Sfakera

Also on our way to Sfakera...

...we saw a small shrine by the roadside...

...and a field full of wild cyclamen.

Some kindly positioned seats on the steps to the top...

...but someone's lagging behind...

...while others took the long way round.

Made it...

...and the view was amazing.

The only way is down...

...with some wonderful barbary figs

Sadly the church was locked so we couldn't visit...

...but we could manage a beer at the local hostelry...

...avoiding a fresh bout of rain.

A dull day

 We got up to a damp start.

There won't be much eating & drinking outside today!

The weather was threatening but the views were still superb.

Tine & I walked along the beach to Ákra Róda...

...as far as we could go!

The weather was brighter in the afternoon so we set off for Sfakera, a small village just above Róda (and the birthplace of our hosts).

Along the way there were many examples of Mediterranean produce.

I wonder how old this olive tree was

Grapes for the local wine

Pomegranate...

...grapefruit...

...and limes.

A citric paradise!

Merry Christmas 2025

We're celebrating Christmas in La Tranche this year so it will be a quiet one (until Nadine, Simon & the two monsters arrive on Sunday)!

The tree is its usual position, awaiting Father Christmas's delivery.

Tine has been very creative making her own wreath.

Even the bus stop's getting in on the action.

The covered market becomes a children's paradise all through the holidays with lots of activities.

Meanwhile near to us look who's back...

...and after a very windy night (or one too many sherries?)

La Tranche main streets have the usual illuminations...

...but I loved this jolly Santa at one of the clothes shops!

The main square looks very spartan...

...but better after dark.

Tine & your faithful blogger being framed...

...and Queen Martine on her thrown.

Merry Christmas to all my followers!

Staying local

The temperature of the water in the pool might have been higher in full summer but by October there weren't many takers!

Intrepid Helen...

...and Tine, showing off her swimming skills.

Even your faithful blogger made the effort.

Ahhhhhh!

Leaving for town in the evening the light was beautiful...

...as was the waterfront.

It was after dark walking back...

...but the little chapel looked very impressive.

Next day we visited...

...and saw this beat-up old banger nearby!

Another holiday within a holiday

 And off we go again! This time to Corfu with good friends Helen & Mo.

We had an early start but Jet2 looked after us...

...including an excellent view of the Alps!

Here's the view from our hotel room...

...and better views of our main activity of the week.

Two old (?) men...

...contemplating the view of the Albanian mountains.

Later we enjoyed the first of many excellent meals...

...in a restaurant with a view to die for.