Adam and i were just talking about how we didn't like bloggers that wrote pretentious holla-balloo about their lives, and that all the reader really wants is to see cool pictures. well i am about to break that rule so . . . whatever it's my blog.
kalymnos is a rocky piece of land not much suited for heavy agriculture but there are a few small olive orchards and many small livestock operations on the island.
i rounded the bend on the rented scooter, it's underpowered two stroke whistling to manage the hill then breathing a sigh of relief as the road drops before me. a bewildered flock of sheep pace and tremble in the road ahead and i bring the little bike to a stop in the middle of the lane. as i ponder the best way to handle the situation i notice a squat local tumbling out of the hillside, "opah opah!" he calls as he jumps onto the asphalt. he is a short but stout older gentleman who speaks with what could be considered a cajun dialect of greek, a language that doesn't need extra help to be difficult. my astonished and perplexed look must have seemed inviting, for without hesitations the man jumps onto the back of my bike. "pameh," he calls; the smells of sweat, earth and stale tobacco swirl in my nose as i start the bike down towards the flock of sheep. "pameh pameh," he yells and slaps my right arm, "the sheep, the sheep!" As I open the throttle the two stoke whirs and i hear, "aristerah!" I cut into the left lane praying to the sheep gods that no unsuspecting driver is making the early morning drive into massouri. i accelerate into the mass of white as the man at my back begins a high pitched whistle. The sheep, now at a full sprint of organized chaos, break hard right back into the hills that rise just beside the road. "opah opah!" i bring the bike to a stop and a gruff hand pats me on the shoulder, "kala, kala, good boy." He jumps off the bike, "christo enesty!" he yells over his shoulder as he leaps off the road after his flock. I burst into energetic laughter as i race off towards the days climbing.
just one of many interesting experiences that adam and i have had on the island. we got to climb together today; it was great. adam is feeling better and i am getting in shape. only one more day.
1 comment:
you two are quite the post-captains. pretentious prattle, but entertaining. honestly though, that last bit entertaining and well written. i do believe you're getting more literate in your old age. as for me, my students caught yet another spelling error in a handout today. would that they read their books with such depth and critical analysis. enjoy your time. thanks for the pics and posts.
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