Carnival

Well we were not sure if it would take place, but the weather was looking better so we started.....the souvlaki (just a few!) arrived and were distributed round the stands were they were to be cooked and sold.....a few hardy people turned up in fancy dress ready....and then the heavens opened.....and it poured.....and poured.....and the water got into the sound system wiring....it went down....and took all my side of the village with it.....they sorted that out....and...then very sadly a lady visiting the village for the carnival had a heart attack and died....needless to say, everyone agreed that the carnival would not take place.
Hopefully it will now take place on Sunday 1st March, if the weather is too bad this day, then we will not have one this year.
It was a sad day, both for the family and friends of the poor lady who died and for the committee of the carnival who had worked so hard to get everything ready. If anyone reading this knows the family of the lady involved, would you pass on my condolences?

Will it or won't it?

Well, its Carnival day and the weather is really bad.....we are still waiting for final confirmation that it will go ahead....the outlook is that the rain and hail we have had this morning will turn to snow overnight and through Monday/Tuesday....here are a few pictures of the stalled preparations...the fire is going (but has already gone out once today) and the soup is on the go...nothing else to do but wait.....

International New Year Party

Delia and Antonis had an international new year party at their new home. There were Greeks, Germans, Irish, Scottish and English. I organised party games which totally confused the Greeks as they havent played grown up party games before.We took pictures of some of the more sedate games, the rough ones we have to remember. Just before midnight we went up to the square to let in the new year. We were greeted by Papa Manolis singing under an umbrella in the middle of the square. At midnight fireworks went off and the tavernas closed leaving bottles of whisky on the tables for anyone visiting. Most of the party then went back to the house until the early hours. We all had a great time, Thanks Delia and Antonis.....

Mum and Daughter

Most of my regular readers will remember Jessica, the demon huntress. Most will not know her mum Ginger as she is very afraid of people and will not stand still for her photo taking. I took these as they were curled up asleep together because they look so cute......Ginger is on the left and Jessica on the right...

Its Raki time again.....

I got a phone call yesterday morning to say my friend Manthos was going to be making his Raki at the other Raki factory (not the one I photographed last year) and he would like me to take some photos for the Blog. Always ready to oblige I scooted off. The Raki making had already started.....

The finished stuff....warm....tasty...and lethal!
Kath checking they are doing the job right...
Yiannis and Dimitra who run the Raki factory starting to dismantle the still to put more stuff in....

First the pipes come off....
Then the dome....(well I dont know the names, do I?)
The branch is there to stop the grape mulch from floating.
Pushing the used pulp out of the still ready for the next lot..
There it goes...steaming hot....

All used up.....
The next batch waiting to go in...
There it goes....
Yiannis laughing as he spots me taking his picture...
And of course they have to make a party of it....
Michaelis is cooking as Manthos sorts out the meat....
Just one or two people to keep company while the Raki brews...







A really good time was had by all, and it was really good to sit outside in the sun, eat, drink and talk with such interesting company. Thanks everyone.....