Two Women Named Sophia

We have been officially adopted by them... They live in the apartment below us and have decided that we are in need of their help. They are grandmother and granddaughter and are probably the most unique personalities I have ever come across. They personify Greek hospitality in a way few can imagine.

From the very first day here they have brought us platters of food daily. The younger Sophia has helped Steve bring up the stove and install ceiling fixtures in our apartment. Steve isn’t crazy about doing electrical stuff at the best of times but the wiring here totally puzzled him.

We have been invited twice this week for dinner to their home where the elder Sophia sets a table that would put me to shame. The collection of guests has been eclectic and thus far we have met a captain for Royal Caribbean from Florida and his pretty young Belarus girlfriend who also works the ships. We have met an expat from Australia who I sensed regrets her decision to live here, various mothers’, grandmothers and aunts. It was an altogether amazing group of people.

We sit around on the patio eating, drinking and having great conversation. Most of the people speak excellent English and it’s been a lot of fun for me.

It is easy to understand why this country is seductive. The temperature as I sit here on the balcony today is a lovely 25c with a nice breeze. But it isn’t always this way. Yesterday the skies opened with a downpour the likes I haven’t seen in a long time. Because two of the mountains behind our house burned in the summer, there is nothing to hold back the water and as a result the streets turned into rivers with water up to the ankles. When it was over stones from the mountain was washed down to the streets. There is nothing to hold them back.

I have learned to be patient about getting things done. My brother in law would much rather be fishing than to help us get a refrigerator and it took two weeks to get the washing machine. There are little successes for me, yesterday I baked my first cake and because it is unlike Greek pastry I was hesitant to take it downstairs with me. I needn’t have worried; it was gobbled up in record time. My oatmeal chocolate chip cookies were also well received. Soon I will make a carrot cake and see how that goes over. I let them bring me food and I bring them cakes, fair trade…