Day 43

Kaliméra,

What a breakfast we had today.

Like Villa Oriana in Sorrento, Hotel Grotta had a huge, home cooked buffet breakfast. The cakes and pastries and quiches were all fresh out of the oven, and all obviously hand made.

The only disappointment was the coffee machine that made cappuccino only. Koro has discovered and quickly become addicted to Greek Coffee. Very full bodied and deep in flavour.

Just like everywhere else in Greece, there are lots of cats on Naxos. A big black and white one was on our terrace this morning, and he really turned his charm on for Grandma. He looked a bit like one of the hopelessly useless cats that live in Ihimaera Terrace. We have had regular updates from our house sitters, and it seems that those two useless animals have not missed Grandma and Koro at all.

Our ferry was scheduled to sail at 9:30am. Sure enough, it left at exactly 9:30am. We have been impressed with the ferry services in Greece. They run exactly to schedule, and there is no wasted time at the port.

Today we sailed back to the port of Pireas, Most of the day was spent on the rear deck of the ferry enjoying the scenery and the sunshine.

The sea was calm and we had a lovely cruise back to Piraeus.

From Pireas we were driven to Vouliagmeni, a seaside suburb of Athens which is referred to at the Athenian Riviera.

It is a pretty place, and very quiet. A bit isolated though; we had a fifteen minute walk to a restaurant for dinner. It was worth the walk, as dinner was excellent.

We have decided that Vouliagmeni is a bit like the islands, you go there to party and lie in the sun.

Our plane leaves at 6:30am in the morning, so we have to be up early to go to the airport.

Love to you all from Grandma and Koro and Buzzy Bee. XXX OOO.