Kalimera, Greece

 

I made it to Greece. Wore a mask for over 14 hours, 100% worth it, but holy shit it’s not fun. The driver’s name was Zac. He picked me up from the Athens airport - he gave me some priceless info on a few things. Coffee, being first and foremost - had my first Greek espresso freddo - strong iced espresso -and I’m spoiled for life. Greek coffee is amazing.

My first stop after landing in Athens was the port town of Rafina. I had great eggplant and, from Zac’s suggestion, discovered Alfa beer. I am not a huge fan of beer but I really like this one. Spent the night in Rafina, wandered the streets and little beach, then hopped on an early ferry for Paros. Loved the four hour ferry ride. Now that I actually know how to get on the ferry and get off haha. 

 

Lots of kitty friends

View from my studio in Paros

Paros is lovely. I’m staying at a place called Niriides Studios, simple and sweet. I love the bright white walls, the light, the windows. Super nice owner, Angi. She picked me up from the port. Stopped at a grocery store for me. I love grocery stores in different places, even in the states I make a point to explore them a little - they are all so different. I love this little studio I’m in. The ocean lulls me to sleep at night, I keep my windows open and enjoy watching the light change when I wake up from jet lag. The gorgeous Greek salad in the photo is from Peter’s Cafe, a one minute walk from my room. They also serve drinks on the beachfront, which is where I spend a lot of time. I get my espresso freddo in the morning then switch to beer in the afternoons. 

This is the sunset view from my room. I get why people from other countries want to retire here. The pace is different. Waiters don’t hover. You take your time with your food, enjoying the view and savoring the amazing flavors. There’s a learning curve for me, always. I try not to beat myself up about it - you don’t know something until you learn it, after all. Ferries were a learning experience for me, they’re different from the ferries from Long Beach to Catalina Island. Grocery stores were different- old school getting produce weighed before you check out - we are so spoiled with cashiers weighing the stuff for us. I remember when I was a kid we had to have a clerk weigh it.

I love the cliff side walk to Parikia, Paros’ main port and town. The ocean is to your right, gorgeous clear water, and it’s rugged and wonderful. Tomorrow I’m considering taking the bus to Lefkes, quaint little village in the mountains. I’m intimidated by buses - I didn’t grow up in a place that used them, and California is absolutely useless with their public transportation. I will figure it out. Learning curve again. I remind myself the worst that could happen is that I have to wait for another bus. I will also see Naoussa, a fishing town about 8km from Krios beach, where I’m staying. Other than the cliff side trail, walking here isn’t recommended  - at least on the roads. There’s no room for it and the cars are going pretty fast. 

Loti, the woman that cleans and takes care of things here, is so nice to me. She and I bonded over an issue I had with my key. I think she likes that I made a point to remember her name and that I had to laugh at how hard it was to figure out what was up with the key. She always says hello to me, blew me kisses today which is so funny and so sweet. She feeds the kitties, big plus in my book. 

Got stung by a jellyfish along with probably every other person who went in the water yesterday and today. It hurt but I got over it. I like to swim but it’s just as nice for me to sit under a beach umbrella and read, people watch, and be mesmerized by the sound and the look of the gorgeous turquoise sea.