Fifteen minutes from the heart of the village of Litochoro, tucked under the shade of old trees and strings of lights and the mountain’s breath, we sat down for lunch—Marika, her mom, and me. It wasn’t just a meal. It was memory in motion.

It was good to see the brothers running the kitchen and the staff, their father a close friend of Marika’s father.

This taverna was one of his favorite places for family to gather here in Greece for lunch. Sip wine and let the sea air do its work and of course eat fish. He’s gone from this earth—but not from our memories. Here, his presence lingers in the laughter, the olive oil, and the incredible aromas drifting for the kitchen and into the outdoor dining area.

Sitting there again, I couldn’t help but think of the chapter in Running With the Gods (out in hardcover, paperback and eBook Oct 1, 2025). In fiction, it’s where Kostas Papadopoulos and Jessica Sparrow meet Senator Cameron’s security team. A quiet confrontation disguised as a casual meal. Truths drawn out over grilled fish and ouzo, trust built the way it sometimes is in Greece—not through force, but through time and taste.

For you Baba (Μπαμπάς)