Little Earthquakes (Sorry Tori)

Once again we have driven to Kalamata to pick up two friends who were here for a week to see how their house was coming along and to go over some points with their builder. They found the apartment they were staying in so cold that we lit our fire and they came to our apartment every night to keep warm. Before they came they emailed to ask if we wanted anything bringing from the UK. We mentioned a couple of bits, although you can get most things here if you look hard enough, and I jokingly added, “don’t forget to bring plenty of chocolate biscuits”. Anyway, to our amusement, they turned up with a carrier bag full, but by the time they left, Wednesday, they had managed to eat more than their fair share. The first evening they arrived at our apartment we could not believe how cold they looked decked out in coat, scarf and gloves. The temperatures here are still usually in the 60’s, except at night when it can drop dramatically.

On Monday the first of March we were awoken, between about 3am and 4am, by a rumbling followed by the room shaking for a few seconds. It was an earthquake! The epicentre was around Kalamata and our friends there told us it was short but very strong, measuring about 5.4. After the initial shake many people in Kalamata left their homes and headed for safety in the main square. There were no casualties except for one man; he panicked, jumped from his balcony and broke his legs. The next day they had an after shock, which apparently is when most damage is caused, but this time all was well. Just a few cracked buildings and a balcony fell on a car. Surprisingly enough the last big earthquake in the eighties also followed a very cold spell when they had snow.

Today, Saturday, while we were walking back from the house along the coastal path I almost stood on a snake. Luckily I had taken my sunglasses off and was looking down. I saw what looked at first like a length of rope across the path. We took a step backwards and while we were looking and discussing it the snake slithered away. It was about a meter long and was a pinky, red colour. Of course now we will have to be more careful with spring upon us as the snakes will be coming out of hibernation.

House update. We now have stairs to the bedrooms, the electrician has finished the entire first fix and the plasterers are all but finished. The plumbers are now on site, the roofers were due last week but obviously they had other roofs to finish before they could start ours, lets hope they come next week. And we have chosen the front door, which is a traditional Greek design.

Radio, television (not that we have one), and papers are dominated by the election. The place is buzzing and the bars are full. More bars and restaurants are open than we have seen in over four months. This is because tomorrow, Sunday, is voting day for the elections. Greek people registered to vote in this area have to return from their winter homes to the place of registration in order to vote. Basically it’s the same as in the UK, you can only vote where you are registered. The difference in Greece is that most people seem to have two or three homes and often are registered in their village but live in a city.