Tuesday 17 April 2018

By the Sea

After our seafood lunch on Palm Sunday at Methana we came back along the beach of Vathi. deserted in the winter but still with three or four fish tavernas open, selling once again fish from their own boats, greens gathered by the women and everything homemade including the wine.



This family are cleaning shellfish from the sea beside them.  They sat on a couple of boxes with their ouzo, a glass of water and a knife to open the shellfish.  From sea, to hand to mouth all washed down with a sip of aniseed flavoured ouzo.  A perfect Sunday afternoon for some




We came across an even more pleasant taverna right beside the sea, with tables under the shade of  a spreading tree.  We stopped for coffee but next time it will be a plate of fish and a greek salad.  Simple, cheap and fresh local food and wine



Looking back along the harbour road




This little church has a popular fiesta.   K remembers when he was just a boy and all the family from Poros, Methana and villages inbetween would gather here.  They all came by foot bringing food, water and bedding piled onto a donkey or carried on their backs (the women's backs).   The families slept out under the trees and enjoyed two or three days of celebration and rest from their hard daily toil of herding the sheep and goats, loading donkeys, gathering olives, figs, walnuts and almonds


Today K gathered handfuls of wild fennel to bring home and use in our salads and lenten dishes.  Fennel is similar to dill but has a strong aniseed flavour, almost as though you have added a few shots of ouzo liqueur to your cooking


Another church.  We turned off the road to visit a little bay which is popular for swimming in the summer


Deserted in the winter but I can see its attraction in the summer,  The church courtyard is completely shaded and there are built in tables and benches along the walls.  A perfect picninc spot  ... if you get there first


There were words written across the road in several places.  Someone must know what it's all about but complete double-dutch to us (all greek to you).

Basically it says 
You, with exchanges  became 'rouf'

?

19 comments:

  1. I always love reading about your tavernas and celebrations. I guess the rest at the little church with the food and sleeping outside would be like our version of camping. -Jenn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Never thought about it like that. Of course, it was their version of our camping, way back then! He'll love that

      Delete
  2. Lovely to have a glimpse of a different way of live, little Tavernas and food and wine.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really was delightful and off the island for a change

      Delete
  3. Linda thank you!. You are keeping my dream alive. 1 year 9 months until i can retire to Greece.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hope you've spent a few winters there and had the experience of sorting out paperwork! It is not paradise but definitely more sunshine!!

      Delete
  4. I would love to join you at one of those blue tables under the shade of that big tree. It looks just as tavernas should look.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a little family taverna probably just the sort you remember. I hope we make it back there soon.

      Delete
  5. Sleeping outside is lovely when you don’t have aircon at home
    But I’d rather stay in my bed
    Especially in Australia where all manner of bugs can eat you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not so many bugs here but loads f mozzies. Give me a nice clean hotel with Aircon!!!

      Delete
  6. We also pick wild fennel to add to fish dishes. I like it but it's not to everyone's taste.
    How brave of that family to eat raw fish and risking food poisoning.
    Your husband has a very friendly face, the kind of person that everyone would love as a friend!
    Greetings Maria x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your nice comment Maria, I'll pass it onto my husband. He lives people!!
      Fennel has a very strong taste. I only use in a few dishes and make sure it cooks with the food right from the start so the taste s not too strong.

      Delete
  7. Under The Shade Of A Spreading Tree. That could be the title of your book?

    Looks like Paradise to me. Woke up to light rain and mizzle this morning. I can't believe its 25 degrees in England.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now that title is great! It fits in perfectly with life here and gives me a place to start. Spreading trees that I have known, many!
      Just might have to give you a mention!
      When are you starting your book? Just going off to read about latest character

      Delete
    2. 21 oC here Dave, with a light sea breeze! 28 in some parts of London now!

      Delete
  8. I’m outside on the veranda. We.’re having a heatwave, i’m reading this on my iPad and enjoying it. It’s almost like i’m there,savouring the atmosphere. To really get the most out of it you have to live it. It’ll probably rain tomorrow but at least I have today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saw England is getting marvellous weather. Wonderful being outside hand letting the sun warm your bones

      Delete
  9. I always enjoy your photographs but today, with the door open and heat pouring in, I almost feel as though I am there. Bliss.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beautiful warm weather right now but you're enjoying the same. Hope it stays for a while

      Delete