By Train, Bus, Plane then Metro

Saturday 

( note I am starting to use links in my blog, to provide more information on the subject matter, these should be clear to see - in blue)

So it’s a with very rheumy eyes, a blocked nose and wheezy respiratory system that this individual heads out on the very familiar route to Heathrow’s Terminal Two, off to Greece again. We have just had a super hot day in the UK which reminds me of the temperatures I might be feeling when I arrive in Greece. But I am hoping the heat with have toasted any pollen out there and my hay fever wracked body will have a three week gap from high levels of pollen, and when I return to the UK the pollen levels might be better there too.

This trip is going to be very different. Instead of island hopping, I am going to be based on  one  island, Serifos, in the lower Hora that I saw not so many weeks ago. I did cook my meals on Milos, and I hope to do the same on Serifos, just to see how I get on. The facilities in the kitchen will determine what I can conjure up. I know I have a washing machine, it looks similar to the one on Andros, but not painted red. It looks like I can access the roof where I can hang my clothes. I don’t think we are going to get sunset over the sea photo opportunities, but sunrises over it and then it should sink behind the mountains in the evening. 

I was not an immediate fan of Terminal Two last time, and as I got near the entrance, there was a crowd of people, waiting to get in. Once in the building, I then joined another queue for those who had already checked in to go to security, this then looped out of the building and back again. But it was all good natured. The queues moved and I was through security in no time. The terminal is cool and pollen free which is perfect. All I have to do is amuse myself for a couple of hours. 

So what am I going to do on a small island half way up a mountain? Well I have started during my last dog sit to make a bit more of an effort to learn Greek, at least add a bit more to my minuscule repertoire. I want to read as well, and give myself  an opportunity to see what it could be like living on an island where I don’t really know anyone! Well I hope the owner of the Captains bar and car rental place I used last time in Livadi will remember me! Maybe even Mike the dog and his owner who are at the place I stayed at in the port. 

I have just finished reading a book about Sifnos, by a Canadian lady who has been there a few times. In fact I saw her last time I was there. She talks about the locals, but gives them nicknames. It’s an interesting book because it does give you insights into what Greeks think about their visitors. Most tourists probably just visit an island once. After my time on Serifos, this will be my fifth Sifnos visit. The lady who runs the baker knows me well now, and I get a nice greeting when I see her. 

So as I went through the departure gate, the desk clerks kidnapped my case even though it was carry on. The flight was full and they needed to make room. It wasn’t even over the limit of 8kg. Eventually we were pushed back, late as I expected, with a little rain falling on the plane windows.  I must admit after we were given our snack, a roll and an energy bar,  I had a nap, waking to see us go over the alps and I think I saw Interlaken. There was still snow on the peaks.

Slightly concerning was the appearance of another plane I could see out of my window. It was above us and crossed our path up above. I seem to remember there is a altitude difference two planes on the same trajectory have to keep to, it’s impossible to judge it by eyesight. After a while the clear sky was speckled with cotton wool and this ended up being replaced by cloud cover. But as soon as we started our descent into Athens and the cloud gave way to clear skies.

As we dropped down towards the airport, the familiar salt  and pepper landscape appeared to then give way to olive trees and what looked like solar panels on the ground. As my window seat was by the cargo door, after we landed I could watch the bags being unloaded. One of the guys on the ground was similar n appearance to a member of the band  ZZ Top, hats off to those guys, it must have been boiling on the airport apron.

To my surprise and delight I saw my case come off the plane quite early, quicker than my exit time, but I was at the back of the plane. 

I was determined to put my extended Greek abilities to the test and all the flight crew  got a “Efharisto para poli” ( thank you very much) which I think went down well. I exited the airport to warmth and a lovely breeze. Time to walk to the Metro. I knew the route because I had done it in reverse on my way home last time. So I did a “Piraeus Parakelo” at the Metro ticket office, she knew I was English and reminded me how to get down to the platform in word perfect English, which befuddled my attempts to thank her!

The Metro into the city is very new and runs alongside the motorway. I heard an accordion and eventually a beggar boy appeared with a paper cup sellotaped to his instrument. I had no change, but a couple of ladies gave him some money. After you change to get onto line one to Piraeus the trains are graffiti covered, like those people who insist on tattooing every square millimetre of their bodies. This is Piraeus station.

So a short walk to my regular hotel and after checking in time for a beer and order some food. My port gate is not far away so I should be able to make it in plenty of time for 8am. I am expecting the ferry to be very busy. It will be interesting to see how many get off at Serifos.