Yesterday we went by ferry to Naxos, a nearby larger island within sight of Paros but on the other side of Paros from the port of Parikia so that the ferry had to circle from the port of Parikia half way around Paros, so we passed our harbor of Naousa on the way. The ferry ride was included in our Greek Eurail ferry pass, but not the car, which was 60 euros round trip. We knew nothing about Naxos, hadn‘t read up, and were just going to see what was there. What was there, according to the little we had read was the town of Hora with a Venetian fort and narrow streets. We followed the line of cars streaming out of the ferry not knowing where we were going, made one circle of Hora and suddenly were back to the dock again without being aware of our circling and this time turned left out of town and fled the big city. Immediately out of town were bare empty mountains and the deep blue of the Aegean over cliffs to our left, and no traffic. We chose the town of Galini, five miles away, as our destination because of the way it sounded, almost missed it and had to turn around and when we saw a rustic grapevine covered tavern decided this was our place, and it was.
There were three old men at separate tables and a middle aged couple at another having a conversation with the restaurant owner and drinking beer or souma. Johannes Marunes is the owner of the Flaya Cafe/Taverna.
Kostas Unadis sat in the back corner.
When we asked about a school photograph on the wall, teacher and students, Nikos pointed himself out as a boy.
In the middle or the room was a mystery man behind a mask, who turned out to be Manuel, 93, who when he warmed up with the picture talking decided to dance for us as he sang. Closest to us were a middle aged man and his wife who didn’t want their photos taken.
Our meal and conversation in Flavia Taverne was the high point of the day and was simply good luck, but made bringing the car worth while. When we got back to Hora we didn‘t see any of the sights worth seeing. I took a nap in the car and Susie shopped for presents. Then we drove onto the ferry where there was news of huge deluge of flooding in Athens as thunderstorms were also headed in our directions. When we docked we went out to eat immediately before the deluge drowned us, found a beautiful restauant that had no room inside and was reluctant to seat us outside because of the imminent rain. But it never came. We had another very good meal and went to bed early.
BILLYBABA’S WANDERING 