Summer in Greece

Looking back at Pireaeus and the Athenien coastline

There are many ways to mark the beginning of summer. Perhaps one of the most explicit ways in Greece is to get on a Ferry and head for the Cycladic islands like Paros. People relax immediately. Their faces are stripped of the hard lines drawn by hard work while they enjoy stepping out onto the deck to light their first real cigarette. Like a taste of freedom, they follow with their eyes the flight of the seagulls keeping a safe distance to the boat.

Every year, there are several dates which mark the beginning of summer. For children and youth, it is certainly the end of school. For others, it is only when they can finally escape Athens, that is when everything closes down near or ust before August 15th. But this year the crisis had left its mark. It meant some left much later than others but all still yearn to do some swimming and to just lead another life near the Aegean sea.

In 2015 the beginning and the end of the summer differs like books being kept upright on both ends by political interventions. It was a tight call until the marathon session on July 11th ended finally in an agreement on July 17th which prepared the ground for Tsipras of Syriza agreeing finally to a Third Memorandum of Understanding. Till then no one really knew what would happen to Greece, especially if the Greek delegation would not succeed in sealing a deal so as to avert a state default.

In such situation, it is still advisable to do those things everyone can do best when preparing to leave Athens for the summer. It is advisable to put the house in order. It includes making sure the plants out on the balcony shall receive their water thanks to a watering system, but which has sometimes caused flooding once it turne out to be dysfunctional. So before closing everything down and to depart for their summer residence, it is wise to make sure everything function properly and then the doors are closed well enough so that the wind cannot throw them open suddenly, or else some windows at the back are left open to make sure fresh air enters and cools the house despite the daily heat.

Anyhow the summer begins when it is hot outside and only the sun shines as if for eternity. It is not like up North where high temperatures can suddenly drop the next day and yet another summer is ruined by cold weather and clouds keeping the sun blind folded. On the contrary, you never really need to worry about the weather in Greece. The sun is a constant as well as the freedom to stay out late outside to enjoy the cooler air of the evening and night. All that is promised by the setting sun who shall leave you alone till the next day will begin.

Sun set in Paros

During the day, shade is much needed and preferred by many. Lucky are those who go to beaches where trees are standing to give that protection from the sunlight.

Partly beach goer, partly people enjoying a Greek salad at the beach

During the day, the sand gets so hot that it is nearly impossible to run over it bare footed, except when you come out of the velvet and crystal clear water.

Naturally some come with all kinds of equipment, incluing sun umbrellas, to protect themselves against the sun. Other beaches which tend to become over commercial offer for a certain fee an umbrella with the possibility of a chair or even a kind of camping bed. A whole culture has developed around going to the beach, but still being close or near the water underlines the wish to cool off at any giving moment by stopping to play ball or of just lying, and to plunge once again into the water. Many just venture a bit into the water but never really swim except for a few strokes. Still, it makes everyone feel differently once the body moves in the water. Back on land, the game with a ball can begin again. Naturally a father has to do a lot to keep his son busy while the son maybe very happy to have for once the father's full attention since back home he is off to work every day. Holidays have that simple significance. To swim and to be together with your family or friends.

A father playing football with his son, while mother looks on

Tsipras resigns as Prime Minister on Thursday, August 20, 2015 and therefore puts an end to speculations as to how this summer will end. Greece shall go once again to general elections.

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Summer in Greece