The Sunday Getaway - 16 10 2022 - Facsimile of Ourself

It’s a quiet and slow morning, no alarms or particular activities planned for today (writes?Dimitris Kossyfas). Outside the window, Athens looks grey making this the perfect backdrop for tucking in. For the freshly-grinded filter coffee, the Saturday edition on the crisp newspaper at hand and the piano music in the background.

About 20 years ago I first landed in Paxos island as a follow up to about a week in the jaw-dropping cliffs of Santorini. Prompted by a popular TV show, we embarked on a trip to see this small scale community minutes away from cosmopolitan Corfu. But as we approached Gaios port it felt all too small, much more green and too different from the vibe of the Cyclades.

The days would be well spent in the turquoise waters of Voutoumi beach and in the evening there would be many Italian restaurants to visit in Lakka, Loggos or elsewhere. But one thing that stuck was the lush hilltop of Erimitis in Magazia. On a short bus ride from Gaios, we made it to this village and started climbing uphill just before sundown. And perhaps the view to the sea was mesmerising as the sun was kissing the shores of Paxos. Instead, I more so remember the place for its carbonara pasta, even if I cannot really picture the dish right now.

On Thursday, it was all about Paxos and its beautiful shots turning up on TV again. And as I went through the photos of that trip from more than 20 years ago, I sort of entertained the thought. What if we could go back to places we traveled and watch ourselves back then. As if we were watching an old TV show. From a viewers perspective. As a facsimile from the past. A facsimile of ourself. Not with nostalgia or anything, but purely as a way to get to know ourself?better. And what excites us when we travel.

As a means to appreciating the place, the food and the people.?

Athens List vol.V?- Pasta

• ALIO?- if you like complex flavours with multiple textures, then this is your place! Exquisite Linguini?gamberi and Tagliatelle al ragu. It's sister outpost delivers a kick-ass carbonara too.
• Maltagliatti?- more casual, this local joint?north of Panormou serves delicate handmade pasta. Especially with truffle season coming up!
• Trattotia?- famed for his appearance on multiple TV shows, Vincenzo in Nea Erythrea serves a firey Penne Arrabbiata!
• Capanna?- classic and rustic Italian joint in Kolonaki. Best to order a Rigatoni Carbonara.
• Salumaio d'Atene?- for lack of the Milanese version, you can visit Kifisia for some delicate Italian flavours.?Crayfish Tagliatelle with black truffle pearls and vermouth sauce for the win!

Travel On.

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