Clean Monday

Thought we'd nip out for a spot of lunch yesterday as it was Christine's Birthday but I'd get a bunch of flowers from the Village Garden Shop first. But no joy, very very little was open. Then the penny dropped , of course Clean Monday not only a Bank holiday but a significant day in the Greek Orthodox Calendar.

Undeterred we drove into Kos town, along empty silent roads and as we neared Kos town it was like the Marie Celeste devoid of its people. But as we approached The Flag roundabout it was encircled with Kites, bright, fluttery, flimsy kites. Floral, geometric but mostly Minions, Sponge Bob Square Pant (I so wanted that one) and every child's fantasy character you could imagine.

The great metropolis was deserted all but kite sellers on every conceivable drive through.

So we decided to follow the windward side back to Kefalos and all along that windy, shallow stretch of Coast families were parked up, picnicking, barbecuing and flying kites. The Higher the kite the closer to God. A sign of the beginning of Lent. Hope they were eating veggie burgers off the bbq. The day was warm and sunny and as we drove further in land big family gatherings could be seen eating together under pergolas outside their houses as no where was open.

Still selling cakes in Special we indulged our sweet tooth, sorry not on my agenda to give up as I've only just found Greek patisserie in a big way. But as I drove along Kamari Bay several Tavernas were bursting at the seams with people enjoying eating and celebrating together and a strange sight this year. Smokers hovering outside by the seafront railings taking in the fresh sea air as they exhaled the smoke. I 'd like to have been included but maybe next year.