Sea, Sand, Sunset, Stars

Saturday, July 13, 2013
I love waking up with a view of the sea, sparrows chirping and always, always a breeze.

On this day we kicked back and set a relaxed leisurely pace. Restaurants do not open here in tiny Myrthios until 10:30.  Without planning ahead we had to forego coffee until then. We walked across the street and, per usual, dined al fresco with a view of the sea at the Dionyssis Cafe. In lieu of typical breakfast food (not offered on the menu) we ordered spinach pie, which came as several small spinach-filled popovers....very tasty.

We decided to drive down the mountain to Plakias, the seaside village below us. We spent a good portion of the day on the sand beach.

We were able to find two beach umbrellas and 4 lounge chairs next to each other. Will I return home with a fabulous Mediterranean tan? Not likely...I prefer the shade here. I haven't yet even put on a swimsuit this trip.

I did take Sofie wading in the surf until Carol and Sofie's parents could take her out farther.  She squealed when the cool water caressed her little body, but soon she was happily splashing around. I have not detected any other Americans around here. The island attracts a lot of Germans, Italians, Scandinavians, French, Brits and Aussies. Fortunately, English seems to be widely spoken. Carol and I have enjoyed playing "name that country" especially as we dine or when we were sunning on the beach. I wonder how our motley group is perceived by others? I found it a bit disconcerting that we could hear conversations around us in other languages unknown to us, and guessing that these foreigners are able to eavesdrop on our conversations. I suspect we might as well be carrying a large US flag!

After beach time, we walked across the street to a taverna/sports bar with a tv showing a cricket match between the Aussies and Brits. A couple of guys we determined to be Aussies were focused on the action and seemed pleased when their team won. I don't have a clue about the rules, but it was mildly interesting to watch as we waited for our food to be served.  I'm not going to say 'al fresco' anymore, by the way.... :)

We did a little shopping (bought coffee) and headed back up the mountain to our retreat. I spent the rest of the evening on the balcony, happily writing, blogging and mostly gazing peacefully at the picture postcard image before me. Sunset is so perfect it seems unreal like its been photo-shopped. Late evenings are spectacular with a quarter moon waxing not so bright as to overwhelm the myriad stars. I can't remember the last time I saw this array of constellations (facing south) and best of all, when the moon sets, the cloudy haze of the Milky Way galaxy is plain to see. Images like these are what will stick in my memory. Peace out....
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