Island of Ikaria
Join us in our Journey
Into the Blue Zone
It all started after we had seen Bill Weirs the "Wonder list "There are 5 places on the globe where scientists are studying health and longevity. One is on a tiny Island located in the Aegean Sea called Ikaria we chose this for our destination, with a desire to learn more.
We boarded The Helllenic sea ways Ferry departing from Pireas bay in Athens to Agios Kirikos Ikaria, we stopped at several islands, after 8 hours of traveling we arrived in port at 11:30pm, It was a long journey but we had finally arrived and we can't wait to share what we learned.
Agios Kirikos
Samos in the background
In the Morning we made our way from the south side across to the North side of the mountainous and ever changing terrain from rocky craggy mountains to amazing vistas, beautiful seas.
Fresh Figs there for the taking
Beehives perched upon rocky ledges, with wild flowers & herbs at every turn of the road
Beautiful ever changing azure seas
As we were driving with the windows wide open I took a deep breath in, it seemed as though someone had washed the air. We later learned that Ikaria is a self sustaining island, unlike many of the Greek islands where water is a major issue, Ikaria seems to have a never ending supply of it, surprisingly at the end of August many parts of the island were still amazingly green. When the financial crisis was in full bloom, I heard over and over again we have everything we need right here on the island no need to worry, the only problems we encountered , gas stations ran out of gas a few times and one time the ATM ran out of money, when my husband turned to a Icarian Yia Yia (grandmother)he said you will be ok,you have your gardens and homes, what will we do we can't pay for accommodations or food or gas if we can't access our money?She turned to us dead serious, you will come stay with us we have plenty. We experienced the generous spirit of the Ikarians over and over again during our stay.
Hospitality at its best
No locked doors here
We spent the Majority of our time at the Balconi studios in Kampos, the studios are centrally located on the north side of a mountain overlooking the tiny villages and the sea below
Views of Aegean Sea
Host and Hostess Paschale & Marianna
What sets the Balconi studios apart from other beautiful locations, are the host and hostess,
They take it to a whole different level, sharing homemade dinners, vegatables from their gardens, homemade wine, fresh eggs, chickens, medicinal honey .They also taught us how to forge for fresh medicinal herbs, cook Ikarian meals,milk a goat, shared secret swimming holes and hidden caves, they also shared stories of their beloved island as well as legends, lore and countless adventures.
Marianna attempting to teach me Greek dancing
Oopah
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"Here is what we learned"
" Ikarotes Secrets of Health and Longevity "
Leisurely delicious farm to table meals
Hours are spent with family or friends at the dinner table
Self sustaining island
Ikarotes have their own gardens, vineyards, goats, cows
what they don't grow or raise they barter for
Everyone has their own garden
Seemingly endless supply crystal clear Water
Daily Swimming part of their Rituals
Water Socializing
Plant based diet
Local Olive oil
Occasionally "meat " of course grass fed"
Or in this case a tree
Wild goat eaten on special occasions & festivals
Medicinal honey
Mountain Teas
Fresh in season Fruits
Wild herbs for cooking and medicinal use
Immortal Waters Of Ikaria in Chylosirtis
There is one location where water flows from the
Mountains Icarian's will drink a glass a day for a few weeks
Therma
Medicinal Hot Springs
Outside Hot springs
Sense of Purpose
Local Wine
Faith and Spiritually
Family Values
Traditions
Traditional wedding bed and Feast 
Balance of play and work 
Panagias where villagers come together to eat
dance, drink the local wines till the sun rises in the morning
Commitment
Goat products milk, cheese,wild goat meat
. Homemade goat cheese
It takes a Village
Elders are treated with love & respect and are considered valuable members of the community
Passion for life
Age doesn't mean limitations
You will find no gyms on Ikaria ,daily living walking hills doing daily chores are their gyms
There are No nursing homes we care for each other
Love of tradional Ikarotes Songs
Every man women and child knows all the words to their traditional music
. Saying on the island
"leave your watches and worries behind"
There is no speciality expensive organic food, it's just how we grow our food here!
Horta (wild greens)
We had our first breakfast in the village of Evidilos, my husband asked if there was bacon, the owner
Took of her apron walked across the square to the local market bought the bacon came back put her apron back on and my husband said "cooked the best breakfast I ever had."Needless to say it became one of our favorite restaurants.
Any thing is possible
Work Ethics
As I thought about the things I had seen and learned on Ikaria, it reminded me of a simpler life when I was a child when there weren't all these conveniences. Maybe just maybe this was the true secret to Ikaria!
As the sunsets on Ikaria and we ready ourselves to leave this magical island, we take with us a renewed Passion for good food, health,friendships and appreciation for all that this beautiful Island has to offer, We made so many memories, formed lifelong friendships and have a strong desire to return to this Island called Ikaria.
