The day dawned, beautiful as always, at Hotel Handakas. Marty met Soutiria, Eirine and Maria for
their early morning walk, Marty and Maria chatting while the two sisters
pinched leaves off of trees and restaurants’ herb plantings, scrunching them up
and handing them to Marty to smell, explaining in what culinary specialty they
are used.
Cathy (henceforth known as our Greek Goddess), helped Karl pack, and we
bid him adieu with good wishes for safe travels home and a speedy recovery.
Paul kindly gave Cathy and Marty a ride into Gazi town where they
browsed in the shops of Markos and Artemis, Soutiria’s and Demetrios’ son and
daughter-in-law. Cathy purchased a
Bodyworks t-shirt from Marcos, and Marty a little outfit for granddaughter
Mallory’s 3rd birthday. They
enjoyed the hike back past Maria and Nikos’ house. Gazi is a quiet, pretty town with nice shops.
Lunch was once again delicious: a fresh-from-the-garden salad (AND
dolmathes from the garden’s grape leaves) and, oh yum, oh yum, tyropita (filo
pastry filled with feta and kefalotiri cheeses).
The students arrived and classes began. Marty worked inside and outside
with Aliki and Rafaella. Activities included vocabulary of clothing using
sticker books, flashcards, and the clothing the girls were wearing. Games were “Slam it” and “Jump the Line” and the ever popular “Simon Says.” Cathy enjoyed her session with her teenage
friends, playing “Password” and using word searches. The students are always very eager, involved,
quick and competitive.
No lesson for the staff nor conversation with Maria and Nikos tonight, as
Sam squired Cathy and Marty off to a wonderful evening at a restored mountain
village/restaurant/gift shop/entertainment venue. The meal was similar to what would be served
at a wedding or other festivity. The
music and dance program was spectacular. Instruments were the lyra and
bouzouki. First there were traditional
Greek dances followed by Cretan dances, with the dancers in beautiful
traditional dress. Many in the audience
joined in. It was a memorable evening.
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