Independence Day....

And the band played on...

 On Monday evening of this week a few people who either play music (in the loosest possible sense of the word) or aspire to play an instrument, got together upstairs in Remezzo's to have a jam session.  I think it was enjoyed by everyone who went even though there was no structure to the evening most people managed to join in irrespective of their current abilities.  Thanks to all who turned up for a pleasant evening of music and banter.

Two little uns in national costume

The ubiquitous balloon seller. 

Tuesday was independence day in Greece and therefore a national holiday.  It celebrates the Greeks finally gaining their independence from the Ottoman empire after almost four hundred years of their foreign rule.   In common with most Greek public festivals there was a parade through the town featuring the Lefkas island's brass band, very British, and representations from local schools and organisations also paraded.  Many of these were in national dress for the occasion.  Unfortunately as is often the case, the route had roped off boundaries but when the parade drew near the locals just ignored them and went out into the road in front of us so we could get no decent pictures of the participants.  It didn't matter though it was a lovely day (unlike since then) and they all enjoyed it also the town's tavernas and coffee shops did a roaring trade off the back of it all.

The band and the dignitaries. 

 We should have been going out tonight to help celebrate Jez' 82nd birthday, well getting near there anyhow, but unfortunately Sanny has come down with some bug or other, I think it's bubonic plague but maybe that's why I am not a doctor.  No doubt she will recover soon after taking all the lotions, potions and drugs.  Sorry to be absent Jez and Deb but we're sure you'll probably have an even better time without us.  Happy Birthday old fella.