Scooter

Having searched the island for second-hand scooters and finding only ex-hire for 600€ and an elderly Honda Town Mate for 500 (I don't do gears on bikes) Richard and I decided I would get a new bike. He doesn't ride bikes (except as pillion) and uses the car - which is why we drove of course! At 1650€ for a 50cc it wasn't cheap but it's a really nice twist-and-go, Kymco, which I haven't heard of outside Greece. Looked it up on the internet, sounds like it costs roughly the same in euro as in pounds.

I bought the scooter from Nikos Stamatiou who we know a bit and was recommended by a friend. Having bought, paid for and got the bike on the Friday Nikos said come back Monday for the receipt. He insisted I must only see "Nikitas" in Agia Marina. I had no number plates - Nikos said this is how it is, they come "later". You are supposed, at this stage, to take the papers to the police station to get a blue card. I asked the clerk downstairs for Nikitas and he pointed upstairs. This is a loose term - I have never seen a narrower spiral staircase in my life. Each tiny wooden step felt like I was pirouetting. Nikitas said not to bother getting a blue card. Hmmm. We haven't yet because according to our "bible" we've got six months. Nikitas filled out some forms and said he'd ring me this week, or maybe next. This didn't happen so I went and spoke to the downstairs clerk in the insurance office, who sorted out the insurance. I it all out. I then asked about the license plates. He gave a great sigh and said "ah, this is what we are supposed to be doing" I replied "what about the insurance" and he said not to worry (funny how everyone says that!), as soon as he faxes the details to Athens I am insured. "License plates", he'll get the papers from Kos. In a week or two. So I guess since the police don't seem to worry about my lack of number plates - I won't either.

Perhaps I too, will ride around with hand-painted bits of wood for number plates!