Ilias and I do not own a car. We do not own a motorcycle or a bike either. We get around by foot, bus, taxi, ferry, or a ride from a friend. I have not missed having a car to get around. When I lived in Arkansas, it was essential to own a car. It meant life or death but, things are different here. There are no Wal-Mart supercenters at the far edge of town, work that is a hours drive away, or restaurants that cannot be reached by foot or by the local bus line. It is not only us either. Many Greeks do not own cars.
We walk to the local supermarket. We buy what we need for the day or two. We know the supermarket owner and his family and he always greets us when we walk in the door. It is a small place but, we know where our money is going. If we need fresh bread, we go to the bakery. The local butcher provides us our meat. All are within walking distance. I never feel bad about not exercising because I am constantly walking. The streets are always full of other people too, walking here and there to get the things they need for daily living.
However, we decided last night that we may get a car next spring for emergencies. Will we always use it? Probably not. The people, places, and occurrences that we see while walking to the grocer is something that I think we could never give up. Could you live without a car?
Why don’t you take a walk with me…
Use your imagination!
I have to get bread, fish, a few items from the supermarket and the butcher.
We start out by walking to the bakery since it closes at 2:00pm.
The fish store is still open. We better see what they have today.
Maybe we should take the long way to the supermarket. The view is beautiful and besides, it is a nice day.
Keep walking….
Almost to the supermarket, turn here…
There is the Supermarket. I will run in and get a few things and then we can go to the butcher.
The butcher and supermarket are close to each other. Not too far to go…
The butcher is across the street. Do want to come in?
Okay, time to go home. Ready to walk again? Let’s take a shortcut through the alley!
I love the olive trees. It looks as if they are getting close to harvest.
Almost home…
Turn here…
We are home! Not too bad…Or was it?
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