Thursday 20th to Tuesday 25th July, Galaxidi

Rather than going stern to in the small harbour we opted for anchoring in the next door bay, and just as well we did as on Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock the 40°C hot air fan switched on gusting at up to 30 knots and the ability to cool off from the stern was a welcome relief.

On Friday we’d seen a poster advertising a folk festival on Saturday about 15mins walk away from where we parked up the dingy when we went ashore. So assuming it was in the evening at sunset we arrived and handed over our €10 (each) entrance fee (includes a glass of wine) at about 2140 to be told that it starts at 2200! Excellent timing we thought. The folk band (and there was only one band) eventually started playing at about 2230 an accordian player, vocalist, guitarist and bouzouki (like a mandolin) and even an hour later people were still arriving – about 150 in total! The music was very typically Greek with people singing along and initially very good, but I guess because we didn’t understand Greek nor know the words, all the songs sounded very similar. Also a few people danced, and watching the intricate steps made it slightly more interesting, Anyway at 0130, we decided enough was enough and walked back the 2km to the dingy and bed to the sound of fading Greek folk music. It was well worth making the effort.

The strong winds switched on again on Sunday afternoon, so much so that it blew the red circle out of our Cruising Association pennant! 

Overall Galaxidi is a lovely small town, with a variety of small shops, bars and tavernas and a clothes shop where Paul bought a t-shirt and Ann bought 2 cotton dresses. We’ll certainly call in here again.