The crossing was smooth. Our neighbours, the school group retired quietly or we didn't hear them as we were exhausted after a day of sightseeing in Bari. The cabin was very comfortable - very similar to a cabin on the Rosslare - Cherbourg crossing. I slept well.
At breakfast, there were very few people about. Most of the truck drivers, who made up the majority of passengers, disembarked at Igoumenitsa at c.0530. It appears that the truck deck, full to capacity on departure, has been depleted - three trucks remain. CC tells me that there was a lot of banging and clanging at the port but I heard nothing!! This port is south of Corfu and would provide a more direct route for truckers to Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey.
Later, as we approached Patras, I went outside to see the Rio-Andirio suspension bridge, an engineering feat that links the city with western continental Greece. It was difficult to photograph as it appeared to float on the sea and was so delicate in structure that it blended with the sky.
It was cool and breezy. (Don't say we brought Irish weather to Greece as we did to New Zealand?? ). We docked at 13.00 hrs. and walked the 10 minutes to Hotel Astir. The weather was a little warmer than on board but I did not feel overheated in my jacket!
Patra (Patras) is a shadow of its former self ! It is the largest city in the Peloponnese, named after King Patra who ruled Achaia c.1100BC. It was an important trade centre under Mycenaean and Roman rule. Although it boasts a university population of 20,000, it teems with derelict buildings which mar its spectacular coastal location.
On arrival at the hotel, we are treated to an unusual fruit which appeared to have been soaked in syrup. It was a pleasant touch. The Greek Prime Ministers take a suite in this hotel when they visit Patra - so it must be good enough for us!!
The hotel, though 4 star, has an air of faded grandeur. The rooms are spacious and will adequately fill the bill!
Our next port of call was to the bus station next door to enquire about busses (yes busses) to Olympia. We have decided to take the 0930 bus tomorrow -2 1/2 hours via Pyrgos. Two points to note if you pass this way. You must be at the station to buy your ticket 1/2 hour before as the bus might leave early!! In addition, there are two bus stations in Patras (population 168,000) so check your departure station - luckily our departure point is next to the hotel.
It was now 1500hrs so lunch beckoned - our first Greek meal. Next to the hotel was Mareipeio restaurant where we shared an enormous portion of Mousakka together with bread and a jug of local wine - excellent!
We adjourned to the railway station across the road from the hotel. All our needs are thankfully compacted in a small area.
The station only caters for suburban lines at present as they intend to convert the narrow gauge railway to the European norm. No trains today - there a 24 austerity strike! Are we Irish toocompliant?
As I sit here in the station restaurant sipping an Americano (coffee is expensive here relative to water and wine €2-4 a cup) - overlooking the tracks and the stupendous sea view, its good to be back in Greece after a long interval.
Tonight, we are dining in Labyrinthos - an 80 year old family run restaurant that serves classic Greek dishes for the adventurous epicurean - that's us!!
Details to follow......
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