Samos Sentiments

Today is our last full day on Samos.

We chickened out with Stella and the laundry.  We decided that tracking down our unmentionables didn't seem like a good way to spend our last day on Samos so we have opted to hold out in hopes that the Instanbul hotel where we are staying for 2 nights will have a valet service.  If not, then we have previously mastered the art of turning the bathtub into a washing machine (like stomping grapes, except with shirts).

A leisurely breakfast and then for our last visit with Kathy.  Now that we are comfortable with the winding route to Limnnonaki, we have a chance to enjoy the countryside more.  Word has it that Samos has 900 churches, many of which are very very tiny and may be more like shrines, yet they are indeed churches.  They are often perched on the highest point of the landscape with no obvious way of getting to it.  I imagine that it adds to the holiness ascribed to it.

One of the ~900 Churches on Samos

On our way we mark the most likely gas station to use to fill up the rental vehicle before returning it at the airport tomorrow.   Gas is 1.79 Euro/litre (multiply by about 1.4 to Canadian dollars and you have some pretty pricey petrol).

This is a lovely island and our growing familiarity with its geography, make it comfortable and almost homelike.

Kathy of course is waiting for us and Vicky quickly set out the kitty kibble that she has correctly purchased this time.  The felines spring from nowhere to gobble up the offering.  Sadly they are mostly left during the winter months to fend for themselves.  There is a growing movement on the Greek islands to control the populations of feral cats and dogs and to provide basic veterinary care to the ones that are left.  Greek folk treat them fairly well and always turn leftover food outside so that these semi-wild critters have something.

Kitty on Kathy's threshold.  This, we think, is the dominant male.

Dimitri is also there briefly and is setting provisions for Kathy for the coming days.  Although he is a nephew, he takes responsibility for Kathy's welfare as though her were a son.  It's the Greek way ... widows and orphans.  It's restful to know she is looked after.  In a few days she will be going to Vathi (the port town of Samos) to stay with her niece for the winter.

In the meantime there is a plate of a sweet cake which is basically a deep fried doughnut like goodie, swimming in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.  Yup ... just put that right in my belly ... or right on my butt.

I have nothing to say about this ... because my mouth is full.

There are still a few people left and some neighbors are out in the boat, laying a fishing net... when they come back, one of the pussycats is sporting a prized piece of octopus.  Good day for kitty.

Now the hard part.  Time to say good-bye ... a few stories, a few hugs and kisses and a few tears.  We hold the moment precious in the knowledge there may not be another.  Carpe Diem.  Kathy has been a pillar in my life ... a mother.  I will never be able to fully comprehend her influence in my own life experience.  But I can comprehend my gratitude.  Thank you Kathy.  I love you.

Kathy

The drive back is pleasant yet poignant.  A bite of lunch at the hotel and back to the beach for a good swim.  This may be our last dip in the sea as the rest of our travel now will be inland.  

Time to pack and a last evening in Pythagorio.  Adio Samos.  We'll be back.