On Thursday, 6th August we are once again heading for Anghistri. This time we are taking our oldest granddaughter, Eleanor (Ellie) with us. At first she was afraid of flying and didn't like the idea of sailing from Piraeus to Anghistri. After we had assured her that flying did not give you vertigo and a hydrofoil did not feel like a boat or ship she agreed to come with us. Very soon she was telling all her friends about her holiday plans.For the past week or so she has been posting the countdown on Facebook. So on Thursday we shall leave Manchester for Zurich courtesy of Swiss Airlines. We shall stay in Zurich Airport for only 1 hour 20 minutes before leaving for the Greek capital, Athens. Once there we have to quickly reclaim our luggage and catch a bus or taxi to Piraeus. The plan is to be on board the 18.30 Flying Dolphin (as shown on the above picture) and in Anghistri within about 50 - 55 minutes. On arrival we will be met by Christos Anastasiou, owner of the Hotel Boulas, and be driven up from the port of Megalohori to the village and our room for the next 3 weeks.
Once we have packed we shall walk round to Taverna o Fotis and renew our acquaintance with Fotis and his characterful wife, Katerina. As usual, our interpreter will be Vassu, their daughter who speaks excellent English. Following this we shall turn in for the night.
Next day we shall be getting breakfast so it will be my job to walk round to the village baker, Vangelis, for a small soft white loaf. As always, Vangeli will say, "Welcome, welcome. How are you?" and we shall be part of the village for three weeks. Our supplies will come from Supermarket "Nontas" run by Theo, the son of Nontas who died a few years ago. Theo's wife is Irene and they are usually assited in the shop with Theo's mum on eighing duties. We have never known her name so we refer to her as Mrs Nontas.
Another friendship (not acquaintance this time) is that between myself and Taki (full name Panyotis Logothetis) who hires out bikes and scooters and runs the island petrol station. I have known him for 21 and when we first travelled to the island he was 21 years old and single. He has a lovely wife, Katerina, who helps him in his business. then there is Constantinos, his son, who is still at school. He is the most polite young man you could meet and he plays the bazuki.
Thursday will see the beginning of a long, relaxed holiday under the Greek sun with lots of cool dips in the swimming pool. I am sure Ellie will love it and I hope to hear this many times. Watch out, my friends, Keith and Pauline are coming!
