Greek To Me

Dear Friends,

I've shed my sweaters and scarf for Capri pants and sandals and traded my Lats for Euros. Fall Break is here and I have landed in Hersonisos, along the northeastern side of the island of Crete. It's approximately thirty minutes from Iraklio, the capital.

On the way to the airport, Inga said, "So, you've finally decided to leave this terrible country. Geezus."

"Oh, I kind of like it actually," I told her.

"Teem, you are naive. You vill see."

As we hugged goodbye, I recalled how Inga, on the night of my arrival in Riga two months ago, had informed me that she would be my "Latvian mother." I reminded her of it.

"And, you are my angel. I will be here to catch you next week. Atta!"

So, I have a week in Crete. Who knows what I'll catch. Nothing infectious, I hope... Eh, you know what I mean. I'm part of a large chartered tour; I'm pretty sure I'm the only English speaker. Of the group, two older women and a granddaughter are staying in my hotel, The Palmera Beach.

Tonight I walked the main strip. I stopped for a gyro and Coke in "The Peach Pit." (Beverly Hills 90210, anyone?) I had planned to take the food to the seaside but the throbbing Salt 'n Peppa song lured me into sitting and staying for awhile. I guess this was my first time falling for the Sirens' song.

This place is thumping. The night is alive, even though there seem to be relatively few tourists. I can only imagine how packed this city must be in peak season. I am trying to draw upon my limited knowledge of the Greek alphabet which I sort of learned in college. Truthfully, I'd love to have some Sigma Pi brothers here. The climate's ripe for carousing. And, literary review, of course.

My indispensable Lonely Planet traveler's guide refers to Hersonisos as the place for "frantic, non-Greek fun." I trust more evocative and authentic sites lie ahead, so I plan to take advantage of day trips.

My fifteen minutes of Internet access are swiftly waning. It's getting late, and before I go to sleep, I want to try on my bed sheets. Want to be prepared in case I stumble onto a Toga party.

Yours,

Tim