Retired at 50? Or 65? If you are a Greek fisherman you keep working as long as you are able. No fancy pension plan or retirement but plenty of hard work, friendships, satisfaction and independence. Here is a scene from the quay side in Preveza. Jorgo arrives put - putting his trusty, blue fishing boat after picking up his nets that were left overnight, as his 80 year old wife (the one in the flowered dress in the photos) waits to catch his lines. Others wait to see what Jorgo has brought in and perhaps buy some fish for their restaurants or families.
Expertly, Vaula catches the lines Jorgo throws, makes fast the boat to the bollards and proceeds to sell his catch as he tidies up the vessel and begins to stow the nets.
A kilo of fresh fish sells for about 10 euros.
Here is Vaula showing off her dress (she said she paid 5 Euros for it) and hat before getting back to selling her husband's catch.
She said she loves the sea and is happy for her and Jorgo to work as long as they are able.
She sold two trays of fish in an hour and then said her work was not done - she was going home to cook for her family, clean her home and make some cherry preserves.
Beats sitting in a chair at the nursing home watching TV all day, in my opinion.
A day in the life of Port d'Andratx fishermen
They must start work at four in the morning because I hear the engines rumble to life about four thirty. As the boats back out, turn around and then head out towards the breakwater at the end of the marina docks, I see the men already at work under the deck lights while the small navigation lights keep the skipper company up on the bridge.
I often see the boats when I’m sailing, but today I stay at the marina and see them return just before five in the afternoon, together and one by one in a single file as if some distant alarm sounded the end of their work day. Yet, the day is not done. After tying back up to the wall or rafting up to their compadres, the men now sort and clean the fish on deck, while the tourists gather to gawk.
The market is not far, so a small van does the delivery and the fish is as fresh as you can get without catching it yourself. Restaurant chefs and eager housewives jostle for position at the display counter while their choice is weighed and wrapped.
Fish for dinner tonight. Salud!
