After all the fun, frivolity and flirting that was Turkey, I arrived on the Greek Island of Crete. I caught a taxi from the airport for the astronomical sum of €45 and the pleasure of watching the taxi driver pick his teeth in the rear-view mirror the entire journey.
Crete in August, when you are supposed to come to the Greek Islands.
When I got to my budget hotel, the driver thought nothing of leaving me outside a shut-up reception amongst units that were all dark in a neighbouhood of bordered up restaurants and bars.
No, this wasn’t good.
There were two phone numbers posted to the reception door for either Manos or Kostas. I called Manos, who sent his brother Kostas to open my room for me. When he saw me he said, “It is just you?” Yep. I asked, “Am I the only one here?” Yep. It seemed I would not be enjoying the ‘Mamma Mia’ style Greece experience.
After a bit of chit-chat, off Kostas went home and I was left with the run of the entire place, 30 apartments in all, located down a shingle driveway in the middle of bloody nowhere. A bit freaky to say the least. I spent the evening watching happy TV that I had downloaded like a maniac in Turkey, and by happy I mean ‘America’s Next Top Model’ rather than ‘True Blood’.
The next day (today) Kostas arrived in the morning and gave me tips on where to go. I went to a place called Aghios Nikolaos upon his recommendation. It was alright, a bit quiet also. I had lunch by myself in a restaurant – and by myself I mean, I was the only person eating there. I then strolled around the place, taking a few photos here and there, waiting for the friendly locals to say something, anything to me. They did not. It seems I am definately not in Turkey anymore.
I headed to the bus station after a few hours to return to my accommodation and somehow managed to miss my bus. I believe they announce bus number changes in Greek, which is no use to me. So, with an hour to spare I headed across the road to the local bar and downed a few wines – which ended up being paid for by Stavros, a dude at the bar who seemed to want to buy me drinks. Cheers Stavros. Can I just say, the loneliness of Greece seems a bit more palpable after a few wines.
Here I am back at my deserted accommodation and I am soooooo out of here tomorrow! I have booked an early ferry to Santorini which I hope proves to be a bit more happening than Crete. I feel like since I came all this way, I really need to give Greece a chance. If Santorini sux, I dunno. Am thinking Paris. Thoughts????
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Hey you – hows it going? Where in the world is Bronwyn Bruce? Did things pick up in Greece or have you legged it to another exotic location?!?
awww… sux being in a deserted tourist town (or Canberra…whichever…lol)
Paris?? oui-oui!!!! or anywhere in Italy – Venice and Florence!!!! mmm…. you could prob get a ferry to Venice from Greece if they are still running??
but Paris in winter would be delightful
GOOD LUCK!!