03 December 2009 | Marmaris, Turkey
30 April 2009 | Agios Nikolaos, Crete
28 April 2009 | Chania, Crete
27 April 2009 | Chania, Crete
23 April 2009 | Aghios Nikolaos, Crete
21 April 2009 | Aghios Nikolaos, Crete
20 April 2009 | Spinalonga, Crete
19 April 2009 | Aghios Nikolaos, Crete
17 April 2009 | Aghios Nikolaos, Crete
15 April 2009 | Aghios Nikolaos, Crete
14 April 2009 | Aghios Nikolaos, Crete
11 April 2009 | Suez Canal
10 April 2009 | Cairo, Egypt
02 April 2009 | Luxor, Egypt
01 April 2009 | Luxor, Egypt
27 March 2009 | Hurghada, Egypt
22 March 2009 | Quesir, Egypt
20 March 2009 | Port Ghalib, Egypt
17 March 2009 | Port Berenice, Sudan/Egypt border
17 March 2009 | Port Berenice, Sudan/Egypt border
Candles In The Wind
19 April 2009 | Aghios Nikolaos, Crete
Greek Orthodox Easter is a major celebration which we have been lucky enough to be part of this weekend.
A candlelit procession on Friday night left the local church and made its way round the town (traditionally this walks the town limits), following the Bible being carried on a flower-covered 'platform' borne on the shoulders of several men.
When the line returned to the church, the platform was held up at the doors so that everyone could walk under it and into the Church.
Saturday night was the big celebration - an effigy of Judas Iscariot was burned on the lake in the middle of town to the accompaniment of priestly singing, fireworks, music and cheers. The partying went on until dawn, but we left at around 1am carrying our candles carefully - it is good luck to get them back to your house without the flame going out.
Typically, the wind was blowing hard, but we made it!
Throughout the weekend we were welcomed to the celebrations by eveyone - from the Scouts who gave us candles and traditional cakes (no contributions solicited!) to the marina staff that we bumped into by the lake. We were struck by how inclusive the whole thing was - every age was represented including old widows in black cloth to young bikers in black leathers.
What a healthy community!