Tuesday:
Naked came to mind a few times today. For various reasons.
Firstly we went to try and visit a naked beach in Mykonos-Super Paradise and secondly I felt naked all day myself since my baby fell into the ocean (my camera) L((((
Other than that-our day was PERFECT. Probably my favorite day so far of the vacation. Slept in super late until 11am-crazy really. Then went to Mykonos and rented a car for the day which was amazing freedom. And we may not be good at pub crawling but we are super good at beach hopping. Went to two great beaches and swan in the clear water and tanned under the hot sun. Chatted and enjoyed each other’s company all day long. Bear was back to himself today after 13 hrs of sleep and in a great mood.
Then I dropped my camera in the sea. And we were all horrified. Thank goodness that all of our pictures have been downloaded to computer the night before. But without my camera I truly feel naked-I am totally addicted to my camera especially on vacation. So I cried..really I did. And we bought some rice to soak it in just in case….but I know it is hopeless. IPod pictures it will be for the next few days.
So I wallowed in self-pity for an hour and then woke up and realized that maybe this experience would make me live more in the present for the next part of our vacation instead of focusing on capturing for the future? Maybe I would use it as an opportunity? And so I did and like anything I put my mind too, I started immediately.
So I felt the ocean on my body. I felt the waves. I looked at my Hubby and my son walking along the sand chatting and laughing, and heard the roosters in the background. I soaked it all in..and it felt good.
Isn’t it incredible how we compensate when we lose something important to us? So as soon as I lost my camera I fell back onto other senses. I tried capturing my day in my mind planning my blog, other senses were heighted and it was the perfect day after all.
And the naked beach. We were told by our taxi driver in Corfu that there were two beaches we had to visit in Mykonos-Paradise and Super Paradise. Super however a nude beach . You should have seen Bear’s eyes!!!! So we decided to visit it for a couple of reasons; firstly because we thought it would be a great story for Bear to take home and tell his friends and secondly Mykonos is the gay capital of Greece. I thought this would be a good experience for Bear to see this (upfront and center) in case he ever comes across gay friends or people in his life that it would make him more comfortable with the notion..more accepting of it to see it (IN HIS FACE) like that. Weird I know-but that is how my brain works!
So we went there-scared out of our minds-but no naked people or gay people that we noticed anyways!!! Just a beautiful beach. However when it came time to change we certainly did not bother using the dressing rooms that was for sure.
After our beach-hopping we drove through the winding roads and stopped at tiny chapels and said our prayers and lit candles. Then gave back car and walked through the Greek alleys into the shops, and treat stores. Bought little souvenirs, ate frozen yogurts, and asked all the locals where to eat the best pitas.
We did it all and loved every minute of our day. It was perfect. We got back to ship at 9:30pm at the very last tender and cherished the long and relaxed day.
Last reason naked came to mind today? My son is getting taller. And by next year I bet he will be taller than me. My older son will definitely be taller than me soon enough. I feel happy and sad at the same time. My kids have always been super mini-really tiny. And now they are growing up before my eyes. As I walk almost eye level with my middle son I feel naked without him looking as a child would. Naked as compared to my old life. I love the way both my sons still run to me, and open their arms to me, and throw themselves in mine. Will this change when they are taller than I am?
What will I possibly do?
So today the three of us are cuddling in bed, watching a movie, reading and blogging and we are happily spent, peaceful and happy.
I just wrote longer emails to my other two babies and my Mom and one of my sweetest friends. I miss them all, but am happy to have this time in Italy and Greece…living the way Europeans do. Slowly, indulgently and wonderfully. Appreciating every moment that has been given to me.
With or without my camera.
