Summer Visitin'

The flights were long, as usual, but got steadily calmer the further we moved further and further from the tropics. By the time we touched down it was smooth sailing!  The temperature was a surprising 28 degrees, bringing delight to mommy's face. This time the cousins and Tia were with us so it was a larger than usual crowd. But it was not absent of wonder, none-the-less. We fell into the hubbub of a full apartment shortly after arrival (with the help of our very own 'saint' Stefan, who fixed up the house, got it cleaned, bought a new refrigerator and filled it with some food for our arrival. 

The days were not-too-warm and just right for all of us. The time was spent catching up with friends (Stelio and family and Vasil and family - including giggly little ones - were at the scene in Varsos within two hours or so). Then there was a wonderful night at Stefan and Vicky's place. It was the opening of the World Cup that night too, and as the celebrations were being covered on TV, their apartment had a special "air" about it. Vicky was seen scampering through the house chasing little girls. Tours were given. Flowers outfits were made and kid-friendly creativity was in the air! Pizza was ordered and the night wore on as if no time had passed at all. The "good nights" were filled with appreciation and a sense that this was family in deed if not on paper. We are so very fortunate to have friends like those we have in Greece. 

We also had a visit to Vasil and Sofia's house for the Colombia-Greece game a few days later. It was supposed to be a celebration of soccer, but it quickly became evident that the celebrations were only to be had by the Latin crowd which, joyously rose and screamed with every goal. The Greeks considered closing the sliding doors so as not to be embarrassed, but were able to keep themselves on "good hosts" status.

For a week we caught up on necessary running around, managed to see most everyone on our list, got play dates set up and enjoyed and prepared the house for the summer. There were also opportunities to show the visiting clan members a bit of the area too.