Just be Kos: 04/16/20

29/2/20

OMG woke up to Gale force winds, battonned down the cat-flap and as the wind blew Big Osc flew past the backdoor. Ever resourceful he soon returned using a strong gust of wind as the momentum to throw him in through the cat-flap. Perfect timing. Was this the calm before the storm, portent of things to come? Corona is on its way.

1/3/20

With Jumbo bursting at the seams with masks, fancy dress costumes, wigs all waiting for a child to walk away dressed in their fantasy persona, sadly today only small groups will see them. Facebook, Instagram and the good old digital camera will record this years Apokries creations. The Greek government to protect it's citizens has banned all group activities and celebrations to help quell the spread of Coronavirus. So far so good only a couple reported from the mainland.So let's hope being vigilant pays off and next years celebrations can be back to normal. Loud, Happy, dancing, singing and lots of eating before tomorrows Clean Monday and the start of 40 Days Lent.

"As dusk descends in sleepy Kefalos and the air is tainted by wood smoke and charcoal as if by magic they appear, drawn towards the centre of the old school. One by one ghouls creep out of the doorways, slip down alleyways, slowly and silently make their way back to the hub, the centre of all beginnings. Ghosts, spider men, geishas, frogs, Spanish dancers, boys dressed as girls, girls as boys as all manner of wierdness gathers as the light dims.

They are waiting for something just like the pied piper of Hamlin. Then they appear the Greek players with their Bazooki and fiddle and as they start to play their tune the children gather and more and more arrive. Arranged like a wedding party the Bride and Groom lead the children as they follow the musicians through the tiny streets and more people join the throng as they weave their way in and out of the back streets of Kefalos.

They are drawn by the sound and the smell of wood smoke towards the centre where the folks await. They follow a weird donkey like creature as it leads them towards the BBQ. Mini souvlaki are being prepared for the small children by men of the village.

They arrive to witness the marriage of the strange bride and groom by the child priest and dance the night away to celebrate the festival of Apokries......"

3/3/20

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.

6/3/20

A solitary walk from Corner to Ikos and back along the beach. So warm in only a T-shirt not wrapped up in a coat at last. The locals had chosen to open doors, push windows wide open. Air mattresses in readiness for the Summer Season. The sound of drilling and sawing,cows mooing in the background, Goats bleating, the waves gently rolling across the shore with the unmistakable sound of an F16 Fighter plane soaring overhead were a strange accompaniment to a peaceful, leisurely walk.

Wild flowers everywhere, bees buzzing, butterflies dancing in the air, alighting on petals and tumbling by. Crickets jumping and small lizards hurrying into the undergrowth as I disturbed their sunbathing. Dogs taking themselves for a walk and seagulls diving into the water from the pontoon floating just off shore. A good to be alive day.

As I wondered through the supermarket yesterday I was curious as to why long flag poles and Greek Flags were at the front in the bargain bucket and people were keen to wrestle them into their cars. I'd already driven by the High School as the kids seemed to be practicing marching although it looked more like skipping for some. Well tomorrow 7th March is a very significant day in the Dodecanese Calendar and there will be parades and celebrations.In 1948 this day represents' the freedom of the islands'. No longer occupied and returned officially by Britain to Greece.

7/3/20
Dodecanese Day

12/3/20

Such efficiency. It would seem everyone last night with a mobile phone got a Coronovirus help call. What to do , who to call etc. In Greek and English. Having retired early I was alerted to a Greek person talking to me from my lounge. Very confusing at first.

14/3/20

Now the Greek government have temporarily shut all bars, Cafes and restaurants as of midnight last night to stem the flow of possible infection I guess in the absence of an early coffee fix it’s ok to start banging and building the house next door at 7.20 precisely according to my security cameras and my now personal alarm clock. Thank-you very much not. And it’s Saturday. 7.35 and now they’ve bloody gone. Thanks again not.

ps just a thought with more time does this mean my road will get built?

pps oops just noticed take outs are still available.

17/3/20

As the world waits for Corona to try and stop it in its tracks
people rush to stock up on food and clear the shelves and racks.
But on this island peace abounds and like all, things life goes by
slowly now and silently with no one out to catch your eye.

Heeding to the warnings, to stay in, not go about ,
it's strange to see no one drinking coffee an excuse to just go out.
But time is used constructively, painting, building DIY
still hopeful for the summer, still hopeful this menace will go by

So silent now the atmosphere, no shouting, song or laughter
no vehicles on the Epar Road , so few to see no matter.
The sun is up, the wind blows strong, no rain about and yet
no one to have an impact on, no one to bother or upset

only the sound that Nature makes, Bees, Goats or Donkeys bray
signify life still goes on not suspended for a day
Let's hope this act of selflessness, of keeping clear of others
works to stop this menace killing parents, sisters, brothers.

How long we'll have to wait it out, who knows how long it'll take
Let's hope we turn the tide on it and stop it in it's wake.
So when the sun comes out again to shine on tourists bright
we can proudly say we won the battle without the need to fight.

Where have all the people gone?

20/3/20

The ingenuity of the Greeks where internet provision and phone reception is poor here. No sitting in the cafes together drinking, chatting,using phones but with the new takeout only rules and the social distancing to be maintained then why not sit up alone in your car in the village while you await your takeout that you've now been able to order. Take alone, to mean several cars in a row with individuals gesticulating from the front seat. Well at least petrol will still be required and they are adhering to the rules.

24/3/20

Well I thought Winters here on Kos were like forever Sundays but now the total Lockdown has arrived it's like everyone forgot to turn their alarm clock on and are still in bed. As I dutifully sent a SIM for selection 2 I felt safe in the knowledge I'd been messaged back to say It's ok to go out. So up to the Village, silence reigned. Deserted all but the Fish man standing on one corner and the fruit van on another, respectfull in their social distancing even the cats were confused with no one to pester and look Doe eyed at.

Yet life goes on and water work problems waits for no man as several DAYAK workers stared down a hole with our President looking on too. The Lady in Bazaar welcomed me in her latex gloves and the usual cluttered counter was clear as people finally used the plastic shopping baskets provided and lined them up along the floor, still adding to as and when they chose. Essentials purchased I walked alone around to Ilias the Butcher. Perimeno he said as the previous Customer was still choosing and I had to wait my turn outside. As I poodled round to the post office with one person already inside, another outside on the pavement I waited patiently especially as the parcel delivery man arrived and was rewarded by a takeaway delivery of coffee before he set off on his rounds.Others had arrived by now respectfully waiting the required distance of separation. So strange to see these lovely Greek people queuing just like the Brits used to, yet no longer it seems as Social Media reports the level of panic over there.

Back to my car by the bustop looking forlorn and alone, the only vehicle for a cat to hide under , I returned home not before waving through the doorway of Go Brunch sending Kalimera's and tikaneis to my dear Manolis waiting to prepare Takeouts for the workers as coffee supplies still need to be catered for.

Home, unpacked and ready for SIMS selection 6, permission to go dog walking. And so with the sun shining, clear blue skies, wild flowers everywhere we wandered round, my friend and I with the correct distance apart. It's peaceful yet so busy, gardens rotovated, planting, weeding, painting, wood smoke as old shuttering and bits of building are torn down and being restored. Children helping parents on the land, playing with their dogs. A few small fishing boats bobbing about in the bay and the occasional car occupied by two only being driven by. No one on the beach today but still the gentle sound of waves lashing the shore. It's unbelievably peaceful and serene. Siga Siga what ti tha kanoume?

This is Kefalos today a snapshot in time. Who knows what it's like elsewhere in Greece so we have to feel truly blessed to be in lockdown here at the moment.

25/3/20

Not through my Catflap

As I sat outside admiring the view, drinking Frappe and reading I noticed on close inspection weany creatures in the grass, how interesting, how cute, how bloody not!..Tick season! Having already treated Big Osc and Molly Sweetpea with Frontline as per instructions I suddenly became aware of how close to home they were. 'man up' said Christine or something along those lines.

So Google comes in very handy. I've now boiled lemons and made my own anti , piss off spray, Got my vaseline, White wine Vinegar, special tweezers for removal and eyebrow tweezers for squishing and I'm ready. I hope.

I was digging up the thistles across the garden to stop the prickly problem of last year but have called a halt on the boundary, minimising the grass access area. Stuck lemon peel around my catflap door and today in PJ'S wellies and rubber gloves have dug up and removed all the long grasses nearest the side door. Thistle digging is temporarily suspended due to each one being a Ladybird Home. They seem to inhabit them like their own little islands. I know Christine is going to give me an ear bashing later but I don't care. I'm protecting the species. My house is on lockdown. not through my catflap.

ps I wonder if surrounding myself with lemons like you would Garlic will keep the bloodsuckers away?

The Armed Forces Air Force is carrying the message across Greece today to celebrate March 25th!

Around 12:00 on the morning of Wednesday, March 25, 2 F-16s flew over the island of Kos, commemorating the national anniversary of March 25, spreading excitement to residents of Kos.

Several Citizens came out to their balconies and courtyards, admiring the Greek pilots of the Air Force F-16 fighter couple! Such a powerful sound.

I made courgette fritters greek style in my Greek Kitchen in honour of Greek Independence day. That which we can't currently celebrate properly. I had intended to photograph the fly past but thought better of it 'απαγορευμένος' forbidden and didn't want to get arrested. My courgette fritters are nostimos

27/3/20

Garden centre has something for ticks on grass going to use my get out of gaol card to walk down. Can’t drive down so much English type rain yesterday cardiac hill had a landslip, funnily enough my own drive was ok. Wellies and walking stick needed. I might be gone a long time. Think this calls for a number 2 and 6

28/3/20

Mission accomplished. After continuous rain last night my Cardiac Hill is now passable , my own unfinished drive is now too bloody soft to get the car out. So hiking boots, wax jacket (should I slip on my bum) and walking stick the descent was achieved. Armed with a spray bottle, anti anything that looks like a tick spray and lemons, plus new dig up the buggers homes fork . I am ready. Unfortunately cats have come home for lunch so will have to hold off Mission Bug Off until tomorrow

30/3/20

The centre of Kefalos was positively humming with tradesman out to pick up bits and pieces for the days work, adopting the new methods seem-lessly as they queued at a distance for the hatch in the Hardware store by the old bank, while others had to make an appointment by phone at the other.

The cheese man delivering along with other food supplies and the former crowded Proton still busy as we queued 1.5 metres apart outside awaiting our turn. Even in Bazaar for once I adopted the queuing system of baskets by the till as I wondered around choosing. The Olds wearing masks and gloves out together shopping for a change.

After a weekend of solitary confinement it was so lovely to have a Kalimera, tikaneis from everyone out, (from a safe distance). Spiros, Nikos, Nikitas, Manolis all busying themselves ready for the day. The police presence toured around and security. The Council workers off out for the day and a lady manning the offices through a window at the community office. All adapting to change, all carrying on with their day.

Zenith is having a face lift, with the smell of paint around and bashing and banging of hammers and drills. And scooters busy delivering Coffees after all got to keep the workers fueled. Warm, sunny day. How lovely.

Out and about code 6

Out and about code 6 I am not alone

5/4/20

The Cats and I were alerted to something happening, so long sitting in silence from our isolation that we were alerted to a strange sound of whooping and calling and as we rushed outside we were treated to a Ballet in the Air, a Sky full of Swallows swooping, diving and filling the air above me.
As I rushed for the camera I tried to capture the moment whilst still admiring their antics and movement. Sometimes so close we could almost touch them. They herald the Spring coming in from the south, such a beautiful sight. I love to see a murmuration and miss the Starlings in Brighton on their night flight.

They flew and played until dark and I hope they come again. Flying in from Africa maybe they arrived before the dust rain that covered everywhere this morning. The first time I've had to clean the sand off my furniture.They symbolize Hope something to believe in at this present time. I'll be ready tonight but maybe they've already found their homes.

ps took hundreds of photos but so quick just looked like black flashes

7/4/20

What a difference a year makes. Yesterday last year I moved in, whilst the day before Emma and Christine awaited the arrival of all my worldlies from the UK that had been shipped out well ahead of the impending March Brexit that didn't happen. Had it have been this year who knows if my belongings would arrive and I certainly wouldn't have. Just how many other people around the world would be in such a predicament.

How's it going the question on all my friends and family's list? Well the answer to that is a snapshot in time. Isolated on this Island at this present moment in time feels like one of the safest places in the world providing we keep the dreaded virus at bay. The Greek authorities are determined and with so many Islands under their care, without the infrastructure to cope with a mass pandemic we're holding fast so coupled with a certain sense of security it is jaded by fears and worries of others we hold dear elsewhere.

So my rare .No. 6 outings have to be savoured and enjoyed with my Camera or taking Missy, My No. 2 trips to the shops make me gratefull as they keep the nation fed and the slowness of the Greeks has now become almost British like in it's queuing and patience. My garden project like all plans seem to be on hold, it's a pity the Ticks don't understand but I'm hoping for great things from the Ladybird and weevil community I now spend a lot of time with.

My husband would have loved it. He always could just chill and stand and stare and enjoy his surroundings. Three years ago 18th April he died. When his much loved Consultant Oncologist Georgos Plataniotis told him he could never return to his beloved Kos , Ron died within a few days of cancer and a broken heart. I'm here and making the most of it and all you guys desperate to return he'd understand and be there with you. So let's hope when you finally can, the virus will have passed and the Island will remain a safe haven forever.

11/4/20

As my Island world shrinks to my Garden , for which I am eternally grateful, and forever in need of something to stimulate my imagination (although Christine will tell you it doesn't take much). I've taken to sitting outside amidst the tall grasses, on my kitchen step stool, camera and tripod to hand, dressed in my don't let the buggers crawl up or on me leggings, surgical gloves and wellington boots. I know I've been spotted from the Epar road as my dear friends wave at me. Fortunately I can't hear what they are saying. But I'm quite fascinated by the world of mini beasts even if they aren't keen on me

Bug Towers

A thistle is a wondrous thing a high rise block for Bugs
some weeny, tiny delicate things, while others downright thugs
The taller it grows up you see there's room for others too
what started as an island for ladybirds just grew and grew and grew

So some bugs hug the lower floors, creep out and creep back in
while others cling to hairy stems and try and blend therein
some hide beneath the prickly leaves and others flaunt on top
while others camouflage themselves, change colour, well why not

This home for individuals, where all have their own place
provided they don't move to much, invade each others space
Cos if they do, They're dinner see, no messing that's for sure
Best know where they're best off and inhabit their own floor

Some have tiny pincers, some long and hairy legs
some have pointy noses and some lay tiny eggs
some are brightly coloured, while others blend right in
and others jump from stem to stem, while others fly and sing

some I'm sure are deadly, while others look real cute
this plants a home to live on, for others a source of food
I've studied it for days now, they're not keen on me at all
while some wiggle their antennae while others try not to fall

But most of them don't like me, they usually try and hide
and others turn their bottoms and show me their backside
The weevil is my favourite, I can actually hear him sigh
It's her again, get ready, do your thing I hear him cry.

12/4/20

'Don't cast a clout till May is out' a saying I grew up with and after yesterday's Hot Hot Hot day and today's blowing a gale day, I quite understand. Take last week only four days apart and I went for a walk up the Mountain, after all you can only walk along the beach, back along the main road or the back one so many times. Even then the difference was so noticeable.

The ashphalt road up to Agios Ioannis petered out just above the Zini turning and as we were the only ones on the road and unlikely to meet any passing helpful traffic or indeed be able to call out the emergency vehicles we parked up for a bit before turning around. The wind was so strong that any thought of walking on the West side was quickly abandoned as we could so easily have been blown over the edge and Alison took a video just to prove it. Still such a majestic scene, with the outer Islands so clear. Bells tinkled in the air as Goats remained unseen hid from us, all but one on the top of the ridge, but then it is Easter and they must have known what that meant in the calendar.

So back to the viewpoint and along the track we went. Views so clear of Kefalos all around up to the Windmills, across the Bay and over to Kalymnos as far as the eye could see and not a boat in sight.
Bees hummed and Hornets hovered over shallow muddy puddles as we side stepped to avoid them. So intent on looking up, out and across at the panorama it wasn't until we returned we became aware of the Flora. As we looked up trees hugged the Pinnacle of rocks, like spines on a porcupine, going forever upwards, clinging on in the prevailing winds. Craggy rock faces,with traces of water that had cascaded down over the winter and disappeared over the edge. As we climbed up through the Pine forest with soft notes of perfume pervading, we found ourselves in an abandoned village of sorts. So small with only room for a fireplace in one. Possibly a Hunting lodge maybe, although ruined still had hints of more recent use. A landslip of rocks made it more difficult to continue.

As we walked back down, the ground was carpeted with pale lilac,white Cyclamen nestling among the pine needles, bathing in dappled light. And the tiniest saplings rising up through the grass. Each Pine tree host to caterpilar nests and other types of Bug life. Days later the tiny sapplings stood 300mm high and the forest glade looked like a Christmas tree nursery in the making and the Cyclamen had all but gone. The puddles nearly dry, but the bees and hornets buzzed more heartily. The heat of the day, intensified the smell of pine, yet the view across the bay was less clear.

So where to this week. Still more routes to explore, still more Nature to observe in it's ever changing beauty.