For distraction, we have been enjoying long walks that usually terminate at a beachside taverna. Along the way, we are documenting waypoints, using our compass, handheld GPS, topographical map, digital camera, pedometer, and notepad. With online tools, I am preparing a Sifnos hiking guide in English, as a contribution to the work already underway in Greek. A local retiree has connected with a conservation group based in Athens. By association, she has access to their tools and methods for documenting the plentiful trails on the island...in Greek. For the English version, she has eagerly welcomed my support. It has been a fun family affair, playing with the instruments, with me pulling it altogether. Apparently, Sifnos has the reputation as being the best hiker’s island amongst the Cyclades. Hopefully, our work will enhance that reputation.
We've also taken occasion to catch up on a year's worth of news with friends, and mostly fellow ex-pats, at beachfront restaurants. Births, weddings, deaths, physical ailments, and misadventures with 2nd home ownership dominate the conversations.
Already, our first home exchange family has arrived from Venice. They are delightful, well educated, fitfully active family of four. Karoline and the children are getting along famously, despite the lack of a shared language. While the Venetians occupy the main house, we have settled comfortably into the guest suite. Having less to maintain has been like being on a vacation and I am enjoying the greater hours of freedom--with time to write this blog--quite contentedly.
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