Food and buses

We've been coming to the greek islands since the late 70s. Then, I remember thinking the taverna menus were limited and the cost was uniform (government controlled I seem to remember being told). Limited menus but delicious greek salads, fish, beef stews (stifado), moussaka (Luke warm at lunchtimes like lasagna in Italy). We were looking forward to authentic greek cuisine again, but we feel this time that it has been 'fused' to accommodate the different nationalities holidaying here. There is a lot of Italian slant; spaghetti, risotto, meat balls and when we have tried to order what we think of as Greek; a simple grilled meat (kebab) or the aubergine salad dip I used to love, they come covered in American mustard (the former) and mixed with peppers and other things ( the latter). It's a little disappointing. I ordered sea bass with grilled vegetables; the fish was ok, but the veg were smothered in barbeque sauce (bottled variety)!? I remember taking a boat trip years ago captained by a Cretan fisherman, who barbecued sardines and served them with greek salad in lots of olive oil and it was magic. Where has that simplicity gone?

As a result we decided to take the bus back into Gaios this morning to buy our own stuff. First of all the bus was delayed due to a hire car being parked on the treacherous bend I have mentioned before, this was fine as we were waiting in the sunshine and could have paddled while we waited had we wanted to. The bus ride was interesting, but we were shocked at the return bus fare of 10 euros for 2 of us! It's only a 15 minute ride! Still it was a joy to shop for fresh meat and veg - we missed the fish! Tonight we ate al la maison, squeezed on our balcony and it was good.

We might try the beach taverna before we leave, tsatsiki, taramasalata, plain grilled fresh fish and greek salad please?!