It's been a busy week in this big little village. We've made progress setting up our life here and we've had some funny coincidences along the way. Six degrees of separation is probably too many for Greece, where 2 degrees seems closer to the norm.
For example, we liked the apartment we toured a week ago but we told Flora, the apartment owner, that we wanted to see a few more places before making a decision. When we were waiting for a realtor outside a different apartment--a half a mile from Flora's place--who walks up to us but Flora! We were only outside for about 15 minutes but she happens to be passing by. She gave us a friendly greeting and told us we should stop by her shop after seeing the other apartment. No pressure, no weirdness. Kismet?
We stopped by our attorney's a few times today because we had to pick up and drop off some papers related to the residence permit. In-between stops at the legal office, we signed a lease with Flora, and she told us she thinks she worked with our attorney's dad. So we're telling Dafni our attorney this and before Sam can even say Flora's last name in full, one of the assistants in her office pokes her head into the room and says Flora is her boyfriend's aunt! And several hours later, we get a cheerful call from Flora telling us about this social intersection. This type of thing happens a lot in Greece.
It's felt uplifting to be here in many ways. To our relief and surprise, some tasks that would be very unpleasant and hassle-filled in the States have been surprisingly easy here. A few days ago, I found out that my CPAP machine (for sleep apnea) has been recalled and that I should stop using it immediately because of potential carcinogens in the noise dampening foam. It could take a year before the company even contacts me about fixing it. So we decided to see if I could buy a new machine here. I found a place very nearby that sells a well-rated CPAP cheaper than in the US and I didn't have to show a prescription (it's a ridiculous requirement in the US---really, who would buy a CPAP just for fun?).
We've eat out a bunch here without feeling unsafe COVID-wise. Even in somewhat chilly, rainy weather, lots of restaurants are set up for heated but well-ventilated outside dining. The vibe here is lively and relaxed, and it's been a long time since we've enjoyed so much reasonably priced, interesting food in lots of unique, cheerful little restaurants. We feel like we're getting to live in a cool NYC borough from around 25 years ago (i.e., the NYC we loved!). Today we went to my favorite souvlaki place from two years ago and the guy remembered us, even though we'd had only a brief chat back then. It's good to be back (and even remembered) here.
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| Fisherman in front of the sunset; along the Thessaloniki boardwalk |
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| View from the balcony--over the Galerius Arch (circa 300AD)--at the apartment we'll be renting |
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| Bougatsa--one of the classic Thessaloniki snacks (always get the cinnamon on top)! |
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| Sunset from our short-term rental in the Analipsi neighborhood |