Greek Friendship
“You haven’t been to Greece if you haven’t been to Mykonos.” – Tass
I spent a lovely afternoon with Tass, the caretaker of the guest house I was staying at in Mykonos. I moved to this cheaper guesthouse when Miles left me and I was staying on my own. It was just about 5 minutes outside of town up a big hill called Adriani’s Guest House. It was laid back and extremely well kept. I loved it immediately – plus it had wireless internet!
Tass and I immediately hit it off as he was from Boston – actually he was Greek but had lived in Boston for years. He was very helpful and kind of watched over me since I was on my own. He was 69 years old, and in great shape due to his ritual of swimming at the beach every day no matter how cold it was! One morning I got up to go running and it was particularly cold and windy. When I got back from my run he had made me tea and toast with jam. He invited me to have lunch with him later that afternoon before I left on the ferry. I had already been in the small town of Mykonos for 4 days – and had seen the whole town so I really had no other plans – so I joined hi. I brought my left over bottle of wine and joined him in his kitchen at the guesthouse for lunch. We had a wonderful time learning about each other drinking ouzo and eating gigantes and greek salad.
He told me his story on how he made it to America and jumped ship in New York. From there he went to work at a friend’s place who was in the import business. Eventually he made his way up to Boston, got married and started a family. Now he’s retired and has decided to spend 6 months a year helping out his niece in Mykonos by taking care of her guesthouse. He lives at the house and keeps it up. Perfect for such a social man! The other 6 months of the year – he travels. I can only hope to retire like that one day! He had a wonderful outlook on life – living it to the fullest and really enjoying himself living a healthy lifestyle.
Before he put me on the ferry – he made me some Greek coffee (my favorite!) and we said our goodbyes. He was a delight to talk to and share an afternoon with!
Hi – just wanted you to know that I’ve been following your blog and enjoy it! I’ve been to Mykonos and I love it – Also been to a lot of those places you went – Hoi An, Thailand, Zanzibar – I’m also 36, live the corporate city life (although I can’t quit like you did!) and like to travel solo – when I can. I’m trying to plan the next big trip – I’m thinking maybe Indonesia? Anyhow, keep up the blogging! Enjoy greece. I wish I was there to have some ouzo and greek salad!
Hello! I’ve been in Mykonos and I have met this social and kind -in the most wonderful way- man. I’ve stayed in the guest house for over a week! It was cheap, clean & pretty. It has nothing to do with the “cold” unimposing hotel environment! It’s warm, pretty and colourful! Really! I just suggest: go at Andriani’s Guest House and make sure you meet Tassos!!!