First, I wanted to update everyone that I have recuperated my missing bag! Aegean shipped it from Frankfurt to Katerini. All in all, I was lucky. I got it back within a few days and in really good condition. It looks like this is a regular occurrence. Something is happening in the flight from Frankfurt to Thessaloniki that bags are not making their final destination with alarming regularity. As a CX professional, I say… get your process under control! I can’t wait to fill out THAT survey.
Xalara – The Greek Way
My first day in Katerini, Greece was what the Greeks would call xalara (easy going, no worries). Got up, had some breakfast with Katerina’s parents, and got ready to go to the beach. Katerina was kind enough to lend me some beach necessities such as sunblock, beach bag, towels, and a beautiful hat… at this point, my bags were somewhere still in the complex mishandling process of Aegean Airlines.
We took a taxi to the local bus station not far from here where I bought two tickets. Katerini has a bus route that takes you to most local beaches. I find this to be very convenient since parking can be complicated at the most popular places.
While we waited, we ran into two of Katerina’s friends: a German guy named Simon and a Greek woman. I sat next to Simon and we talked about all kinds of things. He moved to Greece six months ago with the goal of opening up a hotel in one of the islands (how very Mamma Mia). He talked about the differences in German and Greek culture. He also mentioned how expensive life can be in Greece, yet how incomes are very low compared to the rest of Europe. He used the example of how a coffee can be the same price in Germany and Greece, but Greeks will earn much less. He also brought up the uncertainty in energy prices and how people in Thessaloniki (where he lives) are fearful of the winter. If it is a harsh winter, will they be able to heat their home? These kinds of conversations make you put things in perspective. It’s one thing to hear about how expensive gas is in America, but when you hear about other countries’ struggle to heat their homes, well, what is the world coming to? What is the solution? Here are real geopolitical forces at work, with real consequences, felt by real people. As Simon said, “politicians are like little kids.” I couldn’t agree more. And yet, how can someone like me influence this? It’s a question I don’t have answers for, but it certainly makes me think…
Platamonas Beach
The bus dropped Simon and his Greek friend off at Kastro beach. Katerina and I rode a little bit further to Platamonas Beach. Katerina brought me here last time and it is by far my favorite beach because the sea is calm and because it has shallow parts. We took an umbrella at a place called Sway and ordered coffee and food. In Greece, they have organized and unorganized beaches. Organized beaches are typically managed by local bars or restaurants. They put out beach umbrellas with two lounge chairs. You pay a fee to sit there. Depending on the restaurant, it could be all the way from 5 euros to 20 euros (150 euros in Mykonos, Simon had explained in the bus). A waiter will then take your food or beverage order. So you can have snacks and drinks brought to you while you enjoy the beach. I call that xalara!
Cappuccino Freddo Parakalo
Before diving into the sea, I had to order my Freddo Cappuccino. Under supervision from Katerina, I ordered my drink and food in Greek! I felt really accomplished. Because the menu was in Greek and I was able to decipher more than half of it! All in Greek!
After fueling up with iced coffee, Katerina and I plunged into the refreshing sea. As I floated, I looked north to admire the medieval castle on a hill in Kastro (where Simon got off to go to the beach) against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Olympus.
Katerina and I spent the day swimming in the sea and returning to shore to do eating and drinking before diving back into the sea. We even did an impromptu photo shoot. She photographed me in sexy poses destined to be posted on Instagram or sent to my relatives via the Whatsapp family chat group.
What you Don’t Know Won’t Hurt You… right?
Our bus was scheduled to pick us up at 5:25. At 4:40, I told Katerina that we should enjoy one more dip. As I jumped into the sea with joyful abandon, the waves sloshing against my body, I noticed that Katerina rushed back to shore and stood in front of our umbrella with a hard look on her face. I didn’t pay too much attention since I was enjoying the feel of the cold water envelope my weary self. Stress peeling away layer by layer. The sea washed away my work concerns, my personal worries, , my fears… Xalara! commanded the sea. Xalara!
I emerged from the sea. I faced the sun and invited the heat to dry my body. Katerina was toweling off, a frown on her face. I took my beach bag and went inside Swell to change in their bathroom into dry clothes. When I got back, Katerina said, “I think those gypsies were trying to steal our stuff.” She preceded to tell me how when we were going into the sea for the last time, she noticed a family of gypsies eyeing our stuff. She also noticed an adult give a nod to the gypsy boy who began walking towards our stuff as I made a spectacle of diving into the water. She claims to have gotten out just in time to reach our stuff and throw the boy a glare which made him back away. Oh crap! What if they had taken our stuff? I had my phone and my money in that bag. Katerina would later call a friend of hers in law enforcement to tell her what happened. Her friend asked if she had a picture or description of those involved. “Actually…” said Katerina. “I have some pictures.” If you zoom in to those sexy pics of me in the sea, you can actually see the gypsies in question! Well… I guess my sexy pics are evidence now…
We Meet Again
The bus picked us up promptly at 5:25. On the following stop, Simon and his Greek friend got on. They joined us at the back of the bus and we began exchanging tales of our beach day… gypsies and all.
That day, Katerina had received a very important phone call. It was the bus station telling her that my luggage had arrived in Katerini and could be picked up at the bus station. I shared this good news with Simon and his Greek friend. As soon as we descended on the station, I made my way to baggage claim. Behind me Simon and Katerina shouted out encouraging cheers. As soon as I walked into baggage claim I saw my purple London Fog bag. We were reunited again… and it felt sooo good!
Katerina’s dad picked us up from the bus station. Once home I verified that all my stuff was intact. I was also able to give Katerina the gifts I had brought her from America.
Sushi at Paralia
For dinner, we took a taxi to Paralia, the seaside. We went to my favorite restaurant in Katerini, Mandala. It is a beautiful place. Open and airy. It faces the seaside. Inside a minimalist motif conveys the easy elegance of the place. The bar is fabulous and a DJ plays fun music. There even is a pool by the DJ area, but is only for decoration. Outside, lounge chairs face the sea and high tables surround a patio where live entertainment plays. To me, this restaurant (with both food and ambiance) make the trip to Katerini worth it. If only we had places like this in Des Moines.
After a couple glasses of Greek rose wine and two rolls of sushi, we left Mandala and walked down the seaside towards the center of Paralia. I heard languages unknown to me. Katerina said that they got tourism from Germany, Russia and the Balkans. I was able to distinguish some Russian.
At 1 am we called it a night and took a taxi home.
