Page 156 - Through a glass brightly

Needless to say, thoughts of Greece have been pre-occupying us, not just our disappointment at not being there throughout June, nor whether we'll get there as (still) intended at the end of August. Weekly video updates from friends who live in Stoupa (where our house is, in the Peloponnese) have kept us abreast of how the Greeks are coping without tourists and the income they generate. It all looks very beautiful, empty beaches in a stunning setting of sea and mountains, but so worrying to see and hear of the almost deserted tavernas, bars and shops. Some are only now opening in an attempt to salvage something of the season as Greek holiday makers arrive from Athens, and flight schedules slowly start to pick up. Direct UK flights began this week, but of course many travellers are reluctant to risk it just yet, and may duck out altogether this year. Some of my own family, who would normally use our house in August, have opted for the Cotswolds instead. We're keeping positive about going and looking forward to meeting many friends there - and we have our own olive oil to collect too! There's an irony in the fact that Greece itself has managed the whole Covid crisis brilliantly (amazingly) and has kept fatalities to below 200.
Enough, but just want to add how fortunate we are to have amongst our number Glenda with her superb technological skills, Jenny with her memory and archival knowledge, Val & Mag with diaries and years of OG contacts, and all the rest of you friends with such a willingness to share memories and accounts of lives being well lived.
*****END OF VERSION 3 17, JULY 2020****
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