It’s Tuesday and, although cooler than of late at a mere 36°, if the forecast’s correct for tomorrow, my last full day here, it’ll be down to a blissful 33°. What I’m really looking forward to though is Thursday and my return to a bit of proper English weather.

I’ve enjoyed my time here but, as I’ve mentioned before, the heatwave and the travel limitations imposed by it and the poor bus service, did get in the way a bit. Although erratic weather’s now the new normal, I couldn’t have known in advance about the heatwave, but I should have done more homework on transport. I’d assumed wrongly that it would be much the same as on Crete, which I’ve visited often. At 160 miles long and occupying over 3,000 square miles, it’s a relatively easy place to get around, served by a good mix of buses and ferries. Unfortunately, that’s not the case here.

But, to quote Epictetus again, it’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters and, following his 2,000-year-old advice, I’ve put my time to good use (mostly), found interesting things to do, have read a lot and also had time to think, which I’d intended to do anyway. This probably sounds a bit grandiose, as if I’m standing at a crossroad facing a turning point in my life, an epiphany due, but it’s nothing like that. 

I’ve been volunteering at an Exeter charity for the last 3 years, as a trustee for the last 2, and I resigned just before coming here. As a trustee I worked very hard and I think I left it in better shape than when I joined, certainly financially, but in other ways too. I enjoyed the hard work, which I did willingly because I wanted it to thrive, but it consumed a lot of my time and probably too much. It’s since recruited 3 new trustees, all with a vast range of experience and skills and, with a fortified team, I’m sure I haven’t left a hole that can’t be ably filled, so I don’t feel too bad about jumping ship.

The change was prompted in part by me reaching the grand old age of 70, marked by a wonderful party with family and friends just before I came here. Thanks for coming if you’re one of them and you’re reading this, and especially to Josie for making it happen. Call me an old curmudgeon but I’d intended to let 70 slip by as quietly as possible, the thought of 60 people wanting to join me being beyond ridiculous, but you were right, Jo, and I was wrong. 

For a while before I’d been thinking that, although 70s just a number it’s still a big one, and perhaps a good time to take stock, and maybe change course and try something new. I’m not quite sure what that is yet, although I’ve had a few ideas and, when I get back, while probably missing playing my part and all the wonderful people who keep the charity’s wheels turning, I’ll wake up in the days ahead knowing that they’ll be all mine to fill and, I have to say, it feels pretty good. 

So, I’ll probably pop out to the market tomorrow to pick up a few things to bring home and pack my bags for the long haul. Unless anything interesting crops up that’s it for now. Apologies for some probably not particularly interesting posts this time and for the odd rant about things that have little to do with Kalamata or Greece. It’s the buses what done it and the heat probably unhinged me a bit too.

And for anyone thinking of heading out here, some news just in from the Daily Express, its finger always on the pulse, apparently Greek authorities have ‘put their foot down’ when it comes to preserving ancient heritage and anyone found wearing potentially damaging shoes at ancient sites could face a fine. Thankfully I left mine at home but if you’re coming, DON’T pack your high heels, which could land you with a fine of up to €900 (£771).

Bye for now