Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
I have officially adjusted. I am sitting at a table with Maria and her brother at her cousin's house in a small village in the mountains. They speak Greek and I don't understand a word and it's great. I figure, I'm not being rude by doing some blogging... am I right? I don't know, but I'm doing it. After this visit we will go for some dinner in Navplio.
We swam to the church again today. It takes about a half an hour to swim out to the rocky hillside, where the white stone church sits perched on the hill top, at the mouth of the bay. We swam from the beach that is a short drive down a winding, steep road, a few minutes from George's house.
I take off my mask, snorkel and flippers and walk up the rocky, paved path to the church. It is beautiful up here. I go around the far corner of the building and I am hit with the strong wind of the open sea beyond. The ocean is rough out there and I wouldn't dare swim it. I am drenched in sunshine and the mist of the sea is a welcome refresher. I do some yoga and breath deeply- it is truly amazing to be here.
Although, small, quiet and vacant the church is very much alive. It is very small and lit by wicks sitting in olive oil. Maria tells me that people come to the church each day to open it and light the incense and candles.
The swim back to the beach is easier because the wind blows in the right direction. I hug the steep drop off that is about 20 feet from the shore, where vacationing Greeks sit on blankets and chairs, reading, drinking, chatting, smoking. There are various fish below me, both in schools and small groups, some lingering alone. This is a great way to get exercise. I swim past the cliff where an abandoned, rusted out car hangs along the side. It's difficult to tell that it is a car, it just looks like a hunk of metal. The side rail from the beach access road above dangles beside the car. Apparently, a couple years ago, the people drove off the road but survived and the car has been there ever since.
The thumping bass from the beach bar returns to my surroundings. I enjoy hearing this while I'm in the water. The other day we laid in it all day after our swim and it was great.
We usually nap in the middle of the day and get a late dinner before heading to bed. I love dinner here. It is so fresh. Last night we had a classic meal at a casual restaurant. Souvlaki, Greek salad, fries (done in olive oil of course) and a ton of white wine served in a shiny red carafe. I have taken a liking to these jugs and the restaurant owner says he will pick one up for me... I would love that, but it may not happen, can't get too attached to anything here in this different pace of life.
I am living like a local because I am staying with Greeks. I get to mangle through their conversations and brush up on my ability to read body language and gesture. Oh, they just talked about me in the conversation that I currently sit in. I hope it's not about me being rude on my phone, but Maria assures me it's okay and that she had just mentioned we are going to Spain soon.
If this blog entry makes you envious then consider that confirmation that you are alive! It is as good as it sounds here... maybe better ;)
- comments
sara ummm sounds like I missed out on some amazing beach vacation, next time? I think days of swimming to a church, napping, and eating good food might just be the perfect life for me.
Marilyn Pitman whew, what a good place to be and all because of friends!!!