Today we will attempt to gather fuel, gas and provisions. Unfortunately it is Easter Sunday, so not too hopeful. 09.20 we take off for the walk to Hydra port. The birds chirping happily from the tree lined gardens beyond large solid stone walls. Cats curl themselves under the bushes in the climbing temperatures, each lazily stretch as we wander past, an occasional little pile of cat snacks lay under the bushes possibly provided by a local. We catch sight of a large ferry heading towards the main harbour. This will be a tight squeeze! Sounding his horn, the captain soon evacuated the area in anticipation of his entrance. Yachts scattered out of the oncoming ship, while fishing boats snuck into tiny gaps, clearing as much space as possible. The sea taxies however, have their own agenda....they continued to zip between the spaces created for this ship, causing their own little trail of chaos. Soon the ship was closing in on his mooring, his horn clearly inticating his need for space. With ropes at the ready, each crew member scurried to their stations. On shore the receiving staff loitered awaiting these mighty ropes. Speedily the ship was alongside, ropes secured and passengers disembarking, all such a slick procedure, obviously having repeated this on a numerous occasions. As the ship drew into harbour, we had a great view from our raised pathway into town, at the bow, alongside the rope ready crew was a chef. A huge piece of meat was turning on a spit cooking beautifully in the heat. As it was Easter Sunday, we guessed that this was lunch for the sightseeing passengers. An announcement from the ships tannoy confirmed our suspicion with"the ship will depart at 1pm for your lunchtime banquet on board" before traveling onto the next Island. Fabulous, three Islands in one day, and lunch served on board. We walked around the town watching restaurants prepare for the afternoon meal, lamb and more lamb is all we caught sight of. Chairs painted blue and decorated with little flower posies for Easter, were being placed alongside huge trellis tables. Flower wreaths were hung onto door handles and gates, ribbons festoon fences and lampposts, all to celebrate this Easter day. Of course every other business was closed, being a Sunday, and Easter, we had no chance of purchasing our provisions. We did want to top up with fuel, but as there are no vehicles in this little town, there would be no fuel station either! Our walk led us around the residential areas away from the bustling town, beautiful cottages and flower filled gardens squeezed into tiny streets. Some more opulent looking buildings stood proudly behind huge, perfectly constructed stone walls. Massive canvas sunshades stretch from the sandstone walls to provide elegant garden coverage, sculptured trees and pristinely pruned plants complete these fabulous showcases, we sneak as closely as we possibly can to catch a glimpse of the occupants and their lifestyle, we see a fabulous carved wooden garden table, adorned with wine goblets and glittering cutlery. Replica wooden high backed armchairs surround this grand display, subtle tinkling notes play from an invisible music player all adding to this theatrical scene. We step away, curious and inquisitive as we chatter. How much must this fabulous scenario cost, who occupies this dream of a lifestyle. Our path leads us back towards the harbour, the bars and restaurants are buzzing with holiday makers and presumably locals, but to our amazement, very few people are drinking alcohol. Generally, despite the hour, in a holiday destination, near the seafront you will see alcohol being consumed. In Greece, we have noticed that most customers drink coffee and cold beverages. The coffee is usually iced and served in a milkshake type, plastic tumbler with a lid and straw. Next time you have the opportunity, and are of course in Greece, keep looking! We settle into two very plumped sofas with pretty squashy cushions, coffee and hot chocolate appear within moments of our order. I could relax here all day, people watching is I think, one of the most enjoyable past times. From the giggling young girls grooming themselves using their mobile phones as mirrors, to the upmarket highly polished chino wearing guy, having his deep 'financial' sounding conversation into an invisible headset. We take in these characters, surmising about their life and guessing their business, making probably the most remarkable life for them with our guesswork. New customers arrive, deliberating over their seating choice before changing position despite their now comfortable partners. Sea taxis zip in and out of this already busy port, as there are no cars for transport, these tiny vessels work swiftly and deliberately. Ushering the passengers from the vessels with speed, in order to load the next batch of sightseers, ready for a hasty retreat out into one of the surrounding towns or villages. The service is incredibly prompt, extremely busy and chaotic to watch, therefore we have a fabulous array of people to assess during coffee. Men trundle past pulling huge wooden trolleys, then we remember that, as there are no cars in this town, luggage from the tourists must be transported somehow. Suitcases piled high on these homemade trolleys, pulled over some very uneven cobblestones, that must be an enormous strain on their bodies. We watch in awe at their enthusiasm and smiles as they deliver and take not only luggage, but huge cases of food and shop stock, bottles and even live chickens. Lunchtime arrives as the ever hungry Kevin points out, we plan to go back to Kejstral, eat lunch on board then purely for the exercise, walk back into town again. Greek salad is one favourite meal, with the gorgeous yogurt and garlic sauce known as tzasiki and some fresh crusty bread, perfect. Once again we take ourselves back into Hydra, into the warm sunshine, the bustling harbour beckons us for a walk, only on this occasion we walk around the small bay and out beyond the harbour. Steep cobbled slippery stones lead us out from the harbour, the splashing waves send spray into this warm afternoon air. Boats can be seen in every direction we look, from the insect sized sea taxis to a few grand superyachts, fishing vessels and motorboats skim between yachts under sail. An amazing array of boats out in this bay, all enjoying this fabulous spring day of sunshine. We amble along the pathway, passing locals with their panting pups, sightseers with cameras busily snapping every boat and flower, and the stunning scenery beyond. A few small bars perch on this awkward incline, steps and decking carefully placed where tables and seating would otherwise be leaning precariously. As the path ascends, the breeze filters around the hillside, bringing the salty air and fresh sea smell over our bodies. Rather than this breeze, we preferred to sit somewhere sunny and warm, therefore, we descend into town to find a comfy watching spot.
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Sailing Kejstral AdventuresRetired and following our dream of sailing around the world Archives
April 2019
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