Greece and Turkey, September 1994

dougburnett Wyświetlono: 619 razy 2003-11-22 11:11:32

Ocena:3.20 (5 głosów)

I had been in Greece no more than an hour and here I was already at a water-side café.
I had been in Greece no more than an hour and here I was already at a water-side café. On the table in front of me was a plate of olives, a piece of feta cheese, some bread and an Amstel beer. Beyond, there were boats gently swaying in the marina. I was on my way to Samos where I would get a boat to Turkey. I wanted to visit the Roman ruins at Ephesus and then go on to the island of Rhodes. I had vowed not to spend my four-hour layover in the departure hall of the Athens airport - ugh. An on-line acquaintance suggested I wait at one of the marinas east of the airport. When I arrived, I asked at the tourist desk. They suggested I take the local bus ($0.30) and with a little guidance from friendly Greeks, I arrived. Here I could set, eat, enjoy the view and rest up from my overnight flight. This was way better than the airport cafe.

Samos, Greece

After a couple of hours at the marina, I returned to the airport for the one hour hop to Samos. It's a great flight. The small plane flies low over the Greek islands, east almost to the Turkish coast. You look down on deep blue water, rocky land and geometric white towns. When I arrived, I took a 15 minute taxi ride ($9) into Samos town and walked around looking for a hotel. I soon found the Emily ($26), a friendly, comfortable place about two block back from the harbor. By then it was getting late, so I dropped off my bags, washed my face and headed off to find dinner. It's a short walk from the Emily to the downtown pedestrian mall. Here on one of the quite side streets, lit by strings of light-bulbs, I found the El Greco. The night was mild and I choose a seat outside with a view of the bay. The house specialty was grilled meat, so I had a plate with rice, a tomato salad and another Amstel ($11).

After dinner I walked around the lively shopping area, strolled by the harbor and then found a seat in a café by the port. After listening to some ancient American rock music and drinking a couple of glasses of wine, I headed back to the Emily and bed - I was bushed. But bed would have to wait - the hotel owner wanted to talk. He found out I worked with computers: so had he. I was from America: he had been to New York City. What did I think of the hotel? How about Samos? More guests came in and joined us. After a couple of hours - and lots more wine - I finally made it to bed. My room was open to a cool evening breeze and soothing night noises - crickets chirping, distant dogs barking and the hushed voices of people walking by. I was lulled to sleep.

But the morning wasn't so soothing. Well before dawn a rooster started crowing. He sounded like he was just outside the window. Soon after that, it was kids excitedly heading to school. After all the previous night's drinking, I got up with a thick head.

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