Is it because it’s siesta time that the village square is just about empty of a mid to late afternoon time? It often used to be quiet in July and August, I recall from when I worked there. Yet, it wasn’t always every day. There were many days with most tables full at both bars from four in the afternoon onwards, with a slight lull between afternoon and dinner time as people left to ready themselves for a plate of moussaka. Yesterday, at around 16.30 this was the sight from my old perch at the bar.
I worked there for about 12 years, and Neil has worked there now for ten, and we both agree, it has been very quiet this season. Where is everyone? Well, some very regular visitors to the island are no longer with us, others we know of are waiting for medical matters and can’t risk leaving their home country just in case they miss a valuable slot. Others… No idea. On one hand, the mayor and the council debate over day-trip taxes, and on the other, meanwhile, so many people have rushed to Airbnb their properties in the hope of lots of cash for little effort, but, it seems, the longer-term stayers are not here to use them. Well, obviously, some are, but not as many as usual. Newspaper reports suggest many Greek families are not travelling to the islands because of lack of finances, and they may be one thing, but we also used to have many Italians and French people coming at this time of year. So far, there’s little sign of them in the village of an afternoon as there once was. If the numbers are the same as usual, then all well and good, but certainly the siesta hours in the village, which were popular, are no longer so.
I just wonder why. I’m not saying this is dire, or good, I just wonder at the reason. All the privately owned holiday homes around us are currently occupied, so it seems holiday home owners are here, but as for other longer-term stayers? Who knows what’s become of them.
