I’m writing this the morning after, and I’m a bit sleepy still, and a tiny bit of a sore head! I’m not really a morning person, to be totally honest, and I also woke up bleary eyed and trying not to be irritated at Leon’s enthusiasm to the fact it’s our anniversary, like a child on Christmas morning. ‘Shall we open our cards?’… Urmmm I’ve barely opened my eyes! I obliged of course, Leon’s card is a little mole, with ‘I dig you’, and my card from him is two koalas. Leon’s folks also got us a card with some little furry creatures on, and we laugh that Figaro is with us in presence, our own little furry creature!
Fairly soon after, Leon goes to the beach and to procure coffee, and I make my yoghurt, granola & honey, and enjoy a lovely shower after washing our smalls in the shower first and pegging them out to dry.
By the time Leon returns, I’m fully awake and coherent, and we decide to book a place in Lindos for the night, so we can enjoy our anniversary meal & maybe get a wider and more comfy bed. After half hr of deliberation, we choose apartment Chrysa, that is only 37 euros and has beautiful views over Lindos and the acropolis… it’s bound to be a steep walk up to it, but that will do us good.
Once we stuffed some bits for the night into the backpacks, we set off in the citigo, with an air of excitement towards St Paul’s Bay, where we got married.
As we approached the Bay, and saw our ‘aisle’ and the little white church, we both felt emotional and nostalgic. I felt a warm smile emerge from deep in my heart, and Leon was a bit tearful already. We stopped in the first carpark (a large stoney dirt area) for Leon to gather himself. We then followed the signs for the carpark, and once realised it’s 5 euro & the other one is free, a bit of slightly dicey manoeuvring, and we get back to the dirt area. Love should be free, hahaha!
We walked down the long road to St Paul’s, taking a few snaps on the way, and a German lady took a photo for us at the bottom. I’m wishing I’d bothered to do my make up, but it’s a fleeting thought.
We had a lovely moment sat by the church (the gates were shut, so as near as we could get), and Leon read a heartfelt letter to me, & it was beautiful. We have truly come so far, and it was as though we could see the ghosts of our former selves in every aspect of the scenery, and honour & celebrate the relationship we have forged today. A proper moment for reflection. The rocks, and bay, and acropolis stand the same, it is the living that changes. Delicate & fragile, but strong and earnest too.
I think something changed in Leon today. I saw a guarded heaviness lift, as he allowed himself to be vulnerable (just!). It’s not a weakness to feel things, to show your purest parts. It’s a beautiful and a blessing.
