Once again I have just returned from a wonderful, but busy two weeks in Elounda. Having had to make an early morning start we had an enjoyable meal that evening at the Akti Olous and then an early night. We woke up to glorious sunshine and I went down to the beach for my usual swim. This was followed by a visit to Lynne at Eklektos Bookshop where we made final arrangements for me to spend an afternoon up there signing books.
That evening it was a meal at one of our favourite tavernas – Dimitris’s Steak House – where we met up with friends who live close to me in England. We were also up there the next evening to meet an English friend who has lived in Elounda for almost twenty years and is a well established member of both the Greek and English community.
I was able to travel in to Agios Nikolaos to finally meet with a lady whom I had been in contact with for some years. She was so welcoming and is now a friend who I am looking forward to seeing again next year.
We all went up to Kastelli to meet our friends who live there and had lunch at the local taverna. Julie is crocheting an enormous dragon that she plans to sell for charity. It is taller than her husband – and he is 6ft. She still has to complete the eyes, scales and claws and I am looking forward to seeing the finished ‘animal’.
Our ‘special day’ was spent on Spinalonga with our friends Gloria and Clive. We caught the early workmen’s boat so were able to have about two hours on the island without all the tourists who visit every day. I was so pleased to have a quick ‘catch up’ with my friend Tina who works on Spinalonga. After walking all round the island and seeing the further clearance and renovations that had taken place we went for a well deserved drink at The Pines and I was able to visit Monique in her gift shop. Up to Mavrikiano for lunch at The Hope, a taverna that never disappoints.
For the first time I visited the village of Limnes where some English friends have a house; three cottages that have been converted into one house with all the original features kept. They had arranged for the museum to be opened for me and I found it very interesting. I even managed to communicate – in my very limited Greek – with the curator who spoke no English. A further visit already on my list for next year.
During our second week we were able to catch up and have meals with other friends, one of which was a birthday meal and another for a wedding anniversary. We were also invited into the Villa Loula to use their pool one afternoon and again when Vakis cooked us his delicious chicken curry. His orchard is flourishing and we were given three freshly picked limes to bring home.
Our last afternoon was spent in visiting Yvonne and Alan Payne in Kritsa. I was disappointed that Yvonne’s book ‘Explore Kritsa’ was not yet on sale up there. We had a leisurely walk around the village followed by an early evening meal at a local taverna.
Our time in Elounda passed all too quickly and I have to thank Rhonda who organises the taxi service to and from the airport. We were met by a delightful young man who checked in our luggage and directed us to the correct check in area.
Back home and now I will have to work hard to get the latest book ‘Ludmila’ completed by the end of October. I have already booked to return next year, so I have something to look forward to in the future.
That evening it was a meal at one of our favourite tavernas – Dimitris’s Steak House – where we met up with friends who live close to me in England. We were also up there the next evening to meet an English friend who has lived in Elounda for almost twenty years and is a well established member of both the Greek and English community.
I was able to travel in to Agios Nikolaos to finally meet with a lady whom I had been in contact with for some years. She was so welcoming and is now a friend who I am looking forward to seeing again next year.
We all went up to Kastelli to meet our friends who live there and had lunch at the local taverna. Julie is crocheting an enormous dragon that she plans to sell for charity. It is taller than her husband – and he is 6ft. She still has to complete the eyes, scales and claws and I am looking forward to seeing the finished ‘animal’.
Our ‘special day’ was spent on Spinalonga with our friends Gloria and Clive. We caught the early workmen’s boat so were able to have about two hours on the island without all the tourists who visit every day. I was so pleased to have a quick ‘catch up’ with my friend Tina who works on Spinalonga. After walking all round the island and seeing the further clearance and renovations that had taken place we went for a well deserved drink at The Pines and I was able to visit Monique in her gift shop. Up to Mavrikiano for lunch at The Hope, a taverna that never disappoints.
For the first time I visited the village of Limnes where some English friends have a house; three cottages that have been converted into one house with all the original features kept. They had arranged for the museum to be opened for me and I found it very interesting. I even managed to communicate – in my very limited Greek – with the curator who spoke no English. A further visit already on my list for next year.
During our second week we were able to catch up and have meals with other friends, one of which was a birthday meal and another for a wedding anniversary. We were also invited into the Villa Loula to use their pool one afternoon and again when Vakis cooked us his delicious chicken curry. His orchard is flourishing and we were given three freshly picked limes to bring home.
Our last afternoon was spent in visiting Yvonne and Alan Payne in Kritsa. I was disappointed that Yvonne’s book ‘Explore Kritsa’ was not yet on sale up there. We had a leisurely walk around the village followed by an early evening meal at a local taverna.
Our time in Elounda passed all too quickly and I have to thank Rhonda who organises the taxi service to and from the airport. We were met by a delightful young man who checked in our luggage and directed us to the correct check in area.
Back home and now I will have to work hard to get the latest book ‘Ludmila’ completed by the end of October. I have already booked to return next year, so I have something to look forward to in the future.
