I awakened early this morning and slipped out for coffee and a walk. I took Zorba with me, but the only open cafe I could find was right on Monastiraki Square and there was way too much to observe to stick my nose in a book. I watched as the early shift arrived and began the set-up process for the various kiasks. Every single item that hangs from the hooks and is displayed on the small shelving area had to be set out. Umbrellas slowly raised. Young men on scooters with rigged boxes and baskets delivered freshly baked bread other goods to restaurants and cafe’s. The two sleeping dogs who were sprawled out on a gorgeous marble platform in the middle of the Square stretched and slowly took off. They seem to be strays but wore collars and did not look hungry. They actually looked quite healthy and rather as if they owned the place. A little old lady came through carrying a plastic bag that appeared to be quite heavy. She stopped, opened the bag, and began throwing grain for the pigeons. They flew in from everywhere. Couldn’t help but think of the song “Feed the Brids” from Mary Poppins.

I took a nice, morning walk toward the Acropolis, straight up. It’ll get the old heart pumping. It all looks so different when the shops are closed. It was so quiet.

Last night Mary and I joined two of her colleagues for dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Thissio. This appears to be an upscale area with nice shops and cafe’s and it’s a great walk in the evenings. We had a beautiful view of the Acropolis and there was a lovely breeze. We ate a hummus-like appetizer made from fava beans. It was a new dish for me. And the usual eggplant salad, Greek salad, some incredible grilled cheese, and a chicken dish that tasted kind of Indian. Curry for sure. And a veal dish in thick gravy with olives and cheese. The house red was very nice. Everyone enthusiastically tasted each new dish as it arrived at the table and drank and talked and commented on the view, until the serving bowls were almost empty. It was an incredible meal and I loved it.

BF arrives in 6 days! We will be in Athens only 3 full days and if I take him to all of the restaurants I want to share with him, we’ll have to eat 16 times a day. I told him in an email this morning . . . “Come quickly and bring lots of money!” I met the guy in an art shop yesterday who told me 10 days on Crete is a minimum. When he goes, he likes to stay for 20-25 days. Sure. Why not.

Loving life. Loving the adventure. Awaiting my BF.