Quiet days, beautiful view

In the past few days, I've taken it pretty easy. Since I didn't want to act like Söder, I only shared a few pictures on my WhatsApp status. Other than enjoying some delicious food, not much else happened. And that's just fine. 

On my last evening in Droutsoulas, I met two women from Cyprus in my regular tavern in Evdilos. Like me, they planned to attend a Panigiri on Thursday. If I understood correctly, this was also the end of the Panigiri season. 

It was really nice to have some company right from the start. One of the women owns a very famous tavern in Limassol, according to her, and was quite talkative. 

After standing in line for almost exactly an hour to get goat, tzatziki, feta, bread, white and red wine, and water, the evening became very sociable and fun. 

I talked to people from seven or eight countries, including those who live here permanently or at least several months a year, locals, mainland Greeks, and expats. It was truly fascinating. 

Of course, this is somewhat of a bubble here, but the conversation never revolved around the big issues. A Welsh woman with Jewish roots discussed hospitality and the incredible beauty of the island with a Turkish Muslim. In fact, almost all conversations revolved around how well people treat each other here. This is not just the impression you get as a tourist. It is truly as described in the piece “the red rock.” 

Everyone shared their food and drinks with all of us, of course. We danced, laughed, and drank. A lot of dancing. Even more drinking. It's truly indescribable what it feels like to be part of such a community while dancing together. 

Around half-past two in the morning, a German hippie arranged a ride for me to Armenistis, and I spent my first night there. 

The next day, although somewhat unfit but not hungover, I hiked 8km to Kampos in the scorching midday heat, where I had parked my car by the road near the Panigiri. And that was enough activity for me. I spent the rest of the day again at Mesakti Beach, where I had a not-so-great meal (microwave keftedes... but the view!). Many surfers gathered at the beach bar next door after sunset, which could have been fun, but I didn’t feel 100% in the mood for another wild evening. 

On Saturday and today, I spent time in Armenistis. Breakfast here, a coffee there, into the water, back on the balcony to read, back into the water, listening to HSV Netradio, into the water, into the water, shower, tavern. 

Contrary to my usual habits, I put on my HSV jersey after the first three matches of the season, and I was actually approached a few times in a friendly manner. I do this as a subtle protest against my friends who showcase their memorabilia from a non-commercial label with an associated company sports group near the old Flakbunker on Feldstrasse at every inappropriate opportunity, which is rather rare. But it was quite fun. 

Today, I also consciously designed the day without a plan. So balcony and water on repeat. In the next few days, I definitely want to take two more excursions for research: to Christos Rachos and to Mikis Theodorakis' house, where the great Greek composer and communist spent several months of his exile. 

And the best part is: I still have a full week here.