There was a phone call just before ten from a Greek mobile number. I’d just fallen asleep so, in my befuddled state, assumed it might be a punter at reception so answered. I didn’t understand what the woman was talking about even though she spoke good English so fobbed her off and went back to sleep. It was only the following day I read the message from the guy who was going to come to Crete to collect the van that the insurance company had agreed to arrange its repatriation.
I got up to perform an important task and was nicely back in bed when Miss FidgetyPants leapt to her feet requesting to be let out. Why she waited until I’d gone back to bed, I don’t know. Needless to say, she remained out for the rest of the night.
It was a still, warm morning as I left my coat on the fence after the first trip to Plakaki and back. Strangely, the Barking Van Dog was eerily quiet so I assumed the owners had probably strangled it in desperation. Luis disappeared very early on to reappear as we came back from Plakaki the second time. He was overflowing with energy having probably stayed with BVD perhaps. He raced off as if on steroids and seemed exceptionally full of beans until we got back.
I went off to Paleochora stopping at Petrakis to buy DD bits and an abortive attempt at buying pizza for Bona’s boys. She was a little light on explanation so I got bored waiting and left. I now know which pizza she wants so will pick some up tomorrow. They look quite ghastly so I hope no one will think I’m eating them and drinking the revolting energy drink she likes. I had things to do this morning so no time for chit-chat.
I fed dogs and drank tea, toured the camping distributing keys to the accommodation on the booking calendar for today. I put the room key into the room, open the door for the customer with the master then give them the room key. Saves wandering around/forgetting to pick it up from reception and saves time.
Whilst collecting the keys from reception, Georgia and her entourage arrived in the Royal Pickup. She slowed down as she approached the now open barrier to hand me 0.50€ as a tip! I showed my gratitude for this generosity after she explained they were off to kill the fatted calf (lamb), collect wine and other comestibles and that Janne, Erica and I were Royally invited to the Κυριακή το Πάσχα celebrations. So I touched my forelock once again before lowering the barrier.
There was one departure, the UK family from Leeds who are visiting Knossos before taking their plane from Iraklion back to Manchester. They enjoyed their stay on Crete and at Grammeno and the boys had constructed a large fortification behind T2 which kept them amused for hours. The innocence of youth!
My first arrival was a family from Manchester who’ve lived on Crete for several years. They are frequent visitors to Grammeno and I’ve seen them before as they came once in May. There are three adults and two children in T3 which will be snug. They asked if they were having T4 or T5 but alas these are occupied by Georgia and her entourage. Georgia and Zoe in T4 and Lena and A N Other in T5 with 5 and Mickey. From the price, the family seem to be paying for a stay in T5 but are in T3.
The second arrival was the entourage, followed by Tim who is also a frequent flyer and is something to do with one of the US bases in Chania. He’s a nice chap and his wife rescues dogs of which three were with them. He loves water sports so had boards atop his orange, American 4×4.
The third arrival was a couple who’d evolved into a single man staying in Ξ1. He is a Greek, who doesn’t have a car and plans to stay three nights even though there’s nothing to eat or drink at the camping or nearby as far as I know. However, the thought of walking to Paleochora didn’t bother him.
I received a call from the insurance agent in Athens, the same who called last night. I apologised for being vague and sleepy but said I get up early. She arranged a flatbed to come from Chania to pick up Mari-Christine’s van so it has finally started its journey home. The company were efficient and, considering it’s μεγάλε Παρασκευή (Good Friday), they arrived when they said, jump-started the van as the battery was flat, loaded it onto a flatbed and left. The driver was very courteous too. Another episode closed.
My day’s tasks were now complete so I returned to the dogs to process the DDs and cook my beans. I think I deserve the rest of the day off!
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