Itisallgreek2me

1st floor of family home in Kastelli Kissamos as viewed from the hill

My apologies for no blog posted yesterday – bleak weather meant nothing much to do, nothing much to write about.  The previous evening I had helped Katina making six large pizzas, now in the freezer, ready for the oven when unexpected guests arrive.  That night a mosquito bite on my right hand, small finger has resulted in my hand becoming very swollen and itchy – such a reaction never have I had in my life which makes me wonder what that mosquito was carrying.  First my toe, then my finger, I am not awaiting a third injury! 

An interesting news item on Wednesday, thousands of frogs in Northern Greece invaded a highway.  Causing a handful of accidents and paralysing traffic, experts were at a loss to explain this bizarre phenomenon.  When I have need to use the outside toilet at night, I often see frogs hopping across the courtyard as they hurry to return to their hiding places. 

Today dawned with a clear blue sky and sunshine, just as I remember all days used to be here in Springtime.  This morning I photographed the plant Diktamos (Dittany of Crete) which the family have growing in a pot in the garden.  Endemic only to Crete, it’s natural habitat is in the mountains and gorges, a herbaceous plant used in tea and many beauty preparations.  When I had my cottage industry Hellenic Herbs, prior to entering the world of real estate, Dittany of Crete was my logo. 

Have not long finished a delicious lunch of Yemista  (tomatoes, courgettes, capsicums, courgette flowers, grapevine leaves – stuffed with a mixture of rice, parsley, mint, dill, vlita, onion and baked in the oven) served with natural yoghurt, Greek salad, bread and wine.  For those of you who recall my talking about food here, especially in the family home, being to die for – a classic example would be Yemista.  In the past I have been used to being served a glass of warm goat’s milk at breakfast.  Alas, not to be at this time, the goat she is pregnant and due to give birth in 10 days’ time. 

With the sun shining and a very pleasant 24 degrees C, set off after lunch for a walk, heading first up the hill to the cemetery.  Costas and his two brothers are buried there – prime location above the town.  Wandered on down an alternate road to the centre of town and the Square, eventually reaching the lovely harbour where there are many tavernas, cafes and bars.  West of the town you will find a tiny harbour, home to small fishing boats and further on the Port at which I arrived a week ago. 

With summer edging ever closer Greek children, who must attend school from the age of 6 to 15, are looking forward to their long summer holidays.  The school year begins here around 10 September, intermediate and senior students begin their summer holidays from 20 May or thereabouts and the juniors from around 10 June.  During the remainder of the year they have no school on Public Holidays and two weeks off at Christmas and again over Easter.  

One week has passed since I arrived, soon I will be saying my farewells, however, I do plan to return for a stay of a similar duration later in the year.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 2:45 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.