Greece – The Final Crossroads
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Me at the Beach Party – Agia Marina
Well, the referendum has been and gone with, unfortunately, a resounding win for the “No” voters, however, had it been a “Yes” win, then I am not convinced the situation now would have been any better. Greece is just hours away from the deadline for new proposals to be submitted by Alexis Tsipras to the creditors. By sometime on Sunday the Greek people will learn what their future will be … it is almost a foregone conclusion and not a promising look. The best deal they could have had was back in January but that was turned down by Greece. People are worried and angry, however, there is nothing they can do but wait and see what will unfold day by day. I am afraid the future for this country and the Greek people is not a bright one … the years ahead are going to be fraught with difficulties.
For now, my life on Spetses continues unchallenged. The sun continues to shine … currently it is 2100 hours and still 30 degrees C in our garden. Both locals and visitors appear to be going about their daily lives as normal. I continue to make the best of every day as it comes. On Tuesday I wandered down to Agios Mamas beach at 1030 hours … early for me but I wanted to be home soon after midday so that I could get ready and make my way down to Agia Marina (more commonly known as Paradise Beach) by 1400 hours for the Beach Party, very kindly and generously hosted by Russell and Kerry who leave Spetses tomorrow – Friday. I had thought to go on my bicycle but alas, no, I have tried it out a couple of times, the seat is uncomfortable for me and too high I feel although Costas says it is as low as it can go. Furthermore, the bike feels incredibly heavy to me and I am not confident going out in the heat of the day, having to remember to keep right (not left) and dodging all the mad scooter, motorbike and quad riders. I guess I am still quite happy as a walker and will most likely remain that way.
So, I walked to Paradise Beach … by the time all invitees had arrived, we were 25 people in all. The two barmen were kept busy pouring drinks and making cocktails. We enjoyed a delicious sit down buffet lunch, people were in and out of the sea and dancing around the bar to some great music including Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” for those of you old enough to remember way back then. By 2100 hours, Penny was heading home and kindly agreed to give me a lift on her quad. I had a much needed long rest until around 0300 hours then made my way down to Bar Spetsa. It was Chris and George’s last night on the island for this year and I had promised I would go see them that night. I stayed until closing, then just on day break, together with Costas, we four walked down to the quay to say our farewells … Chris and George, such lovely guys, were leaving on the 0610 hours hydrofoil for Piraeus. Two Spanakopita (spinach pies) from the bakery on the way home then a sleep in until around midday.
My friend Helen from Athens has been here with her boys for a few days now but we have yet to catch up. However, we have arranged to meet for coffee tomorrow at 1100 hours … the days pass by so quickly. My dear friend Vivienne and her husband Dave arrived safely in Athens on Monday evening. Now I am looking forward to meeting them here on Saturday when they arrive on the 1400 hours hydrofoil from Piraeus for an eight night stay … there will be many memorable moments ahead for us all, of that I am sure.