Living and working the Greek way

Amazingly we’ve been here 9 weeks already. I don’t know where the time has gone, it seems such a short time since we arrived. The weather is warming up nicely, the days are lengthening and it’s a time for lots of polishing on the boat – groan – my arms have been worked to their limits!

As we settled into a work pattern the first thing we learnt was GMT – Greek Maybe Time! Arranging to meet tradesmen/women seems a simple enough exercise but the execution is extremely elaaaaaastic. Turning up ½ hour to an hour late or even days later is not unusual. As Mark has settled into a work pattern and tried to get the joinery and upholstery organised this has caused some frustration.

On the positive side we’ve found local suppliers of plumbing (there’s lots of new plumbing in this job), stainless steel, wood etc to be very good, once we’ve managed to track them down.

The Cheley team hard at work

We had a few days away with our first visitor, Andy. He arrived looking pasty faced and stressed and I think we sent him home with colour in his cheeks and looking much happier.

Captain for a day

We had a relaxed trip down to Meganissi then north up to Vliho Bay. Very pleasant it was too, considering we’d been waiting 3 days for the rain to stop. It doesn’t rain much here but when it does it really rains, with much accompanying lighting and thunder, quite spectacular when it gets going.

Carnival Time

We also went to the local carnival that signifies the beginning of Lent. The locals party all weekend and have a very noisy parade on Sunday to bring in ‘Clean Monday’. Those who still follow the traditional ways will not eat meat from Clean Monday until Easter weekend. Then apparently is a complete meat fest. We’ll let you know!

On Monday everyone goes out to the beach and flies an amazing aray of colourful kites. Quite a site.

Kite flying on Lefkas beach

All and all, living the Greek way beats the hell out of the UK ratrace!!