An excerpt from Access Magazine’s August 2021 Edition

Turning lemons into lemonade, established local artist B’Beth Weldon made a bold move during the pandemic when she decided to spend time living abroad in Greece. With a circle of friends and family residing in this scenic country, B’Beth has never been happier and is painting up a storm between incredible meals and intimate gatherings. Talk about an artist’s paradise! Here, a few details as her new city wakes up from its sleepy lockdown.

Dear Friends,

There’s nothing like catching up with good friends you haven’t seen in a while! Once lockdown officially lifted for International travel to Greece in mid- June, friends from the US, England, France and Italy have started to arrive and more are expected! We’ve all missed the semblance of normality and traveling and couldn’t wait to catch up. So, with the sound of the Cicadas, Greek Summer has begun and we find ourselves gathering again with friends, whether at homes, in local restaurants or in the islands.

There are over 6000 islands in the Greek archipelago with approximately 230 inhabited islands. I have made it a challenge to myself to see as many as I can. I love adventures and new places, and these provide endless inspirations for my paintings.

This year, I have focused on the simple pleasures of a Greek summer. It’s the most important season of the year here, and Greeks even wish each other “Kalo Kalokairi” which means “Happy Summer!” A typical day on an island means waking up and finding a coffee and a bakery for a spinach pie or a ham and cheese croissant. In every island, we try to find the best bakery, which is usually owned and run by a family and everything is baked fresh daily. I’ve also loved learning the different traditional “pies” or “pitas” that are specifically local to to each island. Then there will be a beach for swimming and sunning, or walking trails, boating and discovering new beaches. I’ve also enjoyed visiting the various Greek Churches dotting the islands.

Inevitably after a swim, we will try to find a fish taverna at the waters’ edge. Then begins the customary process of picking out the freshest fish to go onto their grill, the ordering of carafes of their house wine or beers, a selection of mezedes (tapas) to share, such as smoked aubergine, grilled octopus, fresh sea urchin salad, fried zucchini balls, fresh Greek salad, and always freshly cut fried potatoes. The colors and the fresh flavors are unbeatable and so distinctly Greek, and if you’re lucky, some lunches turn into dancing with music and can last until sunset!

After lunch, we find ourselves ready for one more swim before a nap to prepare ourselves for the night life of the island: Always an aperitif with a view, followed by a beautiful dinner. The best part of all of this is being able to share these experiences with my family and friends again post Covid, taking in the smells and senses of a simple Greek summer.

Until next time!

μέχρι την επόμενη φορά

Postcards from Greece - August 2021