Well, despite the hotel bed being the most comfortable ever, I managed to sleep badly. Partly excitement I think, and partly due to wanting to see everything in daylight, just in case it was as good as it seemed in the dark.
I was not wrong, the view just after sunrise offered serenity and depth of definition. By later in the day, the same view was of lumpy, wind crossed seas and a brightness that obliterated landscape detail.
I felt no need to shower, having done so just before bed, and T was finished fairly quickly.
The hotel breakfast had been given mixed reviews online; some liking it; some critical. I thought it was just fine with a good variety of cereals, juices, cheeses, cold meats, eggs, breads, preserves etc and some hot items. I would agree with comments about the lack of fruit. Oranges are great but a choice to help my bowels along would be even better.
I decided we would not hang around, but get a taxi to Nea Makri and assault a cash point as well as buy T some sandals. A trip to Rafina would have been more sensible as it turned out. Rafina is slightly nearer, and has a more reliable taxi presence I think, due to the port.
First, at Nea Makri, they were either idiots at the cash points or they were banking their businesses. Two ATM machines occupied by two people for over 15 minutes. It should be banned! We were not the next in the queue and there was a tetchiness, both in front and behind us. The plebs were restless, on the point of revolt.
Once we headed the queue , I was able to give a sharp demonstration of how not to keep people waiting. We then plodded on to the distant middle of Nea Makri where a shop sold just the type of sandals that T likes.
Time for a coffee in one of the places in the square, by the taxi rank. That done, we walked to the waiting taxi, to be pipped at the post by some annoying lady with a small bag of shopping.
After that, taxis were not like London buses, they just weren’t – full stop. There was also some difference of opinion amongst the waiting ladies, as to where you should queue. In the middle of the marked rank was the suggestion. It was hot standing around for taxis that did not come. Until one did. And we never did find out why the delays.
Hot and sticky and back at the hotel by now, T removed his socks and put his new shoes on, whilst I prepared for a dip in the sea. Getting there was exciting down some steep steps. Hand rails are not part of Greek thinking, as I have discovered, over the last few days of a lot of ups and downs.
The sea was lumpily wavy, and a cooling wind (gale) had arisen. The little beach below the hotel allows you to swim off a slightly scruffy sandy strip. No sunbeds or other tourist clutter. Two fixed parasols though. Well I suppose you can’t have everything
It was wonderful to be in the sea again. The visibility under the water was not great due to the rougher conditions. But, oh boy, it was refreshing. We then staggered back up the steep slope (avoiding the trauma of the steps) to add our personal clutter to the poolside bar. There was no one in the pool to begin with, and only a handful of people at any one time.
One of the critical review comments was about locals using and filling the pool. Noisily, in one review. Management have acted on this. Outsiders may use the pool for a hefty whack of €10 per άτομα. I don’t think they bother any more.
The staff here are just lovely. We started with coffee and zero Fix for T and fresh orange juice for me. After a while, we realised we were hungry. I arranged with Tina that we would stay here and see them this evening. So we ordered a salad and moussaka and chips to share. Very good too.
I enjoyed a quick pool dip as our lunch was being organised. Its really very nice here , very peaceful. Not overrun, with noise and people.
Sleep overcame us. Making up for last might.
We spent a chunk of the evening with T and V and Aspassia at their house, once V had finished surgery. It was very quiet after the previous night when the Japanese contingent had been present.
They had moved off to their permanent resting place. AKA their own accommodation. Rupert is busy bonding with his in-laws to be – apart from via zoom, they have only just met.
The rest of the family arrive tomorrow.
Update – 08.00 Friday – The Illis are at Lutin airport. flight in 30 mins. The Roberts depart at lunchtime from HR.
Thought for the Day
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