Heading to the Greek Islands

Another pre-arranged pickup seemed to work well and we headed off to the Athens Port to meet our ferry. Now that's a ferry!!! We were unceremoniously dropped at the back of the giant ferry wondering if that's where we were meant to be! Dragged the bags (had left one big one back at the hotel) up the gang plank onto the car loading ramp (still wondering what was going on!!), but found a rack to heave our big bag into then asked one of the car loaders where to go - through that door (an EXIT sign) and up the steps - okay! That was the alst of our worries as we were directed then into the 'Business Class' area passengers which was rather pleasant - absolutely heaps of seating in the passenger area 2 food and drink stations at which most people were getting breakfast as it departure was due at 7.30am. Not sure why everyone was in Business Class as the economy section was basically empty. I think most of the pre-booked tourists book that section and not a lot of locals travel across. Actually it's also the very end of the tourist season here and there's not much even open any more.

Once again our pre arranged pickup worked and we headed across the island of Paros to our hotel. Paros is a typical Greek Island with most buildings whitewashed white and brilliant blue facades and window sills etc. A very pretty place. The wind on arrival was blowing a gale and made the whole region appear very dry and dusty. Our hotel is lovely and in keeping with the regions white buildings. On the water but a little way out of town so that was our first stop for a wander. Managed to meander our way through alleys, laneways, waters edge and cafes and found ourselves a nice spot near the fishing boats for lunch. Did some reconnaissance as to where to eat for dinner, also in the same region, and grabbed a cab back to the hotel. A whole 5 Euros (approx $6) so arranged for 'Nik the Greek' to pick us upat 7pm and take us back in for dinner. He and about 3 other cab drivers seem to be the only ones around.

Our hotel has 50 odd rooms, 5 of which are occupied for this first night but only 9 accupied over the next couple of nights then the hotel closes down till March when the season begins again. Tough for those where no income is coming in. The palce here is literally full of apartments, B&B's, hotels etc and all of which are closed! But have to admit it is noce being one of the few tourists in town - it's very quiet!