You know how it is when you wake up and think, ‘I’ve got nothing to do today, how marvellous… Oh.’ It’s water day, so there’s the washing to do, the plants to water, and I can have a shower, so I best do the exercise routine first, and I’m playing the piano at 11.00, and I want to finish that chapter, and I must sweep the courtyard, and tidy the kitchen, but that’s okay because I have nothing to do tomorrow. Oh. I’m going to Rhodes to collect a spare pair of glasses. Well, maybe Friday then… Oh. We’re meeting Harry in Yialos to buy his brother a birthday present and then go to lunch. So, roll on Saturday when I might be able to get that chapter finished at last. Hey ho!
No matter how much is going on, I always seem to end up with the afternoon calm. Even when here on holiday I noticed it, and even now, from the sitting room, I notice it. Where it can be a ‘Phew!’ moment, sometimes it’s a ‘Bored now’ moment. It’s that time when all the day boats have left and the island breaths a sigh of relief. It’s somewhere between four and five, usually. I remember it from working at the leather shop. The last day trip boat would leave, and we’d not exactly put our feet up, but unwind with some light dusting and a sandwich, the ‘hard sell’ of the day being over. Around us, the bar and taverna owners were doing the same, some slipping away for a siestas, a wash and change, others chilling at their tables, witing for the evening to start, and all around was a stillness we’d forgotten existed at the height of the daily takeover.
That was over twenty years ago when there were only a few day trip boats, like four, or something. Yesterday, I counted 13, including the Sebeco tourist runs and the Panagia, and those were only the ones I could see coming in or moored. There was also a small cruise ship in the harbour. Still, come four o’clock, or just after, when the last one left, I was still left with that sense of ‘Ahhh, peace and quiet… Now what?’ There’s be none of that tomorrow because I have a plan. Arrive Rhodes around midday, walk over to the opticians, collect glasses, walk back to Akandia for lunch, walk to boat for 15.30, back to Symi by 17.00 walk up, sorted.
At least, that’s the plan. I’ll keep you informed.
