Tarpon Springs

Now we are north of Tampa---we visited Tarpon Springs, the sponge capital where the Greeks came to harvest them from the sea in the early 1900's. Then Greek businessmen came and started restaurants and businesses. So this is a whole Greek village right here in Florida. We bought some sponges and took a boat tour to see the barrier islands. We learned about the kinds of sponges. The one I am holding is a flower sponge.


These sponges strung on ropes are the way that they are brought in on the ships.

We had Greek food at Hellas Restaurant by the sponge docks. Our appetizer, saganaki, is a flaming cheese dish. Delicious!! Then we had Greek salad and one of their noodle dishes. But the pastries and desserts are to die for!!! We have had baklava, cheesecake, a custard dish, and we are going back for more tomorrow. Their display cases are just full of the most beautiful desserts that you have seen!!!

Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay.