viva Italia!

It is so wonderful to be happy again!

Following my arrival in Athens, I had two days to chill out at Al and Dim’s apartment. I had a pretty rough Ios cough so was feeling very under the weather, and I was still coming down from the recent events. I had a few tears over skype and lounged around like a potato only getting out of the house once for a few minutes to buy some food (and beer). Come friday I was felling much better. I had repacked my suitcases, one for Italy, one to stay in Athens and a small pack to take to Kalamata.

Friday evening Dim and I travelled 3 hours to Kalamata where we were also joined by two of his friends. We ate dinner on the way and after arriving past 1am, we were all very tired and went straight to bed.

Saturday morning we woke late and headed into the port town of Pyros. We put the boat in the water and travelled 10-15 minutes to the beach where we played bat ball, laid in the sun and swam for the afternoon. Later in the day around 6.30pm we took the boat out and went wake boarding which was a tonne of fun. The excitement and thrill of getting up cleared my mind of any worries or troubles and I felt free again.

In the evening we ate at midnight, where I brought in my birthday eating Kalamata olives in Kalamata! It was just as exciting as the time I bought a Swiss army knife in Switzerland! We then headed to a nice outdoor cocktail bar where I was suprised with a frozen yoghurt cake amongst half a dozen of Dim’s friends which he had called in! So sweet.

Sunday was my 27th birthday. Whilst not conventional - No Australia - No family - No friends - No gifts, it was a lovely day. We drove to this incredible beach club called KOA where it was full of sun decks and bean bags viewing down upon the beach. Music playing all day, and I only got out of the bean bag once for a swim! It was very, very chilled. In the evening we ate an early dinner (for Europe) by the beach at a Greek restaurant and I ate so much I didn't think I could move. Luckily enough I was able to get moving as we then drove to some waterfalls where we trekked through rocky paths to reach the falls. I jumped in the beautiful fresh water around sunset - 8.30pm and frolicked like a mermaid. We crossed many crabs on our walk back to the car just before it fell dark.

Beach club chills, Delicious Greek cuisine, and swimming in a waterfall - A lovely birthday, I am so thankful.

On Monday we returned to Athens where I flew out to Rome in the evening. Thankfully my flight was delayed which shaved off some time from the 9 hour wait I would have in Rome for my bus to Giulianova. Athens airport was impressive - for free phone chargers and wifi - which you learn while traveling, is priceless. In Rome, our luggage was lost - but then found. Again, a little bit more time taken off my wait. I made it up to the departure area around 2am where there were bodies all over the airport floor, sleeping amongst their luggage. Perfect. I am so glad I packed a beach towel which made my rest on the tiled floor much more comfortable then some. At 8am I grabbed a muffin on my way to the bus and left for my 3 hour journey at 9am. I am so glad I decided to bring my laptop which was able to provide me with entertainment for the trip and take my mind of my nanna bladder!

When I arrived at the bus station, Judy was waiting for me. I couldn’t help but cry tears of joy as I was so overwhelmed to see her. In the car was baby Michele and I couldn't believe my eyes. What a stunning baby boy. We drove to Roseto where I had my reunion with Sonia. I ran down the beach calling “Soniaaa” and she ran from the water crying “Kaaassieee”. I grabbed her in my arms and covered here in kisses - it was like something from a movie. I couldn't take the enormous smile off my face. I was so overwhelmed with joy to be back in Italy with the people I love so much. It was like a dream. I had to keep shaking my head to see if I would wake.

In the two days I have enjoyed since arriving, it has been very relaxing as I settle back in. We wake and walk across the road to the beach where we spend the entire day. In the afternoon, around 7pm we move to the lido where we enjoy apperitivo - an alcoholic beverage and a complimentary plate of food - ie, bread cheese and salami! My favorite time of the day! Then to the apartment for dinner which is just heaven in itself. I would marry Italy if I could.

I have arrived at the most perfect time, for this coming week - everyone takes as a holiday and comes to the beach and it’s a big party. Many wonderful friends I wouldn't not have likely been able to see, let alone spend so much time with, had I arrived at another time. There is that “mean to be..”

My heart is filled with so much love and joy and I am so grateful to have such wonderful people in my life.

I came across a lovely quote which I had on my computer last night which really resonated with me... 

“Wouldn’t it be powerful if you fell in love with yourself so deeply that you would do just about anything if you knew it would make you happy” - Alan Cohen.

To learning to love ourselves and making ourselves happy.

Kassie xx