As the sleet falls outside my window, and the floor heater warms my toes under my desk, I find myself dreaming of faraway sunny places. Santorini, anyone?
Time for a little getaway, even if it’s only virtual…
When I was in college, I spent a semester in Italy. In the last few days before I was to return home to the states, I ran out of money. All I had was a train and ferry ticket that was good for anywhere in Europe, and a small bag of clothes on my back. So I set off for the furthest point I could get to, Greece. (This way I could sleep on the train, and save my few remaining lire for food along the way.)
I’ll never forget the friendliness, openness, and generosity of the Greek people I met on that trip. I managed to survive homelessness for a few days (don’t worry Mom, I stayed in a student hostel so I wasn’t on the streets!), and ate most of my meals at “Mama’s Cafe” where the food was cheap and plentiful, and “Mama” would come around and make sure you were getting enough to eat and had a safe place to stay. I don’t know whose Mama she really was, but for that weekend, she was mine.
I finally made it back to Italy, caught a flight home, and arrived suntanned and world-traveled. The memories of that whole semester would fill a book, but this is one of my favorites.
So when my friend Jeri sent me this photo, it brought back so many happy and sunny memories that I had to share it with you. (With my own little color palette twist, of course.) I hope it brings you a moment of sunshine no matter what the weather is like where you are reading this.
You can see more of Jeri’s photography at arrestingimagery.wordpress.com, and read more from her at JeriWB.com.
And if you’re ever in Santorini, look up Mama’s Cafe, and tell her I said thanks!
Anita says
I love hearing these stories–now. Thanks for not sharing them when they were happening, as I would probably have suffered a coronary! Love, Mom
Meredith says
Maybe it’s a good thing there were no cell phones back then. Not to mention social media…
Catarina Alexon says
Yes, the Greek people are wonderful. Very hospitable and generous. Once spent a few months working there for the New York Post. Thorougly enjoyed it.
Meredith says
What a great assignment! I’d go back there in a heartbeat.
Alyssa says
Definitely beautiful! Thanks for linking up at the Home Matters Linky Party. #homematterparty
Meredith says
Thanks Alyssa!
Jeri Walker-Bickett (@JeriWB) says
My Greek-themed bedroom is still a work in progress, but will reflect the colors in that photo. I just need to find the time to get the pain on the furniture I’ve sanded. Plus, I’ve decided to add a few more splashes of red. Thanks for featuring my pic!
Meredith says
Thanks for sharing it with me Jeri!
Tim says
I did the same as you Meredith and lived in Greece for a few months. At the time I could not have imagined a more friendly generous group of people. The color palette you created has all the earmarks of a good Mediterranean themed room.
Meredith says
Yes, Greece is at the top of my list of places to go back to, once I get through the list of places I haven’t been yet! 🙂
Jacqueline Gum says
Love the colors that you added to this Meredith! It may be a twist, but quite an appealing one. I love the photo, but then I love all Jeri’s photos. I haven’t been to Greece…I almost made it, the trip was booked, but then…well divorce put a damper on the whole thing. But I’ll get there… I know I will:)
Meredith says
Yeah, divorce does tend to put a damper on things. Someday you will definitely need to follow through on that dream!
Andy says
I have a practical question to ask you relating to language. If you spent a semester in Italy then I assume that you were at least semi-fluent in Italian. When you went to Greece, were you sufficiently conversational in Greek to get by? To what extent could you get by (if at all) with English in Greece and Italy? I’ve never spent a significant amount of time in a non-English-speaking country so I am curious as to how the language thing played out for you.
Meredith says
That’s a great question Andy. You’re right, I was semi-fluent in Italian, but no other languages. I found that most people in Greece spoke at least some English, and some of them spoke Italian as well, so I never had a problem getting around. And all through Europe I was able to make it with what little Italian I knew, and what little English the person I was speaking to knew. People everywhere were so friendly and helpful. I would say if you’re thinking of traveling but are worried about the language barrier, don’t let it get in your way. Most of the time people wanted to try out their English on me. And I once had a 3-person conversation in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese because the languages are so similar! When all else fails, a smile, pointing, and holding out a map always works!
Marquita Herald (@marquitaherald) says
What a wonderful adventure Meredith! Greece is one of the few places on Earth remaining on my Bucket List and I look forward to seeing it first hand one day soon. These are just beautiful colors that are very similar to the colors I use most often in my work. Thanks for sharing your story and implanting such a lovely image.
Meredith says
Thanks Marquita, glad to bring a little sunshine to your day!
Jeannette Paladino says
Well I won’t be traveling to sunny Greece or Italy but I will be flying to sunny Florida tomorrow morning and can’t wait to leave cold and snowy NY. (FYI, when I clicked on the link to see more of Jeri’s pictures I got a 404 message).
Meredith says
Oops! Thanks for letting me know. Hope you’re having a great trip!
Susan Cooper/findingourwaynow.com says
Hi Meredith, oh your poor mother would have had a heart attack if she knew then what she knows now! Great times to look back on for you now though I’m sure. It’s amazing the things we do when we are younger and invincible. 🙂
Meredith says
Yes, she would! But now we just have a good laugh. And with my own daughters growing up fast, I know I’m in for a little karma down the road…
Johanna says
ooh! I want to go visit!!
Meredith says
Me too! Again!
Paulette Lee says
Hi Mer, for some reason I didn’t get this in February when you posted it, but found it with the wonderful cloud palette tonight. I was blessed enough to be someone’s guest on a Greek tour about 15 years ago. This photo does so remind me of a golden Santorini afternoon! Wish I’d known to look up Mama’s while I was there. I have some amazing glazed ceramic candlesticks with these very colors. So glad you got to experience Greece. Hugs, Paulette