share the different varieties of grapes, how the vineyard started, and why T-Oinos wine is so unique.

The landscape reminded me of some in Colorado. Panayiota was surprised to learn that Colorado shares some geology.

After the tour we drove to the tiny winery where they make the wine and hosts tastings.

During the tasting, I learned that my hopes for wine gifts were not possible. You see, I wanted to have quite a bit of wine shipped home, but learned there’s some regulation that only allows wineries to sell and ship to retailers. I was rather disappointed. Not only because my friends and fam were gonna miss out on amazing wine, but because I had no time or idea of what else to bring back for them. The wine was it.

Anyway, Panayiota offered to take me back to the port since she lives in the same town. Since we had time to spare, she offered to show me a small village and take me to a traditional Greek taverna. The village was Triantaros and the restaurant, well, here’s a picture of the sign.

I mean, how many beautiful little Greek villages can I travel in one vacation?! The narrow and steep streets, the beautiful churches and gorgeous flowers. Chef’s kiss 😘 

Panayiota took care of all the ordering, and I was happy to let her do so. She ordered fava and tigania pork for starters with bread to dip in the tigania juices. Wow 😮 Everything local. Everything fresh.

She then ordered a rocket pizza. Now, I have a favorite pizza place in Denver called Blackbird and they make THE most amazing pizza I’ve ever tasted called The Rocket. When I told Panayiota about the pizza, she informed me that rocket is actually pronounced, Roe-ka. We know it as Arugula. 🤯

Anyway, this rocket pizza was equally amazing.

After filling our bellies Panayiota drove me back to the port. I am so thankful for her and her hospitality. I feel so lucky that we vibed and could share a short time together. Her favorite expression is Bravo and she rolls her own cigarettes with cellulose paper, au naturale tobacco, and tiny filters. She helps her boyfriend in the evening prepare and serve sushi at his restaurant near the dock. I invited her to Colorado so we could visit Palisade and drink wine.

Cheers,

Aud