Sunday 14 February 2016

In need of a peg


Waiting on my own for a ferry to Hydra at Piraeus may not be the best way to celebrate St. Valentine's Day, but this view should stir the romantic soul. This harbour entrance is the gateway to so many wonderful Greek islands that even those who find travelling a bore, can't fail to have their wanderlust excited just a bit....
That's how it should be but unfortunately this view has a very unpleasant surprise.  Such is the severity of the homeless situation in this area (not refugees, homegrown vagrants) that you need a peg on your nose when standing where his photo was taken because all the greenery and flower beds that separate the port from the main road are used as toilets so the stink is quite unbearable.   It was quite a relief today when the ancient hydrofoil fired up its engine and covered us in diesel fumes. 

15 comments:

  1. Beautiful photo and ugly smell. Sad.

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    1. Very sad for those of us whose adventures started here

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  2. Thank god SmellyVision technology never took off!!

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    1. I have to go back tomorrow and the weather has warmed up. I'm not looking forward to the trip.

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  3. We have just watched Simon Reeve travelling through Greece on the TV tonight, and I must say what he showed us was an absolute revelation. Very similar to your experience, but certainly not things that we were aware of or have seen on our news.

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  4. B to B, Who would have thought that long-time full EU member Greece would be brought so low. It's so unjust, unfair, despicable - well, don't get me started. Have a more pleasant time in Hydra.

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  5. . . a society totally bankrupted - apart from the 'few', of course - they are only bankrupted morally!

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  6. Really is sad.. safe travels to you xx

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    1. Piraeus is intimidating. The Romanian beggars curse at you if you don't give them anything

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  7. So sad that it's come to this. Poor Greece - I do feel for its people in their desperate situation.

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