Third day in Finiki, Karpathos
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Finiki Beach early evening, Karpathos
Last evening discovered an alternate route to the harbour and Restaurant Finiki View via stairs rather than the road. A number of unoccupied houses, most probably used only for a month or two in the summer. For the second night in a row I was given a small plate of giant beans in sauce to consume with my red wine whilst awaiting my main meal – last night Bridzola (grilled pork chop) with patates tiganetes (fries) and salad. The pork at home is nothing like the pork here which is much darker in colour and far more tasty. Finished with another plate of delicious watermelon.
Up early this morning to walk to the small town of Arkasa 2km from here – left at 0745 hours as I wanted to beat the heat of the day. Wandering through the narrow streets and alleys, I was surprised how picturesque the town is – from afar it appears rather drab and uninteresting, however, many of the houses have pleasant courtyards and gardens and I rather liked the somewhat unusual colour schemes of some of the dwellings. As well as a few bars and restaurants in Arkasa, there are 2 supermarkets and a periptero, i.e. kiosk like you find all over Greece, where I was able to purchase a few necessities. Apart from one small sandy beach I saw nearby, the coastline is rocky and unsuitable for sunbathing and swimming.
On my return to Finiki it was time for an early lunch – Horiatiki Salata (Greek salad) with a difference – shredded cabbage, tomato, cucumber, onion, capsicum, olives, assorted greens including rocket and purslane, topped with a generous slice of feta, olive oil and vinegar left to pour on as much as wanted. With fresh crusty bread and a cold Heineken – replete and ready for an afternoon on the beach.
Finiki is just 19km from Pigadia, the capital and main port of Karpathos. For anyone with limited time and more cash than me, there is an International Airport on Karpathos, 10km from Finiki, with I understand flights to and from several UK and European destinations.
If you have been following my travels since the beginning or you have read my website page About Helen, you will know that I have taken leave from my Real Estate work to make this intrepid 6 month journey. I just wanted to let you all know that my boss, Steve Carkeek, has made me aware of the closing of the Wanganui First National office where I worked, the victim of a real estate environment showing few signs of life. The firm will merge with the Professionals office at the end of June and so, as far as I know now, I will become part of that team on my return to New Zealand in October. It is not something I need to concern myself with at the present time – I am in Greece to have fun and follow my dreams.
Tuesday, June 15th 2010 at 11:53 pm |
Hi Helen
Well I think it’s about time I left a blog, we recieve so much pleasure from your daily…well almost daily downloads (smiles) but of course we realise that at times it’s impossible to download each and every day.
I sometimes think you have masochist tendencies telling us all these wonderful stories of where you’ve been, what you are doing and what you are eating. Whilst we at home have to suffer the cold weather and raining conditions we are experiencing at present, today not too bad. I’m writing this with door open and a great view over to mountain, sun and no wind, and no, the trees have not been cut back yet, but leaves have fallen so you know the view I’m talking about.
The meals you describe sound delicious…hot crusty breads…mmmmm, salads and wines, we can almost taste them as I read the menus.
Then there are the walks around the towns and villages, with quaint restaurants and views over the harbours, whow sounds great, and yeah definitely a masochist but we love it. If we can’t be there at least we can imagine being there.
We were somewhat concerned when you wrote about your health and you legs, but now all good news, knowing you are now on the mend and relaxing a little before the next part of the “Intrepid Journey”
I do so like the pics of the harbour’s and ships, I guess that’s just my navel background, it gets me wondering where those ships have been and what oceans and seas they have crossed…but all the pics are good and interesting, painting a picture of the real Greece, not the one out of the holiday guides.
Yeah unfortunately the name “First National” will be no longer, but I believe the “Pleasant Pheasant…” club will still remain
Look forward to reading tomorrow’s blog, 10am coffee time, in the mean time our thoughts are with, take care.
John and Ella
JDW
Wednesday, June 16th 2010 at 9:51 am |
Good evening Helen, its Wed 9.43pm
Love the pics you have posted, interesting and lovely to see the different colors of the homes. They all look very well maintained.
Pleased to hear you are feeling better. It must be all that relaxing by the beach. As I mentioned before, I am not a beach person, but I think with all the ‘perks’ on hand even I could get used to it. haha
We are having our meeting up at Evelynnes Mon 21st June. So looking forward to that, as Evelynne is the perfect hostess as you well know. It’s always a delight to go there.
All the lovely meals you mention, I have to admit they do have a tendency to make my mouth water 🙂
Weather has been not too bad today. Rain has held off and its not quite so cold tonight.
Well I’m now heading to my bed, so enjoy your relaxing prior to your moving on.
Take care
Phyl