isobelmtl

Yesterday wasn’t a very clear day. It was still clear enough for me to gasp over the beauty of this mainly unspoiled island. I have learned, however that Greece and Italy are presently suffering under what I hear referred to as “ the dust”, “ red dust” “African dust”.

Even before I started my trip I consulted an ENT because coincidentally I suffer from … well, I don’t need to bore you with some rather icky nasal conditions. Suffice it to say, the doc gave me some spray and after a couple of sniffs, I was cured… yeah, right!

What probably fixed my problem was an immediate four day trip to a pristine Laurentian lake where my friend and I were the only people for miles around.

In Athens I was a bit congested but nothing much. Here on the island, however, this is my new fashion accessory!

I read up on the phenomenon and yes, a dust cloud from Africa appears every spring and this year it has been particularly bothersome. Always a snake in the garden of Eden!

This is troubling considering that hospitalizations for asthma and other respiratory problems are increasing. Considering the spread of deserts in Africa, I can envision European governments funding tree planting projects in Africa before long.

On a happier note, I’m getting lots of work done and just fixed a historical mistake in my manuscript… oops! Off you go again little paper boat. How you love to drift back to me!

Another happy note-dancing class tonight!