Poli Zesti

When it is very hot outside in Greece, you will hear the words poli zesti over and over again. Poli zesti literally translates to "very hot." Lately here on the island it has been brutally hot, warmer than it has been in years.  

Normally Astypalaia is a very windy place, a 20 mph wind is pretty normal, and you often find yourself having to secure or weight things down so that they are not carried off by the persistent wind.  Shutters, towels, garbage cans, hats and even food can be blown away in a big gust. Sometimes you find yourself cursing the wind, and wishing it would go away.  It can be quite meddlesome, especially when you are trying to run loose dirt over a sieve.  However, the wind also keeps the temperature down.

The wind absolutely quit on us about four days ago and we have been suffering, and sweating, in the sweltering heat.  I swear that one of the Canadians in our group was actually melting.  Sweat is pouring off of everyone, we are all trying to take in copious amounts of water to keep ourselves hydrated.

The extreme heat is slowly driving folks crazy.  People have no idea what day it is.  Four people sieving break out singing ABBA songs. Nobody sleeps well.  A person sitting alone breaks out in a fit of hysterical laughter.  Someone will wonder out loud if they have actually gone mad.  A student falls asleep while working.  And worst of all, I have lost my appetite, something that rarely if ever happens.  I swear that the other night I had to choke down dinner after 9 pm.  I feel edgy,  I am not alone.

Last night as a few of us were enjoying ice cream while looking over the port, we found ourselves imploring the wind to some back.  We promised never to complain again about the wind.  One day later our prayers were answered.  Even though it was still and blistering all day, tonight the wind has kicked up and the temperature is much more pleasant.

This photo is of the swanky hotel next door to us.  As you can see, some of these folks have their own private swimming pools.  I get so jealous of those pools on poli zesti days like today.  As I sit on my patio sweating, I wince every time I hear someone splash down into their own pool.  I definitely have pool envy.

More soon.