Since I’ve already shared stories about failed GPS directions that led me to amazing places, I believe it’s time to share my adventure on Skiathos island back in 2018. It was July 13th and as soon as I arrived, I went straight to my hotel to settle in. I had traveled from Volos with the ferry. It wasn’t my first visit to the island, but it was certainly the most memorable.Our rehearsal with Victoria and Patrick was arranged for 1 p.m. They had told me that Agios Alexandros was on the eastern part of the island. I knew it would be a long drive, so I brought my own car since a taxi was not an option for such a remote spot. I got ready and started driving 40 minutes before our meeting. According to my "friend" the GPS, it was a 35 minute drive via the short route.The GPS commanded me to turn left after only two minutes. I should have changed plans right then. The left turn was a steep road that looked absolutely untrustworthy. I was worried about being late because I didn't want their Greek celebrant to seem unreliable. I took the turn. The driving became challenging and I got a bit stressed, but little did I know the worst was yet to come.Soon I had to take a dirt road. I was driving for a good 15 minutes with no sign of the chapel. My GPS kept screaming to turn right when it actually meant the next turn. I went back and forth until the road finally had no more crossroads. According to the map, I had reached my destination, but I was in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal.A few minutes later, I was relieved to see a hill with a beautiful white chapel. I parked under an olive tree and walked up to the area. The view was breathtaking. I was on a cape on the east of Skiathos with nothing but the endless blue of the Aegean in front of me. It was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.I was excited by the view but also worried because I was alone and had no signal. What if the couple was trying to reach me? What if I was in the wrong place? Five minutes later, a group of cars approached. It was my couple and their entourage. I welcomed them with a mix of excitement and relief.During our rehearsal, I met Soula, the mother of the bride. She lives in South Africa but spends her summers in Skiathos. She told me that we would use her mother’s wedding crowns, the same ones she had used at her own marriage. She wished to perform the stefana ritual herself at her daughter's wedding. I was thrilled. These heirlooms had been used in two weddings in South Africa and now we would use them to commemorate their heritage in Greece.I am a fool for family heirlooms, so this made me genuinely happy. Victoria and Patrick were amazing and welcoming, and I was so glad to be their wedding celebrant. To this day, they are so helpful whenever we speak. The drive back to my hotel felt like a piece of cake. By the day of the wedding, I was already a pro at navigating the short route to Agios Alexandros.
