September 14th, 2024

Good morning, Rich.

I’ve been up since around 3 or 4 AM this morning.  My little girl has been up since around 4 in the morning, and who can blame her?  She’s probably just as jet lagged as I am!  So, I took her out walking around early in the morning, and it hit me.  I can no longer say Kalimera to you, for returned home a few days ago.

I know it’s home, and the US will always be my home, but these Greeks, they were good to me.  And let me tell ya, Rich, I’m already missing the heck out of them, and for a while, I just won’t be my regular self.

These guys I worked with… Let’s just say I’d bet you get along with em’ just fine, sort of like how we get along with our buddy Mike.  Because no matter how much of a dingus he can be, by golly, he’s still family, and we still love em’!  And that’s the same with these guys as well.  They were family to me, and I loved them as if they were my brothers and sisters.  I just hope I get to see them all again, whether it’s this life or the next.

I put together a little slideshow of the memories I had in Greece.  You’ve probably seen most of them, but it’s a good summary of my time here.  Just looking at it and listening to the music brings a tear to my eye.

Rich, I’m not one to get sentimental, but I’m not one to lie either, and the truth is, I’m going to miss this place. The people, the functional madness that somehow keeps things running, the beauty of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, the white and blue buildings on every Greek island, Taking my son to the cafe on a Saturday Morning for some spanakopita, A cappuccinos and lattes for $2.50–Rich, let me tell ya, I went to Starbucks this morning for a latte… over 6 dollars and 50 cents! I couldn’t believe it! And the service was terrible too! I walked in, and they didn’t serve me for almost 5 minutes–let alone acknowledge I was even there! Last time I go there–See, I haven’t even been here a full day and I’m already worked up!

I suppose the moral of the story is, we have it pretty good in the States and like you, I’m darn proud to be an American, but at the same time, I can really learn to appreciate different cultures, especially ones like Greece. After all, they did influence a lot of what became of western society, so we have a lot to thank them for. And if you ask any Greek, they’ll swear that every word in the English language comes from Greek words (and that’s the honest truth, not just a joke from the Big Fat Greek Wedding movie)!

We’re home for about a month or so, and then it’s off to our next adventure, South Korea.  So far, I hear good things, and it’ll be great for the kids.  Dennis Rodman raves about the North, but from what I hear, it’s hard to get in.  Apparently, it’s so good, that most people don’t ever leave, but you know me, I’m not really into those types of crowds who think there better than everybody, so if Mr. Kim Jong Un wants to be exclusive, then so be it.  I’ll take my money where I’m welcome.

I got one last token of appreciation for my Greek travels coming your way.  I know how much of a coin collector you are, so I have this one coming your way.  I know it’s not Navy, but the Marines aren’t so bad, and if you serve the country in uniform, then you’re alright with me.

So, although our Greek adventures have concluded, we have some new adventures just around the corner.  Korea will be different, and it surely won’t be Greece, but I think it will be good, and I’m looking forward to sharing the stories with you.

So until next time, as the Greek’s say, “Kalispera kai kali vrathia!”

Oh, and when you do make it out there, Rich, make sure they teach you how to dance…

Very respectfully,

Zack

PS: If you enjoyed reading the story of our Greek Adventures, please consider checking out a copy of my book “The Significance of a Birthday”. It also makes a great birthday gift, not just for children, but for people of all ages!