Crete

Since I am blogging now on a memory lane via retrospect, I must tell you about our last year’s honeymoon destination, Greece, Crete. A city where time stood virtually still. A place where sleepy residents relax in the never-ending rays of sunshine. And a rhythm of life so slow that is almost odd to me. A handsome and picturesque little island, with old cars, old street signs, and a peculiar mixture of ancient and modern architecture, intertwined with occasional backyard mess or “something” long ago abandoned. 

One time, we ventured out of the resort to look for an ATM machine. We walked down a quiet boulevard lined with local restaurants, and private homes, some of which had peculiar front line views. A fridge in front of the house, an abandoned toilet on its side. Random chickens busy looking for worms, and curious goats snacking on something resembling “grass-roots”. Ancient cars without wheels collecting archaeological rust. Old women sitting in wooden chairs dressed in black, chatting. Local men smoking cigarettes, drinking. All of them oblivious to it all. And, occasional tourists passing by in blue and white, Cretan choo-choo trains. 

At one point, we stopped at a small motel to ask for directions. I asked a woman who was sitting at the reception if she knew where we can find an ATM machine. This was her lovely, Cretan response: “Kalimera." - Smile - “Oh yes, there is an ATM machine.” - Smile -  “It’s in a market further down.” - Smile. My reply: “Okay! But are you absolutely sure that it’s there?!” And, once again the Cretan woman: - Smile - “Maybe yes…”- Smile - “Maybe not.” - smile - “But don’t worry, everything is going to be o.k., you will find it, just keep going.” - And, a very wide smile!  What?? 

Ok, so, as I understand this, don’t worry, keep walking if you find the goddamn ATM machine then you’re lucky, and if you don’t find it then life is good anyway. Be happy, SMILE! Life is beautiful, you are in Crete, why are you so tense? Have an olive, drink something, eat something, take a nap….and if a pigeon shits on you, darling, that is a Greek sign of good luck. Yes? Yes! Ooooopa!