Stuck on Syros!

Our ferry isn’t until 6:30 pm, so there was no need to rush this morning. We enjoyed a relaxed breakfast on the terrace before packing our bags and checking out in time to catch the 11 am bus into town. The apartment manager suggested there would be high winds tonight, which might impact ferry sailings.

It is noticeably windier today, but it’s not Cook Strait windy. We got off the bus and headed into the main town square, thinking it would be a good place to find a shady seat to wait out the afternoon. We found one, and then I noticed a text on my phone. We can receive texts but not send them without incurring crazy roaming charges. It was from the ferry company: departure delayed until 3:35 am! Bother.

That meant we’d need to find somewhere to sleep tonight. 🤔 I was about to start searching when Jenny and Stephen walked by. How small is this place? Their sailing at 11 am to Tinos was also delayed until tomorrow. They had managed a cash deal at their hotel for another night. It was still expensive but cheaper than booking online. They planned to spend their bonus day filming at Kini Beach. We said goodbye, and I got back to my accommodation search.

It took me about 30 seconds to find a place for $144 for the night—the same as we were paying at Finikas. No pool, but a good central location, ideal for an early start to the ferry. Check-in was from 1 pm, which suited us perfectly. I messaged to confirm, and they replied straight away saying we could come now—12:30 pm. Too easy!

We walked back towards my barber shop and up yet another set of Ermoupouli’s marble steps. We found the place without too much trouble. The owners live onsite and have five small apartment units. Ours was up yet more marble steps! 😂 The apartment was basic but clean and comfortable. The man who runs the place speaks a little English and is really friendly. When I went to their house to pay, I also met his mother. They were amazed we had come all the way from New Zealand.

Time for lunch: crackers, bread, cheese, and tzatziki left over from the past few days. I also made a coffee using the supplied grounds in the cezve they had in the kitchen. After lunch there was a knock at the door—the apartment man was returning my sunglasses. I must have dropped or left them next door. Silly me. “Sorry, sorry,” he said. He must have picked them up off our table, thinking they were his. He was very apologetic. We had a laugh about it, and off he went. 😂

Later, we walked to the Little Venice area so I could have a swim—something I hadn’t expected to tick off today. 👍 The water was lovely, with half a dozen others enjoying a dip. Sarah decided to sit this one out, and I think she made the right call. Although there was a ladder to climb out, good-sized waves were rolling in, and you had to time it right, pulling yourself out mostly with your arms because the steps were slippery. It might not have ended well for her. We all remember the swimming pool incident in Kanchanaburi, don’t we?! 😂

After the swim, we wandered back through town and stopped to buy some Turkish delight and a couple of other sweet treats, plus a large nectarine and peach from a fruit shop. One was like a budgie feeding stick, honey and sesame seeds. A bit weird. The nougat was the best! We spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out at the apartment. At dinner time, we walked to a Lidl supermarket for coffee and water, and picked up some warm pastries for dinner. They were pretty average but very cheap.

Both our alarms are set for 2:45 am—yawn. 🥱 I also set one for 1 am, so I can check if the ferry has actually left Athens and is on its way to us. 🤞