Athens is opening up to us

November 17, 2024

We take things easy today, put on our bathing shoes a bit later, and walk over some stones to the sandy bottom of the Saronic Gulf. Once you overcome the initial hesitation and get in, it’s wonderful and really great. Freddy is the tough one of the two of us; he walks into the water, turns around, and dives backward into the waves... respect.

A little stroll through the settlement makes us a bit reflective. Many houses are abandoned, or buildings started but not finished. It’s a shame because it’s really lovely here. Not much is happening today.

November 18, 2024

We head towards Athens to the DPD shop. Naively, we thought they would call us when the package arrives. While driving on the toll-free roads, we get a call from an English-speaking Greek saying our package has arrived and where it should be delivered. I pull over to take the call since I speak a bit more English than Freddy. Our package is indeed supposed to be delivered today to the DPD shop in Athens. We are excited... still...

Upon arriving in Athens, we realize that the shop is right in the center, and the streets are narrow and bustling. Suddenly, motorcyclists come from everywhere, crossing our path... Goodness... there are so many of them. A little later, we just need to turn right, and we’re there... unfortunately, everything is so tight and parked up. A resident took pity on us (okay.. he just left on his own), and a slightly larger parking space became available... great if it weren’t for the traffic. With Freddy’s guidance on reverse parking, I managed to fit our car into the spot well, but we don’t want to leave the car alone...

Freddy goes to the DPD shop, presents his request, and is immediately brushed off rudely... wow, the lady was nice (sarcasm). She keeps saying Freddy is in the wrong place and that we need to go to another store. Freddy explains that the dispatcher had discussed the store with us over the phone… regardless, Freddy leaves the store annoyed. An hour later, I try to clarify things once more with my English... in vain, and overall, it’s very, very unfriendly. We decide to leave Athens before rush hour... let’s get out of here, and this power box should go back to the sender. However, the dispatcher’s call doesn’t come until a day later with the explanation... oops, DPD didn’t accept the package...

We drive, feeling exasperated, back to the old parking spot and enjoy the sun, the water, and the fresh air upon arrival. We were really amazed that the sun was shining because we hadn’t seen any sun in Athens... gloomy narrow streets and... ah well, let’s just check off the Athens trip.

November 19, 2024

This time, we have a relaxed breakfast outside, sandwiches and coffee... just how it should be. We overhear a conversation between two locals who were chatting with our “neighbors” in German... Wow, Dortmund comes up, and that’s a great way to start a conversation. The brothers – Jannick and Nokola – originally from Dortmund, are half-Greek, and have now been living back in Greece for years. A wonderful conversation unfolds with tips and tricks about fishing, where to eat well, and what’s worth exploring in the area. Super nice people, and the conversation lasted quite a while. In the evening, Freddy met both of them again while fishing and arranged to go fishing with them in the morning... Maybe it will work out, and we can eat fish caught by ourselves.

We enjoy the sun and the wonderfully refreshing water... a dream...