At last! The ferry arrived just before noon on Saturday – more like a cruise ship actually. Semis and a concrete truck and a helicopter were part of the cargo along with many heading to Paros or Naxos or Santorini. Once docked, there was a grand rush of humanity and luggage to our awaiting home. We passed the school on the way to our homes. We were back later for a brief orientation, but we were free until this morning at 10. Oh the joys of finally unpacking, quiet, and nesting.
This is what I see every time I open my front door and look toward the school which is at the end of the block. No, the color is not wrong – it is that white and that blue. The shutters are my bedroom window. I am blessed with a 2 bedroom apartment with one bath, one kitchenette, and a living room with a small table and chairs. Out the back there is a patio which I spent yesterday scrubbing down, like a good Greek housewife.
The rest of the girls are in a village of one bedroom units about 5 minutes from here. I have more room, they have internet – which works for all of us.
I have already attacked the markets on Saturday since most things are closed on Sunday here. Fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, milk, cheese, and a stop at the bakery for good crusty bread. In my unpacking I packed my cupboard with all the herbs and such from my previous purchases. It will be interesting cooking without an oven and with one hot plate, but I have creative skills yet to be discovered. This morning I toasted my bread in the skillet before frying my egg – quite tasty.
Last night I finally stopped reacting to all of the stimuli around me and just sat in semi-darkness (which is what it is in the evening with all the lights turned on!). I had my little old Ipod playing Enya and the song that was on when I started the pondering process was The Pilgrim – “take the long way to find out who you are,” were the words I heard and it helped me to start reflecting.
So here I am a million miles from my life taking the long way to find home. Even though I vowed a year without fear, I am afraid of not measuring up – to all the expectations of family, friends, and myself. I am afraid I am neglecting family and friends to selfishly pursue a pipe dream. I am afraid I won’t find answers and will continue feeling unrooted and as if I am an alien wherever I go. To be home and to belong are powerful emotions that have been siren songs for me for the past 15 years. Perhaps the answer will be that there is no answer and I will have to live with it – takes care of that fear, doesn’t it? Anyway, enough of the morose and on to other thoughts that ocurred to me
1. I have discovered I have as much or more energy than a 19 year old! They finally admitted on the ferry ride that they take 2 hour naps every afternoon…let’s hear it for the old lady – make that wise woman!
2. I have discovered I remember more than I thought from classes 40 years ago – and it makes more sense now.
3. I have discovered Italy is lovely and I will rate Rome over Athens as a city, but my heart sings when my feet are in the Aegean and my eyes are glorying in the brilliant blue of the Grecian light.
4. I have discovered I can get by with much less than I ever thought, although hot showers are still a great priority.
5. I have discovered Life is simple and precious. I learned of the death of a classmate the other day. It took me back to elementary school and that life – all we ever need are friends, family, learning, recess, and over-coming growing pains.
I turned out the lights early, slept well, dreamed of all the love surrounding me, had a hot shower and a cup of tea this morning. Now I am at the school utilizing the internet getting ready to face classes and expectations. In all of this I rejoice. Again I say rejoice!
Lisa Oberreuter 