I love a parade

Last week was a big celebration in Greece, “No” day.  It is the day Metaxes, the prime minister refused Mussolini the right to use Greek territory to invade Albania.  It marked the end of that coalition and Greece’s entry into the Allied front.  Ultimately, there was great loss of life and much horror – but they are very proud of doing the right thing.  There was a big church service and then the parade which featured the high school’s marching  band – all 6 drums and flag carrier.  Every student down to wee ones were lined up behind flags and marched the whole length of the port.  Every thing was closed down and all cheered the participants wildly.  What a joyful experience.
So in my own little way I am leading a parade here in Paros as well.  We students march along in order learning new techniques, being way frustrated in that newness, and encouraging each other wildly.  Slowly we are progressing as we put more paint on canvas, process more digital pictures, memorize play parts, and piece books together.  Each of us has our favorite activities, but most participate in several different projects.  I do basic drawing, oil painting, digital photography, and art history.  That’s a gracious plenty.

We are also settled into the Greek life style.  It is so much slower, more relaxed, and more exuberant.  That sounds like strange bedfellows, but it works.  Live life to the fullest, but only the parts that are worth doing.  I have already begun to think about how to transfer that attitude back home.  Limiting technology has been a big part of it.  No TV, no internet, and very poor lighting allow me to think at home and get a good night sleep.

  I take 1 1/2 liter bottles to the “well” where I buy water – about a 1/2 mile walk from home.  I appreciate every cup of tea because I know what it takes to make it.  Having to turn on the hot water 20 minutes before a shower makes me appreciate the electricity I run all the time without a thought.  Gratitude for the basics.  I need to remember that.

This week we are on break.  My dear friend Susie Streit has joined me for this time.  What fun to show her around – especially since she resupplied me with good English tea and dark chocolate!  Tomorrow we go to Santorini.  The timing was perfect.  I made the reservations months ago, non-refundable I might add, and then got the ferry tickets a couple of weeks ago.  The dock workers went on strike Monday at 6AM.  They are returning to work tomorrow at 6 AM, just in time for the ferry to leave Athens and whisk us to Santorini!  Gratitude for the basics – transportation that follows schedules.

This morning we did the archealogical museum here in Paros, had lunch at a taberna on the docks, and now I feel a nap beckoning us – we have to overcome Susie’s jetlag after all.  Then I will cook up the eggplant, tomatoes, onion, and olives I bought at the farmers market.  Gratitude for the basics – good food and good friends.  Yeah! Life!