Journey to and first day in Finiki, Karpathos
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Swimming pool and view from Hotel Finiki View, Finiki, Karpathos
Caught the 0930 hours bus yesterday morning from Hania to Iraklion, did wonder there for a bit whether or not I was going to make it in time. Antonia was to take me to the bus station and 15 minutes before departure, she was still fluffing around preparing their lunchtime meal. Never mind, if you miss this bus you can catch the next an hour later – no, I said, I want to allow myself plenty of time. Arrived safely in Iraklion soon after 1200 hours, a relatively short walk to the Port and all fed and watered ready to catch the ferry boat Prevali at 1350 hours. Interesting to watch a film crew working soon after the boat docked, a scene portraying a young, long haired, Greek man disembarking and being met by an elderly gentleman dressed all in black – obviously an emotional meeting after a long absence.
First stop some 3 hours later in Sitia at the eastern end of Crete, just enough time for passengers and vehicles to leave and board and off again for another 4 1/2 hours travelling to Karpathos, via the small island of Kassos. Very little to do, however, John from Nigeria (on his way to work in a hotel on the island of Kos, some sort of dance and comedy routines) kept me entertained for a while with his persistence to have me change my plans to visit and spend time with him on Kos – was never going to be a happening!
I always mean to include in my blogs some of the poorly translated signs etc that one sees – here is one from the Bar/Cafe Menu on the boat yesterday which brought a smile to my face. “Complaining forms can be found at the exit of the bar”. Don’t you just love it!
Arrived in Pigadia, capital of Karpathos on the eastern coast and it’s main port more or less on time, to find the place buzzing. On Friday night I had been able to book my accommodation on line from Chrissoula’s house and my instructions were to make my way to restaurant Mama Maria to await a taxi which would take me to Hotel Finiki View, in the small and picturesque fishing village of Finiki on the west coast. No sooner had we begun the journey when another taxi driver coming in the opposite direction began arguing with my driver – I am not exactly sure what it was all about, however, I believe 2 taxis were booked to bring me here. Costing 24 Euro, a rather expensive trip when you compare it with a 7 1/2 hour ferry boat journey for just 18 Euro. Never mind, I have a delightful, spacious, studio room at a special on line booking rate of just 100 Euro for 4 nights, complete with kitchen (which I probably will not use) and the little things like a plug which fits the handbasin, a plastic basin to wash clothes in and a clothes airer.
The owner/operators of the hotel, Panayiotes and Maria, I have learnt also own Mama Maria Restaurant in Pigadia and one of the six or so restaurants here in Finiki. Walked there somewhat late last evening for a wonderful Greek salad with a difference – complete with purslane, rocket and other greens. Met Ade from Indonesia, he has been 3 years in Greece and works for Panayiotes and Maria.
I will probably spend the next 2 days much the same as today – went down to the beach around 10.30 hours, after tossing up between that and the swimming pool here at the hotel. At the beach you can rent a sun lounger, table and umbrella for 3 Euro (5 Euro for 2 persons). Sunbathed, swam, then by 1300 hours when I was ready for lunch, just walked the short distance to see Panayiotes at the restaurant where I and several cats (obviously all related and sharing in their ginger colour) enjoyed a freshly caught and cooked whole fish with patates tiganetes (chips), bread and a nice cold beer. A watermelon grower arrived in his truck with produce to sell – by the time I had finished my meal, Panayiotes had bought watermelons and I finished with a complimentary plate of the sliced fruit. Back to the beach for my siesta under the shade of an umbrella, more sun, another swim and a walk back to my room. Tonight I will return to the port for my evening meal, to end what has been a perfect day in paradise.
Karpathos is the most southern island in the Dodecanese group of islands and lies between Crete and Rhodes. Like Crete, it is very mountainous and has an interesting history. I know I will be here until at least Wednesday, possibly longer – I need to check when there will be ferries and to where. For anyone who maybe worrying about me after my ill fortune in the Samaria Gorge, I can honestly say I am feeling no pain and the swelling in my legs has gone. I can only benefit further now from my days of rest and relaxation here in Finiki.