15 th August

The festival of the Virgin Mary

Panagia is the greek name for the Virgin Mary

The most important Greek festival.  Athens empties as everyone returns to their villages or islands or goes on holiday.  This year it's on a Friday so it's a long weekend, and a Public Holiday. 

Poros is overflowing with cars, bikes and people.  Roads are almost impassable with cars parked on either side and anywhere that a car can possibly fit.   Even the tiniest space will have a car squeezed in to it, under trees, in front of fire hydrants, rubbish bins and even the car ferry ramp, when it's not in use.

We went down to the harbour at 8am when the supermarket opened.  Boxes were piled high outside, crates upon crates of fruit and vege.  All waiting to be put away inside.  The staff couldn't fill the shelves fast enough.  

We got what we wanted and got out.

Up in the hills there was peace and quiet

There's a road block and only residents like us are allowed in

The pine forests are tinder dry

As you've no doubt read there are horrendous fires raging in different parts of Greece, all fanned by high winds.

15th..morning news

The fires are slowly coming under control. 

 

Celebratory meal in our house

Lamb and potatoes

Overnight in the slowcooker

With garlic, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, wine and bone broth

Today is an important name day For those named Mary, Maria, Panayiota (female) Panagiotis (male) 

And any other name related to the Virgin Mary. There are many. 

We will be celebrating with the extended family tomorrow. 

Today is Friday and although it's an important feast day Friday is a day of fasting. So although we will be eating our lamb today many in the family will not be eating meat or animal products. 

Some in the family have been fasting for the last 14 days. Again, not us. 

Tomorrow we will all be dining together, eating lamb chops and pork souvlaki