Final fling in Greece
Our last day gave us a choice--group activity or chill on the beach? It was a no-brainier for us--the beach and its soothing water beckoned us. After a breakfast of my now well established routine of yogurt, muesli and honey, we grabbed our suits and strolled into the warm, breezy, air and down the dusty path to the town. Paramount before enjoying the water was one last glimpse at the shops that clung to the beach, as barnacles cling to rocks. And though my Minnesota body did try on a few two-piece suits, I have to admit I dismissed them all--choosing instead a more suitable (and actually quite nice) necklace as a momento of the trip.
As with many beaches, one pays to lie on the loungers belonging to beach restaurants and bars, but if one eats there, the privilege is gratis. We decided schmooze our way through a restaurant and greet the waiters who’d served us a day or two before, and remembering us, they let us lounge free of charge. Super--more money for drinks.
Each set of two cushioned loungers was covered by a reed umbrella. These sat near planked walkways that led directly to the beach, a real necessity, since the black pebbly “sand” heats up making even a small trek to the water painful.
Ahhh--the water. So cool, clear, and blue--a refreshing splash if there ever was one. As we walked out into the water and then dove in, waves gently lifted and carried us. Being salt water, it bouyed us; even remaining vertical, we didn’t need much effort to relax and float as we took in the activity, the boats, the shimmers reflecting sky and sun.
Back at our loungers, we summoned the beach waiter, Danny, and I held off ordering my first gin/tonic until just before noon. Figured it was nearly 5 pm somewhere in the world. He quickly understood our gin/tonic routine (learned from Anna after drinking watered-down versions): one glass of ice, one glass of gin, lime and a small bottle of tonic. Then we mixed our own. Perfect.
So we spent much of the day cooling off in the water, resting on the loungers, and eventually ordering beer, fried cheese, a gyro, tatziki and pita bread. The air turned hot, and poor Danny kept us so well supplied with refreshments, that we decided he needed a beer himself; we bought him and he drank it right in our midst, his gratitude quite apparent.
We’d all agreed to meet at 6:30 pm for a venture out to the south end of the island for one last group dinner and sunset. So after showering and with the dread of the packing yet to come, the 10 of us piled into a 9-person van, and Anna drove the winding roads to our “last supper” of the trip.
Here we tried fish, and naturally enjoyed the now group favorite Greek salad. Nothing better than the tasty tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese and simple oil/vinegar dressing. Still haven’t taught the green peppers to like me, though, and my tablemates knew by then to take all of those they wanted. None for me, thank you very much.
As 8:40 approached, we could see the sun settling down for a wonderful show on the horizon. And we weren’t disappointed--no cloud bank this night. The afterglow lasted well into the next hour, and our drive back to the hotel was magical as the white buildings shone in the glow and lights illuminated our way.
Before packing, we gathered on the upstairs terrace under a glorious starlit sky to de-brief and reflect on our experience with Anna in Greece. Sipping the last of our wine and liquer, we shared feelings of how fortunate we were to have seen unique slices of the culture--from antiquities and beaches, to food and wine; from cities and villages to the hills and the coast; from mainland Greece to islands as well. Though we touched only a bit of Greece, the taste we enjoyed was delicious--something I’d like to sample again sometime.