Santorini Easter

Easter was our last day in Santorini (and Greece). We had gotten chocolate eggs for the girls, so they got those in the morning when they woke up. Again I was up earlier than the rest of the crowd, but not by much. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and then Cindy had to unfortunately spend much of the day working on her school projects, so I went off with the car for a little bit of a tour of the lower coastline. Isha and Ari went with me. We stopped at all kinds of little beaches, and drove down narrow lanes. Didn't see too much, but had the opportunity to get out of the hotel for a while. Then we came back and I read for a while. I finished my reading for work (Scaling Lean and Agile Development), which was a real chore as the book put me to sleep very easily.

Then we went for a late lunch. We had heard that you could go to any taverna and they would serve a traditional Easter meal-family style. We were going to get in the car to go into town (and return the car to the rental place), when we heard music coming from the opposite side of the road. I suggested we not drive, and try out this place. Santorini Mou (or in greek it looks more like moy). It was run by Mihalis. He reminded me of Zorba, for those of you have seen the movie. He obviously loves the ladies. He has traveled the world on ships as an Engineer or apprentice. He lives in the SF bay area now each winter. He loves to sing and chat with the patrons.

But I have to back up a bit. We came in, and there were 2 large tables set with a number of people around them. We couldn't fit there, but were offered another table a bit on the side. He said that they weren't serving from the menu, but would serve us up a special dinner if we let him. Of course we said yes. Looking around the place (we were sitting outside, but right next to a window) there were photos hanging from the ceiling and on the walls everywhere. And hundreds, no thousands of more hooks from which to hang photos. Mihalis promptly came by and showed us his pictures of Green Day, and of him with Jennifer Anniston. Later we came to notice that he proudly has several pictures of her when she visited his restaurant on the walls. He also visits with Green Day when he is in the states.

We were served a traditional Easter feast of Tatziki, Greek Salad, Green Salad, Fried Cheese, some sort of chickpea dish, huge Fava Beans, and a large plate of Roast Lamb. Fortunately all of the food was veg, except the lamb, so Ari didn't have to feel left out. It was all very good, and we sat for several hours enjoying the food, the view and the company. After we were there for about 15-20 mins, Mihalis brought out an instrument which looked a lot like a mandolin, but with a sound chamber only about 10cm diameter. He played what sounded like traditional Greek songs and the others there sang along with the refrain. Then he came and repeated it just for us. He played it up for Isha and Ari. We chatted for a bit, and then he came with a photo of Green Day, autographed, and he added his own autograph.

After a while, he came out again, this time with a guitar. He came first to our table, and sang a song "Thanks for your smiles" and then took it around to the other tables. He came by at least one more time, and obviously he was enjoying the wine. He would forget just a little more each time. He had to take a photo of Ari, Maya and Isha for his wall.

By the end of the afternoon we were thoroughly stuffed, entertained, and had finished off the second liter of wine they offered us. I must say this was the hilight of the trip. We all enjoyed the afternoon. It was relaxing and fun, and a bit of traditional Orthodox Easter embellished by Mihalis.

Mihalis, Thanks for your smile, and all the others that day!!!

We finished off the day by returning the car and walking down to the end of Oia to see the sunset, and then packing for our early flight back to Athens the next day. We were ready to go, but sad to leave. I guess it's better to leave wanting to stay, than being tired of the place already.