Wednesday 5 July 2017

Ouzo at the Monastery

When we found Vayonia beach still not open and serving ouzo by the sea we 'hiked' over to the other side of the island to the little cafe beside the Monastery. 




The road ends here just under the Monastery and the little café serves weary worshippers, parched tourists and locals looking for a bit of peace and coolness under the spreading chestnut tree




It is always cool up here with a nice breeze coming down from the ravine behind us.  The family that run it make their own cakes and savoury pies.  Their children go to school with our grandchildren.  They are happy to spend some time with the customers and we will sit and  chat about the children, the state of the island and this years summer visitors


It is cool under the tree and we get a welcome breeze.  We usually bring visitors from other lands here.  First we climb up and admire the view from outside the monastery and then clamber quickly down the steps for a cold drink


The Monastery with its grove of Cyprus trees


The spring water from this tap is supposed to have healing properties.  Now there is just a trickle of water.  On either side are pots of basil


The plate of snacks (mezes) to go with the ouzo



This is the little church down by the café.  Baptisms are held here and also weddings.  No weddings are held at the Monastery itself because monks never marry (?)

8 comments:

  1. Another great post from an "insider's" point of view. Just wanted to tell you that I tried one of your recipes the other day, the eggplant, tomato, onion, olive oil mixture. I'm eating the last of it right now with some chicken. You have now converted me to eggplants! -Jenn

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    1. Well done Jenn!!! I eat it but can't say it's a favourite

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  2. Food looks good. We've got heavy rain on the way according to the forecast. I bet you'd love it right now. We'd love to get rid of it!

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    1. Rain, yes, yes!!

      Temperatures have gone down here but rain sigjt

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    2. Yes God's, what did I write? I think it should have been....no rain in sight.

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    3. It's been a humid day today here in sunny England. The sun is making me wish it was a bit cooler. It was good to see the wife today. She always cheers me up and gives me plenty to look forward to. Chilling out,asyou are doing there, is a good idea when the weather is like it is today.

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  3. That all looks like Greek Greece, with not a tourist in sight. Your Meze looks wonderful too. I would happily have joined you!

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    1. Sort of place you bring a book and have a beer and watch the owners kids playing in the middle of the road. A breath of fresh air in many ways

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