Semi-Precious

We have arrived! It is so wonderful to be in one place for six weeks. I unpacked the three t-shirts, skirt, shorts and two dresses that I own and 'settled in.' This is an amazing place to be. We took the ferry together as a group from Alexandropolous on Saturday morning. Looking over the rail, the water was a perfect sapphire blue. It was breathtaking, the exact color of the stone. Towards the coast, you could see a line of topaz-colored water fringing the shore. From the ocean, Samothrace looked blue and gray in a hazy mist, but as we drew closer, you could see the green of the pines and the deep browns and grays of the looming mountain at the center of the island. You could also see Sylvester, Professor McCredie's ancient orange Jeep, waiting at the dock. We loaded 9 people and all their luggage into two cars. After my trip to India, that seemed like nothing! After lunch together, we were free to do as we pleased for the rest of the weekend. From the door of the bedroom, you can see the ocean, only about 100 yards away. We eat lunch and dinner on the porch each day, and sunset from the dinner table, looking through the stone porch supports and a lovely bush of pink flowers, is really amazing. I am so blessed to have six weeks here. On the other hand, I think 'semi-precious' may be a good metaphor for the trip. We are so lucky to have someone cook every meal for us -- but it is meat, meat, and more meat. We are also lucky to have someone do our laundry -- but we were told not to have them wash anything we value! We are only 100 yards from the ocean -- but it is a very rocky beach with a strong current. Etc. Personally, I love it. I'll take garnets and opals over quartz any day of the week.

We spent the afternoon swimming, and then I had my first run in six weeks (ouch!). There were lots of goats and a few people to stare at me as I wheezed my way back into shape. Today, I hiked uphill to Chora, a small town with twisting cobbled streets and gracious cafes spilling down the slope. I went to Mass at the Greek Orthodox church. That was really something, I'll write more about it sometime.

Anyway, I'm settled -- and I think we get internet every other day! I'll keep you posted on the sleepy happenings of our little expedition.