That One Cousin

Aug 8, 2016

2 min read

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We all have "that one cousin." Okay, if you are Southern, you probably have several of "that one cousin," but we all have them. That relative that you do not see or talk to for years, yet you pick right back up, and then feel your insides ripped out when it is time to say goodbye. Swearing to each other and yourselves that you will stay in contact "this time." Luckily for humanity, we can now do this with social media.

This is a story about my cousin, Demi. Where to start is hard, because I only met her one other time and that was in 2001. For some reason 15 years slipped by without anybody noticing, but here we are today rekindling the bonds that make us CAMICHOS. Demi is 11 years older than I am, but her soul is as old as the land she loves- The Pelion. A beautiful Greek woman. Gray hair, piercing hazel eyes, and a personality that engages everyone in the room as soon as she enters. For reasons I am not sure I want to know, everybody in the Pelion knows Demi. Literally, there was no place that we went that shop owners, restaurateurs, and just some random people did not stop in their tracks when Demi walked into the room. " Χαίρετε Demi." Then a conversation ensues with Demi and the other person looking at me and laughing.

When Demi asks a question, you better have an answer. Unfortunately for me the question is "Why you no speak Greek? You be gone 15 years, and still you no speak Greek? I thought you were a clever girl." My 52 year old self becomes 5 years old looking for anyplace to hide, but of course there is none. Red faced, and stammering, any Greek that I did know has been sucked out of my brain- I manage to say "efkaristo." (Thank you). Like, this is all I can come up with? Seriously? I have a Master's Degree for crying out loud (actually I am crying on the inside because I am afraid to cry on the outside!).

Demi owns The Repana Hotel in Makrinitsa. She single-handedly transformed the Repana from a fixer-upper into a gorgeous place for Pelion travelers to relax and enjoy. And, Demi can cook. Better not show up at Demi's table with "I am not hungry, Demi," because what you will get is "Be Free. You eat a little. Here, drink some Tsiporou." All of this is being said in Greek, and of course you are eating, and drinking, and two hours later you have consumed the most delicious food in the world, and are making your inebriated way up two flights of narrow stairs hoping that if you fall it is up the stairs and not down.

At 9:00 am the next morning , you are greeted downstairs with a bright smile, a "Kalimera", and enough food to feed the King's Army. A delicious spread of homemade jams, yogurt, local honey, fresh bread, some egg dish that makes the angels sing (in Greek, not English) fresh fruit, coffee, and fresh squeezed orange juice. The best part though, is Demi's infectious laugh and smile. Great way to start your day.