Sunday, September 21, 2008

A Unique Six in Skopelos

(Written September 18, 2008) Greece. This is the 4th time in 6 weeks that we have been to Athens, a rather unremarkable place. And now that we on the ferry to Ancona, Italy, I breathe a sigh of relief to move along. This ferry is like a cruise ship - a very plush and unexpected surprise!

This time in Skopelos was unique. The weather began muggy, overcast and warm. Next it was hot, sunny and dry. Summer was still here. Jeremy & Bonni rented a house with 3 levels just down the street from our tiny Skopelos House. It had a self-contained studio downstairs that they graciously allowed us to use. Though we didn’t mind sharing a small space with Andy’s parents, it was nice surprise to have privacy and our own bathroom.

The inimitable combination of the 6 of us together for 7 days was a wonderfully matchless dynamic. Originally, we planned to spend the time with Bonnie & Tom (Andy’s parents) in the Skopelos House and cross over with Bonni & Jeremy (Jeremy is Stacy’s best high school friend) for just a day or two at the end of their journey. But they ended up staying that entire time and we all got together daily, sharing a beach day at Velanio or Panormos, eating meals out at the tavernas or sharing drinks on the rooftop at dusk. We talked and laughed and connected on a myriad of levels (thanks to Tom’s questions, and for all you Drolets you know what that implies!). I felt as though everyone was so generous to us and in turn I had a constant feeling as though I wanted to give back. We would, then they would, and it became this ongoing cycle of bounty and thanks. It was a special pleasure for me to get to know Jeremy’s Bonni and look forward to many more years of close friendship with the two of them as husband and wife.

One day, Andy built a deck on the roof using a chainsaw, plywood, sandpaper, palates, a hammer and nails. It was pretty sweet until Father Greece discovered it and threatened us to remove it. It is on his roof after all. We’ll see what happens there.

By the time we left it was cool, windy and rainy. It seemed fall had arrived. Jer, Bonni, Andy and I took the 7:15am Flying Cat in terribly windy weather north up to Volos to catch a bus back down to Athens. People were getting sick all around us and it felt like the boat was going to flip. I had visions of the Stand By Me scene approaching with Lard Ass and the blueberry pie puke-capade. Thankfully I had Dramamine and all four of us made it without joining in the festivites.

So now we’re en route to Florence, Italy to meet up with my Dad & Judy for five days during their 15-year wedding anniversary. Italy has been at the top of my list for years! I am looking forward to the culinary, wine and Renaissance indulgences, indeed.

1 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

Hi Andy and Stacy,
We loved sharing our beautiful island with you. You made Yia Yia's house feel like home and we had a great time getting to know Bonni and Jeremy.
Father Greece demanded the deck come down. Too bad for those of you who will follow.
Love, Mom

September 25, 2008 at 8:39 AM  

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