Around and About Kastéli Kissamos
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Tuesday 7 May-Friday 10 May 2024
Monday night, just as I was thinking to make the walk back to Revekka, plans changed when family members arrived. We spent a pleasant evening around the table eating, drinking, talking, laughing… a typical scene in a Greek family home. It had been a long day and outside it was surprisingly chilly, so a lift back to my room was really appreciated.
Tuesday dawned a calm, clear blue sky day… absolutely stunning. I went walkabout along the beach and through town, then hung out in my room for a while before walking over to Roma and Vanna’s at lunchtime. Vanna’s mother Théspina had made Yemistá… stuffed vegetables. Returned to my room in time to catch an hour’s worth of sunbeams on my balcony, in the evening returning to the family home.
When Katina asked me if I would like to eat Horta, she received a very positive response. For hundreds of years, the Cretan people have been eating the wild greens abundant from their even wilder mountains. Simply called “Horta” nutrient rich Stamnagáthi or Spiny Chicory is recognized for its many medicinal benefits. It is believed to be one of the Cretan hidden keys to longevity.
Many of you will know of my passion for Sea Glass hunting. This therapeutic pastime began in Greece in 2022 and naturally, I wish to continue beachcombing while I’m back here. Walked along Kastéli beach Wednesday morning to the spot I’ve always gone to whenever I’ve been staying in the family home. Only small pickings of Sea Glass but a lovely spell in the sun before going to have lunch and see Anna.
Katina had cooked Kotópoulo me bámies sto foúrno. Chicken with Okra (also known as ladies fingers) baked in the oven. Okra has lots of health benefits and I enjoy them but eating too many can cause one to have gas, bloating and stomach cramping. Never mind… easily cured with an ouzo or two in the evening.
An incredibly frustrating day on Thursday, endeavouring to fix the issues with my website, which is only displaying content on the Home Page and Blog… still unresolved. Went out to Babel Cafe by the sea to clear my head. Enjoyed a Club Sandwich with Fries. Had another walk along Kastéli beach on the way to Anna’s, coffee and then back to the grindstone.
Friday and the weather gods were a little angry sending rain, thunder and a lot of wind our way. A perfect excuse to have a day to myself for rest and relaxation, only venturing out early afternoon to eat a delicious plate of Vegetarian Pasta at Babel Cafe/Bar Restaurant.
