Christmas in Nea Silata

We went out to the village of Nea Silata on Christmas Eve and stayed at Eleftheria's parent's house until Saturday afternoon.  Christmas in this part of Greece is not the major event we have made it into in the U.S.  It is however a time for families getting together with good food, conversation and laughter.  This is our third visit to Greece and it rained on us for the first time.  It has been very dry so far this fall and winter, so the rainfall was much appreciated by the farmers.  Even with the rain we managed to get in several nice hikes and a trip to a car dealership to begin the search for an appropriate vehicle for the new family!

 

On Christmas Eve morning young people, in pairs, come to the door and sing a traditional little song accompanied by triangle (called kalanda).  They in return expect to receive a euro or two for their efforts.  We had 4 or 5 duos (both girls and boys) perform.

 

The main gift this year preparing for her first trip to the village!

 

Also in the morning, Ian had some errands to run and Karen decided she needed a new pair of shoes!

 

The new family ready to travel.

 

Guess who these folks are looking at.

 



 

From left to right nephew Christo, nieces Katerina and Aspacea holding Artemis and Kristina.  Lietza, Eleftheria's cousin is next to her.  Aspacea and Kristina are her children.

 

The new Grandma's (Yaya in Greek) discussing gardening techniques (or perhaps new granddaughters?)

 

Christmas day finery.

 

An elf outfit given to Artemis by a friend of Eleftheria's.

 

Manolis holding Artemis, wife Lietza, cousin Sokis and wife Zmaro, Papou (Greek for Grandpa) with Kristina in front.

 

A friendly game of jacks.

 

An altered game of spin the jacks!

 

This is an owl who lives along with some pigeons in an abandoned house adjacent to Eletheria's parent's house.

 



 

Bella and Patuna sit nicely for their picture to be taken. 

 

This was our first Christmas away from home in our lives!  It is also our first grandchild.  Nice coincidence. 

 

Pretty Baby ... and other stuff

 

We are back in the city for a couple of days and since I didn't

have time to post before we left, thought I would put up the pictures

from our 12-23 Walkabout.  Pat has the best pictures of Artemis and our

Christmas festivities, so he will do that-stay tuned.

 

 

This is the only picture of Artemis in this post, so if that is what you are looking for

you will have to wait for Pat's :-)  The little hat she is wearing, was crocheted by my

friend Brigitte Dade.  Not everyone can wear a pink owl hat! 

 

 

 

I have taken pictures of scooters all over town.

 

 

 

Mostly old ones...

 

love this two seater!

 

 

...and the urban art - some of it is really spectacular.

 

 

 

Some is pretty crazy.

 

 

This is a whole mural that looks like it might be  from

children's stories. 

 

 

 

How clever is this?  The creativity and artistry is endless.

 

 

 

Enlarge this if you can - this is the flower stall at the main market

in the Centre.  I love to go there.  The market runs every day-

much like the West Side Market, but it closes up about 2:00

and the Tavernas open up.

 

 

 

This is an area of town that we don't know very well and were pretty

confused about until now.  This is the old warehouse district and if

I understand correctly, it is more or less the remnants of

the old Jewish Quarter.  We are looking forward to

exploring this area more.

 

 

And finally, I am pleased to report that I can

now make 3 flights without being winded!

however...I still have to hold the hand-

rail and watch what I am doing when

I come down.

 

Happy New Year

 

 

 

 

 



Walking Mix

Correctly or not, I thought it was time for something other than baby Artemis pictures:-)  So what follows is a mix of pictures I've taken over the past week or so as Karen and I have gone walk-about.

 

 

This is a very nice map of the neighborhood (with legend), prepared by Eleftheria, that we were given upon our arrival.  We received four copies, 2 flat and 2 pre-folded for our pockets.  Believe me when I say that they have been much appreciated and well used! 

 

As you can see from this photo, someone is missing her dogs........ and no we are not bringing him/her home.  The dog I mean.

 

This was supposed to be my swimming pool.  As you can see it is outdoors and while it is apparently heated the air temperature has never been more than 55 degrees F.  I know I am a bit of a spoiled American in some regards, but  I don't see anyone else begging to get in.

 

 The last time we were here Ian showed us a neighbor who raised homing pigeons.  It is fairly popular.  This is a flock I saw flying on one of our outings.

 





 

This is Seven Towers, built during the Ottoman empire  as a prison and used as such until 1989.  They currently use a portion of it to store archaeological finds.  

 



 

Rest stop.

 

Harbor view from the Seven Towers

Sunday we walked around the city center for about 5 hours and though we are not exactly proficient at getting around we abide by the philosophy the all who wander are not lost.  This photo and the following few display some of the unique ornamentation and wrought iron work found of many of the older surviving buildings.  As you can see they are in varying degrees of disrepair.

 



 

Not a used scooter dealership, just parking.

 

Harbor walk, very popular no matter time of day or weather.

 

 

A little creative advertising fun.

 

If I lived here, I might be tempted.....

 

I never said there wouldn't be any baby pictures!  I do believe, given the opportunity, we would bring this one home!

 



Artemis....City Scapes.....Artemis

 

 

 

 

 Here is our Artemis, doing one of the things she does best!

 

One of these for the Garfield playground?

 



Potential garden upgrade job.

 

One of the city squares that has become a compass point for our walks.

We know where home is from here!

 

Includes a cool fountain and clock tower.

 

New car for Ian and Eleftheria?  The sign says "No Parking"

Money speaks the same language wherever you go.

 

Dad sized Agave plant in a park that we walked through.

This garden needs a little less than the first one, but wouldn't it be fun?

This morning Eleftheria's Aunt and Cousin came to call on Eleftheria and Artemis.

Nancy, you would love this - it was like high tea.

You use your best dishes and serve wonderful sweets. 

No tea, but an assortment of specified other beverages.

There is a specific protocol for this type of social visit and it was Eleftheria's first time to hostess on her own.   



 

Artemis is showing Poppa her new trick. 

 She's trying out different assortments of fingers and getting very good at finding them.

She has mastered hiccups and pooping.

We will officially eliminate broccoli and cauliflower from Mom's diet for the time being.

 

Love you all.  xxoo