From Tourists to Locals: Ian’s 58th Birthday on Desimi Beach
On Monday, Ian’s off day this week was also his 58th birthday. It was also a public holiday, which we didn’t know at the time, but explained why there were so many Greeks on the beach.
We headed off early (9am around here is early) to Desimi Beach, about 20 minutes from where we live. It is not an organised beach which means no sunbeds and umbrellas to hire. For the first time ever, we took collapsible chairs and an umbrella for the day. A sure sign that we are now locals and no longer tourists.
Another bonus for us living in the villa is that we haven’t had to buy any more stuff. The storeroom here is packed with everything you need for the beach, including a canoe and two SUPs.
We spent the day swimming, in the body-temperature water, among the yachts, speed-boats-for-hire and pedallos. I spent a fair amount of time on the SUP, exploring the little beach inside the cave, the small beaches along the coast that are only accessible from the sea and the villas on the hillside.
We drank beer on the beach and ate lunch at one of the two tavernas on the beach.
If you had told me a year ago that we would be done with Greek Tavernas, I don’t think I would’ve believed it. But, it's true. As of Monday 24 June, we no longer want to eat at a Greek Taverna. The food offering is all the same and we always eat the same selection. Our criteria for whether it is good or not is 1. Is there enough garlic in the tzatziki? 2. Are the chips made fresh from real potatoes? Only a few have got it all right, and none yet on this island.
We no longer enjoy going out (and paying €60) to eat food that I can, and sometimes do, cook at home. Another sign that we are no longer tourists!
