The last blog in 2012 from Lesanda...

We hope you have all had a very merry Christmas and Santa has brought all your heart's desires but more on that later.  As this will be the last blog of 2012 I thought it might be nice just to reflect a little on the massive changes we have gone through this year.  Especially changing to a water based home rather than a land based one.  Up to now that is going very well although not without teething problems.  We have met many new friends this year and wish them all well as we go into 2013.  Last week, through the miracle of Facebook an old acquaintance who we met in Kefalonia years ago got back in touch with us.  It's great to be back in touch June and hope when you are out here again we can get together some time. 

Sanny doing the washing

Alison & Peter's humble little abode.

 A question that we have been asked many times by people who don't have boats is how do you manage to do your laundry, do you have to take it all to a laundrette?  Well, as the picture on the left of San on washday shows, we have a little twin-tub washing machine which stacks away in one of the cockpit lockers and comes out when needed to clean my skiddies.  For drying we just hang things out on the line suspended from the boats rigging or along the guard rails.  You have to be organised though as space is at a premium, especially on a small boat like Lesanda.

 Back to Yuletide   We spent Christmas eve to Boxing day with our good friends Alison and Peter who have the Katoghi restaurant up in the mountains at Vafkeri.  They very kindly provided us with a proper bed, the first time Sandra and I have slept in a "proper" bed since June, so as you can guess we relished the opportunity.  We tried to repay their kindness by helping with the preparations for their Christmas feast in some small way, although as usual we got the better end of the bargain!

The old Olive/Wine press in Vafkeri.

 Christmas itself was an excellent affair, there were eighteen of us including Alison and Peter all around one huge table for an eight course extravaganza.  It was superb and enjoyed by all.  I suppose the only downside was the entertainment as Paul forgot his guitar and he struggled with mine and I was no better, we had better blame it on the booze Paul!  We did have an hours sing song later when most people had gone though, by that time everyone but Pete and Alison was drunk anyway.

Pete & I with the makings of the huge table.

Alison & Sanny just getting the table centres right!

A layout fit for a king.

 We came home yesterday after helping square up the restaurant with them and having lunch up there as well (who wouldn't when you are there?) and now it's back to sleeping with the ceiling one foot above your nose!!  Thanks Katoghi for a great, great Christmas!

Christmas morning just waiting for the arrivals.

Everyone tucking in.

 I leave it there for now but we would just like to wish all our family, friends and everyone who reads our ramblings and very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.  HAPPY 2013.

Debbie, Pete and the infamous cheese board.

 P.S. Please scroll down and look at all the pictures I know there are a few but I think they give a feeling as to what it was like.

The table ain't nearly so pretty now!