Bus to and day in Pigadia, Karpathos
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Pigadia, Karpathos
Aware that Greek time is anytime, I made sure I was awaiting the 1130 hours bus from Finiki to Pigadia from 1115 hours. The bus arrived at 1125 hours, grumpy driver would not open the luggage compartment for me, meaning I had to struggle to place my back pack inside the bus. Next came our conversation in Greek which roughly translated goes something like this. Driver “Take that walking stick off the pack and where did you get it from?” Me “What has it to do with anything – How much costs my ticket?” Driver “2 Euro – Maybe it’s made from some wood you shouldn’t have.” Me “It is not from Karpathos.” Ignoramus! Then, I found a camera on the floor by my seat – did not trust the driver to hand it to the authorities and so left it with the hotel staff in Pigadia to do so.
The winding scenic road took us first through Arkasa, then over the mountain range through the village of Menetes and down to the eastern coastal town of Pigadia. Eventually found Sunrise Hotel, nicely appointed and with everything I have come to expect like a balcony with sea views – 38 Euro for the night which included buffet breakfast. Something I had missed that morning so out in the heat of the day to find Taverna Elleniko for lunch. Unbearably hot – back to the hotel and my air conditioned room for the duration of the afternoon.
Wanting very much to have a look around this little town, I took the opportunity early evening for a stroll, managed a handful of images and time once again to make a withdrawal from my Euro Travel Card. I have learnt to look for the Bank of Piraeus as they do not charge me anything for the transaction, however, the National Bank of Greece charge 12.50 Euro for currency conversation. Interesting, when my money is already in Euro. Unfortunately, had to use the National Bank as no other in Pigadia.
A light cafe meal near the hotel and an early night, in the knowledge that the next day would be a big one – off to Diafani and Olymbos for the day, returning to Pigadia to catch the 2155 hours ferry boat to Rhodes on Saturday, in transit to the island of Nisyros – arriving 1145 hours Sunday.