Posts
The council got itself into tourist gear. There are big signs in greek and english all the way along the waterfront pointing to shops, tavernas and places of interest in the area.
This sign tells visitors what's available in the main back street around the meat and fish market. I didn't realise we had so many clothes shops and when it's all written down in front of me it is obvious we have a great choice. 2 laundries, the sweet shop and taverna (I knew about those) and an optician I had forgotten about.
For a while we did most of our shopping online or off the island in the bigger towns nearby. It's time to go back to supporting local businesses.
The little back alley which is our main shopping street. It used to be souvenir shops cheek to cheek but not even one is left now.
On the right is the traditional taverna serving seasonal and classic greek dishes. Very popular with the natives who mostly buy a container to take home. Winter time they huddle inside and drink a glass or two of warming wine.
Along with the souvenir shops there were also at least half a dozen places selling gold and silver. This is the last of them. We buy from them now and again, a blue bead to ward off the evil eye or a silver bracelet with greek markings to give as a gift .
He's a friend of K so we always get good prices, or so we imagine.
It looks very enticing. Hope you get plenty of visitors to support the local businesses.
ReplyDeleteWe are still waiting for the British tourists. Hopefully they'll all be travelling soon...travelling safely that is
DeleteHopefully soon we can all travel again
ReplyDeleteSo many businesses have gone under
It will be nice to be able to get on a plane once again
I still don't like the thought of travelling on a plane. I guess it will be safe one day. We certainly need you here 😊
DeleteInteresting how things change and in a reasonably short time.
ReplyDeleteThe heyday of tourism was in the 80s and early 90s. Don't think we will ever see those crowds again
DeleteIt looks a great alley to browse. I love the Mary's Laundry sign - very Greek!!!.
ReplyDeleteMary/Maria. There are two laundries in the alley. I wonder if they both get enough work
DeleteI cannot remember the last time I visited either a Laundry or a Jeweller. However, I can remember the last time I ate in a Taverna!
ReplyDeleteTavernas are essential services.
DeleteI do use the laundry to send a couple of big blankets each year but that's all. I think the yachts must use them.
Maybe those signs are really for the locals - for exactly the reasons you describe!
ReplyDeleteMy girls use the shops but I hardly even look at them even when passing. I'm usually making a beeline for the chemist at one end.
DeleteThree cheers to your Council for promoting local businesses, whether to tourists or locals.
ReplyDeleteHad to giggle when you said you knew about the sweet shop and taverna :))
Mxx
Those and the chemist are the only shops we frequent, oh and k uses the hardware shop at the end of the alley. Sweet shops and tavernas always catch my eye!
DeleteYou should have Petula Clark singing "Downtown" for a soundtrack to go along with this post.
ReplyDeleteI always think of that song when the word comes up, and then can't get it off the brain!
DeleteI would be very busy checking out all your shops and probably spending money I don't have lol but it's important to support locals.
ReplyDelete