Argostoli (again), 9/16/21

When the ship stopped at Argostoli on the way north, Iko and I started walking to town but turned back for fear of rain. This time I picked up a map of the downtown area from the small tourist building at the end of the dock. We looked at the map, figured it was less than a mile to the shopping area, but decided to take a taxi in and walk back. We figured it would be better to get hot and sweaty on the way back the ship's AC rather than vice versa,

Fresh, mostly local produce was at the front of this market and olive oil and other such cooking essentials were in the back. This market was off the main (tourist) street and the clerk didn't speak English so we made do with sign language and finger pointing. We got some good local olive oil, more fresh sweet grapes and some dried figs. When I asked if the dried figs came from Turkey, she understood that and snorted disdainfully, saying, emphatically, "No, Greece made!"

When the taxi dropped us off at the far end, we found the tourist shopping street in Argostoli to be quite nice. Shops lined both sides of the street for about six blocks, the surface was white with pavers and the shops represented all the local goods. In addition to the local crafts, there were souvenir shops selling typical Greek things from around the country.

We finished our shopping and sightseeing and headed back to the ship, As we walked along, we saw other passengers walking toward downtown. Most looked hot and weary and were looking around the second-class stores along the route. Many probably didn't make it to the nice area and I wondered why the city fathers (or mothers) hadn't provided a shuttle service to the shopping area. 

Other cities with remote shopping areas sometimes provided free buses and sometimes arranged for buses for a nominal fee. In any case, they encouraged passengers from the cruise ships to patronize the main shopping area. 

I think the taxi drivers (who line up right outside the pier) and owners might have a strong influence since they now have a corner on the transportation market and charge an exorbitant set fee of ten Euros for the short ride to town. Maybe they give a kickback to the mayor that is more than the storekeepers are willing to cough up. Whatever the reason, it's too bad because the passengers are the ones who suffer.

Couldn't resist taking a quick shot of this voracious citrus tree gobbling up the "no right turn" sign.

Back aboard ship we cooled off  and Iko beat me at Cribbage before dinner. She's ahead in the cruise series now. I think she's taking advantage of my tired brain caused by planning and guiding our trips ashore.