Katakolon (for Olympus)

Friday 7th December

I was woken at 8 by the Captain’s announcement that we had arrived, and then at 10 by Trevor’s phone call to check up on me. My voice was much stronger and he thought I sounded brighter. I’d definitely agree. I think there are still some lingering effects of the cough mixture but not as bad.

This is my fourth visit to Katakolon so I had not planned any tours. I’d thought of taking a bus or train to Olympus if I had the energy, but it was quickly apparent that would not happen. Instead it seemed a good time to catch up on my diary, wander the two streets of Katakolon and continue my resting programme.

I spent less than 2 hours out in Katakolon. I had not judged the weather properly. I should have worn my leather coat, as it was decidedly chilly outside.

I found a little internet cafe and then I wandered. There are some lovely jewellery shops in the main street, but stopping to look in the window is a hazard. There’s always someone trying to entice you inside, no matter how often you say that you are not buying and have no money: just try it on, come and see what else we have, etc. I managed to successfully say no.

The narrow footpaths outside non-jewellery stores are crowded with display stands.

Any available spaces are used to entice tourists to open their wallets.

However, I found everyone to be polite and friendly. Perhaps the non-English-speaking Greek man in the handbag store was a little too friendly; I don’t like having my head or shoulders caressed by a stranger. (It could have been worse, I guess. At least he didn’t pinch my bum!)

I was glad my umbrella was in my handbag as it started to rain on my return to the ship, and even hailed for a couple of minutes.

I had very little voice, so sat alone at afternoon tea, and went to the Lido (buffet) for a quick dinner alone. I could not face trying to talk to anyone. I was distinctly lacking in energy and just felt like a quiet time in my room.

As I coughed the night away, I wondered if the people in the next stateroom could hear me. I ended up piling all the pillows up so I could sleep sitting up. That was much easier. (A few days later I chatted from the balcony to the woman next door who assured me she could not hear me. Good. However, on the last night I could hear a few faint coughs from the room on the other side, so it might depend on how sensitive one is to noise.)