Octogenarians do Greece

Well at least least one Octogenarian does! Geoff, Sandra's dad, seems to be loving it fraternising with the locals and trying to learn the language he even said he was going to buy a phrase book to help as he couldn't be always borrowing mine!

Picture: "House of the Rising Sun" for oldies!

After the first few days getting things in order here squaring up the garden etc Geoff has settled in very nicely and seem to becoming the proper Greek even doing some el fresco dining - well not for main meals but at least for snacks.

Picture: Geoff taking it easy "Sigar Sigar" in the village square, Karya

We have had a couple of days out this week so far the first was to take Geoff and have a look at our new abode on the beautiful island of Lefkas. That has now been given the official seal of approval as has the whole Island. We started by going down the centre of the island to the village of Karya where Geoff spent some of his vast fortune on some hand made carpets for his bathroom when he returns home and then on to Nidri to see if we could try and arrange a flight from Preveza to Manchester for the end of this month, this would be ideal because Jet2 and Easy Jet are expensive with late booking from Corfu and the other option is from Athens which is a long ride before catching the plane. Spare seats have not yet been released for that weekend but the guy is ringing us next week.

Picture: The denuded hill side above Nidri, the picture doesn't show it as bad as it really is.

The evidence of the recent fires are very plain to see on the mountains above Nidri, it must have been devastating for anyone who has lost so much of their income although at least no one was badly hurt during the blaze. The island tour ended at Lefkas Town where Geoff stood the evening meal for us a good time had by all.

Picture: Geoff by the river taken on the gorge which runs between Filipiada and Ioannina

Today we have been for a general ride around some of the scenic areas which we knew would appeal to Geoff from Arta city up the gorge towards Ioannina and across to Derviziana, he has been dumbfounded by the shear beauty of this area. We have taken him across some high mountain passes with views to die for finishing at a little taverna in Derviziana which boasts a balcony overlooking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valley. I think that this may become a regular thing for him to visit as it's made a lasting impression. You never know we may need to start a senior citizens tour company for all these OAP's coming over.

Picture: Church just Outside Devizianna.


Bottom Picture: Looking down from the Balcony of the taverna Geoff spotted some giant Marrows! Can you see them? They are at One o'clock from the tree in the centre of the picture.