my big fat greek adventure

a few days ago when i asked my friend konstantinos if i can listen to some greek music, i had no idea what i was in for. so on a beautiful saturday morning, we drove up to mt. parnassos with greek folk songs blasting on the radio and konstantinos singing (and dancing!) - all the way. the sun shone down on the countryside as i listened to stories & translated lyrics, as i learned more about life behind these songs, as i laughed till my insides hurt. after a very healthy dose of live greek entertainment, we arrived at the elatos mountain resort where my friend was holding a yoga retreat later this month and where i was taken on an unexpected hike through the forest. we walked on rough trails, past bubbling streams, through a bright green world waking up to spring. it was drizzling and it made everything look so pretty. after much huffing and puffing in my mud-covered espadrilles, we reached a meadow high up on the plain - and the place was serenely beautiful. no sound from below could be heard, as if no other world save for that mountain existed. our guide was an old man who grew up in the area herding sheep as a young boy. he pointed to the small caves where they would take shelter from the rain and to all the places where they would run and play. hiking back down to the resort my heart was fuller, my smile a mile wide.


we visited delphi late in the afternoon and consulted with the oracle. it's amazing to see all these ruins. it puts me in such awe and wonder how highly advanced these ancient civilizations were, and more importantly the high regard they had for art and beauty. to live in those times! we then drove down to Galaxidi, a small quaint village by the sea where we had the most amazing meal - fresh fish grilled perfectly, sweet fresh mussels in wine & lemon, some horta some salad, and cheese! lots and lots of cheese. ah nostimos! since i arrived in athens, after meals especially with konstantinos around, i would always feel like an indian cow - spoiled, fat and happy. patting my round belly and complaining half-heartedly, i would then drift off to my happy place imagining once again the food which i had just eaten and replaying all the flavors in my mouth.


then yesterday was a nice lazy sunday. after a fun laughter yoga in the park and a souvlaki lunch, we walked around the city which was quiet & did what the Greeks do - enjoy their coffee in one of the many cafes in the old plaka. since i don't do coffee i've slowly adopted the habit of drinking tsiporou - a bitter liquor made from grapes which to me tastes a bit like vodka. it's their version of the grappa except that instead of drinking it after, they also drink it before & during meals. so there i was sitting with new friends drinking my tsiporou, surrounded by a language i didn't understand but totally comfortable with, feeling so content and grateful. oprah said - the biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams. and yesterday i realized what a wonderful adventure i am having. indeed, everything starts with a dream.