Out to lunch

I was wandering down to see off Pete (SA) not Pete (UK) who is leaving to stay at Kissamos for a few days before taking the ferry to the Peloponnese and thence to Athens. He had his motorbike all packed up and was saying goodbye to his neighbours. Georgia intercepted me to bring me up-to-date with the most recent goings-on and to invite me to dine with her at the restaurant. I had greens and then stuffed tomato and pepper followed by some fruit. Georgia nibbled on something as she was waiting for the arrival of a pot from her mother. Initially, she spoke about going to her mother’s for lunch, there was a phone call and then the pot showed up. We made pleasant conversation and I fed my face. Any intention I had to do anything useful in the latter part of the afternoon melted away.

Interesting information derived from the conversation was that Xanthippos blotted his copybook once too often so has been laid off until the winter time. He’s regularly sacked and doesn’t get on well with his brother who also works at the camping. Xanthippos’ friend George, who has been working at Cedar Bay Villas but staying at the camping, said he didn’t want to work at the camping so has left taking Small Rat Dog and his girlfriend/partner with him. About Par for this stage of the season. Georgia has engaged a family retainer who will work for the remainder of the season.

The poor state of the road appears to be working in favour of the camping as customers, once at the camping, are content to stay and partake of the services rather than do battle with the road. I can relate to that. So long as they manage to get to the camping in the first place. At least all the signs on the road to the camping have been replaced so customers don’t get lost.

Last weekend was very busy with nearly 200 staying on the camping: probably a record and due to the holiday falling in June outside of term time. I’m told that the camping is doing alright despite other local businesses bemoaning poor visitor numbers. I believe the Turkish Lira is quite weak and the country less unstable which may encourage [UK] visitors there rather than to more expensive EuroLand countries.

Maria says she may need me to cover reception next Tuesday morning as she has a hospital appointment. Other observers remark there appears to be a staffing imbalance between front-of-house staff at the bar, restaurant and the kitchen and reception and housekeeping. Maria is expected to run the reception on her own with Olivia holding the fort while she sneaks out for food or drink. Olivia is responsible for keeping all of the toilets, showers and bathrooms clean as well as the kitchens, cleaning the twelve wooden cabins, changing the bedding in these and the three static vans. She also does the watering as Xanthippos is no longer around. Xanthippos might be a pain in the arse but he works hard.

Other news today: top temperature of 32.2℃ and mostly sunny. The sea was pleasantly warm this morning and the Early Walk was uneventful. The dogs appear to have behaved nicely during my absence stuffing my face. I have no need to cook so can enjoy a leisurely evening doing very little but will probably retire early as I was late last night.

Today is June’s birthday. I called her but she was wrestling with her carers as they were about to take her out in a wheelchair on a visit around the village. Our conversation was short and began: “Yes, I’m still alive!”. She appeared more upbeat than the last time we spoke. I’ll give her another call when her calendar is less busy.

I was somewhat perturbed to note that a large cockroach came into the van this morning then promptly died – is this a reflection on the level of cleanliness?

We are all outside enjoying the evening coolness. Radio Paradise is providing entertainment, an incense stick is burning in an attempt to ward off flying insects. There is also heavy-duty citronella candle burning too. There is still a number of insects flying about. It is also the beginning of the fly season as I’ve noticed many of the greenhouses are cleaning out the tomato vines. Trucks and pickups are carting the unwanted vines off to be dumped providing an excellent breeding ground for flies. The wet winter has supplied ideal conditions for mosquitoes as the streams start to dry up and stagnate.