So my early morning duties







 So my early morning duties are to turn the heating on which ignites an oil boiler outside the apartment. Turning on the hot water is my second job, in the winter you can’t rely on the sun to heat your morning shower. The boiler is quite an antiquated beast and reminds me of boilers in houses when I was a child. The fact this place has central heating is quite unusual on the island.  On the way to getting the car I pop into the bakery and buy myself a spanakopita a sort of pasty with cheese and spinach in it for lunch. My Greek is rubbish but I manage to buy one and pass on a few Kalamera to people I bump into along my way, including the local shop. I have a flask full of coffee as there are not likely to be any places open for drinks on the way.


My first port of call in the car is Vathi, I have the roads to myself, I have driven on the right side of roads before so it’s ok for me. On my journey I meet a flock of sheep, the shepherd being pretty good at getting the traffic past him. I also see a guy on a donkey who gives me a nice greeting, as I slowed down for him.


Vathi has a lovely horseshoe bay. Everything is closed, I have the place to myself. We get light showers every so often, but it doesn’t put me off. I walk to the left and follow a path when the beach is impassable. Retracing my steps I go to the right where there is a small church, which is pretty inside. Again I take a path and this one goes high up giving lovely views of the bay.


On the way to my second place, Platis Gialos, I see a sign for a monastery but when I get there it’s all closed up. Platis again has a horseshoe shaped bay, but this time with a small marina and the usual church. There seems to be lots of churches here. Hazel told me they are often built by families. The beach is  straight, with tavernas and apartments, all deserted alongside. The weather has got a bit worse now, it will be nice to go back on a nice sunny day. I visit the church with a model boat hanging from the ceiling. On my way back to Kamares I meet yet another flock of sheep. Some have two legs tied together with string, maybe to stop them scampering way. L


Photos left to right Vathi beach x2, Vathi church, Platis Gialos, Inside Vathi  Church and inside Platis Gialos church.

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