From Ikaria to Chios
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Helen and Heran - The Square, Agios Kirikos, Ikaria
The first evening I was in Ikaria and sitting with my ouzo in the Square, there was a very young girl going from table to table, playing her piano accordion for the people, in the hope that someone might give her a little money in return – she did not come to me. The second evening I was again sitting with my ouzo as the wee girl made her rounds and with one Euro ready in hand, I beckoned her over and asked her name and age. Paraskevoula is only 5 years’ old and for whatever circumstances, finds herself on the street playing a repertoire including “Never On A Sunday” and all with one missing key.
Also, that first evening, a very handsome motor yacht berthed at the harbour. It was the 43 metre long ‘Hana’ – I can only assume those persons aboard are living a life I have yet to become accustomed to.
Began the day yesterday returning early to the place I had eaten the night before, to look for a mum and her four kittens. Mum looked quite healthy, however, her babies were thin and under nourished and two of them had bung eyes – one wee tabby especially and if I could have taken him home with me, then for sure I would have done so. Anyway, I went back armed with a bag of cat biscuits, found three of the kittens who ate until their belly’s were swollen, then washed and began to play. Later I came across the fourth kitten and he was extremely happy and friendly – attempting to help himself from the bag.
It was a long day yesterday with the ferry ‘Theofilos’ arriving and departing late from Agios Kirikos and eventually I arrived in Chios at 2315 hours – 2 hours after the scheduled arrival time. Heran and I sat drinking frappe’s in the Square until boarding and then we were out on the deck for the entire journey – two solo travellers sharing their experiences, lives and dreams. I very much enjoyed Heran’s company as I am sure she did mine and Heran has promised to email me and keep in touch.
As arranged, Kiwi born Don was there to meet me on arrival and bring me to Chios Rooms, located upstairs in a late 19th Century neoclassical mansion – with such high ceilings, I can only imagine the stud must be some 20 feet! I have my own bathroom although it is outside the room and a balcony with harbour views. Nearby, the cafe bar Satva pumped out very loud, base loaded music which I can only assume continued on until the wee small hours of the morning as at 0100 hours I had had enough and so popped a sleeping pill and I do not do that too often. At the moment it is 2230 hours and so too early tonight yet to know if the whole dreaded saga will again unfold.
Added to these woes is the fact that I am unable to connect to Chios Rooms Wireless and I am struggling, as it so happens, to keep a signal from cafe bar Satva’s unsecured wireless, making things very difficult for me. So, there could be a change of plans – tomorrow I may leave Chios for quieter shores and the small island of Oinousses. What a difference 24 hours can make!