A Pre Xmas Coffee

 Time for a pre-Christmas catch-up, a long chat in English and a steamy hot cappuccino. 

I went across on the car ferry to Galatas, the village across the straits.

The sun was supposed to shine today but it was cold and cloudy. 

This cafe is right where the car ferry pulls in. It's very popular because there's no doubt about it, they have the best coffee in the county.

At this time of the year it is beautifully decorated. It's one of the few places where we can sit in the cosy warmth  of the café and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Perfect for a long coffee and a good gossip.

There's even a post box for letters to Santa . 

As well as coffee, cakes, muffins and hot flaky, or non-flaky cheese pies they sell freshly ground coffee, small pots of handmade chocolates and biscuits. 

It reminded me of a visit many, many years ago to a mall in Athens. It was just before Christmas and I walked in from a cold, wet city pavement to a magical, for me, warm atmosphere with Christmas carols echoing through the speakers, Xmas trees and Santas on every floor.

I suddenly thought, hey, it's Xmas, it really is.

The only other time I got close to that, also many years ago, was the Anglican Christmas bazaar in Athens. English voices, a roving band of carol singers, hot Irish coffee, mince pies, Xmas cards and Xmas crackers on sale and piles of lovely second hand books and clothes to rummage through. 

In days of yore.....