Took the municipal bus from Vathi to Pythagorian. The bus service is decent but many tourists seem intimidated by public transportation and ride by taxi. I have no complaints. Buses are clean and air conditioned. The drivers are helpful. The schedule is well laid out and the buses are on time. A breakfast of oranges, honey and Samos honey from thyme flowers. There is no better honey in the world and I have tried countless honey in my travels. The trip was 20 minutes and impressive scenery with pine forests. The town is charming. Touristic but tastefully so. Vathi is more of a business centre and Pythagorian can be best described as a laid-back beach town with narrow streets, lots of bars and restaurants. Many of the bars are in the harbour and a glass of wine overlooking the fishing boats, yachts and the statute of the famous mathematician Pythagoras the town in named in honour of is a treat. Both the church and the castle were closed the latter for renovations so walked further down the road amongst ancient ruins in the fields to Doryssa Bay resort one of those upscale seaside complexes very tastefully done unlike so many Mexican resorts. There is even a recreated Greek village where “houses” are used as accommodation. I understand the Greek government under the junta expropriated property to ensure construction of the resort but one condition was there be a recreated Greek village constructed. There are mostly German and Dutch tourists and many with children. The beachfront is not spectacular as Greek beaches go but the water is clean and warm. Had a Greek salad for lunch poolside. The prices are somewhat steeper than in Vathi. A beer in a restaurant in Vathi costs 350 drachmas, at Kedro Beach bar 400 and at Doryssa 700. I am not saying tourists are hosed in Greece but when in a major tourist spot crammed with foreign tourists expect higher prices. Stayed on the beach and then walked back to Pythagorian at 17:00 . There was a nice breeze to counter the blazing sun. The hills and fields have been blackened by fire. Samos is so dry it has a forest fire issue. Had a beer at a café by the bus stop. With the sun, ocean and the beer you get a bit dozy. However the change of routine and scenery that travel generates recharges the soul. One slows down in Greece. How will one adapt to a hectic go go North American lifestyle when the vacation ends?
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