Why Do I Do It?

We went down to the market early to get tomatoes, karpuzi (watermelon) and zucchinis. As we were down in the harbour and it was early we  sat for coffee at the 'Green chairs'. There were only three tables with people and they were well spaced. Our friendly waitress was wearing a mask and spraying tables.

Mine was a  freddo espresso.  The others had greek coffee, a single and a double

The Green chairs are right across the road from our 'big' supermarket.  So I popped across to buy bread and some other essentials.

Every time I go down town I say 'never again'.  And yet a few days later there I am again.  

Across at the supermarket it was still early morning and all the oldies who get up early had come down to shop.  There was no-one outside the shop counting heads, the staff, all masked, were still filling shelves and it was slightly chaotic, for us islanders.  There is hand cleanser at the door so I cleansed away and holding on to my cloth shopping bag I started in.  Push, shove, it was a free for all.  I was the only customer wearing a mask and these oldies (older than me anyway) were out to get served first, get the best, or else.  I stood back and let them go.  Some of them I must admit, knew why I was taking a step back and did the same but most of them couldn't care less.  

It was as though we hadn't had all these months of lockdown, cries of indignation now that tourists are bringing in new cases, worry for elderly relatives, endless news broadcasts warning us that we could go into quarantine again.

When I came out there was no hand cleanser at the exit door so I rushed across the road and grabbed the bottle from the cafe table and washed them all away.  

The young are blamed for having wild, overcrowded beach parties.  Come and shop at a Poros 'super' market and you'll see what the oldies are up too.

Last night it was announced that masks are now compulsory in all supermarkets and large shops.  

Religious fiestas are held all over Greece during the summer.  On the 15th August, Assumption Day, the whole country closes down as everyone migrates back to their villages to celebrate their local 'Maria'.  The revelling often goes on for days with, as well as the church services, feasting, drinking, singing and lots of dancing.  The government had decided that these could continue, in some form, this summer.  They changed their mind on that and all 'panagyria', religious festivities, have been banned.  Church services are still allowed, at the moment, with only a certain number allowed inside the church.  The services at our local church are broadcast over loud speakers and there are chairs outside.

Rules are changing.  

We'll see!