Hot August Days and Nights
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Mountain village of Makrinitsa - The Pelion
We are told the climate is heating up! Certainly yesterday here in Greece, we suffered through one of the hottest days this summer and with high levels of humidity, the highest temperature recorded – 39 degrees C. Although it is rare for Greece to experience a heatwave in August, way back in 1956, the temperature reached an astonishing 47 degrees C and some 600 people died. Last Saturday 14 August, 41 degrees C was recorded in Athens. The good news is, temperatures are expected to drop later in the week which hopefully will also mean, better sleep.
In light of the above, I am forced to spend the greater part of the day in relaxation, not a bad thing when I can sit out on my balcony at Hotel Achilles and take in all that is happening in the Square below. Early yesterday morning I enjoyed a lovely walk through the cobble stone paths of Makrinitsa, admiring the traditional stone built houses and mansions with their grey coloured roofs made from local slate. The village extends from it’s lowest part at an altitude of 350m, to 700m at it’s highest. With more than 50 water fountains in Makrinitsa, there are plenty of opportunities to refill your water bottle.
Facilities and services are limited here and by far the greatest majority of the shops sell souvenirs and local products. With over 1,000 species of plants and herbs with pharmaceutical and medicinal value to be found in the area, dried herbs and herbal teas are popular, as well as Pelion spoon sweets and jams, olive oil and herb flavoured vinegars.
Today I have walked to the nearest village of Portaria – also beautiful, however, my personal preference would have to be Makrinitsa. On the way back, I took a monopati (old path) next to a stream, up through a tree studded ravine of chestnut, oak, beech and poplar. On reaching the top of the old path, I returned back the same way, passing a group of Greeks just setting out, who wanted to know if it was beautiful and how long would it take them? Yes, I said, it was very beautiful, however, without good walking shoes (they were all wearing jandals) the path would not be so easy.
Looking over now at the village of Portaria bathed in sunshine, it is difficult to imagine how in Winter, it can be covered in snow. With the Ski Centre of Agriolefkes nearby, Portaria is a popular Winter destination. After spending more than 2 weeks away from the islands and coastal mainland, I am feeling the need to get back to turquoise seas and beautiful beaches. Therefore, I have in mind to move on Friday, either to Tsagarada, another beautiful mountain village of the Pelion, however, with beaches of the Aegean Sea in easy reach, or perhaps to one of those beaches.
Thursday, August 19th 2010 at 7:43 am |
Slightly cooler this morning, wouldn’t you say? Our Irish cyclist visitors are spending their last day on Limnos on the beach. One of them is a teacher in Dublin, and coincidentally has a son, 33, who — well — I’ll write and send you an email soon!
Today I felt almost energized by the less than 40 degree temperatures and a breeze from the north blowing through the cabin. So I’m baking my almond-fig bread plus an eggplant to make Melitzanisalata later. Themis claims I don’t have a clue how to make M’salata. My last attempt, I thought, was delicious — got the recipe off the internet, Any secret suggestions?
Today I announced I am going to Amorgos — but will I? I have a little under three weeks left… If it cools down I will seriously consider jumping on the ferry and heading out for a quickie adventure.
Where you are now sounds like somewhere I would like to travel someday, but maybe not in August!
Happy trails!
Hugs
Ann