Kefalonia to Sami

A wake up

A check out

A morning walk by the water to a cafe

A stop for books.

Since I was down to one and I was in the big city, I went to Argostoli’s only bookstore in search of something new to read. I asked for the English section and they directed me to the floor. On the very bottom, there were about four linear feet of books in English. The employee seemed a little sheepish and I soon discovered why. Every single book was a romance novel. All of them. Unfortunately not my cup of tea. The rest of the foreign language section was in French. I made do with some Balzac, two euros to Honore the author and maybe learn a little French.

Turns out French is hard and Balzac is a terrible introduction to the language.

The coach winds its way through the mountain highways from Kefalonia to Sami. The oldest rule for right of way applies. The vehicle with the largest tires has the right of way. Since that’s us, Fiats and Daewoos cower in fear as we slowly creep up and down the mountains.

Sami is another small town on the island. There isn’t much to say about it and I wouldn’t be here were it not for the daily ferry service to the Greek mainland. Once again, more cats than humans.

I’m trying to relax by the harbor and read but a child is screaming. He’s acting like he’s the only person on earth. Right now he may as well be.

Foreground: the boat Ithaki. Background: the island Ithaka.

I retreated inland for a bar I saw with pool tables. I haven’t seen a pool table since my hostel in Amsterdam and I feel like I’ve been reunited with an old friend. I pumped more cash into this table than I have any other table in one night. Partially because I was excited, particularly because it was two freaking Euro for a game of pool. The table is small, has short pile felt, and humbles me greatly. One more game please. At least the beer is cheap.

I spent the night talking with the bartender, a 25 year old who moved from the mainland to Patras in search of a more sane life. She was deep in the clubbing scene and misses the excitement of it but would not trade the calm of the island away. Luckily for me, this means I get recommendations of places to go in Patras.