Itisallgreek2me

View from my room - Monemvasia

With the heavy wooden shutters they have here on the windows, it is almost impossible to tell what sort of morning it is out there until you get up from the bed to view.  Yesterday came as a shock to see the mountains closing in with cloud, wind and a little rain.  At first, I thought the weather may keep me in Kosmas for another day and, of course, I would have been quite content in many ways to do so.  Again, the reality was there were no buses out of there and Costas and I agreed my best bet was to go down to the Square and wait to see who would come along, be brave and approach them in a positive way.  I’m sure fear is the main reason people are reluctant to stop and pick anyone up. 

Packed ready then downstairs for  freshly squeezed orange, koulourakia and coffee.  The weather tried playing tricks with my mind, producing a little more water from the sky while at the same time, it was warm and the sun was beginning to find it’s way through.  Not easy to know how to thank someone who has shown such hospitality and friendship.  I had spent the most amazing two days there at “Ouranogiton” and all he would take was the 60 Euro for my room.  I must have looked a rather forlorn figure as I set off by foot to the Square, however, I knew I had to brighten up if I was to have success in moving on from there. 

Never much happening in the Plateia but for two days I had noticed the occasional camper van or car with occupants of European extraction stopping for perhaps a drink or something to eat then back on the road.  Eyed a middle aged couple making their own cuppa at the edge of the Square and so I approached Fossey and Brigitte (French), introduced myself and relayed as best I could with their limited knowledge of English what it was I needed their help for.  At first I sensed a little reluctance but they agreed and we shared a very pleasant short journey together.  They were travelling to Sparti and Mystra then on down to Gythio to their hotel for the night.  I needed to reach Sparti where I believed I could catch a bus to take me to Monemvasia and so that is where they left me at the Sparti Bus Station at around 1300 hours – the necessary bus left at 1330 hours with NO changeover necessary. 

The first accommodation place that I noticed on arrival was Hotel Aktaion, more than adequate with fridge, television and a queen size bed.  The room rate is 30 Euro per night – upgraded to a room with sea vews and only a few meters away from the causeway to the castle.  Most important, of course, there is WiFi Internet – the connection and signal not very wonderful in my room but I go downstairs to the noisy cafe and sit with all the mad keen Greek soccer fans watching a game on T.V, trying to ignore and to be ignored. 

This afternoon I have a mission to update my Photo Gallery which takes more time than anything to do on this machine.  Will see how I go.  The day is stunning – very warm, light breeze – I believe tonight I shall make my first visit to the castle at Monemvasia – Greece’s Rock of Gibraltor.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 14th, 2010 at 6:01 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.