Tidal wave

Sunday 16th October - Hora and Livadi 

 So while juggling devices to make the best of my lack of internet, I was listening to Loose Ends last night and the broadcast starting breaking up and then silence. Well it is windy and a phone mast somewhere has succumbed to the gale maybe. I resorted to listening to And then there were none which is always worth hearing again. The wind woke me a few times, I have a blanket on my bed now, it does get a bit chilly at night.

In the morning there was a nice sunrise, it’s still windy. But the  Artemis is on the move, it’s left Piraeus. It comes here in the morning, on its journey, before it returns, when I join it this evening. If the weather forecasts are to be believed, I might be able to get the Tuesday sailing, if not by Wednesday the wind will have abated when there is another sailing back here. I will just be pleased to get the five year permit card, so I can proceed with the next item on my list.

Last night I read up about a couple of islands near here, that I never visited. They both might be worth a visit next year in the spring. Both sound less touristy than here and subtly different. The two of interest are Kithnos and Kea. Unfortunately they are not on a ferry run from here, I would have to go back to Athens or Syros for example. I also discovered where the archeological museum is now, it’s in Livadi. I decided to go and look at it, as it claims  to be open today. 

So on Sunday morning after cleaning the house, I wandered down to Livadi, but I met two guys both with ancient dogs. Bit by bit, I am remembering people I have seen them before. The fridge left outside that house, has been covered up against any rain we might get.  Despite the fact it was windy, it was still warm, and I had a better look at one of the churches you see on the route down on the steps. It has steps of its own, built into the outside wall, one side just to go to the roof , the other side to the bell tower. 

I  saw the  kitten that followed me the other day. It was with a group of cats, that were being fed outside a house, by a Father. He was sweeping his garden. I got a friendly welcome from him too. 

When I got to Livadi, the sea was really choppy. The waves were toppling over the sea wall. I got one of my nice pies and ate it outside the coffee shop, which now closes at three. I then walked to the ferry terminal shelter and did my Greek. I could see Artemis was going to arrive soon, on its first visit to this island. I finally managed to do all the chapter two examples in the Greek course. My pronunciation might be a bit iffy, I can work on that. If I can repeat the success next time, I might move into chapter four. I am about seventy five percent through chapter three in getting the examples right. My friend on Sifnos says this is the easy bit!

Artemis arrived and a few people got off and on. The people who catch the mooring rope that is thrown overboard got drenched for their efforts. One of the guys from Marinos coffee shop got on, he always says hello or waves when he sees me. I ought to find out his name. Right by the port is a very small bay. I just checked my map and it’s called Hostria. I will name it in Google maps soon. I have seen people on it, and sure enough there was a little path to get to it. 

It was lovely, completely sheltered from the wind. It was hot enough to take my t shirt off. So I sat there propped against the rocks. It was wonderful. Then my problems started. The next ferry was a Sea Jet. It came in and too late I realised the waves it created were going to engulf me. I did not have a chance. Only my bottom half got wet including my wallet and phone. There was nothing for it but to walk home. 

I must have looked ridiculous dripping wet walking that road.  By the time I got home I was almost dry apart from my boots. I put all my clothes in the washing machine. They will dry quickly outside. So an easy afternoon, some dinner, then my taxi at eight. I can keep any eye on Artemis meanwhile. I have cleaned and dried the phone, it claims to be waterproof to a certain depth. It wasn’t wet for long.  Sea water is corrosive, I will take my old phone in case this one fails on me. When I get back, there are a few people to chase who haven’t got back to me.