Ommel by minibus

Having four days to spend on the beautiful Danish island of Aero, we decided to make the most of the free bus transport. We figured we could take a bus from Marstal (which runs twice daily on just two days a week) to the tiny village of Ommel which has two harbours. The tourist guide was overflowing in its praise.

Said bus (minibus) was late. The driver looked shocked to see us. We were the only passengers. The next bus back would be 3 hours hence. Rain was forecast.

At least we had checked online that there was a cafe. Once the minibus dropped us, we made for the cafe through silent streets. We found the owners outside, who said they had run out of food after a big party,  but we could maybe get a hot drink later.

We set off for the northern harbour past a farm with proper old-style milk churns (see pic). The harbour proved to be minute and very sleepy. (See pic) We found a bench out of the wind and ate a yoghurt bar and watched the grey sea beyond. Still two hours to go.

We trudged back to the cafe/bar and the lights were on, it was open and warm inside and there were people drinking beer! They rustled up two cheese and ham toasties and coffee. We even tried a Riga Balsam...a kind of powerful dark schnapps which the locals like.

We read our books in a very smoky atmosphere amid dark wood furniture. There were ashtrays everywhere and 1930s music on the radio. It was like going back to a different Denmark. No tourists here, except us.

So when we finally left the cafe we headed for the bus stop. Bus due at 1330.

At 1325 the bus suddenly swept past us and was gone. The next bus was four days hence..There was nothing for it but to Google a taxi firm and call a cab.

Just one of those days.

Once back in Marstal we spotted a fine sight on the quayside, a bevy of gleaming Fiat 500s on a club rally around Aero.(see pic). The owners had gone for lunch but we speculated they must all be short of stature.

The one lucky thing today? We missed torrential downpours three times, by a whisker. And we bought some hollyhock seeds for a pound - they grow on every street on these lovely islands.