Official Greeks

Getting registered in Greece was a lot easier than it should’ve been.  We found a great cab driver who apparently knows the ropes in the customs office so he took us right in and we were able to get registered in customs, go through the port police, and customs all in about an hour.  We were hearing horror stories at the marina about how long it takes and what a confusing process.  Dad read that there were terrible taxes that go along with it, but we didn’t run into any of this discomfort which was awesome. 

After we were made official in the country, we sought out a Votafone office so we could get internet and phone service in Greece.  They didn’t reopen until 5:30pm so we sat at a café and shared a couple beers and had a couple hot dogs and watched the people go by.  What I learned from that is that Converse are incredibly popular here.  Skinny jeans and Converse are what is in.  So if you come to Greece… bring skinny jeans and Converse and you will be set and fashionable.  I am wearing shorts and flip flops and t-shirts that have been stretched and word a couple times each… Americans aren’t known for their fashion… because of people like me.

Dad relaxing for the first time in 2 days...

We got a better deal on the Votafone than Dad had in Italy I think, but because there is a great internet café/bar at the marina with free internet and leather couches so we are going to hold off on hooking that up and just enjoy hanging out with the locals and the high speed internet.

If this doesn't make you want to get the new iPhone 4 what does?

This is what a Greek Wal-Mart looks like.  We stopped on our way back to the marina after being in Corfu Town and  saw that it was the most stocked grocery store/multi-purpose store we have come across in Europe.

We left Resposto with the knowledge that a storm was brewing and was supposed to hit the 25^th/26^th.  It hit. 

I cannot say enough how glad I am that we were in port for this thing.  Twenty-six knot winds, torrential down pours, lighting, the whole nine yards.  It hit super early and by the time Dad woke up the gang plank had unhooked itself, twisted upside down, and was partially in the water.  How that happened, we will never know, but it goes to show what a nice gust of wind can accomplish.

It poured buckets most of the day.  This gave Dad and I an excuse to hang out on the boat and in port tiding up a bit down below and working on the computer and things of that sort.  It was a great relaxing day.  We had initially needed to “swab the deck” after days of eating in the cockpit and exposing the deck to salty mist, but mother nature took care of most of that for us.

It let up enough that we decided to venture out in search of our first Greek meal.  We had a place in mind, but when we got to the road that led out of the marina and saw that it was about 4 inches under water we voted against making that walk.  So we went with a place at the marina.  The service sucked, but the food was really good.  I got the mixed grill which had lamb, pork, beef, chicken, a green salad, and French fries.  I am not sure where the fried came from in Greek cuisine, but ok.  It was clearly more food than I could eat.  Dad got the lamb chops and helped me finish my meal.  We also got an order of fresh made bread, and tzatziki – a dip of yogurt, cucumber, and garlic served with pita bread.  I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but when I kept reaching for more, I realized I did indeed.

Decked out in our heavy weather gear, we made it back to the boat.  Something that was a bit amusing to me was that everyone around here had on heavy weather coats and some even broke out the pants.  There isn’t much room on a boat for multiple coats and umbrellas so everyone has that one set of rain gear that is what you want when out on the water in a storm. 

It was a good night stay in and to listen to all of the noises that come with storms on a boat.  Noises such as the wind howling through the rigging, the fenders bouncing off the boat next to ours, and everything creaking as it’s sways from the movement of the boat.  It’s quite a musical event.  Everything died down at around 2:00am and there was no further damage done.