Ouzo at the Monastery

When we found Vayonia beach still not open and serving ouzo by the sea we 'hiked' over to the other side of the island to the little cafe beside the Monastery. 

The road ends here just under the Monastery and the little café serves weary worshippers, parched tourists and locals looking for a bit of peace and coolness under the spreading chestnut tree

It is always cool up here with a nice breeze coming down from the ravine behind us.  The family that run it make their own cakes and savoury pies.  Their children go to school with our grandchildren.  They are happy to spend some time with the customers and we will sit and  chat about the children, the state of the island and this years summer visitors

It is cool under the tree and we get a welcome breeze.  We usually bring visitors from other lands here.  First we climb up and admire the view from outside the monastery and then clamber quickly down the steps for a cold drink

The Monastery with its grove of Cyprus trees

The spring water from this tap is supposed to have healing properties.  Now there is just a trickle of water.  On either side are pots of basil

The plate of snacks (mezes) to go with the ouzo

This is the little church down by the café.  Baptisms are held here and also weddings.  No weddings are held at the Monastery itself because monks never marry (?)