Tuesday 11 February 2020

Sunny Tuesday


The 'Flying Catamaran' disembarked hundreds of new recruits this morning.  It's training time at the Naval Base.  2 weeks of fun in the sun, some weapons training and learning how to march for these conscripts about to begin their one year compulsory service in the Greek Navy.  Sunday they'll have a few hours out to meet their Mum's and Nan's and girlfriends and clog up the tables at our waterfront cafe.  In 2 weeks time they will swear allegiance to flag and country and go off on a few days leave before beginning their service on ships, if they have no one to put a good word in for them or even a far flung island off the coast of Turkey.  Anyone with an inside influence will be on shore duty at some base or installation close to home so they can enjoy Mama's cooking and clean clothes. 

Carnival has begun in Greece, 3 weeks of dressing up and having fun before the fasting of Lent.  

20 February is a big meat eating day and time for fund raising dances and big parties at tavernas and hotels.  Most people attending these affairs put on some sort of costume or at least a funny hat.  We stay at home and BBQ chops and sausages and so do most here on Poros.  I'm a party pooper so staying at home will be fine by me.  We are sure to have neighbours or friends here with us.  Traditional husband is a very social person and insists on following the customs.

Then  Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera), March 2nd, is the next big holiday and feast day.  A feast without meat, or fish.  We'll be dining on shellfish, octopus, kalamari and taramasalata (fish roe sauce).  

Then Lent begins.  And finally the Orthdox Easter.  Easter Sunday is April 19th this year for us.  A week earlier for the rest of you.





14 comments:

  1. There's always something to look forward to over there x

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  2. I applaud a year military training, for citizens. And since women want to be equal, for all citizens of this age.

    Nice looking young Greek men!!!!!

    More structured holidays and etc. -smile- Your calendar is mapped out for you, year after year after year.

    Do you have a form of Valentine's Day?

    💕💕💕💕

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    1. Yeh, Valentine's day has taken hold here. Not nearly as commercial as yours though. I'll make something hubby likes to eat, that's probably what the kids will do as well. With a few glasses of wine, but we drink that anyway most days. Essential part of the Mediterranean diet 😄😄😄

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  3. Replies
    1. Yearly traditions. Been there , done that, and will be doing it again....and again

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  4. The year has flown. It doesn’t seem that long ago that it was Easter.
    These days I’m a party pooper as well. But I’m trying to make an effort and go out a bit more this year. It’s my news years resolution. To be more social. Wish me luck lol

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    1. I've done my best to try and be social. Now I bow out most times. Family , yes. They help clean up too!!
      I'm quite happy being anti social and slowly everyone is getting the idea that I just won't be there if it means crowds and noise

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  5. I don't like commercialization but I do like traditionalism, and think it would be great to have so many Special Days during the year where you can get together with friends and family and have a good time. We are all so different aren't we?

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    1. Small get togethers are great,
      Love having all the family around and everyone helps.

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  6. I'm not keen either on going out and pretending to have a good time. I'd much rather have a couple of people around for an intimate dinner party. I think you have far too many special days; it would drive me crazy. I'm quite happy with just Christmas!

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    1. Yeh, that pretending to have a good time kills me. Small parties at our house are fine. Having all the family at our house is of course wonderful.
      Family is fun!

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  7. I am still in hibernation mode but, even so, I am a real socialite (who am I kidding?) compared to my husband! I can occasionally winkle him out of the house to visit someone but it is such hard work that I end up wondering why I bothered. Just as well the family come round here all the time!

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    1. Family are fine, its those noisy crowds I can't stand. I inch myself slowly outside and disappear before anyone can stop me!
      Being married to a social person I sometimes have to appear but no-one says for how long lol

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