John always loved to watch the sunrise when we arrived on the island. Theo suggested that I join him this morning to remember John as the sun rose over Amorgos.
He brought a thermos of hot tea and we sat at our usual spot as the sun peeked over a distant island. We reminisced a bit and enjoyed the moment. It was a perfect morning with calm waters. This afternoon I will board a Seajet to Naxos and then Blue Star Delos to Athens. Farewell Amorgos.
It is so hard to believe that I have been here for a month! Even with Covid, the days have flown past. Today I will enjoy a swim at my favourite beach and dinner with special friends.
Diego and Theo enjoy a morning game of backgammon (tavli) before the Cafe/bar gets busy. The aroma of baking drifts up from the underground kitchen as these two battle with the dice. Theo is a master at this ancient game and Diego is an apprentice.
The sun continues to shine on us and the days are warm but the evenings require a few layers of clothing.
This week I will take most of my clothing to Kristina who makes rugs from discarded clothing. Her creations are gorgeous and useful.The colours and fabrics blend to make rainbow rugs!
Maybe I will dip into the sea today.
Yesterday I visited the medical centre in Chora and was examined by a Doctor who appeared to be around 14 years old! He was so young! On these islands the doctors change every year and seem younger every year. After a thorough examination of my BP, heart, lungs and throat he declared that I was in great shape although still testing positive for Covid. He explained that there was no protocol anymore for isolating and I was free to wander around. Apparently Covid is now considered to be just another flu type virus.
I was ecstatic to be free but also concerned for my friends so I joined them for coffee but kept my distance. My euphoria was short lived as my energy level dropped and I rested for most of the afternoon. An early night and a good sleep helped immensely.
Today I shared time with many friends, again at a safe distance, as they are leaving the island tomorrow. They will be missed during my final week on Amorgos but others, who prefer the island in October, are arriving.
Well, let me state that this is not fun! Fever, headaches, stuffed up and now the extreme sore throat has started. It is impossible to imagine how many times, in just one hour, a person swallows! And how painful it can be! Honeyed herbal teas are all I can manage right now.
My friends have brought me everything I could possibly need including an oximeter for measuring my oxygen levels. On the table in front of me I have Kleenex, paracetamol, panadol extra, depón, propolis throat spray, effervescent Vitamin C tablets as well as the emergency supplies I brought from home.
Mata, a dear friend, brought me pasta with homemade sauce which I am unable to eat. If you know me well, you know that I love pasta in any shape, form, flavour.
Theo has been bringing me honeyed herbal tea from his cafe in the mornings and has offered to bring anything I want…maybe scrambled eggs this morning would slide downs easily.
When I could keep my eyes open I finished reading The Time in Between and A River Runs Through It. The next one waiting on my table is A Farewell to Arms by Hemingway. Not exactly uplifting. Thankfully I have Netflix for respite from reading.
Meanwhile the sun is shining, the days are gorgeous and I am grateful to my friends for their support.
Last night I was invited to a fish feast.
One of Greece’s top Free Divers was visiting and offered to share
his daily catch from a spear fishing expedition.
There were nine fish of various sizes and types.
We couldn’t manage to eat them all so one was given
to the host of the restaurant that had grilled them for us.
