Cretan Diary - Chapter 8

Breakfast in Crete

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Traditionally, Greek people don't eat breakfast as we know it. They tend to grab a cup of strong coffee and a "teeropeeta" (cheese pastry) on the way to work, and that's all. So they would have been somewhat bemused to see me polishing off the remaining lamb mince with veg. and hidden egg, at 9am. But I don't care!

Immediately after breakfast we set off for our bank in Xaniá to withdraw a few thousand Euros for the car purchase. "I'll drive - I need the practice," said Jenny, and she did. We had a white-knuckle ride to the city and another one back, during which the car attempted to go straight ahead on a hairpin bend and it wasn't Jenny's fault (apparently).
I did suggest that a quick glance at the SatNav would have revealed the bend ahead but she said she was far too busy looking at the road. I began to suggest that merely looking at the road didn't seem to be working but she held her hand on the horn until my lips stopped moving. OK, I took the hint and shut up.

She was right about needing the driving practice but next time I'll make sure she does it on her own.

We (I) drove down to the local unpronounceable bay to have lunch at the taverna. Jenny remembered to take the binoculars. I had fish soup and Jenny had something stuffed, I think. We both had a beer.

There are no policemen round here. If you drink too much, you punish yourself by driving off a cliff and only then do the police show a vague interest. I managed to get us home without doing that and, by some miracle, the car negotiated the hairpin bends without any difficulty. While we were in the taverna, we put the binoculars to good use. Jenny observed the taverna on the far side of the bay, the ships, boats and goats. I observed the topless blonde on the jetty while pretending to look at rocks.

Sadly, by the time I took this photo, she had donned her bikini. Sorry, guys.

I suppose I ought to do some work now. Actually, it's siesta time!

 5pm. Oops, I overslept! Better catch up on my emails.

Waiting for the carpenter to turn up. He was supposed to phone around 6pm to arrange to meet us so we could lead him here. Having no address can be a pain! However, he hasn't phoned.

But the car company phoned to reply to my email (why do they do that?) They confirmed the car has ABS, Aircon and an MOT certificate (equivalent).

Carl "phoned" me using "Skype" to say that Barclays bank had returned the form yet again to complain that his signature doesn't look like the one they have on file!

Also "First Telecom" are complaining that I've closed their direct debit too soon and I owe them £8. I've told Carl to send them a cheque.

Nearly 7:30pm and the carpenter still hasn't phoned. I guess it's going to be "avrio".

It's chilly now. I've put on my fleece jacket. Oh, and I forgot to buy some cord so the only way I can turn my office fan off is by climbing a ladder.

9:30pm. I watched "North West tonight" news, followed by "The One Show", by connecting to my "Slingbox". A very ancient-looking Tommy Steele was on the show. Somehow I found it all rather depressing. No carpenter.

Jenny is playing games on her computer. Gee, ain't The Innernet wonnerful?

11pm. The end to a perfect day. I had emailed Virgin because I pay for my Mum's broadband, separately from her TV, and she hardly uses it. I wanted a price reduction. I just received a reply. Note the date:-

REFERENCE : 13942614

Dear Mike

Thank you for your e-mail dated 15 September 2009 in regards to downgrading your service. I'm very sorry that I've not be able to talk to you about this but please call us on 0845 454 1111 or 150 on your Virgin home phone to discuss our package options.

Night night.

Chapter 9 - We Visit the Police Station!

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