This is my friend, Dimitris Georgaras. Three years ago, just before my first trip to Greece, I heard him interviewed on a podcast where he spoke about his deep connection to Delphi and how he spent frequent days there in meditation. I knew I wanted to meet him and see his handmade chessboards and mythological figurines, so after I spent a day at Delphi by myself, I tracked him down in Delphi village. I played a little of the podcast for him and explained that I’d heard his story and felt compelled to find him. We spent a good hour together, looking at his work, pouring through his family photos, talking about the Olympians and I promised to come see him again whenever I found my way back to Greece. He hugged me and held my hands like we’d known each other our whole lives when I took leave and I hoped I’d make it back some day. This year I took two friends to his workshop and the moment I walked in the door, those incredible blue eyes lit up and once again he made me feel like I’d known him across time. He fed my friends and I the candied oranges he’d made from his own orange tree and held my hands so tightly while we looked at his beautiful handiworks. When it was time to leave, we both cried and I cannot explain those tears. He’s one of my favorite humans and when I go back to Greece next spring, I’ll find my way to his shop again, this time just to see him. He’s one of the reasons I’ll never let go of Greece. If you find yourself visiting the Delphi archaeological site, do head over to the village and his shop, Poseidon Workshop, and tell him Penelope sends love from Texas. ♥️
