Since we returned from the trip, in September 2014, we agreed with Stelios and Natasa that the presentation of the travel will take place in Crete and especially in Chania. Since the beginning of the year, we started the creation of the presentation, which lasted until the end of April or so. It was time to set the date of the meeting. Stelios and Natasha, once again, shown how hosting is, assuming the accommodation of all who would attend the meeting, the Avra Apartments that they maintain at the beautiful, seaside village of Kalyves.
On the journey we had accomplished at the itinerary in Turkey - Georgia - Armenia, we had the opportunity to come across a solitary rider from Italy. The archaeological site of Ani, the ancient capital of Armenia, was the reason for acquaintance with Gigi. From the first moment of our acquaintance seemed chemistry between us, as if we knew each other years. We spend the night together in the border Kas, giving mutual promise that we would be together in Crete. The time of realization of the promise had come...
We contacted with Gigi and he promised us that he would love to come -alongside with his girlfriend, Gabriela- to the meeting... and he managed it!!! The participation of Gigi and Gabriela, gave rise to add English subtitles to the presentation, which made us to run –almost- until the last minute to finish it.
Manolis, Stratos, Giorgos Z. with Anna, Kostas P. And Giorgos M. with Stavroula with their two kids, arrived on Friday at dawn by boat. Stelios, faithful to his habit, greeted us at the port and then we went to try the local cheese pie (=Chaniotiki Bugatsa). Just before the village of Kalives, we stopped to drink a coffee, overlooking the Souda Bay.
The day scroll leisurely pace with a walk at the Old Town of Chania and -of course- much talk about travel. Late in the afternoon, they arrived by plane from Thessaloniki, Dimitris V. And Katerina, along with their best man Giorgos and Olga. In a village tavern, we tasted the local delicious as Manolis and Stelios -At about 11pm- went to pick Gigi and Gabriela from the airport. At 12.30, we arrive together at Avra Apartments, which would host us the days of the meeting. Despite the fact that some met for the first time or that we talked in two languages, there was not a reason for existence of any embarrassment.
In the early hours of Saturday, added to our company, Sakis and Diana. We decided to make a small journey starting from the gorge of Therisos and following a winding mountains path (about 80km.), We came to fort “Kule” (=fort in turkish) of Aptaira. It is found at the top of a hill, to the point that provides spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding area of Souda Bay. At 4pm we arrived at the Cote d'Azur beaches of Kalyves, where most stayed for coffee and swim and Manolis and Stratos went to the airport to greet Achilleas that came from Thessaloniki. Saturday afternoon we spent relaxing on the beach. The latest arrivals on Saturday, was our friends from Heraklion: Yannis G. Nikos M. with his wife, Kiki.
At 7pm. they lit the coals and Kostas P. and Giorgos Z. acted as cook. The girls took care of the rest of the food. Manolis with Stelios has tested for the view of the presentation and preparation of the site. After about 2 hour, we sat down together to eat, and the cookers confirmed -for one more time- their reputation, satisfying even the most demanding.
At 10pm, the representation started in the confined space of the reception, as the air blowing made us cold. The 170 minutes that lasted, we watched it without interruption. The attendees watched the images and experienced the emotions that we tried to transport to them through the videos and photos. When it finished, many of us sat down to discuss more details of the trip and its experience. Gigi and Gabriela were so happy, while Gigi was moved... and for a good reason...
Those are the moments you perceive the specificity of moto-traveler. People with a common passion that are found least, but they feel that they know each other many years. They feel that many things connect them. They are able to travel many kilometers in order to have the chance to be up close and chat to relive the moment they lived on their journey, and also give promise to for their next meeting...
The morning of our Sunday found us all together drinking coffee and trying pies from sfakia prepared by Anna. Despite the fact that she is not from Crete, she had made it very well! An unexpected reservation for an apartment, forced Natasa and Stelios to lay the groundwork for the apartments as we enjoyed our coffee. Then we had a second surprise...
The couple that had booked was motorcyclists from Austria. When Bruno and Ingrid, just entered the place we were, they faced a group of motorcyclists. I think it was the last thing they would expect to encounter and they were happy. They took a few minutes to integrate the rest of the gang. Once they were settled in their apartment, we suggested them to follow us to our trip, which we decided to do.
Once again, Stelios has shown how much he loves and knows his island! Through a stunning route, with many turns and landscape that alternates lush vegetation until nonexistent, we get to the pass of Kallikratis or "Transfakiasan", as we use to call it! The view of the Libyan Sea was unique, while in the background we could distinguish the castle of Frangokastelo. Admittedly there are no visitors -especially bikers- that have not been impressed from the specific point, which ranks it at the best "youngest" attractions of Crete.
After we took some pictures, we took the road back and especially for the village of Armeni, that is located within walking distance from Kalyves. We crossed the astonishing beauty gorge of Imvros where at the village of Vryses, we fare welled Nick M. and Kiki, who had to return to the city of Heraclion, due to work.
At the village of Armeni, under the trees, is the restaurant "Tzitzikas", which we have preferred several times before. We had the chance to talk more with our Austrian friends. Ingrid has visited Greece several times, knowing habits, words, tastes and culture of the country. We sat for a long time, without realizing that the time passed...
The boat was leaving at 9pm. and the time was near 8pm. We went back to the apartment and we prepared fast... the moments of separation had arrived... we greeted with the Austrians and we made an appointment -why not- in their country! The Italians, along with the rest of us follow in the harbor for the last "goodbye". We boarded at the boat with mixed feelings... On the one hand we felt so full of everything we had lived the last 3 days and on the other hand we were sad that it was so short... In all this, however, it overrides the feeling of anticipation for our next meeting...
At this point we would like to thank from our heart, all those who managed to attend at the 10th annual meeting of the members and friends of MotoRiders Club and honored us with their presence. Also, all those who came from various parts of Greece and Europe, giving us the opportunity to share with them everything we lived in the journey in Turkey-Georgia-Armenia and to spend a unique 3-day.
A big "THANKS" to Stelios and Natasa for the wonderful hospitality, which in one way or another helped in the success of this beautiful meeting of friends.
Until we meet again our friends...
Participants: Sakis, Manolis, Giorgos Z., Achilleas, Stratos, Stelios, Kostas P., Yiannis G., Nikos M., Giorgos M., Dimitris, V., Gigi, Bruno, Natasa, Anna, Diana, Stavroula, Gabriela, Katerina, Olga, Kiki, Ingrid.
Photos: Manolis, Achilleas, Stelios, Natasa
