And on the way home......

On the way home from the Raki factory I bumped into two of my neighbours cooking the potato for their dinner on the little fire at the side of the road. It is normal for Maria - the lady on the right to cook here - usually with Katina who I think may be her mother (she wasn't there last night)

Its Raki time....

This is my first experience of the Raki making, yes, I know I drink quite a bit of it, but that is very different to watching it being made! It was fascinating. They bring the leftovers from the winemaking and put them in a big vat with a dome shaped lid. The fire is lit and the Raki then comes out of the bottom of the still through a little spout. Everyone sits around eating raw green beans and jacket potatos cooked on the top of the fire box whilst tasting the Raki fresh from the still. I must admit the stuff they made was some of the nicest I have tasted. (for any interested brewers the specific gravity was 22) I wobbled home around 5.30 to try and cook my dinner.....

Ready for the Winter

There we are then, ready for the cold weather to arrive. My Somba (wood burning stove) is cleaned and the wood has arrived and is stacked in the Yard. Lots of cosy nights in now.....

What is it?

Did you get it right?
Its a tomato........a friend from Vrahassi Greek class brought some plants in and they were not tagged so she wasn't sure what kind they were....I have never seen a tomato like this before, they are only around one to one and a half inches long, but they taste delicious and are very sweet.

Cool for Cats.....

You can tell how hot its getting here when the cat jumps in the fridge the minute its open!
p.s. no your eyes are not going funny, the picture is blurry.

New Doors

At last...my lovely new doors are here and fitted.....complete with window to open when it is too warm inside, and I had the blessing of Papa Manolis who came to have a look at them and declared them "fantastico". He has also ordered some for his house remarkably like them - a result I think!!!!

A wedding in the village

Yesterday was a special day in the village. The first summer wedding. Dimitri and Sofia had the most beautiful of weddings. It took place (unusually) in front of the church and was followed by music from a famous professional band and display dancing by the local Cretan dancing display team (including Dimitris' brother Niko who is not only a good dancer, but a talented musician) The bride naturally looked absolutely stunning, as did all the rest of the wedding party. Rafael (next to Dimitri on the photo) walked to the church with a little girl on each arm...a proper little gentleman! There are also photos of the wedding favours which are traditionally given to all guests. There is an almond macaroon, sugared almonds and honey and nuts (usually spooned in your mouth as you leave the church - this time in little jars with a D and S and a heart hand painted in between) The wedding was followed by fireworks and lots and lots of partying. Needless to say the village was very, very quiet on Sunday. Congratulations to the happy couple!!!