May 15 - Naxos Concert

All in all, yet another slow day in Naxos. We had planned on going to the beach, but that was postponed due to our sunburns. Mine seems to be losing it's sting, but I'm afraid Jane hasn't been as fortunate.

ever so slightly sun burned - everywhere - ouch

We spent the day in town shopping for souveniers and actually did pretty well. Then we decided it was time for a beer so returned to the bar with the Pink Floyd tunes.

While sitting there enjoying a Heineken, (I'm off Mythos now), we watched a bunch of guys setting up banks of speakers and lights on the marble square. It seemed that there was going to be a concert later tonight and every indication was that it was going to be loud.

I asked our waiter if Pink Floyd, or maybe even The Rolling Stones, were in town? It was actually one of the 'most-famous' bands in Greece and they were doing a free concert. The waiter mentioned that they would play songs that we would recognize.

A short while later, the band arrived and sat beside us, but seemed to me to be pretty much unnoticed by the general public. We decided to test their worth as musicians, and requested some more Pink Floyd (yes, again). He was happy to do so, but unfortunately couldn't turn it up too loud.

Rob trying NOT to see the octopus' hanging in the sun
and our friends at the Hotel Grotta

Anyway, half the CD had gone by without the slightest hint of recognition by any of them – we were somewhat bemused. At that point, "Time" began to play (bells, alarms, etc.) and the entire band whipped their heads around wondering what the racket was.

Finally, one guy (the one with grey hair), looked at another and uttered his first english word – 'Floyd????' I could hardly wait for the show now, and wondered what other English songs they would play in addition to their own 'greats'. We decided to come back later anyway, and check them out.l

After returning to the hotel for a siesta (I'm really starting to like that idea!), we headed out for a bite to eat and to check out the show.

Sunset view from our balcony

The sun was setting, and we wandered further down the port tonight chosing one of the tavernas just a few feet away from the water's edge. Feeling like aquick bite, I chose my first unadventurous meal - or so I thought.

I ordered a beef burger, and Jane had the kalamari special. I only mention this, because when the food arrived, I had 2 patties on a plate, with chips, and Jane had a plate of what appeared to be onion rings and chips. This came with half a loaf of bread, one fork and one knife. A bit odd really, as the kalamari was hot and greasy and I had no bun.

After stick-handling our way through the meal, it was off to the concert.

The concert in Naxos

It was certainly a unique assortment of 'fans' ranging from the elderly to the very young - and there were LOTS of the very young. We grabbed a couple of seats at a nearby patio, and waited for the opening act to disappear. Finally they did, and it was time for "The Really Big Shew" as good old Ed Sullivan would have said.

We had surmised earlier, while people watching, who played what instrument. We were miles off!

As it turned out, they were all good musicians but the singing, and the fact that all of their songs were indistinguishable, kind of sucked. Hey! it's Aerosmith!! No English tunes either, although they attempted the beginning of 'Wish You Were Here' – Floyd again – until quickly morphing into one of their own tunes. Oh well, what can you do?

For our last night in Naxos, it had been a laugh, if nothing else.

The Hotel Grotta in Naxos

Tomorrow we leave for Santorini which means leaving our favourite hotel, where we were made to feel like family. Thanks Dimitrius and Nikki, your kindiness and hospitality here really made our stay memorable. You work very hard at the Hotel Grotta and it shows. We will recommend your hotel to anyone visiting Naxos.

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