Monday - Day 7
Yesterday’s stay in bed routine seemed to impact D’s ability to get up but he finally did by 7am and went through his usual routine starting with a cup with a cup of tea for E and then heading out for his walk. After all he had that goat to walk off.
He headed out leaving a small breakfast pile of dry cat food just round the corner and then up from the village to the windmills and then past those and along the roughish path to Pontikokastro.
This is quite a gentle stroll that needs a decent sole on the shoe. D has his Teva sandals that he has sworn by for 25 years and is never without a pair. Avoiding the thorns and walking amongst the wild rosemary, thyme and wild garlic it doesn’t take long until you are blessed with fantastic views of Chorio, Yialos, Hirani and Nos.
Walk a few yard further on and then you are directly above the desalination plant on the Sými road with views down to the bay and the football pitch. In the distance there is also quite a large solar farm. Of course without the substantial investment in grid infrastructure a lot of places on the planet that are blessed with the sun cannot reap the full potential.
It was then back via the Chorio bakery for a bread micro and down past the school where the children were starting another week all smiling and looking happy.
Although there was some early cloud we decided to go with the Irini & Luca boat to Marathounda. The 11am sailing aloud us our frappe in Cafe Aiglios where these was a great deal of excitement. The local junior football team had won a football tournament over in Rodos and were parading their cup proudly through Yialos. The team were followed by parents, coaches, supporters all hooting horns and revving engines whilst shop owners and tourists clapped them round the harbour.
By the time Luca reached Marathounda there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and it was hot with a sea breeze that was most welcome. The little cafe along from the taverna is not open yet but the taverna meets all one’s needs. Sunbeds are €3 each unless you have travelled with Luca and then they are free. They are normal moveable sunbeds with proper umbrellas that provide shade.
After a small Mythos each and a swim in the crystal clear but cooler water it was time for lunch, that has always been delicious on previous occasions and proved so again.
Hold on to your hats but we find three shared small plates that avoid chips to be the perfect lunch! So we had the courgette balls (fritters) that were light with a hint of cheese, the homemade dolmades that came with yoghurt and lemon and were just the right size and so herby, and a plate of 6 decent sized prawns in a light garlic butter. These prawns were prepared the way we like them where the head and tail are left on but the body shell has been removed. At €15 for this dish we were well impressed.
We watched the usual shenanigans with the Marathounda goats as they pop their heads over the taverna fence and get loads of selfies with guests.
Reading and snoozing and it was soon 16:45 and time to return. By the time Luca had picked up at Nanou and St.Nicks there was no room for those at Ag. Marina so another boat went out. We came into Yialos at 17:30 just as the Poseidon returned from its Round The Island day trip.
The very big Blue Star ferry was also docking so we knew taxis would be scarce and we were a bit early for the bus. Years ago we might have had the daft idea of walking back up but with age comes wisdom so we went to Alegrito for an ouzo and retsina. Then of course we were too late for the bus so we jumped in a returning taxi.
As we were getting ready there was a light knock on our door. Normally we bump into our host at least once a day but not so today. Anastasia was just checking we were all well - such kindness.
It was just after 7:30pm when Rainbow Time started for us and after our quota we were tempted by the proximity and lure of the Kali Strata restaurant again.
We were met by the owner and shown to the same table which we think was by chance and not a desire to replicate what we do in Yannis The young waiting staff are impeccable. They asked after our day and briefly commented on the swimming at Marathounda. Menus appeared and our drinks order taken and delivered whilst we indulged ourselves in the excellent choice of dishes this restaurant offers.
We decided upon a shared starter of the pita bread with dips and the grilled octopus. The thinnest of pitta bread, clearly made on the premises, came with three dips - hummus, tzatziki and a cheese based one. All three were excellent. The melt in the mouth octopus, that is not easy to achieve, looked and tasted wonderful on a bed of fava bean purée.
D then had the saganaki prawns that were of significant proportions in a perfectly balanced sauce where the sweetness of the tomatoes is balanced by the feta cheese. E had the chicken souvlaki that came with tzatziki and nicely charred vegetables.
We stopped on the way out to thank and praise the chef’s in their whites and also to commend the owner on his work. It is no wonder that Allan has commented so favourably on this restaurant in this blog. Can we fit another visit in is the big question ?
Once again we headed home at a very reasonable hour and reflected on a great day out in paradise.