Itisallgreek2me

Viv and I at De Fontein

Sunday 27 October 2013 – These are glory days.  The intensifying, uncomfortable heat of summer has gone.  The evenings are cool but by no means cold.  By day it is certainly possible to spend a couple of hours at the beach, sunbathing but not burning and the aquamarine waters are invitingly warm, that is once your body recovers from the initial shock of entry.  This past week the island has been dead although we now have an influx of visitors for the long weekend, mainly Athenians.

Each year on 28 October, Ohi Day is celebrated throughout Greece.  This was the day in 1940 when the then Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas rejected the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini to allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory, signalling the beginning of Greece’s participation in World War II.

My journey here this time from New Zealand was lengthy, 47+ hours door-to-door, however, pretty uneventful.  Left Wanganui on the 0930 hours flight in order to spend a few hours with my dear friend Vivienne in Auckland.  Shared a lovely lunch at De Fontein, a Belgian Beer Cafe in Mission Bay, departing Auckland on the 1830 hours flight to Dubai, via Brisbane.  A slightly nerve-racking time there … on the runway, gaining speed and about to takeoff when suddenly – brakes on and takeoff aborted.  Apparently, there had been a surge and sparking in one of the engines which needed to be checked out.  A cockpit meeting followed with controllers in Dubai who incredibly, via satellite, knew exactly what was going on and eventually gave their okay for us to go.

As luck would have it, there was a spare seat between myself sitting by the window and a lady with a bad cough in the aisle seat so for the long haul, I was able to have my feet up for much of the time … not exactly comfortable but certainly preferable to another bum right there.  The usual shopping at Dubai Airport, a couple of beers in the Heineken Lounge then onwards to Athens, this time with 3 seats all to myself and a wonderful opportunity to lie down.

Greeted by a beautiful day in Athens, sunshine and clear skies.  Hopped on a very full bus, bound for the Port of Piraeus where as expected, my hydrofoil ticket was awaiting me, arranged by Costas.  A long wait sitting in the sun until 1830 hours and at last I was on the final leg of my journey.  The usual stops at Poros, Hydra and Ermioni before reaching Spetses, disembarking with a handful of passengers to a reception committee – Costas, of course, along with Ray and Heather.  There being no one at the Bar, Costas and Ray returned there, while Heather and I walked to the house.  Understandably enough, I was shattered … unpacked only what was needed, had a shower then into a very welcome bed.

Spent my first 24 hours at home recuperating before showing my face in Bar Spetsa on Tuesday night.   Stopped in at Delfinia for a couple of drinks on our way home … what a lovely night.  Wednesday arrived and I was ready for my first taste of beach … current weather conditions may only last for another week to 10 days and so I am determined to make the most of the opportunity.

For several hours on Thursday we had no power, on Friday it was no water.  Forced to brush teeth, wash face and hands and shampoo hair with bottled water as we needed to be at Agia Marina beach at 1500 hours to farewell our good friend Mike who died in Bristol on 8 October.  Mike had lived on Spetses for at least 25 years … a musician (great harmonica player) by night and a painter/decorator by day, he had many friends on the island, of whom some 40-50 turned out on Friday for his memorial service held at the same time as his funeral was taking place in England.  He wanted no tears, no black and for everyone to wear something red, his favourite colour.  He also wanted us to play some of his favourite music tracks, in particular, from the Rolling Stones and the Beatles and to enjoy a wine or two.  Especially nice was a 2003 wine made by a friend’s grandfather on the island of Naxos from grapes grown near Marathon … sweet, golden, almost like a sherry or cognac, chemical free and potent, only to be sipped slowly.  In the last group to leave, I then hitched a ride on the back of a motorbike, on to the Bar until closing.  Two stops on the way home … first Boggi where we always enjoy the Greek music and atmosphere, then to the bakery for two pieces of freshly made Spanakopita (spinach pie) for an early 0400 hours breakfast.

A quiet day yesterday … after Costas had finished his daily chores, we met for coffee at Roumani in the Dapia, overlooking the water – all very civilized.  Of course, for me it was back to the beach in the afternoon then a quiet night at home.  Today we enjoyed our favourite lunch of babounakia (small red mullet) with fasolakia (green beans in red sauce), patates tiganetes (fries) and a shared Amstel beer at Spetsiotiko.  I had gone prepared to head straight down to the beach – it was wonderful.  Having now rested, soon it will be time for me to get ready and go into the Bar to spend time with Costas.  Yes, it is an enviable lifestyle I am once again enjoying, however, not without much thought for my family back in New Zealand with my dear mum quite unwell.  She is especially in my thoughts at this time … I love her and miss her.

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