Peloponnese, Greece
January 2021
By Tamir Davidov and Or Edny
In the midst of the "second wave" and after canceling our wedding celebration for the second time because of the pandemic, we decided, like many, to flee to Greece for a while. Athens was already masked but compared to Tel Aviv - everything was completely open and alive (until 00:30). After a few days of eating, partying and celebrating an as normal-as-possible urban life we decided to move on to our next destination.
We made no plans beyond simply renting a car and driving for to a "green" area where there was a lull in Covid cases: Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula. The quaint village of Tolo — where we arrived entirely by chance — looked as if next week marked the end of the holiday season, with beach chairs stacked and locked up with no sign of return.
Despite this surreal circumstance, we will never forget the moment we got there and literally burst in happy tears in response to the corona-free atmosphere that prevailed.
In addition to the global pandemic, we found a post-apocalyptic town. For us emphatic 90’s fans, this was a celebration: the old aesthetics of the Greek resort town, with kitschy signage and a melancholy atmosphere that inspired us endlessly.
Onwards to Ermioni, the feeling of off-season and local aesthetics intensified even more. We found ourselves wondering around empty streets surrounded by an endless sea view — with infinite views of shimmering blue water with such beauty that was nearly too much to comprehend.
Within a very short distance we fell in love with yet another peaceful destination - the quiet and beautiful island of Hydra, a place where horses roam, donkeys are the means of transportation and even the entrance gate to a local lawyer's office looks like a romantic location.
Our trippy and spontaneous trip reminded us more than ever to be ‘present’ and savor each moment. Our great Greek tour was a visual and cultural reminder that what's really important in life depends on how you take it all in.
