Gutless Wonder and I go on one last adventure together to the South coast beaches before leaving Pollonia for Adamas. My eyes must have a filter on them because there is no way the water can be that turquoise! One of the beaches has a rope and ladders to get down to it and after checking it out, I decide I want to go home in one piece and don’t go down. In Greece, there isn’t really any safety measures around most of the sights and it’s up to you to gauge if you’re up for the risk or not. I tend to be a little more adventurous if others are around as I feel like there’s safety in numbers in case things go sideways.
I head back to Pollonia to check out of Anemoessa Studios and say goodbye to the owner’s dad, Jorges, who is the sweetest man. He’s looking after the place while his daughter is dealing with some medical issues and when I arrived I had to use Google translate as he speaks three languages but minimal English. When I paid for my stay with a credit card yesterday, myself and Areta on speakerphone, walked him through how to use the machine and I could tell he was getting frustrated with the technology. Scratching his bald head and pinching the bridge of his nose, his voice going up a couple of octaves, he was ready to chuck the machine into the sea. We managed to get it done and did a high five to celebrate.
The previous night one of the upper window’s shutter had come loose in the wind and had been banging against the wall. I motioned to Jorges to follow me into my room to show him and once the charades is completed, he puts his head in his hand and a hand on my shoulder, “Sorry. So sorry. No sleep?” I tell him it’s fine but didn’t want the shutter damaged. Before leaving my room, he motions around the room and with a big smile, says, “Thank you. So clean.” “My pleasure Jorges. I try to be a good guest and clean up after myself.” I get another pat on the shoulder and smile as he exits my room to go fix the shutter.
As I leave, Jorges sends me on my way with a clasp of hands and big smile. I see him waving madly in my rearview mirror as I drive off. On to my next hotel that’s closer to the port, Adamas, where I’ll spend my last four days in Milos. I’ve been upgraded to a little suite that’s decorated in brilliant white and beautiful blues and turquoises.
I walk down to the port and have lunch at a restaurant on the sea. One thing about Greece, don’t expect to be served in a timely fashion. If you’re in a rush, get take-out. The bonus about this attitude is that I can enjoy the view and read my book for hours if I like, and there’s no pressure to purchase more than a beverage. No one hounding me to pay the bill or hinting that they need the table. The young waiter drops off a menu after about fifteen minutes and comes back to take my order another fifteen minutes after that. Once I’ve ordered, my beverage and food come quickly. Apparently its just the initial contact that can take some time.
I go for a wander down a dirt road just outside of the port area and find a deserted rocky beach. Behind me I hear a rustling and because I’m conditioned to think of bears and cougars from hiking at home, I spin around. Goats! Running down the mountainside bleating and jumping nimbly over the large rocks to the sea. I think I’m safe. I find a spot to stretch out and relax. That’s the goal the next few days…relax and chill.
