The situation outside is unbelievably bleak! September and October were quite beautiful, but these last few dreadful days have had me actively digging up memories of Greece and making new plans. I just can’t bear this slushy, dark time here.
The snow came down. The kids are thrilled because they haven’t had the chance to play in the snow for the last two winters. I dug through boxes to find something suitable for them to wear—hats, gloves, thick pants. Indy doesn’t even have warm boots; they are just rubber ones that barely fit. Dressed up, they went outside to play. Soon, they were all stomping back in the entryway, soaked and frozen. Undressed, clothes to dry.
An hour later: “We want to go out again before the snow melts!” So we get them dressed again, with the next round of gloves and pants. An hour later, they’re back in the entryway, muddy—clothes in the wash. And then I sighed, thinking how awful it would be to go through this daily routine for the next five months with three kids. It’s time to pick up the pace and head south sooner!
Another reason, besides the climate, is, of course, the food. I’ve become a bit picky about what’s available in the stores and want high-quality, healthy food. Living in the countryside and relying on what Coop and Grossi offer is very challenging—and costly. But I don’t want to poison us. In Greek culture, food and its quality are incredibly important. If something even comes from a hundred kilometers away, it’s already considered questionable.
This year, we decided that instead of Crete—where we know the winter climate is excellent—we’d explore a winter destination a thousand kilometers north of that island. Our target is Halkidiki, in northern Greece, on the central peninsula. And just as I started focusing on these plans, an ideal house rental magically appeared on Facebook yesterday. I contacted them immediately, and now we’re waiting for the price. A yard for the kids, away from the street, no dangerous drops or stairs. Perfect for a family with kids!
This time, we also plan to bring a trailer with my small and big Yamaha. Last spring, when we passed through that area, we had some unfinished talks with locals planning a trail up in the mountains. Maybe we’ll find a great group of moto enthusiasts there to connect with.
If anyone wants to visit, just let us know. We’ll gladly help you find accommodation (it’s not always the easiest off-season), and for those interested, there’s a TDM available to borrow for touring around. The nearest airport is Thessaloniki, a hundred kilometers away, and we’d happily pick you up. Last year, it was cool to have Moto friends visit us three times; this year, even more people are planning to come.
So, what’s holding us back from setting out? We still need to handle a bit of budgeting. Tuljo has three major projects left at work. Plus, we’re waiting on the harvester to clear our home forest. And the van! Full maintenance, new tires, and bodywork. The bottom edges of the passenger-side doors need to be replaced, and the panels are already waiting at the workshop.
Ideally, we would have liked to go to Crete, where we wanted to buy a plot with a half-finished house that the kids found. Unfortunately, none of our property transactions in Estonia have succeeded, so if anyone is missing farmland or looking for a commercial property in Aravete, we have some extras. Also up for grabs are a sturdy Kamaz, a 14-ton wheel excavator, and all the equipment necessary for managing a motocross track. Come buy something and help us get to Greece!
Right now in Greece, it’s olive harvest season. They’re always short on helping hands for that. If we start moving, we could offer our help as volunteers (through Workaway or WWOOF) to get to know the locals better and immerse ourselves more in their culture. And for anyone looking for work, I know that last year, they paid around 50-60 euros a day for olive harvesting.
Last year, our motivation for going was mainly to seek medical help for Indy and me. This year, our goal is a bit different—to gain a deeper understanding of Greek life and culture and find a place where we can help. We hope to tie a larger part of our lives to that country and see ourselves there rather than here.
Why? We feel that Estonia is no longer our place. Life here has been especially harsh on us; perhaps this is a sign. Earlier this year, we started to tidy up our secret spot by the edge of the forest to put up a new house and host guests here finally. But a week ago, we found out that the government will clear the entire forest less than a kilometer from us, and a massive wind park will be set up in its place. This lovely natural area here will become unlivable. Our plans are canceled. Not to mention everything related to the motocross track that has crushed our morale and well-being.
But we genuinely feel that we are welcomed in Greece. Maybe even needed. In Crete, we were constantly told that we fit right into their culture and shouldn’t return to our homeland. We even had offers to stay longer in Halkidiki.
Oh, I already want to get on the road. As soon as there are any updates, we’ll let everyone know. I’m also trying to understand this TikTok world, so come follow me there (motomariest). Maybe we’ll gather the courage to start live streaming to answer all burning questions. And if anyone wants to visit, come! We’d love to introduce you to Greek life!
