Mouse Island and the Church of Panagia Vlacherna (foreground)
This is the money shot in Corfu. We traveled 20+ minutes in an oversized bus up narrow, congested, mountain roads, to a restaurant-laden overlook filled with 10-15 similar buses. The buses were parked three across and all but blocked the thoroughfare. Meanwhile industrial-sized trucks and everyday traffic tried to wend their way through the vehicular melee without hitting the tourists who wandered along the roadway, oblivious to danger. The American way. All for this once-in-a-lifetime photographic “opportunity.” That is Corfu in a nutshell! Emphasis on the nuts. Why bother?!
Betty, Joanne and Keith at Mouse Island overlook
Back in the heart of the old town (which is within walking distance of the port) there are many, many shops catering to the tourist hoards. There is also the Old Fortress (Fortezza Vecchia) which most of the cruise ship tourists avoided. Bart, Vonnie, Betty and I decided to visit the fort rather than wandering aimlessly through the old town.
Fortunately, we were well rewarded for our effort. Our goal was the small lighthouse at the top of the fort. We had seen it earlier from sea level. The 200 year old lighthouse is a new addition to the fort, which dates back to the 5th century. While not spectacular in and of itself the lighthouse encourages visitors to climb to the top of the fort. From the top the views are spectacular. The city center of Corfu, the moat surrounding the fort, and the port of Corfu all easily visible from above. We could see the Viking Star and her sister ship, the Viking Jupiter, moored side-by-side in the port.
