Farewell to our Seafarer .. still on that month of Sundays (number 4)

Of course there is more.  Greeks rule

Our eldest Greek nephew is second in command on a tanker, away for many months, working 12 hour shifts or more.  His last voyages were from Canada to Venezuela.  Sometimes they are from the Middle East to China, way down to the southern oceans and Australia and then north again to the Emirates.

He rarely goes ashore as the tanker sits offshore for a very short time awaiting orders to load or unload.  When the signal comes the cargo of precious oil is moved at speed and they're off to their next port of call.  These ships are always on a tight schedule and turn around is fast.

The money is good, worth those long months away from family, island and friends.  He returns home, maybe for a month, maybe for two or three and is off again.  His mama hoped he might be home for the olive harvest.  No such luck this year.  The phone call came from Piraeus and a few days later he flew to Singapore to meet his ship.

When he comes back we give him a hero's welcome.  The family gathers in the courtyard and we drink and shout and cheer for his safe return to the fold.  

Tables set in the top yard this time.  Here we were sheltered from a chilly wind

We have a similar family gathering on his departure.  My sis-in-law will cook pies, make salads, roast potatoes and bake her family-famous ek-mek.  The family chef upstairs will have a piece of pork bubbling away in beer, an unsalted chicken for the kids.  The BBQ is lit for a few souvlaki, piles of pita bread and yards of country sausages, full of garlic and gristle.

We will bring a grilled fish from the family fisherman, a loaf of homemade bread.  Everyone brings their speciality.  Potato salad, spinach pie, tzatziki . There are always leftovers, so many leftovers.  That's the sign of a good gathering.  No-one went home hungry!

Dimitris and his two cousins.   We gave him a loud and animated family send-off

Baklavas.  This small box didn't last long.  Sweet syrupy, crisp filo pastry, lots of  nuts.  Finger licking deliciousness.  

Junior watches from afar.  He is not allowed downstairs and knows his limits.

Bon Voyage

Kalo Taxidi

Kales Thalasses

Calm Seas

Me to kalo na gyriseis

Come back soon  .....

and it'll be party time again!