After this morning’s walks up a mountain – Little Adam at 1,114 metres with superb views back to Ella – & to see a train
– crossing the Nine Arches curved Viaduct, complete with huge crowd turnout – the time has come to consider the holiday so far. We’re halfway through.
Employment – like in India, huge numbers of people are employed within strictly hierarchical structures. This means no-one goes beyond their remit, eg each till has a cashier unable to do anything else, regardless of queues. Employment is seemingly politically more important than productivity. This also means employee empowerment is non-existent which bodes badly for the island’s future economic sustainability. However, as per previous blog, peace and stability seem to be the top priority. And who can fault that?
Bites – as in India 12 months ago, I am more attractive than Kaff. To mosquitoes, anyway. Her hair still has magic, crowd pulling qualities for children.
Weather – in the mountains it has been quite cold at night – 15 to 17 degrees – but daytime blue skies almost everyday, regardless of location. And always in high 20s or low 30s. I know, you didn’t want to hear that.
Dogs – wild dogs are everywhere, in huge numbers, but only their howlingn through the night is a nuisance. The locals don’t seem to hear them – under flight path mentality, I suppose. The photos are .of the common type, as in 85%+, so one dog had amazing genes!
Sauntering – locals do not move, aside or any other way, when occupying paths, pavements, etc. Just a thang.
Order enforcement – Police, Army, Navy, Air Force are everywhere & in numbers. Partly a show of law & order, partly security, partly employment, as above?
Development – everywhere is a building site or next to one. From an investor perspective it might seem impressive, especially the massive Chinese input, but they seem to exercise little, if any, controls. The Tourism Golden egg is in danger. Towns like Ella have changed big time & there is no going back, but this is so not a new phenomenon, viz Mediterranean tourism impact over the last 40 years. This does not make it easier to watch, nor to be a happy local.
Chris & Kath's Travel Time 