Page 67 of The Greek Café

‘It is really beautiful, Ireta,’ I tell her as an idea forms in my head.

My eyes run over the assortment of beautiful things displayed on the dresser, which include olive bowls, bread trays and pretty drinks coasters.

‘You really are very talented. I don’t suppose you would ever consider selling some of your things?’ I suggest.

‘I like to have them around me,’ she says. ‘But I have many more. They are in boxes in the shed. I show you.’

I follow her outside and she unlocks the small wooden shed at the rear of her garden, that is as beautifully maintained as the front. I help to lift down a couple of boxes that we carry inside.

Carefully unwrapping some of the pots from their bubble wrap, I marvel at every pretty creation. There are more coasters and bowls, some painted in the traditional Greek colours of blue and white, others in bright yellows and reds. Every one of them beautiful and unique.

‘Some of them not so good.’ She shakes her head. ‘When I first learn.’

‘I disagree; I think they are all lovely.’

‘Thank you. I give them as gifts sometimes to friends. Would you like to take something?’ She offers. ‘A gift to celebrate the opening of the kafenion.’

‘Oh Ireta, that would be lovely if you are sure, thank you.’

I select a pretty bowl that I will display on the counter for tips. Not that I really expect any, but it might be a way to showcase Ireta’s talent.

When I finish my drink, I head back to the hotel with a renewed sense of purpose. I guess it is only natural to feel a little panicked about a new venture, but I am quickly learning how to push any anxiety inside and focus on the positive. And with my friends to support me, I’m sure I will continue to do just that, as I count down the days.

THIRTY-FOUR

‘A heatwave. My goodness as if it isn’t warm enough,’ I say to the worker at the café.

I am glugging down an ice-cold water at a café on the beach, following the most glorious swim in the sea. I relished the cooler temperature of the water, as even in the early evening, the temperature is still comfortably warm. After pushing my body through the water, and enjoying a long swim, I feel refreshed and energised, despite the heat.

‘You’re not kidding,’ says a middle-aged lady who is waving a fan in front of her face. ‘I’m not sure I can take much more.’

‘I told you we should have gone to Devon,’ says her partner with a smile on his face.

‘I think I would rather have this than risk rain though. It’s just a bit too hot for hiking.’

‘So you like to hike?’ I ask with interest.

‘It’s a hobby we have taken up recently,’ she tells me. ‘I read that there are some beautiful forest paths in Rhodes, so we thought we would combine it with a holiday.’

‘Well, you have certainly picked a beautiful place to have a holiday,’ I say. ‘Have you walked along the coastal path alongside Kato Petres Beach? Not far from the Apollo Hotel.’

‘Yes, we know that area. It has been a while since we walked there though.’

The lady tells me that she and her partner have rented an apartment for a month.

‘Empty nesters now.’ She smiles. ‘So we are trying to have a few adventures.’

‘Good for you. I guess I am having an adventure too,’ I find myself saying.

‘You are?’

‘I am renovating a café. It’s in a lemon grove set back from the beach I mentioned. It will be open in a couple of weeks,’ I tell her. ‘It would be lovely to see you if you are out walking that way.’

‘Sounds good,’ says the bloke with interest. ‘Last time we did a walk off the beaten track, there was nowhere to stop for refreshments. The water in our bottles had turned warm,’ he recalls.

It makes me think about how much people will appreciate a nice cold drink if they have been on a walk, especially in the height of summer.

‘So how is it all going?’ he asks.