A Week in the Nomad Life - Καλαμάτα, Ελλάδα
- Nicole Woolcock
- Nov 21, 2023
- 4 min read
The decision to settle, with Kalamata as my home base, has been met with mixed reactions. Some Kalamata locals have voiced disbelief: "You can travel and be anywhere in the world! Why do you come to stay in Kalamata?" A few fellow twenty-somethings in Athens have called me crazy: "You're staying in Kalamata? You should be in Athens or Thessaloniki. I think you'll regret this." A couple of people have predicted that I'll leave after 6 months. Every now and again, I meet someone--like my friends, Aliona, Zoe, Σίσσυ (CeCe), and Olivia--who gets me.
I've lived and spent extended time in big, bustling cities: San Diego, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Barcelona to name a few. I know what's out there--and, I don't miss it one bit! Metropolitan cities are dynamic, exciting, alluring with their bright lights and symphonic street noises. But, today, in November 2023, I yearn for simplicity, safety, and the soothing notes of neighborly life. Besides, life remains full! I still bustle and bop about town! There's never a dull moment for me here in Kalamata--here's a taste of all that can transpire in a week:
Κυριακή | Sunday - Streaks of sunlight shining through the window curtains rouse me from sleep -- I enjoy a slow morning before calling the local taxi dispatch for a ride to Oinopantopoleion. This restaurant and wine shop is situated at the top of the hill ascending to the historic Ypapanti Church. Time for a patio lunch complete with ceviche and lotus flower, practicing Greek, people watching, and writing. Restorative, calm, wholesome. <3
Δευτέρα | Monday - How better to start off the week than by cooking up something scrumptious in one's own kitchen? A full kitchen isn't a given in the apartments here--I knew that for me to ever feel at-home, I needed space to cook and bake with ease. Unfortunately, I'm not very diligent about taking photos in the kitchen. However, I did snap a picture meant to tease a friend this week that persimmons are still in season where I live. If you haven't before, pick some up from your local market, slice them, and brush them with butter, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla. Bake them at 190 C or 375 F until soft. Make sure to put some to the side so you can snack as the persimmons' aroma fills your home. ;-) Enjoy them straight from the pan, with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of your favorite whip. Καλή όρεξη (Kalí órexi / Bon Appetite)!
Τρίτη | Tuesday - No matter where one lives, as a nomad or otherwise, some things are always required: shopping, standing in line at the post office, laundry, running errands…the chores that unite us all! I sold my car when I left CA, and I can't say I've missed it. I get around town on foot, public bus, bicycle, or the occasional luxury of a taxi. In summer, I loved all the affordable, colorful linen clothes available in stores...but now my focus has shifted to sweaters, fleeces, and warm pants. I'm also waiting for word from friends that my latest batch of letters has made it to the US, Turkey, and beyond!
Τετάρτη | Wednesday - At least once a week, I like a change of scene. In Kalamata, it's easy to take a day trip somewhere: Athens, Taygetos Mountains, or the Sea--wherever one wishes to be!
Πέμπτη | Thursday - Benefits many of us have enjoyed as remote workers include stopping in at local cafe to knock out a couple of assignments or meeting up with a friend for lunch on a weekday. In Kalamata, I still do the same! Last week, I finally made it by the Doc Cafe in the Historic Center for a cappuccino. Every week or so, I stop by to see Aliona at the restaurant and mushroom market she and her partner, Lamvros, run called, Cantharella. We catch up, once things have slowed down, and I taste something new and mushroom-forward on the menu: check out the delicious bao buns below! Other times, when the sun is at its best, I stop in at a cafe for a freshly-squeezed orange juice just to soak up some Vitamin D as I work.
Παρασκευή | Friday - Kalamata boasts a fairly active sports scene. I missed out on seeing the men's football matches this season, but I was delighted to watch a very competitive women's volleyball match. What a fun night spent cheering our team to victory and learning Greek phrases to call out from the stands!
Σάββατο | Saturday - Ever since I watched Pretty Woman as a young girl, I've wanted to go to the opera. Who would have thought the place I realized this dream would be in Greece! I saw the National Symphony play La Traviata -- and I wish I could relive it again! Spectacular!
And so, these are things that can happen in a somewhat quiet city by the sea. Bucket List items get checked off. Friendships grow. One's palate can still be introduced to new and interesting flavors and textures. Favorite routines and rituals from previous home cities find their place. Life is good. And, I wouldn't have it any other way.
XO,
Nikki
Commenti