Hydra Meetup 2009

[hydriot]

I have heard from someone in Athens that the metro from the airport is closed until about September while they build three more stations.

Sadly, I cannot be with you, as my daughter is about to sit the most important exams of her school career and I must be a good daddy, make sure she eats properly, doesn't get too stressed, gets to bed at a sensible time, etc ... and just generally be there for her.

[lizzytysh]

And you're so CLOSE, Stamatina~!!!

[Stamatina]

I have heard from someone in Athens that the metro from the airport is closed until about September while they build three more stations.

Hahahaha. I bet my head it won't be open 'til at least December...
Good luck to your daughter!

And you're so CLOSE, Stamatina~!!!

That's the worst thing about it!! I'm so CLOSE and I can't get THERE, because of these goddamn school exams! *angrylook*

[lizzytysh]

You're such a good father, Hydriot. Good decision. For something that will play such a large role in setting the course for your daughter's life, how she goes into it can make all the difference. The factors you listed weigh so heavily. Another year for Hydra. This year is for your daughter. One of those never-regret decisions. Good on you .

Looks like you can relate, too, eh, Stamatina? Yukky timing .

Haha... from September to December. Do I actually live in Greece ? These massive, construction delays aren't just a malady of the South?

[Stamatina]

Haha... from September to December. Do I actually live in Greece ? These massive, construction delays aren't just a malady of the South?

"At least" December is what I said.
I won't be surprised if it's opened again on December 2010...

[casterbridgecohen]

I think 20 or so of us met up last night at Rolois and went on to eat - and as I sit here in the courtyard having finally configured my laptop to use the free wi fi a Belgian couple - not on the list but also here for the meet up have just told me they enjoyed a drink at Leonardis (?) - a tavern with Cohen connections. Still nice and warm - sorry hot.

[Maarten]

Hi,
Here's an appetizer for all of you on Hydra. It's a short story by Leonard Cohen called "Luggage Fire Sale", first published in "Parallel" magazine, May-June 1966 (Vol. 1 No. 2). I chose this one because it is signed a the end "Hydra, Greece", so there's definitely a connection...

Luggage Fire Sale

Scans are from the actual magazine.

Enjoy,
Maarten

[tinderella]

I am far away from Hydra Maarten but I loved the story. Thanks so much for putting it up here

[Maarten]

Glad you enjoyed it!
I'll post scans of the short story "Tamara" later, for your entertainment while the lucky b-st-rds on Hydra have all the fun...
(Tamara: from Cavalier magazine, September 1963, Vol. 13, No. 123 - page 18-19 and continued on page 58-61)

Tom: I saw in the "Bibliography - Open project" thread that you might want this information. Or perhaps it's already out-dated...?
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=6571&p=69897&hilit=+tamara#p69897

Greetings from (rainy) Belgium,
Maarten

[tinderella]

It's rainy here too in Dublin Maarten lol....
Let's not think too much about all that sunshine and those sunsets on Hydra.
Thanks a lot for your clips
Best to you too
Tinders

[Sophia]

Thanks Maarten, I'll take it with me on Hydra:-)

And for all of you that didn't make it this year... yamas!

Sophia

[ladydi]

Maarten,

Thank you also so very much for the story! What a delight to read it and think of Leonard through the years and today! That woman is now several years older than me....I would hope that if I had been in a similar encounter with Leonard in Paris at that point in time, the outcome would be different, even if it was only for one night. Besides, I never wore gloves!

It's a definite one to print.

Hope all on Hydra have a wonderful, relaxing, fun time! One day I hope to visit.

All the best,
Diana

[hydriot]

a Belgian couple - not on the list but also here for the meet up have just told me they enjoyed a drink at Leonardis (?) - a tavern with Cohen connections.

Leonida's is a little jewel that we tend to be a bit possessive about, the sort of place that only residents and friends of residents go ... and now, of course, Cohenites. It is way way up Miaoulis, beyond the Angelika even, on the right hand side, on a bend. It has just four or five tables (truly), on a thin terrace raised above the road. It doesn't look like a taverna at all.

Because it is so small, you have to book and choose your meal the day before. What is different is that you pay an all-in price for the entire meal: starters, main course and melon. And it is very reasonably priced.

The main course is simple but good, what I would call peasant-fare, but what is special at Leonida's are the starters. They have the best, the very best, homemade spanocoppita (spinach-filled pastries) I have tasted anywhere in Greece [they make them like fritters at Leonida's, not pies]. If you go, insist on plenty of spanocoppita when you order!

It has a very calm ambience, and she welcomes you like an aunt (and in my case, chides me for not coming more frequently!)

It is a very special place, which now I pass on to you who are on the island today.

DON'T TELL THE TOURISTS !!!

[MaryB]

Maarten,

Thanks so much for posting that piece. One little snippet really caught my attention - the one about the maid with the 'bread colored legs' . Either he had/has a fascination about this or she might have been his muse for 'Dear Heather' so many years later.

I hope the weather remains wonderful for all of you on Hydra and you are basking in the pleasure of each other's company!

Best regards,
Mary

[Inna]

Maarten,

What a nice story. It put a smile on my face. Such wit and irony.

Thank you so very much. Waiting for more.

And of course, have a great time at Hydra all of you lucky ones!