2009 was supposed to be a hopeful new start, what with Mr. Obama taking over the reins, renewed and revitalized global warming pacts, and a general feeling that a new era could dawn. But the continued downward economic predictions, the atrocities in Gaza, and horrible extended riots in Athens and all over Greece seemed to have blurred all that goodwill for the New Year.

Even in the megopolis of Hydra, there were rumours of a negative nature when our resident doctor got involved in a semidomestic squabble of some sort, which required stitches and medical care off island, so we are temporarily doctorless.

In Kamini, however, we ushered in the New Year with a surprise visit from Santa Claus, a.k.a. Father Christmas (in Commonwealth countries) or, in local lingo, Agious Vassilis (St. Nick). According to the Orthodox calendar, Agious Vassilis doesn’t climb down chimneys on December 25 but on the first day of the new year.

After a long night spent assembling presents to be delivered the next day and preparing his donkey sleigh, we caught Santa letting off a little goodwill steam.