(With apologies to Mom as this is exactly what the state department warned against - large gatherings)
Breakfast is a big time buffet on the hotel rooftop. At least 50 little bites and jars of goodies. Mostly sweet. Cakes and pies. Overnight oats. Yogurt. Meat and cheese. And eggs to order. Even filter coffee.
Then it was off to the waterfront decked out in my blue and white checked shirt. I was told things started at 10 but it was well past 11 until the first group reached us. Lots of small groups in ethnic costumes. I assume some school groups. And then we got into some first responders. Only two bands. And then the military.
I'm not sure I ever saw a full fledged military parade. It's impressive. Jeeps. Tanks. Humvees. (And they were going so fast, the ground shook). Then the jet fly overs. And then helicopters. The finale was an aerial acrobatic show over the harbor. The only thing I found surprising was the lack of navy presence or maneuvers. Particularly considering the amount of Greek coastline.
The whole thing didn't end until almost 100p. And once we moved away from the shade of the street and trees, it was blazing hot.
After a brief refreshment stop by one of the hundred cafes on the waterfront. And to escape the thousands of people. I went to the pier and some of the old port buildings that have been converted to restaurants. It's nice to have bar seating again. And I grabbed a spot overlooking the water and the promenade and ordered some Greek white white and a mezze platter of smoked eggplant dip, fish roe mousse and something like hummus. Some marinated anchovies and a couple stuffed grape leaves. It was a nice variety and very tasty - especially the eggplant, which I normally don't love.
(There is a new twist to the coffee culture here - freddo espresso - which is essentially an espresso frappe. Hot espresso over ice blended in a mixer so it creates a froth. Add sugar if you wish or pour over whipped condensed milk. The bartender made more of these than real drinks)
It is almost 1000 and I am finishing dinner late as a true Greek. Also it is a public holiday and a Saturday and we gain the hour we lost coming from Albania back tonight. But the streets and restaurants or 'tabernas' are packed. I am in an area that is pedestrian only and the tables spill out into the street. I had another mezze plate with grape leaves, of course, lamb meatballs, a pastitsio puff and a small cheese pie. And the most delicious fresh bread rolls. There will be dessert.
(Semifreddo halva - semi frozen tahini with honey)
Not sure about tomorrow. It could be a lazy day. Maybe find someplace for brunch?
And then Monday I will visit the old town and a couple of other sites.
[sadly two Starbucks, a KFC and a TGIFridays in the mix today]
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