Ya’ssoo Sweet Friends!

I’m in Evia Greece for two weeks on my first official house sit. Evia is the second largest island in Greece and looks like it’s part of the mainland, but it’s actually a separate island close enough to the Greek mainland to have a bridge for crossing. I’m doing a buddy-sit with Jodie and Nat, two “professional” house sitters who mentor newbies like me. They are here for two months and put out a call for other house sitters to come in and help with the oversize property. Delenia is an Airbnb property with several houses or apartments for let to couples/families for holiday. There is a main house with a huge farm table, fireplace, oversize couch, communal kitchen and a separate sleeping area. There is the ‘barn’ where I am staying that has four bedrooms, dining room, kitchen and small living area. There are two other buildings with similar set ups. There is a 12 foot deep pool, steam room and jacuzzi, tennis court and of course the incredible ocean view. The property sits on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean sea, and it’s so amazing to wake up every morning to the sound of waves crashing against the rocks. It actually reminds me very much of Hawaii!

Since it’s off season, there are no bookings and the owner wished to get away for several months. She put out a house sit request for 4-5 months, but the property is just too big for 1-2 people to manage so she was having a real problem finding someone to house sit. Jodie and Nat contacted her and they agreed to find house sitters for the entire stay by using their many house sitting connections. When they put the word out about this fab property in Greece, I eagerly signed up!

There is a chicken coop, a one-winged Macaw named Tardu, three cats and two dogs to take care of in addition to the endless gardening projects. The property is isolated and overgrown, but it is gorgeous and just needs some TLC. The rosemary hedges, while beautiful and sensually aromatic, are taking over the property! So, in addition to taking care of the animals, which entails chasing Tardu around making sure she doesn’t cause havoc (she’s amazingly spry to have only one wing), there is the endless gardening. I’ve been pruning, cutting, shaping, and hauling since day 1; but I enjoy it. It’s been ages since I’ve done any gardening, so I’m really enjoying getting my hands dirty.

The animals are adorable! They are so loving and sweet, even Tardu who can be a little temperamental especially with the girls. She apparently prefers the boys.  Can’t blame her for that!!

Today, we went into town for a grocery run. I love going to grocery stores in other countries! I find them endlessly fascinating. There are so many wonderful and new things to try. Greek grocery stores are extra challenging because there is NO understanding or translating the labels. It’s impossible! The town is small but has a few decent grocery stores, a great hardware store that reminded me of Home Depot especially the Xmas decorations!

Tonight we are cooking lentil stew, potato and leek soup, bread, and some sweets that Nikos brought from town. In house this week is Nat, Jodie (who are from Australia originally), Alex and Nikos (two friends of the owners) and myself. This weekend more reinforcements are coming to help with the gardening and enjoy the property. So far the weather has been fantastic, but the temps are forecasted to drop this weekend with rain coming in as well.

What am I getting out of this? A chance to explore real rural life in Greece, an opportunity to meet new people and form new friendships, sweet pets who welcome you every morning and every evening with purrs and nuzzles, and also I’m helping a property owner who needs help managing her father’s life-long dream. Being here is rewarding in many ways.

I hope you have a rewarding day filled with warm noses, love and nuzzles!!