August 18, 1996

Greece has changed us. I never thought we would be beach bums. But here we are doing nothing but swim, sleep, eat and watch our laundry dry in the breeze. Like true beach bums we've found a second use for just about everything. We've dug our tent poles into the sand, strung a line between them and the van's side view mirrors and instantly we look like we've lived our life on this one spot. We belong. We don't have an umbrella though. Everyone else on these beaches seems to have one. Every color and design is sprouting from the shore. And beach chairs are growing and inflatable toys. Come to think of it, as I look around, we're the only one with an underwear flag. Maybe we don't belong after all.

For two days we've been existing on the beach. Isn't that what beach bums do, exist? We haven't changed out of our bathing suits (why bother, we'd just have to put them on again when the mood for a dip sweeps over us). We have it all here: outdoor showers, fresh fruit and vegetables, an endless array of touristy shopping and amusement rides down the road, all the donuts we could eat if we wanted them. And we have a view; the ocean, the mountains, mountains of flesh. I can understand the allure for the hundreds around the world who make sand their home. Well, at least for a while. Sooner or later John and I will wonder how they do this day after day after day. We'll tire of this over-relaxed living. For now though..."Anyone for a swim?"