4pm

Location: onboard the Patras-Kalamata train, just past Kavissila.

It's a beautiful day, and I'm getting a good introduction to the ways and tempos of Greece. The train I'm on is ancient but clean, winding down the west coast of the Poloponnesian Peninsula, past vineyards and orchards of oranges and lemons. The country seems on a par with Portugal, in terms of wealth, with arguably less infrastructure but also none of the pervasive sense of disappointment with the present that I picked up in Lisbon. Greece is moving forward, but taking its own sweet time.

I've decided to head for Kalamata today, which will get me in late, but close enough to Finikoundas, on the southwest corner, for an easy trip tomorrow morning. I am obviously a bit concerned about finding somewhere to stay in Kalamata at 8pm, so I may yet change my mind and hop off earlier.
posted by Tom at 4:15 PM | link |