Tale of a team at KOS 

On Wednesday the 12th October, John Sansom, Richard Jephcott, Dodo Georgeovic and myself, Pam Pearce, set off for the Kos congress, accompanied by Carol Sansom and Caroline Jephcott. Little did we know what excitement awaited us!

Arrival

Everything was fine until we got to the hotel at about 10:00pm to find that it was double-booked for that night. Bridge players were being housed in apartments on site and in other hotels and we were told that no food was available. We were among the last group to arrive and Lindsey, the Bridge Overseas representative, was nearly in tears with stress and frustration. The hotel staff were suffering from battle fatigue and starting to talk nonsense. The hotel manager had locked himself in his office, though one could understand why with Dodo and Dick on the warpath. We finally got a meal, which we had to pay for, at an independent restaurant on site and retired to our allotted quarters. These ranged from acceptable to appalling.

First day

We were able to move into the hotel during the afternoon and Lindsay was starting to negotiate compensation. Everyone settled down except for Sue Lane who had 'lost' two days beach time and was very, very annoyed. Luckily for the Greek population, we managed to distract her with wine. In the dining room the WBC crowd pushed a number of tables together, creating a 'home' table for meals. As people came and went from this table, covers were replaced by nicking stuff from nearby tables. Linda proved to be an absolute master switcher, displaying such sleight of hand that no-one saw the transfer, even when they were watching. This caused some consternation to the waiters when they felt sure that they had laid four settings but found only three. We further annoyed the staff by clearing our own plates away and ordering vast quantities of wine. The waiters are probably very pleased that we have gone.

Compensation

Lindsey arranged for all displaced guests to be upgraded to full board and for the cost of our first night's meal to be refunded. This meant that we could have lunch and, much more importantly, free drinks. We received a wrist-band to indicate our new status which made us feel that we were taking part in Cell Block H, a feeling compounded by the 'pool towel monitor' who rationed the towels with a vengeance. The 'free drink' privilege had an unexpected effect. The bar staff didn't rush to serve us any longer and busied themselves with the dishwasher when we approached. John's theory was that they were pocketing the money from cash customers so we were no longer of any interest to them. I think the waiters had had a word.

The strike

A few days in, we heard on the news that the whole of Greece would be on strike on the following Wednesday, or Thursday, or both days or possibly neither day. Airports would be closed, taxis on strike, everything at a standstill etc. A few players, with pressing engagements, started to make arrangements to fly out on the Monday or Tuesday thus missing the main team event. Our team, at John's instigation, reserved judgement except for Dodo who had lots to do at home. She booked to fly Kos - Athens - London on the Tuesday afternoon, arranging a substitute player for the teams. On Monday, we discovered that John had………….

A Cunning plan

John set his team of researchers (Carol and Caroline) to find options for flying out late on Tuesday. Their recommendation was leave at 4:30 for Kos - ferry to Bodrum - flight to Luton. John then suggested to David Jones that bridge started at 10:30 on Tuesday instead of 2:30, thus avoiding any strike disruption whilst still enjoying all the bridge. All the players were happy with the plan and on Tuesday, we all reported to the playing area at 10:30. I had trouble vacating my room as the chambermaid kept insisting that I must stay until Wednesday, as per her rota. My charming partner reckoned that she thought I was senile and didn't know which day it was (sometimes my bidding confirms this). All seemed well, but then………………

Disaster strikes Dodo

Just before lunch, Dodo received the news that her Athens flight has been brought forward by several hours. It is now too late for her to connect to it. The team of researchers are quickly located and the three of them, working together against the clock, managed to get a seat for Dodo on our flight. Dodo missed her lunch but we were pleased that she was now playing all the matches and, oh boy, can that girl play when she is hungry! Dear reader, we won! After the presentation of attractive glass trophies and a photo shoot by our very own Tony, we embarked on……

Our Journey home

Having been told that all taxis were on strike, Richard had helpfully booked bus tickets to Kos and also tickets for the 17.00 Turkish ferry. It turned out the taxis weren't on strike, just charging double. At the ferry port, we were told that the Turkish ferry had been cancelled and it took a little while to realise that this is standard ploy by the Greek ferry owners to maximise their own earnings. In the confusion, a shifty character attempted to wheel Richard's case away but was foiled. I think the thief targeted Richard because he was wearing a hat which made him look very prosperous. The sea trip was pleasant and uneventful but when we disembarked at Bodrum………..

Where are your visas?

None of us knew that we required visas and it took a helpful English speaking Customs Official to guide us through the problem. A visa would cost 10 pounds or 15 euros (which shows exactly what non-EU countries think of the euro.) We paid up but after dealing with three of our passports, they ran out of visas. We were now beginning to worry about getting to the airport on time but, while waiting, we chatted with our guards and explained that we were escaping from Greece. This produced smiles all round and the offer of a transport to the airport. We were soon on our way again, albeit wiser and poorer, and checked in at the airport in good time. The attractive glass trophies nearly sent the Sansom cases over the weight limit but they just made it. At passport control…………

Pam is forbidden entry

During all the kerfuffle at the ferry port, my visa had not been stamped. I didn't see how this was my problem as I don't keep a Turkish visa stamp in my handbag but they were unmoving. No stamp, no plane. Just as I was about to play the 'sick' card, they agreed that sight of a travelling companion's passport with a stamped visa would be acceptable. I looked around but couldn't see anyone. The Customs Officer was getting more and more fed up. Then I noticed Carol walking up the corridor away from me and started to call out to her - but my mind suddenly went blank and I forgot her name. All that came out of my mouth was a strangled squeak, very like the sort that Marian occasionally makes during bidding. The next attempt attracted Carol's attention and she came to the rescue. A Turkish visa stamp is obviously the new 'must have' and I just hope it doesn't cost as much as an I-pad. All went well on the flight and I resolved not to look at any messages when I finally got home at 3:00am as the builders would be starting five hours later. When we landed at Luton, we heard that the strike was off!!

Final impressions

The hotel was palatial with a wonderful position and lovely views, but weak management. The food was OK or good, depending on who you asked and there was certainly plenty of it. The rooms were nice but the plumbing and air conditioning were temperamental. The staff varied from charming and helpful to downright rude. Two of our team suffered from petty theft in the hotel and two of our team suffered from more substantial theft, or attempted theft, outside of the hotel. The bridge was organised excellently, as one would expect by David and his helpers, and most enjoyable. The bridge room was comfortable and served by air conditioning which, as everywhere, issued the occasional icy blast. A few young German players joined in and proved to be worthy opponents. There was some consternation in the Mixed Pairs when it was noticed that the German lady player had two male partners who she played with in turn. Some EBU members thought this to be unacceptable whilst others thought it opened up some very interesting possibilities. The best bit of the week - the fabulous camaraderie of the WBC players.

Home at 3:00am

Being totally weak willed, I immediately dealt with all emails, smails and phone messages supported by two mugs of tea with real milk. I then watched the recording of 'Strictly' before getting to bed at 6.00am. I left a note for the builders - PLEASE BANG QUIETLY.

Pam Pearce