Day 21 A day in Greece

Passenger ferry to Corfu, Greece.

Corfu, Greece!

Today I got up early, ate a solitary breakfast, and headed to town to catch the ferry to Corfu for the day.  There was no way I was going to come so close to Greece, to watch it every day from my balcony, and not visit. I had reserved my tickets the day before  which was a good call since the morning passenger ferry was full.  There are two ferries a day from each location, one morning and one afternoon, mornings are passenger ferries, a fast 30 minute hydrofoil across the water and afternoons are slower 1 ½ hour car ferries.  I met a nice couple on the ferry, she was Finish I believe and he was an Australian, they were just finishing up their travels and headed to the airport in Corfu.  We had a fun chat about diving and were in Greece before we knew it. I passed through customs rather quickly and was off to explore.  The day was hot from the start and finding the ticket office to purchase my return ticket was a bit challenging at first I got it sorted out and headed the ¼ mile into Corfu township proper, to the historical district. 

Fish pedicure.

I picked a road at random and started exploring, I wasn’t too worried as there were maps everywhere and it was pretty apparent that I would notice when I left the old town area as the architecture would change significantly. The roads, alleys, buildings, all of it was breathtaking, history was nearly tangible.  All the old buildings are shops and initially I was not into shopping but the more I walked the more enticed I was.  It was also very apparent when a cruise ship arrived as the streets would get much fuller, then later in the day the crowds would drop or increase as the change overs occurred on the three cruise ships that docked that day. 

Most refreshing beer ever!

 I was a bit overwhelmed with all the shops, sights and cruise ship passengers, quite a change from Albania.  I spotted the fish foot baths that Effie had told me about, where the fish nibble the dead skin off of your feet. I figured what the heck and got myself a fish foot bath, initially it tickled but after I got used to it, it was rather soothing and I got to sit and watch the world go by out of the hot sun and with my feet in a cool bath.  After my fish pedicure I walked and walked, did some shopping, ate a great Greek lunch of moussaka with a delicious Greek ice cold beer, and admired the architecture.   

Architecture.

All too soon my time was over and I headed back to the ferry to be sure to get my ride home, I gathered my goodies, nice Greek salts and soaps for gifts, a purse, earrings and sandals for myself and headed to the docks.  It was a nice leisurely ride back to Albania.  I have learned to cue like an Albanian, form a crowd and then go for it, no lines or nicely waiting or you will wait forever, you have to be proactive. So I knew to wait near the front and make a beeline for the boat as soon as we were able.  I managed to secure a glorious spot on a bench on the top deck right at the front of the ferry where I could watch the island of Corfu and hills of Albania pass by on our way.  It was a nice restful time, we were overtaken and passed by a cruise ship and it really advertised out size differences.  It was also really fun to watch the Albanian families interact on their way home, I had seen many of the same families that morning on the way over.  After passing through customs I headed home, grabbing some honey baked goods on the way from the patisserie. I dropped off my stuff and went for one last evening on the waterfront.  Limoni was crowded at this more proper European dinnertime, about 9:30, happily the waiters recognized me and one of them got me a table outside fairly quickly.   

Apparently a dangerous marina.

 I enjoyed a Bera Tirana and a huge bowl of mussels steamed in white wine and garlic for the equivalent of $7 for all of it.  After I finished my waiter brought over this delicious lemon sorbet they have sometimes.  It was a really great experience for my last time there.  I made my goodbyes and wandered the waterfront for as long as I could stay awake before heading for my last night in Albania.  Alma earlier in the day had suggested that I breakfast with her and the girls and I happily agreed, she also really wanted to drive me to the bus station and make sure I got settled and I couldn’t say no to that offer either.  I packed some and fell asleep the sleep of the exhausted. 

Goodbye Corfu!

Hello Saranda!