Well we seem to have internet connectivity established again. I am able to write this blog stuff, thanks to one John Halligan, who kindly donated me his old (and very heavy, I have discovered) Macbook. One of the goals I set myself on this journey was to teach myself how to write apps for iPhones, iPads etc. John’s only proviso in providing the laptop was the he get a “significant” share in the vast profits he believes will be forthcoming from this enterprise. I did try to tell hm that I am solely interested in the process, not actually intending to write any apps beyond the simplest “Hello world” variety ….. but hey-ho. Anyway, to date I have been sidetracked by beaches, swimming, snorkeling and eating. But who knows – I may get around to it – I did bring a very big text book with me!
 

So, I have been informed by a number of people that the previous edition of the blog was neither appropriate nor informative. On second perusal I would perhaps have to agree and have made a deal with myself to remain completely sober before putting finger to keyboard. So here goes, without even a beer for lunch, with a more informative section.

I did arrive on the island of Amorgos eventually on 4th July at 8:21 pm. I had set off on a fast ferry from the port of Piraeus (the port of Athens) at 7pm that morning. This got me into Naxos at 12 noon. There I dined in style on a greek salad that came with no olives. There was plently of feta cheese but seriously!

Anyway, I then got the very inappropriately named Skopolitis Express ferry at 2pm. This put in mind of the old buses going around rural Ireland that would stop at every corner on the road - it left at 2pm on a 6 hour journey, calling into every little island port on the way to load/unload tourists, locals, chickens and goats – and every type of produce/product imaginable from olives and tractor tyres through to water melons and monster fridges. I had been advised by my friends Diarmuid and Miriam to sit on the top deck at that back of the boat and be royally entertained by the activitity at each little minor pier that we called at. This I did – and it was the best €11 I have ever spent. From little old women struggling with 60 inch televisions while the local mousthioed yahoos looked on while sipping their evening ouzo and smoking incessantly, through to a huge shouting match between 2 guys trying to get off the boat quickly and the local gestapo. It was hard to work out but I’m fairly sure it involved some animal they had in the back of their van. It looked like it was developing nicely, with a genuine hope of at least fisticuffs as it continued all the way up the pier but we unfortunately headed off to sea at his point.

So eventually I approached Amorgos, to see the aformentioned Diarmuid and Miriam waving frantically at the end of the pier, and brandishing a beer for my singular delectation. Great to be here.

Checked into room, small but adaquate with a great balcony. A quick bite in Alex’s resturant and then whisked off to D&M’s friend Jorgos (unsure of spelling) who runs a very good restaurant with much shouting and gesticulation. It was his birthday to which we had been invited. Mojitos were the order of the day.

 Next morning, not so good but sure I’m on my holidays – a good sleep-in. Off on a boat that dropped Miriam at a beach on the other side of the bay. It was her job to beat the germans to the few umrellas and sun-beds and this she managed due to a beautifully crafted plan, which would have put the Blitzkrieg operation to shame. Diarmuid and myslef continued on with only 2 swedes for company on the boat to a natural rock shelf way further round. The swedes disappeared on disembarkation – we suspected they were of the nudist variety and had second thoughts about sharing the same small piece of rock with an over-weight, balding, slightly reddened Irish man ….. and myself. Anyway, we got the better of our natural tendecies and let them go. Stayed here for an hour or so – great snorkelling etc. The boat, then returned and picked us up to rejoin Miriam for the day.

Yesterday we rented a car and explored the whole island, about 40 miles long – calling into a number of lovely little coves etc. Also called at this monastory - http://www.europeupclose.com/article/monastery-of-hozoviotissa-amorgos-greece/ - .T_g3GnBTdCE -which featured in the film “The Big Blue” (filmed almost completely on the island). Then ate in our man Jorgos’ restaurant. He isisted that we have steak or liver (we had both!) from an Amorgos cow that he had had butchered. I only saw 2 cows on our travels, so I think this was a big thing. The meal was monstrous but delicious, and then be brought us out his mum’s special recipe dessert - involved quince but I don’t remember much more than that.

Today – taking it easy – big swim and snorkel this moring – down for a beer at the port around 6 to watch the boats come in and we’ll see where that takes us.

Not so sure I like this more infomative format – but sure let us know.