I didn’t expect to learn the Greek words for tweezers and Betadine on a recent trip to the island of Chios.

The scene: the village of Volissos in northern Chios. Walking along the road, I turned my head to look at a beautiful macrame artwork hanging in front of a house.

Unfortunately, I didn’t notice that the road dipped at the side. I stepped into the dip and fell down hard. My trouser leg tore and I skinned my knee. A small rock managed to get lodged in my thumb.

As I was washing my knee at the nearby cafe, an employee noticed me. Did you fall?, she asked. Yes, I said. Do you need Betadine? Yes, please.

She brought an antiseptic spray and the Betadine. After cleaning my knee, I discovered the rock stuck in my thumb. I didn’t know the word for tweezers, so I showed her my thumb and asked if she had something to pull the rock out. Yes, she did! (tweezers – το τσιμπιδάκι).

The take-away from the experience:

• Surprise that the cafe was so well stocked with first aid items
• Gratitude for the help she offered
• Appreciation for newly acquired vocabulary
• Pride that the entire interaction occurred in Greek!

Almost a week later, the scar is still visible on my knee. But even after the scar fades, I’ll remember her kindness and willingness to help a tourist in need.

Have you had a similar experience while traveling in Greece?