Name Days in Greece and 400 Steps
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Tuesday 21 May-Wednesday 22 May 2024
Name Days are Feast Days in Greece. It is when the Greek Orthodox commemorates a particular holy person, normally a saint or martyr. Orthodox churches are given the name of a saint. So, the churches have feast days on the days of the year associated with their specific saints. Greeks are usually given the name of an orthodox saint, and Name Days are celebrated as we would celebrate our birthday.
Tuesday, 21 May, was the Name Day of Konstantinos and Eléni and, of course, my name is Helen. The patron Saints of Kastellórizo also happen to be Konstantinos and Eléni. The pealing of church bells could be heard from early morning, and around 1100 hours, I witnessed a procession, just as I arrived at the Agios Konstantinos & Agia Eleni Church.
With a forecast high for the day of 30°C, I returned to my room early in the afternoon for siesta. I haven’t been feeling 💯 the past 48 hours, with symptoms akin to chemical poisoning, which I know well, having had 245T poisoning in the past. If you remember, Agent Orange, used in the Vietnam War, it contained 245T.
In the afternoon, when my host Peter knocked on the door, imagine my shock when I learned he had come to tell me someone was spraying a chemical pesticide in and outside the building to eliminate cockroaches 🪳 They even wanted to spray in my room. I voiced my concern and then shut myself in for the remainder of the day. Apparently, the guy has been on the job all around town. Is it any wonder that I have been feeling unwell.
This morning, a little before 0800 hours, I left my room to hike up the 400 steps and onwards to the Monastery of St George of Vouni and return. I was aware before setting out that the monastery would be closed. It was quite challenging, but I conquered, and I achieved what I set out to do. Conditions were mainly overcast and humid. Once up on top, a light breeze was welcomed. The steps were marked in increments of 50, and somehow, it helped to know how far I still had to go.
I had lunch out at Remezzo Café with my host Peter and Harvey, an Australian friend of Peter’s. This morning, Peter saw two Loggerhead Sea Turtles in the harbour. I’m still waiting to capture that elusive Turtle image.
Tonight, I decided to try Lazarakis Restaurant for dinner. I enjoyed their Yemistá (stuffed vegetables). Not as good as Katina’s in Kastéli. However, possibly the best I’ve eaten at a restaurant. What I have noticed on Kastellórizo is that all the restaurants seem to offer a complimentary sweet to finish off your meal. It’s a nice gesture that goes some way towards counteracting what I think are fairly high prices.
