Athens - a town like Otaki

Athens - a town like Otaki
And there the similarities end. I have never been lost in Otaki. Otaki streets are straight - mountains that way - sea the other. Athens streets are spiraling webs with each corner offering twenty narrow pathway choices. Direction is a constant mystery - I need to carry a few days supplies in case the hotel never reappears.

Shops are quirky colourful and unique. There is a hat shop somewhere nearby. Just hats. It is a joy to escape global brand sameness. Food is ruthlessly authentic, fresh looking produce. No bruised tomatoes here.

Graffiti is rife. Sometimes enhancing sometimes defacing. The old church with classic beauty on one side and tag marks to the bell tower on the other.

Did I mention the traffic. I have motor scooter neck disorder. If you can’t ride on the road the footpath is fine. Maximum speed is compulsory. Perhaps a little like Otaki beach late at night.

A joy to be travelling. Special insights into the city with an old friend who has lived here for 30 years. Cycling friends Buck and Brian arrived yesterday. Hotel rooms turned into bike workshops. The cleaners love us.

Empty bags sent ahead to Ljubljana. Don’t you love that name? It rolls off the tongue like the far away exotic place it is.

Soon we will be joining the scooters on the road. Hoping we have some traffic gods on our side. Racing to reach quiet back country roads and forest tracks.

Dope Cafe across the road from the Hotel - daily lunch spot