Time for Easter part 2... Greek style this time. We arrive at the lovely Callas family home in Agia Paraskevi after an early start. The Y'ster and Eric have been very busy revamping the place and getting it ready for us - it looks great.
We spend the afternoon chilling in the glorious sunshine in the garden. Peggy cooked us a gorgeous vegetable lasagne as, being Greek Easter, we were not allowed to eat meat before midnight that evening (when Jesus has 'risen'). After a nice lazy afternoon and a little kip to recharge the batteries a few of us head out to the gorgeous roof top bar at the Hilton called Galaxy bar, for a few drinks overlooking the Acropolis.
Before we set off we see Yiannis and Iakavos preparing the lamb ready for the big feast tomorrow. Looks delicious!!
I must apologise for the next picture as it is rather graphic!! But needs must...
The amazing sculpture outside the Hilton.
The view of the Acropolis and Parthenon in the distance.
After a few drinks we head back towards home to the local church for the midnight Easter service. What was a desolate and quiet square on the way out a couple of hours ago, had now turned into a packed and vibrant square with hundreds of people gathered around the church as it was too busy for everyone to get inside.
At midnight the priest comes outside to announce that Jesus has risen and everyone lights candles. It looks really magical and has a very New Year's Eve feel to it.
Back at home we had to mark a cross on the top of the door frame with the candle flame, making a black mark to bless the house for the year.
It was then time for a big old feast with some delicious pastichio.
The next morning is Easter Day and we wake up to the gorgeous smell of the lamb being spit on the bbq outside. Salivating already.
The table being set up in the garden...
Slowly cooking away...
Although someone clearly didn't like the look of it as I got reported on FaceBook for this picture for "graphic violence"
The head coming along nicely.
The final part - hacking it off the spit ready to eat. The kokeratsi (all the innards of the lamb made into a big sausage) have already been prepared and on the table ready to tuck into.
After another great feast with all the meat we could eat we managed to devour every last part of the lamb (apart from the head). We then spend the rest of the afternoon playing cards and relaxing outside, trying to deal with our food coma's.
Pete cheating on Selena.
That evening we head into Agia Paraskevi for a few drinks. It is pretty quiet but there are a few good bars open. We spend the rest of the evening in the Big Spoon. Great night.
Clearly things in Greece mean the opposite though...
Next morning we head to Toni and Poppi's for the biggest breakfast feast we have ever had - let more over eating commence. Absolutely gorgeous spread on their lovely roof terrace.
The most remarkable and oldest woman I have ever met. This is Toni's Mum and she was 99 last week and still the most active and 'on the ball' pensioner I have ever met. Toni's house is three floors up which was no obstacle for her. There is a knock at the door downstairs and 3 mins later she appears at the top of the stairs. Amazing and an inspiration to us all.
Don't let her holding the parasol fool you... She was keeping it up!!
Next stop was some sight seeing in Athens. We head to Monistiraki station at the bottom of the Acropolis.
Even the tube stations are historic sights here...
We wander around Plaka, meandering around the Acropolis towards the entrance to get to the top.
On the way we see a news crew interviewing tourists in front of a some kokeratsi being cooked and all end up getting interviewed for Star news, which is the equivalent of our ITV evening news. Hilariously it is being shown at 8pm that evening and we managed to find it online. Only Nat, Eric and Dad made the final cut though.
The kokeratsi
After our moment of fame we continue towards the Acropolis to see the Parthenon only to find that is has closed early today, with it being Easter Monday. We still get to enjoy the great views of Athens though.
We then head back down for a few more beers around Plaka.
That evening we go for dinner at a nice little Pizza restaurant in Agia Paraskevi which used to be called Portafino. This was Yiannis' favourite pizza place when he was younger. After a nice pizza we head back home to get packed for Hydra tomorrow.
Aaaaah....made the blog for the second time in my life..ecstasy reigns!! Easter Sat lunchtime, and suddenly the garden rang out with pealsl of happy laughter and chat....and the sun came out..warm and glowing! We had arrived on Thurs early am and it had been cold, cloudy, windy, mizzly.En route to the Hilton we passed the church of Saint Dimitris, where on Good Friday night we had gathered in the square at 11.30pm. The priest and congregation processed soulfully after an enormous wooden 'tomb' encrusted with flowers and held aloft by strong men. The church bells tolled soulfully and slowly..and there wash a quiet hush in the square. Tonight it was empty at 9pm..
ReplyDeleteDashed back from drinks to the square, to meet the others...It was overflowing with a happy throng of all ages...complete families and their nearest and dearest, just like us!! At midnight the doors of the church flung open....The priest came out with his holy candle, and a warm glow slowly spread through the throng until the square was on fire wiith our candlelight, lit by his!! All of our faces were glowing and the bells went crazy....happy, rapid, tuneful peals ringing in our ears, We hugged and shouted Christos Anesti....Christ is Risen- everyone was hugging and kissing! We were overflowing with the happiness of being together for Greek Easter with our Greek family!! That moment will stay in our hearts forever. Our Big Fat Greek Easter xxx