Newsletter Number Eleven
Published 7 May 03
Hello, I promised to make this season’s newsletters different, but frankly, I have been so busy moving into our new quarters (hotel) that no thought has been seriously given to it… so I will just be spontaneous.
Weather
April was a month of continued cold, dreary, windy weather. Not typical for April at all. And very tiring for all of us who have experienced the worst winter in 70 years! We were not used to fighting strong headwinds just to walk from our apartment to the office! It is always interesting getting settled in a new building, not always favourable. Many were the nights we were woken up by very loud banging and exclaiming, “WHAT (blankity blank) shutters are banging NOW!” The rains continued, destroying some of the efforts of the flood cleanup going on. However, being used to a winter of unsettled weather, we tried to take it in stride. Somedays we felt a bit depressed as did all the Greeks. Easter was fast approaching… and customarily those days are spent outside barbecuing lamb! And outdoor processions with candles! Would the weather change in time?
The spring flowers grew anyway! In abundance! Our hotel overlooks the sea, but in front of us are fields and fields of waving flowers… giving us enjoyment and hope. Then one evening the heavy skies started to break-up and form clouds, and by sunset time… it was looking very promising! In fact, that night was one of the most spectacular sunsets I have had the privilege to witness. Michael said if it were possible to “bottle” it and “sell” it, we would be millionaires! From that evening on, the weather improved; Good Friday was chilly but clear, and by Easter, well, it was a real blessing! Full sunshine, bright blue skies, and lots of happy Greeks! Tourists, too!
Flowers
We have been busy planting geraniums and petunias in pots for the entrance to the hotel. For myself I bought some pretty bright orange daisies for my balcony. We have been busy painting, re-arranging, changing, cleaning – all those tasks to get our hotel up and running. So far we have been quite busy with all units filled with Athenians who celebrate Easter here on Paros. Some are still here – suppose it is hard to go back to Athens after experiencing this laid back life here – even for a Greek!
Guests & Weddings
So far we have had Canada and England represented, with the promise of Belgium and Holland, Croatia, Ireland and France, soon. What fun to meet all these people. I have been busy making up Welcome sheets and Breakfast Menu sheets. Not a lot of time for reading and knitting! But this is more fun, anyway.
A neighbour below us is marrying off his daughter. They live in a big house with lots of land and olive trees. On the land is their personal little church. This one is not typical Greek architecture (white with blue dome), but made of stone. The young bride has asked to book our hotel at that time; putting some of the wedding guests into all our rooms. I expect there will be a lot of coming and going with wedding hoopla and excitement! If it is true about Greek weddings, we might want to stay indoors, as it is customary to shoot guns into the air! Some wedding parties go for a couple of days! Lots of food and music with dancing. I imagine our guests will be dragging themselves to bed in the wee early morning hours. I wonder if the neighbourhood will be able to sleep? It will definitely confuse the roosters!
