January 13, 2000

So last night I had the typical "can you please leave me alone" experience in the village. Aunt Kathy had to comment on absolutely everything. Why don't I wear jewelry? Why do I put my hair behind me ears? Why did I not bring heavier clothes with me? They don't understand that it is not cold for me. And of course she cannot let go of the weight thing. She keeps telling me I need to eat breakfast and ignores me when I say it is the one meal I do eat. Anyway, I must comment again on how great the village smells. I wish I could just sit outside and enjoy the view even though it is so lonely. I went to see Uncle Pete. They are both as good and as cute as every. John came with me too which was good because he can make anyone laugh. He has quickly put himself on my good cousin list. Then we spent the rest of the night at Aunt Kathy's house where I was force fed pizza. I understand that I may need to put on a few pounds but I fell sick from all the food. Here is something weird... they have a computer in their house. I should also mention that Patty was there and was luckily helping me out a little bit.

Funny Grandma story, there is this girl from the village that plays on a Greek soap opera. That alone I think is strange enough. But her Grandma dies the other day and the whole village when to the funeral. Well Grandma saw the actress on television wearing orange and she was trying to make excuses as to why that was ok. That was the end of the night. I love the village but some things need to change. Aunt Adi made my bead by the fire with three blankets and I froze my ass off. I wake up and by butt hurts because I am so tense at night. And I had to pee but who was going to get up!

This morning I woke up to the wonderful face of Grandma's sister. Everyone keeps telling me how much I look like mom now. I got up and sat by the fire because I dreaded getting dressed. Aunt Adi was roasting hazelnuts and forcing me to eat. I went up to Aunt Kathy and had a nice surprise on the way up. I ran into Alec and yeah, I still want him. My sweetheart of a cousin drove me to Uncle Pete's house and then by Aunt Denise. He made some comments about how lonely it is. I think I am going to talk to Gus about letting him use the house. And of course as I was leaving he slipped 10,000 in my pocket. So far I have made way more than I have spent. 

Me and John kind of had a bonding talk. I asked him about Judy which kind of shocked him. She is in Halki now. She has lived in Greece for 13 years and they have been together for 5. John was telling  me how he is kind of confused with his life because he like the simplicity of it but knows that he has not future. He said the sweetest thing about Judy though. He said that for the past five years he is so carefree that he has not worn a watch. 

I had then made plans to meet cousin George to take me to Prebeza. I went and said by to Grandma. On the way there we stopped to see Barbara. Vefa, Renne and Chris were all at the house. Renee has a totally boy haircut and looks totally cute and Chris is turning into a studly little guy. I washed myself and changed because I was crappy for the last two days. We dropped the kind of at class and me and Vefa went to see Helen. I ate candied eggplant. Freaky sounding but actually very good. Mimi is as good as I though he was. He is going to be in Athens next week so maybe I'll see him. Now we are back at home and sitting in front of the fire catching up. I know there was more I wanted to write so I might fill in later.