More pics and videos on Facebook page.
You can view my first posts here at the BLOG page.
Nafpaktos: Old Friends & New
The day after our drive from Meteora to Nafpaktos, we prepare to meet an old friend of Tom’s. Back in 1978, Tom stayed in Nafpaktos for a month with Maria and her husband Nikos, another example of Greek hospitality. Through the magic of the internet, I was able to track down someone who knew Maria’s niece, and we had a meet-up planned, kinda/sorta.
We walk to Aroma Music Cafe, which has the best location in all of Nafpaktos and maybe the best coffee, too. We spot Maria right away, exchange hugs and greetings. We are soon joined by Maria’s niece, Lena, who is clearly the ambassador to Nafpaktos because she knows everyone and everything about the adorable harbor town. All of the years that separated Tom’s first visit melted away, all thanks to Lena’s abundance of hospitality and charm. Quickly we were made to feel like old friends, even family. And family is the most important thing to Greeks.
After making dinner plans with Maria & Lena, Tom and I make the trek to the castle at the top of town. It’s quite a hike, but we are rewarded with stellar views of the harbor. If you’re in Nafpaktos, do this hike!
The next morning includes a visit to Lena’s daughters’ Pharmacy, appropriately and cleverly called The Pharma-Sisters. We find the best bakery in town. Then some shopping for me, while Tom displays his best patience.
We find sun beds at the beach and order some lunch and have a little swim. More of Lena’s friends join us, of course! The weather is perfect and the pace of the day is too.
Before dinner, Tom & I find the leather jewelry store Lena recommended and I pick up a beautiful necklace and earrings. These pieces are all handmade, unique, and stunning. Wearing these with my new white dress makes me feel like a goddess.
Our last morning we visit Lena’s lovely home with Maria and reluctantly say our farewells and promises to keep in touch and hopes to return. Truly our visit was enhanced and we were made to feel like visiting friends from the very first moments with Lena and Maria. Our time in Nafpaktos was painted with strokes from an artist genius hand. Thank you Lena for making it so very special.
Google says this translates to: The customer is very important, the customer will be followed by the customer. As the land of the land, the mourning nor the corporal of the land, the pillow of the lion.
Sounds like an ancient riddle that will lead you to some treasure that you can plunder. Just find a statue of a lion lying on a pillow.
So much enjoying your photos and narrative. And kudos to Tom for being patient while you shop.
Loves from all of us Clarks
That seems even deeper than a conundrum, and the treasure is found in your kind wishes. As for Google translation, we have found it’s not always accurate. We are glad you’re following along with us though.
Your trip looks beyond fantastic! What a beautiful locale … when are you moving there? I’ll send you a waterpik!!
Hah Annie! You know me well. My waterpik will be ther first thing I go to when I’m home. 🤓
How wonderful for Tom to see this place again after 45 years. Lena sounds like a great person to point you in the right direction of things to enjoy.
Has the language been a hindrance at all?
❤️Julie
You are spot on, Julie! You would love Lena. ❤️
So far, having carry on only has been a huge help. We can get around easier for sure. Another kinda bonus is I don’t take so long to decide what to wear, since my choices are limited.
Edit: I must have misread your post and thought you were asking about clothing being a hindrance! To answer your question, language hasn’t been much of a hindrance (aside from me not reading my own blog well😜). In a pinch, I’ve resorted to iTranslate and it works pretty well!
This looks like your best outing yet ❤️
Absolutely! This little fishing town is quaint and not at all touristy. It’s probably my favorite place we stayed. ❤️
besos y abrazos !!!! I am so Glad to feel you there so buoyant and happy gliding through the joy du vivre
did i tell you my grandmother was born in Rhodes ……Ohhh Greece …. tell her Ill come sooner than later ..:)
MAS BESOS
The beauty of Greece is only surpassed by her hospitality. Such a lovely land filled with generous hearts.