Chocolate, worry beads and a Greek rainstorm

OK, I was really feeling culture shock last night after my arrival in Athens (which I'll say more about another time), so today I set out to shift how I was feeling. I figured I was in the right spot to try out worry beads (these are a creamy yellow) - they really work - and gave myself some time to doodle, which always relaxes me.
This is the spot I ended up sitting. I thought I had chosen a little cafe, but it turns out I was at Haagen-Dass... oh well, what's a girl to do? Had a Coke Light (as they call Diet Coke here) and a banana and chocolate crepe that was so rich I couldn't even finish it. Yum.

But it wasn't long until a storm erupted... and I mean fast. Even the most hardy ducked inside. Raindrops so big I could capture them on my camera from my new spot inside! The spot that I ended up warming with a nice shot of vodka (it was quite a cool HD place)

My charming waiter clearing up the tables as everyone vanished from the terrace. I got a clearer picture, but I love the movement in this one...

Girl walking by...

If you didn't have an umbrella, no worry, there were guys out hawking them an instant after the first drops fell. This industrious guy was making sure everyone inside knew he had the essential wares....

I hadn't meant to take many pictures today. I was thinking that I needed to just settle into where I was, and focus on what I was feeling, and be here. Versus picture myself being here. But ended up capturing these few....

I spent a couple of hours getting to know my 'hood, having coffee, doing some banking, getting more provisions... just getting the lay of the land.

Oh yeah, and shopping. You know, when the going gets tough, the tough get shopping.... But just a bit. Got worry beads both for myself and my sister who arrives at midnight tonight. And a little silver bracelet. And a pair of lovely little harmony balls.

I am now home, dry and tired. Listening to Stevie Wonder and I'm just going to chill for the rest of the afternoon - then stir myself later to head out to meet my sister's flight (very excited!).