Two years ago, when I was working as a part time assistant manager in an aromatherapy shop, my friend Dino invited me to a trip with her to Greece. Being in a state of wandering what to do in life, I jumped on the invitation and requested a three week vacation. The thrill of the unknown is exciting; the weird food and the unimaginable stories.
We made it to Heraklion, Crete. The people there take siesta seriously. The streets and shops is deserted at 2pm sharp.
Dino was looking for postcards to sent home on a small alley when I wandered into the little book shop. The owner stroked a conversation asking what the heck we ridiculously Asian looking girls are doing on this island. He then delightedly ran down the swirly stairs to the basement and fetched a bottle of ozu (and of course the 3 little shot glasses).
We sat in the simple bookshop by his office desk and exchanged stories, over shots and shots of ozu, at 2 in the afternoon.
"I use to work in the bank making tones of money. It's selfish and I'm ashamed."
"Why?"
"People should not see money as the most important element in life. You are better with enough money to live a healthy happy life than excessive money"
"Is this why you opened this book shop? to do what you love?"
"All these books are my favourites throughout different stages of my life. It represents me and I want to share it with others. like you."
I looked around the shop, carefully on all the titles of the books. This little shop, represents him.
He continues, "There are 7 billion people on this planet. We should just be ourselves."
I was 22 at that time, and what he was saying feels real and true.
He understood what was important in his life. He was not looking for fame and money. Living on an island in the middle of Mediterranean Sea with a little book shop. Seeing the world go by and share his favourite literature along the way.
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