It rained heavily during the night. A night deprived of sleep by the continuous heavy road traffic, the blare of the trains’ klaxons as they approach the level crossing, and the rain itself. The transversal pole came out of its mounting again. Understandably, we were glad to see the light of day, however dull.
Outside the tent a great pool of water had formed and the car was nearly up to its axles. However, it came out easily enough.
While we were getting ready, a local came up and although he could only speak Greek and one or two words of Italian, he seemed to enjoy trying to speak to us. Most of the time, he simply stood there watching us. Suddenly he walked off. That’s odd, I thought.
Shortly afterwards, he reappeared holding two big bunches of grapes from the local vineyard where he worked. According to Allan, there was easily three pounds – very nice. At times there was a group of several of the locals, observing our movements. By the curious looks on their faces, they were obviously wondering where all the equipment would go. They were quite amazed when it all went in. We bade the friendly fellows goodbye and set off to find the shipping agent in Patras.
The agent was easy to find. We have to be at his office at midnight for a 1 am. sailing. That leaves us with plenty of time to kill.
Choosing a café in the square, we sat outside under a brilliant, warm sun. All the shops closed at one for the Greek version of a “Siesta.” Nothing to do except drive down to the waterfront, get out the campbeds for a spot of sunbathing. Occasionally we threw rocks at the rats taking advantage of the afternoon quiet to forage for food.
4 pm. The shops are beginning to re-open; the town beginning to stir again. The dusk began to come in around 5.30, so with over seven hours to kill – an eternity, we went for a stroll around town. One of the cinemas had an American film showing – “Portrait of a Mobster.” We went in. Unexpectedly, Allan was told to put his cigarette out. I had to laugh. Marvellous – a smokeless cinema!
The show was short, only the main film. We were back out on the street by 8.15 with four hours more to wait. Inspected the town again and also the dockyard. Feeling tired, I suggested we sit in the car and wait there, where we are at the present moment.
The town is devoid of entertainment as we know it… People Simply sit around drinking coffee and indulging in conversation.
On second thoughts, what’s wrong with that?
Three hours left -, what a drag! But we are in agreement that it was better to have driven down the day before rather than the same day, and risk missing the boat. We know we could have boarded the same boat in Pireaus today but we preferred the drive anyway. In retrospect, we would have been better on the boat as it happens, then Allan would not have spilt olive oil all over his suit when opening a can of sardines! But no matter. I am looking forward to reading Joan’s letter which the shipping agent has put on the boat.
Midnight. One hour to go, it is like waiting for the end of the world. We went across to the agent’s office to report, not that there was anything to report. We passed the time away talking to three Australian girls who are on a motoring tour of Europe. They have saved for six years for this trip. There was also an American and a Canadian girl hitch-hiking together. At least there are people who speak our language on board the ship.
} The boat was late in arriving so it was an even more welcome sight. It is now after 3 am. and I don’t think we are away yet – possibly we are. At least we are now safely esconced in our cabin. The girls are travelling deck class; how we pity them. All manner of humanity is sprawled out on the deck either sleeping or trying to. We even saw two pairs of convicts hustled aboard. No trouble with the car.
I think we are at last on our way. I have a letter to read so it is goodnight at sea.