Itisallgreek2me

Spotted at the Old Harbour

What I decide to do here on the island on a daily basis, depends very much on the weather, what time I made it to bed the previous night and Costas’ program for the day.  Ideally, I like to get up before sunrise and do my 5km walk, however, this is not usually a happening thing if I have stayed late in the Bar the evening before.  Last Friday after walking early, I came home to tidy up in the garden.  Over the summer months when Costas had been busy, all manner of things which needed to be cleared from the Bar had been brought back to the house and literally dumped in the yard so I had a major clean up.  Many of the plants had died through lack of water during the hot summer months.  Now we await the man to come and cut back the trees which will let in more light and sun during the coming Winter months.  Around midday we met for coffee at Roumani then came home to a chicken, rice and salad lunch.  The weather that day was overcast so my best option was a siesta … by 1600 hours, clear and sunny skies, however, a little late then to bother heading down to the beach.  Went early to Bar Spetsa – many friendly faces – Chris, Ray and Heather, Marilyn and Gerry, Jeff, Stratos and Jenny to name but a few.  Back home before 0130 hours which is classed as an early night for me here on Spetses.

On Saturday we hoped to take all the cats for their annual shots if the Vet was going to be on the island.  More importantly, Sydney has been losing weight for sometime as with poor dental health, he has been struggling to eat.  Larissa was nowhere to be found, however, the three boys did visit the Vet and dear little Sydney is now on a course of antibiotics for the infection in his mouth.  Unable to cope now with their usual diet of cat biscuits, I am mashing up tinned cat food and all but spoon-feeding Sydney … thankfully I do believe he is slowly gaining weight.  Enjoyed a very simple but delicious lunch out at Bouboulina … Fava, Horta (Radikia – dandelions) and the freshest of Babounakia.  With the temperature around 28 degrees C, it was just like summer and so I left lunch to go straight down to Agios Mammas beach for the afternoon.  In the evening I was back in the Bar but just as I did the previous night, I left for home and bed around 0100 hours.

By Sunday, strong winds had arrived and although the sun was shining, it would not have been very pleasant at the beach … alas, I fear this will be the case more and more from now on.  Early afternoon went out for coffee before coming home to a chicken stir fry for lunch.  Managed to read a big chunk of my book “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho before siesta, getting up later to do my walk, followed by a quiet evening at home.  Monday and once again sunny skies … spent three hours at the beach in the afternoon.  If the long range forecast proves to be correct, then there will only be another two days of this before temperatures take a drop, clouds move in and the possibility of some showers or even rain – buggar!

This morning, Tuesday, I went for my walk around 0845 hours, taking photographs along the way.  As forecast, another beautiful day and the Images I have just published are all from this morning’s walk so you will hopefully get a feeling of how the island feels right now.  After lunch I will once again go down to the beach … it is a must as the weather may be about to change.  Tomorrow my friend Bev from Wanganui will be arriving on the island.  I am so looking forward to hearing about her travels so far and to spending time with her on Spetses.

Reunited after the Race with Team Bouboulina Mascot “Frix”

Last weekend from Friday 10 October – Sunday 12 October the annual Spetses Mini Marathon was held for the 4th time.  With perfect weather conditions, thousands of visitors came to the island to participate in the various events – Kids’ 150m Swim, Cross Spetses Channel Swimming 3,000m and 5,000m, Children’s Runs 500m and 1,000m and the 25km, 10km and 5km Races.  Costas had registered not only himself and me in the 5km Fun Run/Walk but also Frix the dog!

Sunday morning saw us getting up around 0900 hours, needing to be outside the Poseidonion Grand Hotel by 0930 hours for Team Bouboulina photographs, our event commencing at 1000 hours.  We started the walk together setting a good pace, however, eventually with Frix needing to take frequent toilet stops, I quickened my pace, moving along the course on my own ahead of Costas and finishing in an official time of 44m 53s which I was relatively pleased with (ranked 17th in the category for women aged 60 – 69).

Tonight Ray has emailed me the link to a You Tube clip of a broadcast on a local TV Channel about the Spetses Mini Marathon and yes, there we are the three of us setting out on our walk … Costas, Frix and I made it on to Greek television!

After the Race, Costas went to return Frix to his owner then we met up for coffee at Point of View with Ray and Heather who had also completed the 5km Race (Ray in his kilt)!  In the afternoon I headed down to a somewhat crowded Agios Mamas beach, however, the masses left the island later that day and now it is very peaceful and quiet wherever one goes.  Around midnight, walked to the Bar for what turned out to be one of those wonderful nights with many of the regulars coming in, creating something of a private party at home atmosphere … really enjoyed it.

Now on days following a night at home, I try to get up early to walk the 5km course before sunrise … a beautiful time of day.  The beach beckons most days and I do whatever I can at the house to help Costas.  Last night I met Heather at Point of View where the boys continue with their Wednesday night Pool sessions.  A calm, warm evening, we sat outside having a couple of drinks and catching up on life over the past few months before moving on to Bar Spetsa and finally a night cap with Ray and Heather, Roland and Peter, at Abari, Spiros’ bar.

Viv and I – Auckland Airport

Saturday 11 October 2014 – After a somewhat challenging time back in New Zealand, last Wednesday my son Dave saw me off at Wanganui Airport, once again on my way back to Greece, a journey which would take me 45 hours door-to-door.  The most exciting thing about this trip was that I had been able to upgrade to Business Class using my accumulated Miles for the Auckland/Melbourne/Dubai sector on an Emirates A380-800. Checked in at Auckland, pre-cleared Customs then sat down to wait for my dear friend Vivienne to arrive.  Shared a bottle of wine as we always do on these occasions and had a wonderful catchup.

Welcomed aboard on the Upper Deck then shown by a crew member all the functions of my seat and the entertainment system before being served a glass of Moet and orange juice.  Before takeoff, mixed and mingled with a few of the other passengers and checked out the bar at the rear of the aircraft … already I knew this was going to be a much easier trip than I am used to in Economy Class.  With so much space allowed for each passenger, ample leg room, mini bar, large screen, privacy … even approached and greeted by name and asked what I would like for dinner.  The appetizer was Smoked Salmon, I chose the Pan-fried Snapper for my main course and a Mango Cheesecake for dessert … and the Moet continued to flow.  Sometime after takeoff from Melbourne, it was time for yet another dinner.  This time I started my meal with a lovely Cauliflower Soup with Mascarpone cheese, followed by a Seasonal Salad, then Steamed Blue Eye Cod for my main … no room for dessert.  When it was time to sleep, with the press of a button my seat folded down into a bed, they brought me a mattress and an extra pillow and for the very first time on an aeroplane, I actually had a sleep, eventually waking up to find we were just 2 hours and 30 minutes out from Dubai.  When breakfast was served, I started with orange juice, delicious fresh fruits, croissant and finishing with a Tomato Omelette and coffee.

Killing approximately 5 hours stopover time in Dubai is now a breeze as I am a Silver member which means even when travelling Economy Class, I have access to the Business Class lounges.  Completed my duty-free shopping before heading for the comfort of a lounge … a reviving shower, after which the time passed very quickly as I checked my emails, enjoyed some of the complimentary food and a little more Moet and orange juice.  When the time arrived to board my aircraft for the final leg to Athens, it was a very short walk to Gate A1, directly from the lounge.  Now, of course, I was back to Economy Class travel, however, with good company the 5 hours went in no time at all.  Sitting next to me were Di and Dave, a couple from Adelaide … on their way to a conference in Vienna, they had decided to spend a few nights on Paros and Santorini.  At one point on the journey there was an announcement to say we were at the time, flying over Egypt and if we looked out the left side of the aircraft, we would see Pyramids … amazing!

Touched down in Athens pretty much on time around 1400 hours.  It was a lovely day there, around 24 degrees C, however, I knew I had a long wait until my hydrofoil to Spetses at 1910 hours.  Caught the 1530 hours bus to the Port of Piraeus, sat there in the sun for over 2 hours, then some 3 and a half hours to Spetses via Poros, Hydra and Ermioni, finally arriving on the island around 2245 hours.  Met by Costas on the jetty … it is just wonderful to be together again.

Awoke yesterday to a beautiful sunny day, we met up for coffee at Roumani in the Dapia, had lunch at Spetsiotiko, then for me a couple of hours at Agios Mamas beach … the sea still surprisingly warm.  Last evening we were invited to a pre race party at the Bouboulina Museum which I attended.  Unfortunately, Costas needed to be at the Bar.  This weekend is the Spetses Mini Marathon and tomorrow we are both in the 5Km Fun Run as part of the Bouboulina team (we will be walking though, not running and Costas will be accompanied by not only myself, but Frix – the dog, also officially registered)!  Last night after leaving the Bouboulina Museum, I made my way down to Bar Spetsa, catching up with a few friends over the course of the night.  When the Bar closed, Costas and I went elsewhere for a quiet drink, eventually arriving home around 0500 hours … a busy time for my first few hours back on the island.  Today I have not left the house … a shame really that I have missed a day at the beach, however, I have needed to rest up in order to be ready for tomorrow – it should be a great day.

Ray and I at Liotrivi Restaurant

Disappointingly, the weather these past few days has not been as good as forecast.  Although very warm with highs of around 30 degrees C, unfortunately, clouds rolling in has at times spoilt the chance to increase my suntan which seems to fade quickly when one does not top up daily.  Last week we even had rain, of the kind that falls from the sky with laspe (Greek for mud).  It is like a red dust and covers everything, it is horrible, however, the nightlife would take some beating.

Last Sunday 8 June was Pentecost which marks the end of the Easter season in the Christian calendar and celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.  With Monday having been a Public Holiday in Greece, from Friday onwards swarms of people began to arrive on the island.  The sun beds and umbrellas came out at Agios Mammas beach and the tables and chairs outside at Bar Spetsa.  A lot of Athenians amongst the arrivals but also many regular visitors who have been coming for years and who enjoy the atmosphere of Costas’ Bar.

I have had just one night at home during the past week … that was Thursday.  On Friday, Taya a young Georgian who cleans the Bar daily and does chores at the house for Costas when I am absent, she came in to keep me company early in the evening.  When we finally got to close the Bar, yet again Costas came home via the bakery with more delicious pastries.  Saturday evening I had arranged to have dinner out with Ray and Heather.  At 2030 hours we met at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel for an aperitif before dinner, sitting out on the terrace watching all the people milling around.  Ray and Heather had two amazing looking cocktails, while I enjoyed an ouzo with lots of ice.  Normally we three all pile on the bike, however, with Heather’s skirt requiring her to ride side-saddle, Ray suggested I walk to the Bar while he delivered Heather to Liotrivi (The Olive Press) then Ray returned to collect me.  Our Albanian friend Roland is the chef at Liotrivi and he had recommended his Carrot and Smoked Salmon Soup which I had to start … it was just divine.  The location of this restaurant is amazing, as you sit out in the warm night air, all the lights around the harbour reflecting on the water, while watching the small boats returning people to their multi million dollar yachts anchored nearby.  When it came time to leave, I was more than happy to walk down to the Bar … I desperately needed to work off the large meal I had partaken of.  At the Bar we met Andy and Lesley whom I had not seen since they surprised Costas walking into the Bar on the night of the Closing Party for the season, marking the 25th Anniversary, some 18 months’ ago.  They are on Spetses with Andy’s friend John who is visiting Spetses for the first time and Geoff and Liz who were married here on the island in 2009 … Costas was their best man.

On Sunday, Costas announced we would eat out and so we went to Agios, a restaurant in the Dapia which many people have been raving about … we had until now forgotten it was there.  Although it does not have a view of the sea, we sat on the terrace with a view of the old Sotirios Anargyros Mansion and a pretty little green square nearby … we were not disappointed.  That evening I went early to the Bar, at first sitting outside with Dave and June whom I have only met for the first time this trip, although Costas has often spoken of them and John and Julie who live here permanently.  It was John who kindly helped me out last year when my PC Notebook succumbed to water during November’s storm.  Carol, the wife of Panayiotis from Spetsiotiko was with us too … when Carol left for home, I had another drink before calling it quits just after 0200 hours.

Yesterday, Monday – I left the house just before 1300 hours to meet Costas at Point of View for a coffee.  Nikos was also there, very proud to announce the safe arrival on Friday of two wee brothers for his son Spiros whose baptism we attended last year … mother Tina and twins all doing well.  Lunch followed at Spetsiotiko … on arrival going into the kitchen and choosing a wonderfully fresh fish each to be cooked for us.  I was dressed and ready for the beach so headed straight down … alas, after only 20 minutes and fed up with the clouds, I made my way back home.

For some days we have been hearing rather vocal birds in our garden.  We did not think much about this until yesterday … it was yap, yap, yap, so with no let up in the racket, we decided to take a closer look.  There were a pair of blackbirds, obviously distressed about something, however, we could not see what it was.  Then, last evening just before dark, I found their baby, not tiny but about half the size of its parents, on the ground.  I picked it up and put in on higher ground … alas, it could not fly and just went plop, back down on to the lower level.  What to do?  How had it survived in our garden with four cats and the odd extra cat visiting?  I telephoned Costas at the Bar, telling him what I had found and asking what he thought I should do.  “Leave it to mother nature”, he said.  There is nothing like a bird lady on the island.  I will leave on Saturday, therefore, it is not possible for me to try hand rearing it.  Now, some 24 hours later, this small creature is still in our garden, it and it’s parents having survived another day.  We can only hope mummy and daddy will be able to feed their baby until such time that it can fly away.  We have no idea where their nest is … most likely in our large bay tree, however, the growth is very dense and it is impossible to see just what is hidden away there.

Sadly, this is my last week on the island and my last Blog for now … I fully intend to make the most of every minute until I depart on Saturday.  Yesterday would have to have been one of my best nights ever out in Bar Spetsa … I walked down around 2230 hours.  The first person I spoke to was our friend Chris … recovering from a broken arm, it was lovely to see her out and about again.  Soon after, she and her German friend Ernst moved on and I joined Geoff and Liz, Andy and Lesley and Carol at their outside table.  When Carol and I eventually moved inside, I sat for a while with Sally and Andre, yet another English couple, then later met a crowd from Melbourne, including 92-year-old Mel … lovely people whom Costas has known for a long time, he has often spoken to me about them and in fact, he visited them in Melbourne last year on his way out to New Zealand to meet me and my family and friends.  There was a guy sitting alone at the bar … for sure, I knew the face – it was Patrick, an actor from Detroit, Michigan whom I had not seen for two years.  So, I kept Patrick company for a while, Ernst returned late for a couple of beers … it was gone 0500 hours before Costas closed and I felt that I had been playing musical chairs all night!

Next week I will be back in New Zealand where, of course, it is Wintertime right now.  I am especially looking forward to seeing my family but very little else … the reality is, it will be cold and I must work another 4 months.  Anticipated arrival date back in Greece of 10 October … all things being equal.  Bye bye for now.

Yours Truly – Agios Mammas, Spetses

For the past 5 years, as all my regular followers will know, I have split my time between New Zealand and Greece.  In the country of my birth, I have my family and my work … in Greece I have my extended adopted Cretan family in Kastelli and most importantly, Costas on Spetses.  Each year means two stints of 4 months down under and two stints of 2 months here in the country where I left my heart more than 40 years’ ago.

So, although many may think my life to be an enviable one, believe me, it is not easy.  During my current absence from New Zealand, my son Dave has been quite unwell, I wish I could have been there for him.  Sadly, for now, my time here is once again coming to an end but on the brighter side, I will soon be back with my family until sometime in October – all things being equal.

Time passes so quickly … most nights I go into the Bar late, around 0100 hours, staying until closing when Costas and I come home together where the four cats are usually waiting for us, if not on the road home, then snuggled up somewhere in the house.  Today we decided to change all their flea collars … we were not well liked for this and afterwards, the three boys sat out in the garden in the rain, they wanted nothing more to do with we nasty people!  But, they were soon over it.

Everywhere on the island is still somewhat quiet … when Bar Spetsa closes we are hard pressed to find another establishment open where we might call in for a quiet drink on our way home.  Balkoni is a favourite watering hole of ours, the location and atmosphere very much to our liking.  One night there I was so intrigued by a Russian visitor who ordered flaming B52 cocktails which he consumed rapidly through a straw whilst the drinks were still flaming.

Every fine, sunny day, I can be found at Agios Mammas beach, making the most of the opportunity to sunbathe and take a dip in the sea.  Today, unfortunately, was not one of those days … we have had intermittent rain and thunderclaps have been heard faraway over the mountains.  One night last week, in similar weather conditions, a dog went into the Bar to seek shelter.  After Costas came home, he suddenly realised that he had locked the dog inside and had to return to release him.  The upside was, Costas then passed by the bakery and bought home delicious pastries which we devoured at 0500 hours … not so good for the waistline.

On Saturday 14 June, I will begin my long journey back to New Zealand.  As there is a hydrofoil scheduled for 1020 hours that day, I will not leave the island the day before to travel to Athens.  All things being equal, it should allow me enough time to catch my flight out of Athens at 1610 hours … worst case scenario, I will take a taxi from Piraeus to the Airport.  I will check in online allowing me a later arrival time at the airport and now that I hold Silver status with Emirates, I have priority check in and boarding, extra baggage allowance and use of the Business Class lounge in Dubai … what would be nice is an upgrade!  In any case, I have my complimentary hotel in Dubai for the 12 hour stopover before the long haul to Brisbane, on to Auckland and the final leg to Wanganui … ETA 1625 hours on Monday 16 June.  Dave will pick me up from the airport … it will be lovely to see him.

I should manage one more Blog before I leave Spetses – our little island Paradise!

Costas and I – Bar Spetsa

Earlier today while at the beach, I thought I heard a strange bird call from behind … it was Costas, he had come to test the temperature of the water with his hand – “It’s freezing”!  I do not know what it is about the Greeks, the sea now is just beautiful although admittedly, not as warm as it will be once Summer arrives.  At the moment, the bravest of them are few and far between … some will begin to visit the beach come June, however, for the majority, they will wait until July.  That will be much too late for me … my daily dose of sun and sea are my therapy.  Greeks generally also tend to wear, in my opinion, far too many clothes … I do feel the cold but obviously not in the same way as they do.

Anyway, as young Alex was at the house as he is most days around noon, recording CD’s for the Bar, Costas was going for coffee.  I suggested I pack up in the meantime and join him, which I did at Point of View, after which I returned to the beach until 1430 hours, then walked home via Spetsiotiko to pick up two packs of Patates Tiganites to have with our leftover chicken and a salad for lunch.  Today has been extremely warm which called for a siesta this afternoon … at some stage tonight I will go into the Bar.

Last Wednesday was our Name Day … as we walked to Roumani for coffee, Costas seemed to be known to almost every person we passed, all of whom wished him the customary “Kronia Polla” – Many Years.  Later at Spetsiotiko, we enjoyed a very simple lunch of Vlita (wild greens) and Babounakia (small red mullet) being two of our favourite dishes.  That evening many well wishers came to the Bar, a number bearing gifts for Costas.  Ray and Heather were in, also Norma and Joe for their last night on the island.  We eventually left for home around 0430 hours.

The following day I was quite content to stay at the house.  Costas had bought 2 1/2 kilo of mincemeat and that evening I made it into an excellent meat sauce to have with pasta which we enjoyed the following two days, the remainder now frozen in containers, on hand for when we need it.  We eat a lot of salads and most days before heading to the beach, I prepare a large bowl, needing only the dressing when lunchtime arrives.  On Sunday, a substantial landowner on the island who has an allotment brought us a bag of wonderfully fresh organic produce including snow peas which I cooked sparingly in butter with garlic then dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper – delicious!

Early Friday evening I began the task of cleaning up a rather untidy, overgrown yard, not going to the Bar until late.  It was an unexpectedly busy night for this time of year … the chairs and stools all fully occupied and quite a crowd standing outside.  This prompted Costas to call Anna into work from 2300 hours the following evening … alas, the night was much quieter.  Anna was telling me about her partner Neil’s website www.spetsesphotography.com … well worth a look at the Spetses scenes and especially the underwater shots Neil has taken around the island.  He is an amazing Photographer.  When Costas is late home, I always know who the usual suspects are who have kept him out late, two being Roland and Pandelis.  On Saturday night they were the last to leave other than ourselves and Anna.  Earlier that evening at 1700 hours, we had been to a baptism at the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, the courtyard of which is an incredibly peaceful and tranquil place.  Costas has a relatively new Nikon camera, far far superior to my small Sanyo digital, however, we both enjoyed taking photographs of the gathering crowd and capturing the beauty of the building and surrounds.

Recently Costas informed me that apparently I am the first partner he has had with whom he converses in both English and the Greek language … neither his wife nor previous girlfriends had the level of knowledge of Greek that I have which kind of amazes me.  Then, I know many English-speaking people, some who have lived here for years and still they cannot speak more than a handful of words, akin to what a tourist might pick up on a week’s holiday in this wonderful country.  I believe I can rightfully feel quite proud of my grasp of the language … a beautiful language it is, there is no doubt.

Ray’s Forty Fourteenth Birthday

An email received today from a friend reminded me of how long it has been since my last Blog … shame!  Each time I come back to Spetses, my other home, I seem to fit into my life here easier than on previous visits.  This time, I have given little thought to writing or taking photographs, in much the same way as these pastimes have little relevance when I am in New Zealand.  With Costas every night in the Bar and myself there too as often as possible, late nights mean some days do not begin until late morning and before we know it, another evening begins.

Friday night in the Bar I kept company with Christina and Nikola and some of their friends from Athens who were all here on the island for the weekend.  Other nights I have gone in early to see Paddy and Wendy, however, today they left to return to Ireland … no doubt I will see them again in May next year, just as I have done every year since we first met in May 2010.  They were here for 15 days this trip and every day they walked up and over to a beach on the other side of the island … that is how they like to spend their days on Spetses.  The British seem to have a real affinity with this island … Norma and Joe from south London are here at the moment on their third visit although I have only just met them for the first time.

Last Saturday was our friend Ray’s Forty Fourteenth birthday (54th for the uninitiated) and together with around two dozen friends, we were invited to his party at their home.  It was a cracker of a day, the sun was shining brightly and we all enjoyed the wonderful food Ray and Heather had prepared for us, sitting out in their garden.  Celebratory drinks too, of course, and the usual mix of shots which are always fun and full of surprises.

Sundays are generally a little more relaxed for us than every other day in the week as with the shops mainly closed, Costas’ daily chores associated with the Bar are less and we can usually spend the day in a more leisurely fashion.  Last Sunday, after coffee at Roussos in the Dapia, we walked down to Bouboulina restaurant for our first meal this trip of Babounakia (small red mullet) which we both so enjoy.

My suntan is coming along nicely and I am now enjoying the sea … together with only a handful of other brave souls as the water is still somewhat chilly following a lot of rain during the Winter.  At home I do my chores, I read my book – I am about half way through the 700 odd pages of Elizabeth Kostova’s novel “The Historian” which I am enjoying and I have completed Online my compulsory Verified Training for 2014 … Non-Verified still to be done.

Tomorrow, 21 May, is the Name Day of Costas and Helen and I believe we are going out for lunch at Spetsiotiko.  Good weather is expected so I will walk from there to the beach, then home for a siesta before going out in the evening, first to meet the girls at “Point of View” as I always do on a Wednesday night, then on to Bar Spetsa.  I have no doubt it will be a very late one, therefore, tonight I am in to stay.

Old Harbour – Spetses

and … cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing, gardening, squeezing lemons etc etc.  Such is my life here on Spetses, however, it is not all work and no play.  With mainly wonderful Spring days, I like to take a walk in the mornings … nothing too serious, just an hour or so, down to the Old Harbour is a favourite.  After lunch, on days when the sky is blue and the sun shining brightly, a couple of hours on the beach at Agios Mammas is a wonderful tonic … but the sea is still rather cold and try as I might, I have yet to make it all the way in.  As I am usually the only body on the beach, I guess this tells you something.

Yesterday at 1430 hours, we met Ray and Heather for lunch at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel.  It is still too early for there to be a lot of visitors on the island and we were the only ones dining on the terrace.  We started with two salads … black-eyed pea salad with vegetables and roasted red beets with manouri cheese balls.  For my main course I chose the grilled chicken with fennel dressing and roasted carrots.  Scrumptious brown bread and a couple of bottles of a Santorini wine.  Costas, of course, left after the meal to go home for his siesta while we three remaining eventually piled on the bike and headed down to “Point of View” to sit in the sun, have a couple more drinkies and warm up … we had gotten cold on the terrace.  Eventually, Marilyn joined us and in time, my Irish friends Paddy and Wendy who are on Spetses for their annual visit.  Sometime after 2000 hours, we made it into Bar Spetsa, however, I was home soon after 2200 hours.  A somewhat long but highly enjoyable day.

The day before, Costas and I had had lunch at Bouboulina … Fava (yellow split pea puree), Horta (wild greens), Kolokithakia Tiganita (fried courgette slices) and Kalamarakia Tiganita (fried squid).  With a shared beer and fresh crunchy bread … and don’t I know how I like to make many of my readers green with envy when I describe some of the wonderful food I get to enjoy in Greece.

Yesterday before going out to lunch, I made a large dish of Briam (oven baked vegetables – potatoes, onions, courgettes, aubergines, red and green capsicums cooked in a sauce of fresh tomato, tomato paste, olive oil, flat leaf parsley,  garlic, salt and pepper).  This we had for our lunch today and will have again tomorrow … dare I say, it turned out perfect.

Today, Costas had a baptism to attend at 1200 hours at the Church of Agios Dimitrios.  Apparently, almost all the guests were from Athens, the wee boy Christos’ father, now 36, has been a patron in Costas’ bar since he was 17.  As much as I love spending time in Bar Spetsa, I do not go in every night.  When I do, we like to go to another bar after closing for a quiet drink before coming home.  “Balcony” is a favourite (now under new management).  One night we went to “Abari” … run by Spiros, over the years Spiros has worked in many of the establishments on the island and this is his first venture as an owner.  During the day and looking from the outside, “Abari” to me appears tacky, however, inside at night the place is quirky, there is live music and I quite enjoyed it.  Our daytime coffee venue is “Roumani” in the Dapia where we sit outside overlooking the water taxis bobbing up and down on the bluest of seas.

As I sit on the couch with three of the cats, midnight is fast approaching.  I have yet to decide whether or not to go out tonight … the Eurovision Song Contest is on and if I can find which channel is screening it Live, I may just stay in tonight.

Family Home in Kastelli

As always, the time that I spent with my family in Kastelli was wonderful … there, I am made to feel that I am just one of them!  Of course, being Easter, we had many family and friends coming to the house, which always means food … table after table.  I believe I probably put on something like 2 kilo during the week that I stayed.  Lots of dishes to wash too and I always try to beat others to the kitchen sink as it is one thing I am able to do to help them.  This prompted Vassiles one night to ask me “Have you been to America?” – referring to all the Greeks over the years who have moved to that country and found employment in kitchens.

Sunday came and sadly, it was once again time to leave.  Caught the bus to Hania with Chrissoula, Costas’ sister who had been visiting.  My friend Antonia met me at the station, she and Vassiles went out and I decided on an early night.  When they arrived home later, Antonia woke me to tell me that Vassiles had crashed her car … I would need to walk to the bus station in the morning.  It was already 23 degrees C when I arrived there to catch the 0830 hours bus to the airport, a late departure from Hania, however, an uneventful flight to Athens.  Hopped on the 12 noon bus bound for the Port of Piraeus … along the way we stopped, the driver got off the bus, walked up and down, hopped back on and had a few words to say to those sitting near the front.  A little further on and he stopped once again … this time we had to all get off and board another bus on a standard run, going in much the same direction.  When finally I arrived in Piraeus, I realized that I was not in quite the usual spot … a little disoriented but with very little time to spare, made it on to the 1415 hours hydrofoil to Spetses – minutes later the rain came.

Soon after 1700 hours we arrived at Spetses where Costas was waiting to meet me.  After unpacking and settling myself into my other home, I decided to go to the Bar around midnight.  At 0100 hours, Costas did the unthinkable and closed the Bar early to come home to sleep … he had not been very well, however, is okay now.  The following night we left the house early to go check out Villa Marina where a friend of mine from Wanganui will stay when she visits here with family and friends in late October/early November.  I then spent an enjoyable evening in the Bar but it was not a late night.  Wednesday evening I joined the girls at “Point of View”, a new establishment at Agios Mammas, from where we moved on to Bar Spetsa … a great night, lots of laughs, it was going on 0600 hours before we headed for home.  Understandably, last night I stayed in for a quiet one.

The past four days, the weather has been glorious … Springtime in Greece is a lovely time to be here.  I have been catching up on chores at the house and have yet to begin my daily visits to the beach, however, weather permitting, tomorrow I will go to Agios Mammas.  Costas is pleased that I am here … me too, it feels so right.  The four cats seem happy to see me too, they are great company.  At present, the island is not without tourists but they are few.  Everywhere is green following the winter rains and the wild flowers are heavenly.  I must get back into my walks once again.  There are many things to do here on this island Paradise.

Kostoula and I – Easter Sunday

I arrived back in New Zealand on 16 December 2013 … great to see family and friends again and of necessity, eased myself back into working over the Christmas/New Year period.  Life became busy, however, with thoughts of my next spell in Greece to keep me going, by February I had booked my next trip away.  Then, nine weeks ago, my 96-year-old Mum came to stay with me … we anticipated it would be for 8 weeks until I went away.  Sadly, she had been just one night in my home when she tripped and fell, breaking her hip in two places.  Following surgery and a 5 week stay in hospital, she is now comfortable and living in a rest home, making slow but steady progress day by day, allowing me to return to Greece, visit my family and friends on Crete and spend more time with Costas.

After weeks of uncertainty, I left Wanganui on 15 April, staying that night in Auckland with my dear friend Vivienne and her partner Dave before departing New Zealand the following day bound for Crete, via Brisbane, Dubai and Athens.  An arduous journey … it never gets any easier.  On the eve of Easter, busy airports, all planes fully booked and with no chance of scoring an extra seat to stretch out.  On arrival in Hania, Crete, feeling desperate to end my journey, I decided to take a taxi to the home of my friends Antonia and Vassiles.  Amazingly, during conversation with the driver, it came out that he remembered me from the days when I lived in Kastelli, more than 30 years’ ago.

My first couple of days here I froze … unseasonably cold weather, not helped by my level of fatigue and tiredness.  By Saturday I had recovered somewhat from the journey and in the afternoon, Antonia and I walked to the Harbour.  It appeared that everyone in Hania had the same idea … to leave their homes and hotels to spend time in the sun.  The restaurants and cafes were all crowded, throngs of people and a festival atmosphere.  At 1400 hours, amplified live Cretan music and a human chain of dancers formed a line extending right around the Harbour … quite a memorable spectacle.  I had planned to go to church with Antonia at midnight for the Easter celebrations but, unfortunately, feeling once again extremely cold and tired, I retired early to bed.

Easter Sunday morning, Antonia dropped me off at the bus station where I caught the 1100 hours bus to Kastelli, arriving around midday to the usual warm welcome from my family here.  A glorious, sunny day … the goat slowly turning on the spit and the table laid ready for a feast.  30 years’ ago, when there were 22 people in the family, we would have all been together in the one place.  Now the family has grown to such an extent (five generations), each branch of the family celebrates Easter independently.  However, over the past two days, we have welcomed many other extended family members and friends at the house, there have been no dull moments.

So, I am here until Sunday when I will return for one night to Hania before flying back to Athens on Monday morning.  A bus from the Airport to the Port of Piraeus, then a hydrofoil to Spetses and Costas … the last leg of my journey cannot come soon enough for me now.