Fish and chips and Tsipouro

Wednesday 23rd November 

This is a very crazy island. I often think I am going to come out of a dream and realise this was all made up in my head. Talking of which I had my first dream in Greece. I did not dream in Greek, but I was here, I don’t really remember what is was about. Last night the wind got very strong and woke me several times. This morning it was tipping down and I got a bit wet feeding the cats. They were a bit wet too. I had an early lunch, and by then it was drying out. I decided to do the reservoir walk, but the one that turns off to the right before getting to it. 

Photo interlude Markela’s store and bakery 

I decided to pop into Marinos’s to have a coffee beforehand. As I walked in, it was very busy. There seemed to be a party going on. Maybe a name day? I got lots of cheery welcomes. I ordered a coffee but I got a Tsipouro instead. I wasn’t driving, so I did not mind too much! While I had my drink they all said cheers to me.  Then I was asked to pop over and my friend the priest said I was to accept  a gift of fish and potato from the guys. Wow! I said thanks of course.  I showed the priest the English list of words I have learnt in Greek. I went back and sat down and ate my food. I got told off by Marinos for wearing shorts, translated by someone else, he was saying if you fall you will hurt your legs. 

There were some young guys playing cards, it looked like whist. They play with a different number of cards every round, but not like we do with knock out whist. The number of cards increases every round. 

Later on a pigeon came in and cleaned the floor for Marinos.

Marinos did not want any money for the drink and food, but I put some money in his tip box. I had on my phone, courtesy of google translate something like welcome back, Hora has missed you! He really liked that, and indicated with his hands what had caused him to be away. I understood.. ( I know the Greek for that) I left them to enjoy themselves!

I did my reservoir walk, after a walk on the sunken path, there were pools of water from last night.  Then the pools became a little stream and by the concrete bridge,  it was a very strong flow. It was lovely to see, I have been waiting for this!

When I started getting into Livadi, the path became flooded with rainwater. Pity as my boots are leaking, I need new ones! I carried onto Grans and ordered a coffee and a croissant. My friend and his wife were in the main cafe area, and I told them of my morning good fortune. It turns out if it’s raining in Greece, even just the morning, construction and farm workers get the day off! I sat outside in the passenger shelter, the sea was shooting over a lot of the concrete apron, it did not seem that windy. On the way up the steps, they are getting so green. 

As I walked home there were a lot of thunder rumbles, but I got home dry. On the way up, the fridge that was outside the house for ages, is now outside one of the churches and covered up a bit better.. Meanwhile now it’s very dark, and I need to feed the cats soon. I think myself and the cat sitter are going out for dinner, weather permitting.