Kalo Mina--Happy First of the Month

Citizenship: Part II (Greek Passports)

Phase I of getting our (Nia’s and my) dual nationality (i.e., Greek-US citizenship) was an epic process that involved gathering a lot of obscure documents, beginning in 2010—grandfather’s birth certificate from 1892, parents wedding certificate, my baptismal certificate, letters of recommendation, FBI Criminal Background check, to name just a few—and it took nearly seven years, with multiple trips to the Boston Consulate, hair pulling, and a small selection of colorful Greek swear words and Mediterranean-style temper tantrems. It was all part of the initiation fee.

But…voila! Nia and I received our Greek identification cards last Monday, which paved the way for Greek (European Union) passports, a somewhat less onerous project but one not so easy by any stretch. However, on Wednesday, Nia and I presented ourselves, with the completed documentation in hand, at the Kalamata central police station. Our final obstacle was in the form of three large, dour, gun-toting uniformed female police officers. In the end, we won them over to our side.

I have gotten so adept at sweet-talking Greek officials over the years—walking that fine line between compliment, intelligently question posed, and outright patronizing. (No envelopes with cash, but it remains an effective option.) It also helps to have a pretty fifteen-year-old daughter in tow. She is now nicely tanned and super fit from daily swimming and eating superb food. One of the officers commented: “You daughter is a fine specimen of a young women. She looks like a likely candidate for the Greek Olympic team.” I translated for Nia, and she offered a broad, sunny smile which won over this fearsome trio. Our passports will be ready to pick up next week, after we return from our brief Finikounda hiatus—to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary on the island of Spetses, where my yiayia (grandmother) was born in 1899 and we were married all those years ago.

Now we are not only full-fledged citizens of the Greek state, but members of the European Union—able to work, travel, and even purchase a car or motorcycle without having to navigate the bureacratic maze encountered by foreign resident homeowners. I can even vote in Greek elections!

Alas, I cannot vote to impeach the imbecile who, despite all odds, is now the president of the United States: An abomination, a disgusting, ignorant misogynististic draft-dodging spoiled brat who has disgraced the office of the presidency--even more so than his most pathetic Oval Office predecessors.

Oops, there I go again. Stay on theme, Yianni!

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Καλο Μηνα (Kalo Mina)—Happy First of the Month

Each day we chip away at house improvements—repairing stucco, fixing the ceramic roof tiles, repainting, sanding/varnishing wood, and planting more trees. Yesterday, while Nia dozed, Ann and I purchased two pear trees, both over six feet tall. We drove from the garden center with leafy fruit trees poking out of each rear window. Like driving a moped with your pet goat, grandmother, and gardening tools—no one paid any notice to our four-wheeled foliage.

Our house lot now includes a half dozen olive trees, a half dozen citrus (mandarin, orange, and lemon), a fig, pomegranate, a couple of avocados; a bay tree; and a variety of ornamentals: yucca, oleander, roses, sage, lavender, oregano, rosemary. All of the fruit trees, with the exception of a now twelve-foot apricot tree, are full of fruit. In just four years. Anything and everything grows here.

Today is the first of the month—and with that comes a standard greeting: καλο μηνα (kalo mina), “have great month!” And we have every reason to believe we will.

A few nights ago we traveled up the hillsides to the village of Evangelismos for mezes (appetizers) at the local cafeneion. The proprietor, Fotis, read off the options and we ended getting one of each! Cooked beet salad, lettuce, carrot, and tomato salad; zuccini fritters; smoked village sausage with lemon and orange rind; mushroom pie; and a large watermelon platter. All of it washed down with local wine. Less than 25 euros (30 dollars) with a tip. Yummm! Then we returned to Finikounda…for dinner.

It’s a Heat Wave

All conversation turns to the present heat wave. The temperature in Athens is expected to reach 44 or 45 C. (that’s over 110 degrees Fahrenheit), but here with the cooling ocean breezes the temperature only reaches…105!

Swimming and beach time is now restricted to 8 to 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. The 7 a.m. run (Ann walks, Nia sleeps) is an arduous event, rewarded with a swim in the Mediterranean. I have been swimming at least a half kilometer, sometimes more, each morning.

By 10 a.m. the air is super heated (but dry) and one needs to be extremely cautious—wearing a hat and staying hydrated are imperative.