Crocs (tm) in the Aegean

This year we did not have enough time to drive to Greece for the annual holiday at Mrs Nikos' mountain house (aka the Eaglets Nest) high up in the mountains of Arcadia  at a secret location (Ag. Iannis) , so we flew to strike torn Athens and hired a car, and drove to the Peloponnisos and up the mountain.  Last year we had use of a motorcycle but this year we had a battered Hyundai. Last year it rained quite a lot but this year it was mostly sunny and hot.

The road to the secret location (Ag. Iannis) - the countryside is very green - it rained heavily in June - I dream of riding the GS and not looking over the unprotected shoulders.

Within 10 minutes of arriving at the Eaglets Nest pussy #1 arrives for lunch - thought to be a pregnant female according to eagle eyed Mrs N.  Many more pussies subsequently came.

First Sunset

Nikos Top Tip #1 - Every morning check Crocs(tm) for resident scorpions.

The rain in June had ruined the grape harvest - wasp nuisance was down too.

Mrs N revealed that this loo had actually been used by Elvis Presley whilst on Military Service at Bad Nauheim. It had been recovered from the barracks following demolition, restored and brought to Greece. I had always wondered why the seat rocked and rolled.

Second sunset

The Mankell memorial reading chair

The little chapel at Astros

croc paving

Toothpicks (οδοντογλυφίδα) are a big seller in Greece

Nikos World project - please send money

A simple breakfast

Pasha, self appointed head cat and thought to be father of Ginger El Greco (the abandoned pussy last we rescued in 2010) according to Mrs N who studied anatomy during medical training.  95% of pussies in Ag Iannis are thought to be sired by him.

Crocs(tm) in the Aegean

Naplion, the nearest big town had been the capital of newly liberated Greece for a period in the 1800s.

Naplion is dominated by a Venetian castle Palamidi built in the 1680s

As Noel Coward pointed out it's only mad dogs and Englishmen who go out in the midday sun.

Proof that Greece is for sale

The unusually high September temperatures ended with a huge thunderstorm with spectacular lightning sent by Ἄργης, Βρόντης, and Στερόπης Gods of thunder and lightning.  Sunset that day.

To be concluded....
In part 2 we withdraw to Athens to sample tear gas first hand.

PS I forgot lunch:-

Healthy vlita and peasant salad