 |
| Yia Yia Village of Therma: Thermal baths |
 |
| Sweet memory of how my Grandfather walked |
 |
| Father Mihale |
Father Mihale is a retired 90 year old priest, arrived on his motorcycle,(no helmet) for a visit, glass red wine, to share his colorful, fascinating, stories.
He had just finished working in the vineyards all day, told
us, not because he has to, but because he enjoys his work in sun.
He is full of life and laughter, joy. When it was time for him to take his leave, he shook our hands, with bone crushing handshake, goodbye, great big smile.
 |
| Paschale poses with traditional goat backpack |
 |
| Third generation Ikarian proudly demonstrates bee 🐝 keepers Tools of trade |
Eleni milking her goat. Goat cheese, goat milk, goat yogurt a staple of the Island and my favorite of all goat ice cream made with mastica.
 |
| Stopped long enough to pose for a photo Then she was gone |
This Yia Yia has come to join in the Wedding festivities she is patiently waiting for so she can sample the hosts cooking, traditional dish of Goat.
pouring local honey and cinnamon over the top. We indulge once a week, to drink a Greek coffee with kyri Maria, eat warm loukamades, enjoy majestic scenery.
She also collects and drys medicinal herbs and makes healing Tinctures, money is donated to the upkeep of the church and the grounds.
' Isidoros and Arapina
We shared so many special moments, recipes,adventures unforgettable memories with our Host and Hostess of Balconi Studios Marianna and Paschale.
Captain Giorgo is proud of his Greek water taxi ferrying people back and forth to trapolo.
 |
| 90 Something Ikarian Outdanced lasted longer than anyone |
 |
| Local grocer displaying his production of grapes |
We met this Ikarote with his donkey named Arapina in the morning, shared his red grapes he had just picked from the vineyards, we shared our cookies from the bakery.
We ate many of the fruits and vegatables from Paschale vineyards and gardens in this case it was fried Zucchini flowers.
 |
| Sharing American favorite Watermelon Fruit basket for celebration tonight |
 |
| Dmitri car rental guy Evdilos Real character |
One of our favorite places to enjoy a cappuccino, eat rizogalo with the owner Vagelio. A favorite Ikarian always laughing, smiling, welcoming.
As I write this blog, It reminds me one of many reasons I love this island so much!
"It's the people" generous in spirit, generous with their time, always taking the time to stop and talk, to offer whatever they may have at the moment, grapes, tomatoes, a glass of red wine, cup of coffee, tea, whatever they have available at the moment they will share with you.
A common occurrence here, coming across two cars stopped in the middle of the road having a conversation or seeing villagers dancing in the street. Simply sit wait or get out of you car join in the dance or the conversation, after song conversation is complete, get back in your car and you drive away.
Their pace is never hurried. There are no gyms here on Ikaria, elders are sturdy and strong with stocky builds, climbing hills all day, tending their goats, working in the gardens or vineyards or dancing the night away. I am convinced that because of their unhurried purposeful lifestyle is another reason they live long, well.
 |
| Stop smell flowers |
No comments:
Post a Comment