Two birthdays and an election

 A thunderclap sounded early this morning but it did not awaken me, annoyingly I was already awake. I was told about a Panagia early in the week, at the church of Konstantinos and a check on the internet confirmed my Greek translation. The church is in the castle or Castro area of Hora and I knew it. It’s a bit of a climb but the views are amazing, even if the day is not starting so good in terms of weather.

I had my coffee beforehand, I asked if they  were voting today, the Greek word for voting is a mouthful, I should have used the word for election instead. There is a guy called Costas who came in after me and was very happy that it was his name day. On the TV were images of previous election days, the announcing of the winners and so on. 

It’s also the name day for Elani, and as I climbed the steps to the church I could start to hear the singer, the guy who sang at the Easter service in Koutalas. The little church was full and despite having long trousers I sat outside listening to the singing accompanied by the hens and cockerels down below and other sounds as the island started  to wake up.

I could see the new house that I will be living in after September, and also the current residence. The views of other landmarks that  I have found in my short time here were also visible. St George where I went to the last Panagia was also visible at the end of the miners track. The church in Kato Hora was also having its service and I could hear that going on too. 

At the end of it all the bread was distributed and I had a piece. Two other people emerged from the church with chocolates and cakes and one of them was directed to me, by a guy I know from the Coffee Shop. I  heard my name mentioned, I am never going to be a local here, but I was  so touched, that he made sure I got my cake, as others did.