Stormy Weather Brings in a New Friend!

My travels recently have included some rain, but primarily at night when a passing storm would gush through. Today, it started raining in Aegina in the early afternoon, and got worse as the day progressed. The once quiet and slow moving water of the Aegean Sea became a sea of rage with white caps far into the night and bolts of lightning lighting up the ink black skies.

Earlier, I hoofed it into the downtown area of Aegina Town with some light raindrops (about 3 miles). This town is usually hustling and bustling with tourists and townies alike, but not so much today. Every shop I went in and mentioned that there are not that many people around, the shopkeepers all said, “it’s Sunday.”

I take it Sunday is a home day for townspeople. But tourists? Well, the tourist are trying to get the last vestiges of summer here since most of the restaurants and sundries shops will be closing their doors at the end of this month (some earlier). We even have to leave this island a day early since there is a planned strike in Greece on October 30th, which effects trains, buses, and ferries.

To keep myself safe, I made the executive decision to take a taxi back to the house instead of walking back, storm or no storm. I didn’t have a hat or umbrella either, so this seemed the best choice. And with the skinny and slippery streets a problem on good sunny days, today’s other weather elements had potential for havoc.

Once back, Kris reminded me we were having dinner at Taverna Ostria, about 100 steps from our door. Think of the movie; The Hundred Foot Journey, except these seaside restaurants pretty much only server Greek/Mediterranean meals.

It took us a minute to walk over. The owner was expecting us since I told him earlier today we’d be dining there around 6 pm. The dark skies with only a slight sprinkle did not fully indicated the storm that was brewing while we were under the canopies of the “indoor” part of the restaurant. When Kris and I were deciding to sit outside on the beach, or indoors, I pointed to the indoor side. Thank goodness!

Although there were many tables all set for patrons, there was only one person in the restaurant finishing up her dessert. We looked right, then left, and decided to sit at the next table near the lady eating her dessert.

While getting settled in and looking over the menu, Kris and I commented on the “dilly bar” look-a-like dessert the lady was eating. As the waiter came over to her, then us, we detected she was speaking English to him and said hello.

Then we met Lynne from San Diego.

She’s an artist and singer.

We welcomed her to join our table.

We got to know her and her story!

The conversations flew around our table like the wind making the biggest racket that we could barley hear each other.

We shared more stories. Cuz, we know everyone has a story.

She was there because her daughter and daughter’s husband moved to Aegina, and she was visiting them (along with Athens).

We continued sharing about our lives.

The storm raged on and on and on…

Lynne’s daughter, living 200 paces from the beach restaurant, came laden in a trench rain coat, umbrella, and another rain coat for Lynne.

We promised to stay in touch.

Kris and I walked home through the wind, rain and giant puddles (a minute tops).

We were elated meeting our new “best” friend!

Who knew that a stormy Sunday evening on a Greek island would deliver such an unexpected gift? While the Aegean Sea roared with a temper tantrum, lightning flashed, and rain pounded the seaside restaurant plastic “windows”, three women who had never met before were swapping stories like old friends.

We came for a Greek dinner and left with so much more. Because even though that storm raged “outside,” inside that little beach taverna, the three of us were busy Manufacturing Sunshine!

Isn’t it really about the people anywhere we go? I like to think so.

BSoleille!

Terri

Photo; L-R: Lynne, Kris and me (Oh, the guys in the background are the owner, chef and waiter - all family).

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