Things to do at work, besides work (A Greek Travelogue)

The precise moment I am assigned a new program, I am already late. It goes like this - imagine a crowded room. Boss stands and says, "We are going to implement US$50 Million of new organizational software next year, and Elizabeth is going to make it happen." Beat. Beat. Beat. Pandemonium. "What's the schedule?" "Where's the process?" "Are you going to use the new Change Control?" "Do I have some of that budget?" "What pool is providing resources?" "Where is the testing lab? How long is the soak?" "Will this hit the account P&L?" Hold up folks - I need about 2 weeks of zen-like information gathering, thinking, talking, organizing, and start-up process. I have worksheets I use. I have a regular team I consult. All the while, there are perfectly intelligent, educated, and well-compensated customers, co-workers, and executives hammering away via phone, IM, email, and meeting... wanting to know, in essence, "Are we there yet?" Ick. bah. stresscakes. At times like this, I do what I must. To mangle James Taylor (more than he did to himself): I go to Spetses in my mind.
Spetses, Greece (copyright: Webshots.com member Maurizio42)   Spetses is a smallish island of Greece. After landing at Athens airport, take a cab to Piraeus Seaport and then catch a slow ferry. After about 4 hours of hitting all the islands in between, you'll be deposited at Spetses. The water is warm there, and the natives are polite; well-seasoned in tourism, with the British being the main visiting population. There are shops, pubs, and disco's at night. But for those seeking peace; Spetses is an idyllic goal. Outside the 20 square blocks of the main town, most of the island is hushed and quiet and covered in pine trees. Most of the ground - even down to the blue sea -is rocky, and the roads little more than paths. There are only 2 cars on the Island, but about 200 mopeds. A salad of tomato, feta, and onion will cost you about $1. A Diet Coke? $3. I never got the "Toga" thing until Spetses. They left piles of soft, thin sheets in my room and I eventually realized that they were for wearing. The hottest part of the afternoon, dip in for a swim and then tie a sheet loosely around golden skin. My usual modesty left back somewhere cold; dozens of Spetsians have seen my breasts - back when they were something to see. Not that anyone cared. Glorious hours lazing in the shade, the world on "pause". Maybe a stroll towards the old monastary. If you get lost and end up at a fisherman's house, the family will probably teach you some Greek and show you their nets and the new hull in process. Maybe invite you for lunch. At least, they did for me.