Recently, I was sitting with a mate in Xristinaâs taverna, one of our four summertime Kamini dining establishments (in winter itâs down to one), when a pair of middle-aged couples wandered into the local and sat down. I recognized the one of the gents; he had a familiar, friendly face, and I felt I had known him for years. (Out of context, whether socially or not in their shops, it is often difficult to place locals’ faces).
So, I nodded, smiled, and doffed my hat. He smiled and nodded back. My friend, a swarthy local builder, Pavlos, was grinning.âDo you know who that is?” he asked.
âNo,â I said innocently. âI know him, though. Does he have a house or gold shop hereâ?
âOxi,â laughed Pavlos. âThat is Kosta Simitis, our last prime minister.â
Ah, yes, the man who managed to get Greece on the euro in time, amongst a host of other legacies the country now enjoys.
