POSITIVELY PEACEFUL PAROS
Trip Start
May 06, 2007
1
5
7
Trip End
Mar 21, 2007
Paros, Greece
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Michael went for a long walk today (he misses the treadmill so he wants to walk a lot in the day). It was 45 minutes each way. When he returned, I saw him, waved and ordered him a cold beer. I, on the other hand, had a siesta (Paros is basically closed from 2:30 to 5:30 each day so, when in Rome.....) and had a late lunch under a canopy that protected me from the sun having a glass of wine and writing in my journal. Heaven.
I finally did my Shirley Valentine pilgrimage yesterday. I am simply amazed at how quiet Greece is right now during the slow season. It's beautiful. We had red snapper, lots of wine, grilled veggies, etc. at the taverna where Shirley asked Costa to "bring table and chair to edge of sea". It will live in my memory for a long time. There is actually a sign close to the taverna that says "As seen in the movie, Shirley Valentine". A few ladies, a little older than me, were also doing their pilgrimage. I could tell by the far away look in their eyes.
The gentleman who runs the hotel now was very nice, showing us some pictures and let me walk around.
We have tomorrow here in Paros; we will see the old temple (we are not sure how old but most likely 1500 BC). We'll get back to you on that.
Most of the hotels are just starting up for the season; the Shirley Valentine hotel has only been open for a week and we didn't see another living soul there. This, to me, is the PERFECT TIME to visit Greece. It's nice that it is not too busy.
We were told today that Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt and my friend George Clooney are looking at land at Antiparos which is a hop skip and jump away from here. Our TransAt agent bought some land here for $150,000 euros five years ago and can now get $500,000 euros for it (one euro is equal to $1.50).
We met a young gal today from Quebec - she has been here a week. So, my sons, my darlings, you could get a job in Greece quite easily but I think you have to take some sort of tourism course. She only speaks French and English. She is learning a few Greek words but I think I speak more than she does.
The lady here who runs the restaurant is from Australia; she speaks French fluently and has been working here for three years.
We forgot to tell you about Mykonos - yesterday as we were walking around, we decided to stop for a coffee (Michael) and bottle of water (me). We stopped at Little Venice. The bill? $9.00. We are not penny pinchers but thought that a bit steep.
Mykonos is beautiful but expensive. Son #1, start saving your dough. You said you want to come here next year. Come for two days and two nights and see other parts of the world.
We will blog again from Santorini.
Maggie
xoxoxo
