So, being all moved up to Blackpool and with some extra time on my hands until university starts up once more (8 days now - yes I'm counting), I've taken back to reading, and gotten quite back into the flow of things. In the past three days I've polished off the final three of Nathan Long's brilliant continuance of the Gotrek and Felix series, and I've loved them! I'm ashamed to say it took me so long to get around to them - they were a Christmas present from Katie - but I'd forgotten just how good they were!
Now that they're finished however, I have five omnibus' left on my shelves in the 'to read' pile. The Grey Knights, by Ben Counter, Thunder and Steel, by Dan Abnett, The Lost Gaunts Ghosts, by the very same, Brunner, by C. L. Werner, and Dwarfs, by various. Whilst the Lost isn't necessarily a new to-read item, I did re-read the previous two arcs last month, and want to continue through at least to the end of the third arc before giving up completely.
Anyway, having had so much enjoyment from Ben Counter's Soul Drinkers omnibus (I'll wait for the omnibus to get through the third-sixth volumes), and as I'm aiming to read The Emperor's Gift by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (another Grey Knights novel), I've decided to give the Grey Knight's pole position. Dwarfs will likely come next as, despite thoroughly enjoying the Red Duke by C. L. Werner, which I believe may be the only novel I've read of his (and I intend to read the Grey Seer Thanquol omnibus and Dead Winter when they are both respectfully released), I have a taste for the smaller folk from Gotrek & Felix.
I aim to delve through these five tomes within the next week, as not only do I go to university soon, but I'll also be getting my loan through, meaning more books will be attainable for me, and I'll be attending Games Day, meaning that up to December's Black Library releases will be available on pre-release (which is always a plus!). From this selection I intend to gather Fear To Tread, the latest Horus Heresy by James Swallow, Path of the Outcast, the last of the Eldar Path trilogy by Gav Thorpe, Shadows of Treachery, a Horus Heresy compilation, Pariah, the first of the third trilogy of Inquisition novels by Dan Abnett (HIGHLY anticipated), and Garro: Sword of Truth, another Horus Heresy also by James Swallow. I may add The Great Betrayal to that list, by Nick Kyme, depending how my reading of Dwarfs goes; as he is the main contributing author there.
Amongst titles already out by Black Library, I would like to get The Emperor's Gift, as previously mention, by ADB, Wrath of Iron by Chris Wraight, Angel of Fire by William King (though that may wait until a paperback volume), The second Blood Angels omnibus by James Swallow, and the Thorn and Talon CD, which as it didn't arrive at Games Day last year, I didn't have the opportunity to buy.
Yesterday, I visited the local library with my family, and it has spurred me to branch out from Black Library, more so than I already do. Having seen some of the awesome covers via Jon Sullivan's facebook page, I intend to try some of Neil Nasher's Sci-fi work, alongside Laurel K Hamilton's Anita Blake novels. Whilst I read most of the series last year before I shipped out to university, I got to around four novels from the end of the series (currend end, I may point out), and didn't have the funds to continue. So, now it remains to be seen whether I try to start the whole series over, or start from a few novels back from where I tapered out.
I also have an urge to return to some of my reading roots; namely crime novels. James Patterson's Women's Murder Club played a heavy part in my reading life a few years back, as did His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman, and Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Quadrilogy. So I intend to revisit these gems sometime in the new year, maybe before if possible. I would also like to try and track down Graham Mcneill's Ambassador's Chronicles - the first two books I ever read of Black Library. The Lord of the Rings, Dan Brown's Angels & Daemons trilogy and the other two of his make, and the Harry Potter books all call out for re-readings. I'm also interested in trying out Piers Anthony's Bio of a Space Tyrant, which just form the title sounds interesting.
Both the Hunger Games second and third books, and George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones series call out for continuation (in fact I've only read the first of the seven Game of Thrones books...despite owning the first three!). Not to mention a host of Forensic Science book's I've earmarked on the UCLan library website to supplement my studies (and in some cases form the study themselves!). As such I've decided to construct a reading list, much in the style of my friend Abhinav (http://sonsofcorax.wordpress.com/reading-list/), and hopefully he'll forgive me for the thievery! Come the week I begin university, I'll start it up (as hopefully by then I'll have finished these five omnibus' and can start afresh), and update it with more books to read as they come into my mind/sight!
I think I've taken up enough of your time right now, so see you next time!
Friday, 31 August 2012
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Kefalonia - Part Eight
Sunday 29th July
Happy Birthday Jack! 8 today eh, and boy does time fly! It seems like only yesterday we arrived here on the island, and now everything we own is packed into suitcases and ready to leave once more! I've been down into town one last time for supplies - two small bottles of water and pastries for both of us! Not long after that we were sat on the sea wall at the bottom of the drive, waiting for our transfer to the airport. Wildlife was aplenty once more - a tiny lizard appeared on the wall next to my knee, and in the wake of a large yacht I spotted some large marine animal - be it seal, turtle or dolphin, unfortunately we couldn't tell before it disappeared!
Upon loading our luggage into the coach's hold, we were informed by the rep that the flight had been delayed by an hour! On top of this news, when we arrived at the check-in desk, there was a long hold up as they struggled to check our baggage allowances! Really, that kind of thing should be on an easily-accessed system! Never-the-less, we managed to get our bags accepted (a good 5kg under our allowance) and get through passport control. Sadly, the passport officer refused a stamp for Katie's first proper holiday abroad.
After 1:45pm we boarded the plane, a full hour after we were meant to have taken off. Such is life! Soon though we were in the air, bidding goodbye to the lovely island of Kefalonia. Waiting on another delicious in-flight meal, we purchased headphones and settled in to watch a promising film, "We Bought A Zoo", headlining Matt Damon and Scarlet Johannsen. Given a choice of beef with dumplings or roast chicken, we both went for the latter, though no doubt the first would have been tasty. A little bit of broccoli, some carrot, one mini sausage, a ball of stuffing, some roast spuds and a lovingly moist piece of chicken later, and I have to say, Mr. Martin sure knows food!
To complete the in-flight meal the warm lunch was accompanied by a roll with butter, a slightly bitter (but still tasty) orange marmalade pudding, a small pack of crackers and a slice of mature cheddar, desserted by a tiny square of flavoursome chocolate. To do away with the fancy words - yum! Soon after the film ended: We Bought A Zoo is quite a nice film - very warm-hearted and funny, a very feel-good family film. All in all a great way to pass two hours! Katie and I estimated that we were over France by now, at the very least mainland Europe, as during the movie we were able to spy the alps poking through the cloud cover below off to one side of the plane.
Well, we landed back home in England at 3:45, dead on time according to the pilot, and wearily disembarked. After a fair wait for the suitcases and a brief stop at the toilets, we emerged from arrivals to Mum, Grandma and Jack waiting for us. Before we knew it, we were piled into Grandma's car and off back to Coventry, staring out of the windows in wild wonder at the mass of clouds, so unused to them as we were! Not much else of note followed that day, besides handing out holiday gifts, and so here my account of our holiday comes to a close. Katie's first foray on an airplane, what may well be the last excursion on Jamie's trip that I have, a gorgeous array of food and a host of delightful vistas, will all linger in our memories for a lifetime. Thank-you Kefalonia!
Happy Birthday Jack! 8 today eh, and boy does time fly! It seems like only yesterday we arrived here on the island, and now everything we own is packed into suitcases and ready to leave once more! I've been down into town one last time for supplies - two small bottles of water and pastries for both of us! Not long after that we were sat on the sea wall at the bottom of the drive, waiting for our transfer to the airport. Wildlife was aplenty once more - a tiny lizard appeared on the wall next to my knee, and in the wake of a large yacht I spotted some large marine animal - be it seal, turtle or dolphin, unfortunately we couldn't tell before it disappeared!
Upon loading our luggage into the coach's hold, we were informed by the rep that the flight had been delayed by an hour! On top of this news, when we arrived at the check-in desk, there was a long hold up as they struggled to check our baggage allowances! Really, that kind of thing should be on an easily-accessed system! Never-the-less, we managed to get our bags accepted (a good 5kg under our allowance) and get through passport control. Sadly, the passport officer refused a stamp for Katie's first proper holiday abroad.
After 1:45pm we boarded the plane, a full hour after we were meant to have taken off. Such is life! Soon though we were in the air, bidding goodbye to the lovely island of Kefalonia. Waiting on another delicious in-flight meal, we purchased headphones and settled in to watch a promising film, "We Bought A Zoo", headlining Matt Damon and Scarlet Johannsen. Given a choice of beef with dumplings or roast chicken, we both went for the latter, though no doubt the first would have been tasty. A little bit of broccoli, some carrot, one mini sausage, a ball of stuffing, some roast spuds and a lovingly moist piece of chicken later, and I have to say, Mr. Martin sure knows food!
To complete the in-flight meal the warm lunch was accompanied by a roll with butter, a slightly bitter (but still tasty) orange marmalade pudding, a small pack of crackers and a slice of mature cheddar, desserted by a tiny square of flavoursome chocolate. To do away with the fancy words - yum! Soon after the film ended: We Bought A Zoo is quite a nice film - very warm-hearted and funny, a very feel-good family film. All in all a great way to pass two hours! Katie and I estimated that we were over France by now, at the very least mainland Europe, as during the movie we were able to spy the alps poking through the cloud cover below off to one side of the plane.
Well, we landed back home in England at 3:45, dead on time according to the pilot, and wearily disembarked. After a fair wait for the suitcases and a brief stop at the toilets, we emerged from arrivals to Mum, Grandma and Jack waiting for us. Before we knew it, we were piled into Grandma's car and off back to Coventry, staring out of the windows in wild wonder at the mass of clouds, so unused to them as we were! Not much else of note followed that day, besides handing out holiday gifts, and so here my account of our holiday comes to a close. Katie's first foray on an airplane, what may well be the last excursion on Jamie's trip that I have, a gorgeous array of food and a host of delightful vistas, will all linger in our memories for a lifetime. Thank-you Kefalonia!
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Updates!
So I haven't blogged for a while, for over two weeks in fact, but this is entirely not my fault. For once. The Wednesday, Thursday, Friday following my last blog day was spent busily doing things with Grandma at hers, and the Saturday was my birthday (the 11th!). I was 23, and gained the new Warhammer 40k rulebook and templates, a DS Lite, Pokemon Soul Silver, a giant Queen memorabilia and history book, some nice monies and clothes and a trip to watch the Women's Basketball Semi-Final at the O2 arena, oops I mean the "North Greenwich Arena". The atmosphere was amazing, and made me wish whole-heartedly that I'd gotten tickets for more events, despite the cost! Anyway, soon following this we were back in Coventry (the very next day, in fact), where the internet was no longer running. Therefore explaining the lack of posts recently.
So, now we're moved up into an apartment in Blackpool for the time being, whilst we search for a house - its a beautiful place, seafront and huge! It's not long before I'll be heading off to my induction day for uni (10th September), and Katie will be starting work! She's got a six-month contract at the same place my step-dad works, which will be nice for some money-saving! For now, however, we are concentrating on exercising lots, and eating healthily (slimming world to the max at the moment), whilst making the most of our downtime before we get thrown headlong into working once more.
For now, I will be finishing off the Holiday diary (only one more part left to write up *sadface*), working on army lists for my hobby, and reading! Currently on Elfslayer by Nathan Long, a Gotrek and Felix novel, and am thoroughly enjoying it!
So, now we're moved up into an apartment in Blackpool for the time being, whilst we search for a house - its a beautiful place, seafront and huge! It's not long before I'll be heading off to my induction day for uni (10th September), and Katie will be starting work! She's got a six-month contract at the same place my step-dad works, which will be nice for some money-saving! For now, however, we are concentrating on exercising lots, and eating healthily (slimming world to the max at the moment), whilst making the most of our downtime before we get thrown headlong into working once more.
For now, I will be finishing off the Holiday diary (only one more part left to write up *sadface*), working on army lists for my hobby, and reading! Currently on Elfslayer by Nathan Long, a Gotrek and Felix novel, and am thoroughly enjoying it!
Thursday, 9 August 2012
The Fallen Princes Competition!
To win an awesome prize of a signed set of all there of Gav Thorpe's Crown of Blood trilogy, just go over here
http://thefallenprinces.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/crown-of-blood-trilogy-competition.html?showComment=1344505885153#c619044573013878019
and follow the instructions! Simple!
http://thefallenprinces.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/crown-of-blood-trilogy-competition.html?showComment=1344505885153#c619044573013878019
and follow the instructions! Simple!
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Dreaming of the Subconscious
There are dreams and there are dreams; one, an aspiration that you strive to achieve at some point in your life. It could be big or small, vastly far-fetched or something easily achievable. The other is the illogical gatherings of your subconscious, portrayed to most through a variable and often undecipherable format whilst we sleep. In this blog, I'd like to discuss the latter.
It started with a dream I had this night just past, I cannot recall it anymore, only the sensation, that it was completely wrong in so many ways from any possible reality that may have been similar, remains. As so often is the way of dreams, they linger for a few moments in that half-sleep we experience when awoken from them, but details soon seem to drain away back into our subconscious. Some points stick around longer, and some whole dreams occasionally embed themselves into our waking memory.
I myself have several dreams I can recall that have reoccurred several times in my life; one involves a small country farmhouse where my family and I are attempting to seal the windows and doors from a pack of raptors, another features wolves outside my first house's bedroom window and a third revolves around an odd house that I've never seen before, with a giant pirate ship moored in the lake behind it. Needless to say I've never been on a pirate ship, but it's a wonder where these images comes from.
Is it random things from my imagination that are dredged up in the depths of sleep? Or is it relatively ancient memories that are lost to me (there may have been a pirate ship or giant mansion in a childrens program that I've since forgotten, for example). Is it influenced by the food we eat or by the mood we in when we go to sleep? Maybe it's altered by the thoughts we entertain just before bed, or barely audible sounds that our brain doesn't consciously register at night? Could it be smells that interfere with our dreams or temperature of your body as you sleep? Who knows, surely not me.
This all leads me to ask the relevant next question, what is your subconscious? The first website I find upon asking this question for google states that "The subconscious mind stores all of your previous life experiences, your beliefs, your memories, your skills, all situations you've been through and all images you've ever seen." Now, whilst I accept some of this at face value, I'm inclined to believe that my beliefs aren't determined by my subconscious...I like to think I decide what I believe and what not to believe. When given the god question I don't really have an answer of much merit either way. According to this same website, the subconscious is the minds autopilot, which rings true again, because your bodily functions continue without conscious thought, and there are some reactions so ingrained that you have almost no control over them unless you think hard about them before they happen.
I don't think there is really a point to this blog, as there is no definitive answer to what it is and what controls our dreams. I just thought I'd highlight some key things I thought of this morning. I may attempt to keep a dream diary, and write down connotations like what I had to eat beforehand and what I can remember thinking about before bed (if possible), and see where it leads me. But otherwise, I shall at least continue to ponder the question of dreams.
It started with a dream I had this night just past, I cannot recall it anymore, only the sensation, that it was completely wrong in so many ways from any possible reality that may have been similar, remains. As so often is the way of dreams, they linger for a few moments in that half-sleep we experience when awoken from them, but details soon seem to drain away back into our subconscious. Some points stick around longer, and some whole dreams occasionally embed themselves into our waking memory.
I myself have several dreams I can recall that have reoccurred several times in my life; one involves a small country farmhouse where my family and I are attempting to seal the windows and doors from a pack of raptors, another features wolves outside my first house's bedroom window and a third revolves around an odd house that I've never seen before, with a giant pirate ship moored in the lake behind it. Needless to say I've never been on a pirate ship, but it's a wonder where these images comes from.
Is it random things from my imagination that are dredged up in the depths of sleep? Or is it relatively ancient memories that are lost to me (there may have been a pirate ship or giant mansion in a childrens program that I've since forgotten, for example). Is it influenced by the food we eat or by the mood we in when we go to sleep? Maybe it's altered by the thoughts we entertain just before bed, or barely audible sounds that our brain doesn't consciously register at night? Could it be smells that interfere with our dreams or temperature of your body as you sleep? Who knows, surely not me.
This all leads me to ask the relevant next question, what is your subconscious? The first website I find upon asking this question for google states that "The subconscious mind stores all of your previous life experiences, your beliefs, your memories, your skills, all situations you've been through and all images you've ever seen." Now, whilst I accept some of this at face value, I'm inclined to believe that my beliefs aren't determined by my subconscious...I like to think I decide what I believe and what not to believe. When given the god question I don't really have an answer of much merit either way. According to this same website, the subconscious is the minds autopilot, which rings true again, because your bodily functions continue without conscious thought, and there are some reactions so ingrained that you have almost no control over them unless you think hard about them before they happen.
I don't think there is really a point to this blog, as there is no definitive answer to what it is and what controls our dreams. I just thought I'd highlight some key things I thought of this morning. I may attempt to keep a dream diary, and write down connotations like what I had to eat beforehand and what I can remember thinking about before bed (if possible), and see where it leads me. But otherwise, I shall at least continue to ponder the question of dreams.
Kefalonia - Part Seven
Wednesday 25th
Following what had to have been the worst night's sleep yet, we relaxed, expecting the car pick-up to arrive at any minute (the man who delivered it had said about 0900). At 1430, I rang the Avis Kefalonia office and was told, mighty helpfully, 'maybe they'll pick it up this afternoon'. Well, given as it's past noon, I'd hope so! Ignoring the obvious lack of aid from the Avis call operator, we went for a dip in the sea, covered for the first time in factor 30! The water was lovely and cool in the afternoon heat, and we lounged just outside the bay for the first time, in the wind-chopped surface waters. Unfortunately for me, clearly 30 isn't enough protection - my skin began to peel in a thin band across my shoulders post-swim. We'll have to see if I can dredge any more out of the 50 bottle, and shore up the damage with a hefty dose of after-sun.
Refreshed from our swim, we meandered into town and perused the souvenir shops for gifts before heading to our chosen restaurant of the evening - the Taverna 'To Perasma'. All the reviews on trip advisor were true - the food there is wonderful. I sampled a truly different starter this time ; Skordalia, which is pureed potato (like mash but, more in the style of a thick soup) laden with garlic. Katie didn't enjoy the richness of this dish, which was fine with me - I enjoyed the entirety of it. For mains we both tried new things; chicken from the spit for madam, whilst sir chose Chicken Schnitzel. Both meats were deliciously moist, and mine was accompanied by the sweetest and tastiest mustard sauce ever (it was laden with honey). Post-dinner we back-tracked further into town to purchase tomorrow's snacks from the bakery, and an ice cream each from the supermarket (really a corner shop). Back at base, we discover the source of the load Oasis music we awoke to this morning - our new neighbours. Hopefully they won't keep us up tonight, I could do with some sleep!
Thursday 26th
Not much to report today; we ate lunch at the cafe F'iore D'amore and did a little further shop-browsing. One shop keeper gifted me with a Greek-style pen holder, in the shape of a cross-section of an Athenian Greek temple. Georgia, the keep, told us that its an antique - she's had it in the shop for nigh on eight years, and had resolved to give it to someone who was interested in it. I had originally picked it up and examined it when we first entered the shop, so we were given it to take home, after she made us promise to remember her. It just about made our day, and reminded that, despite their driving habits, Greeks are some of the loveliest people you'll ever meet. This evening we were surprised to find Kioni, our hire car, back in the parking lot outside the apartments. Unless she's haunting us, or pining for us to use her once more, someone else must have been given the pleasure. If I find out who, I'll warn them about inclines and third gear!
We returned to the Odyssey hotel tonight, as we had promised Karen. Katie dined on an Armenian Mezes followed by Spetsofai (eggplant wrapped in bacon followed by Greek sausage and pepper in a spicy wine sauce), whilst I had a familiar Pocket Feta, rounded off with a saliva-inducing Spaghetti Bolognese. We were slightly restless afterward, so once we'd said our goodbyes to Karen, we ambled into town to buy an ice cream, enjoying the pre-penultimate night air. It's going to be interesting returning to the UK after staying here; everything is pretty damn-near perfect. Ah well, those worries are for Sunday afternoon, for now, I'll enjoy our little slice of heaven.
Friday 27th
Another slow, relaxed day - making the most of the time we have left. Following some sunbathing on the terrace (on Katie's part; my part was to read, of course), we took a jaunt into town for lunch. We both had Pitta Club's, which were gorgeous and very filling! After a little rest and a cool down in the apartment (it's quite a task walking up that steep drive in this heat you know!). we went for a dip. I used some of the spf 50 dregs on my shoulders as some form of protection (which didn't work - what healed is now slightly peely again; hopefully aftersun to the rescue), and we took our snorkelling gear. We took a route right form the beach this time, to make a change, but found nothing of any note bar the seabed, so pursued our usual path out of the bay, hugging the rocky coast. In the typical law of the universe, we used the last few shots of our underwater disposable camera just before we saw the bigger and impressively-coloured/patterned fish, but we can hope our precious few pics are good enough (they'll have to be!).
As promised, this evening I treated Katie to dinner at the primary seafood restaurant here in Agia Efimia - Poseidon. I had meatballs for starters, of which nine turned up(!), all of which were succulent balls of perfection. Katie had a stuffed pepper, followed by the peace de resistance; Fishermans Spaghetti. This was the long stringy pasta (obviously), accompanied by mussels, squid, octopus and shrimp, topped off by two king prawns, all in a tomato-based sauce. I sampled the cheese and bacon-stuffed chicken breast. Uninspired, as it was s seafood restaurant, I know, but then I'm not that big a seafood lover; I prefer to observe marine life, not eat it!
We mooched along the front after tea, nosing at the boats as has become our nightly way, admiring the two new additions to the port (or, more correctly bay, as they were too large to fit into the marina); one large, two-sailed ship, complete with rigging and a fine-blue lacquered finish. The other a crisp white, multistory luxury yacht with a full waiting staff and crew, dressed up to the nines in their spiffy white uniforms. It's alright for some! Stopping off at the bakery for breakfast supplies, the charming baker-lady whom we've come to know gifted us with two fresh cookies for, as she put it, "her long customers". So it was with bellies full and spirits high we returned to the apartment to face our last day here in Greece, and the penultimate evening draws to a close.
Saturday 28th
This morning was spent in a duel-role; we packed our suitcases (as much as possible at the time) and sunbathed on the terrace. Between which we feasted on ice creams and pastries (and a beer, in Katie's case) - if you can't do it on holiday then when can you, eh? As midday approached we returned to our lunchtime haunt of yesterday and had another double dose of Pita Clubs, whilst watching some of the first Olympic events; of particular note were our swimmers, who we were heartened to see at least one doing well. It was an odd experience, for once the roles reversed; in a foreign country watching the Olympics taking place back home in England! It soon became apparent on our walk home that today was hotter than most (we found out afterward it had topped off at 39 degrees C at the hottest point). Dilly-dallying until late afternoon to avoid the worst of it, we went for our last swim at about 1630. Floating about performing the occasional somersault, back flip or barrel roll, we wiled away the time and, after an adventurous swim to see how far out of the bay we could swim (which was quite a distance, and seemed longer upon turning to swim back against the tide and wind), we trudged back up the hill to the apartment.
Today, not only being the hottest we'd had yet, was also a day for wildlife! On the apartment driveway Katie (A.K.A. eagle-eyes) spotted a tiny lizard scuttling along. Just as we left for dinner that evening, we noticed a preying mantis crouched in one of the snorkeling masks! These are the main two alongside the plethora of dogs, cats, wasps and fish that we encountered here everyday. Finishing off our holiday as we started it, in Spiros, I enjoyed a Mezes starter followed by a Kefalonian Meat Pie (so finishing EXACTLY how I had begun). Katie had a Saganaki Shrimp (shrimp and feta in a tomato sauce) and a green Mediterranean salad. Finally, unable to put it off any longer we returned to Myrto for the final time, pausing only once along the way for me to scatter low-value cents into the swimming bay for snorkeling kids (or adults) to find. An early start in the morning, and a long day, so time for a (relatively) early final night.
Following what had to have been the worst night's sleep yet, we relaxed, expecting the car pick-up to arrive at any minute (the man who delivered it had said about 0900). At 1430, I rang the Avis Kefalonia office and was told, mighty helpfully, 'maybe they'll pick it up this afternoon'. Well, given as it's past noon, I'd hope so! Ignoring the obvious lack of aid from the Avis call operator, we went for a dip in the sea, covered for the first time in factor 30! The water was lovely and cool in the afternoon heat, and we lounged just outside the bay for the first time, in the wind-chopped surface waters. Unfortunately for me, clearly 30 isn't enough protection - my skin began to peel in a thin band across my shoulders post-swim. We'll have to see if I can dredge any more out of the 50 bottle, and shore up the damage with a hefty dose of after-sun.
Refreshed from our swim, we meandered into town and perused the souvenir shops for gifts before heading to our chosen restaurant of the evening - the Taverna 'To Perasma'. All the reviews on trip advisor were true - the food there is wonderful. I sampled a truly different starter this time ; Skordalia, which is pureed potato (like mash but, more in the style of a thick soup) laden with garlic. Katie didn't enjoy the richness of this dish, which was fine with me - I enjoyed the entirety of it. For mains we both tried new things; chicken from the spit for madam, whilst sir chose Chicken Schnitzel. Both meats were deliciously moist, and mine was accompanied by the sweetest and tastiest mustard sauce ever (it was laden with honey). Post-dinner we back-tracked further into town to purchase tomorrow's snacks from the bakery, and an ice cream each from the supermarket (really a corner shop). Back at base, we discover the source of the load Oasis music we awoke to this morning - our new neighbours. Hopefully they won't keep us up tonight, I could do with some sleep!
Thursday 26th
Not much to report today; we ate lunch at the cafe F'iore D'amore and did a little further shop-browsing. One shop keeper gifted me with a Greek-style pen holder, in the shape of a cross-section of an Athenian Greek temple. Georgia, the keep, told us that its an antique - she's had it in the shop for nigh on eight years, and had resolved to give it to someone who was interested in it. I had originally picked it up and examined it when we first entered the shop, so we were given it to take home, after she made us promise to remember her. It just about made our day, and reminded that, despite their driving habits, Greeks are some of the loveliest people you'll ever meet. This evening we were surprised to find Kioni, our hire car, back in the parking lot outside the apartments. Unless she's haunting us, or pining for us to use her once more, someone else must have been given the pleasure. If I find out who, I'll warn them about inclines and third gear!
We returned to the Odyssey hotel tonight, as we had promised Karen. Katie dined on an Armenian Mezes followed by Spetsofai (eggplant wrapped in bacon followed by Greek sausage and pepper in a spicy wine sauce), whilst I had a familiar Pocket Feta, rounded off with a saliva-inducing Spaghetti Bolognese. We were slightly restless afterward, so once we'd said our goodbyes to Karen, we ambled into town to buy an ice cream, enjoying the pre-penultimate night air. It's going to be interesting returning to the UK after staying here; everything is pretty damn-near perfect. Ah well, those worries are for Sunday afternoon, for now, I'll enjoy our little slice of heaven.
Friday 27th
Another slow, relaxed day - making the most of the time we have left. Following some sunbathing on the terrace (on Katie's part; my part was to read, of course), we took a jaunt into town for lunch. We both had Pitta Club's, which were gorgeous and very filling! After a little rest and a cool down in the apartment (it's quite a task walking up that steep drive in this heat you know!). we went for a dip. I used some of the spf 50 dregs on my shoulders as some form of protection (which didn't work - what healed is now slightly peely again; hopefully aftersun to the rescue), and we took our snorkelling gear. We took a route right form the beach this time, to make a change, but found nothing of any note bar the seabed, so pursued our usual path out of the bay, hugging the rocky coast. In the typical law of the universe, we used the last few shots of our underwater disposable camera just before we saw the bigger and impressively-coloured/patterned fish, but we can hope our precious few pics are good enough (they'll have to be!).
As promised, this evening I treated Katie to dinner at the primary seafood restaurant here in Agia Efimia - Poseidon. I had meatballs for starters, of which nine turned up(!), all of which were succulent balls of perfection. Katie had a stuffed pepper, followed by the peace de resistance; Fishermans Spaghetti. This was the long stringy pasta (obviously), accompanied by mussels, squid, octopus and shrimp, topped off by two king prawns, all in a tomato-based sauce. I sampled the cheese and bacon-stuffed chicken breast. Uninspired, as it was s seafood restaurant, I know, but then I'm not that big a seafood lover; I prefer to observe marine life, not eat it!
We mooched along the front after tea, nosing at the boats as has become our nightly way, admiring the two new additions to the port (or, more correctly bay, as they were too large to fit into the marina); one large, two-sailed ship, complete with rigging and a fine-blue lacquered finish. The other a crisp white, multistory luxury yacht with a full waiting staff and crew, dressed up to the nines in their spiffy white uniforms. It's alright for some! Stopping off at the bakery for breakfast supplies, the charming baker-lady whom we've come to know gifted us with two fresh cookies for, as she put it, "her long customers". So it was with bellies full and spirits high we returned to the apartment to face our last day here in Greece, and the penultimate evening draws to a close.
Saturday 28th
This morning was spent in a duel-role; we packed our suitcases (as much as possible at the time) and sunbathed on the terrace. Between which we feasted on ice creams and pastries (and a beer, in Katie's case) - if you can't do it on holiday then when can you, eh? As midday approached we returned to our lunchtime haunt of yesterday and had another double dose of Pita Clubs, whilst watching some of the first Olympic events; of particular note were our swimmers, who we were heartened to see at least one doing well. It was an odd experience, for once the roles reversed; in a foreign country watching the Olympics taking place back home in England! It soon became apparent on our walk home that today was hotter than most (we found out afterward it had topped off at 39 degrees C at the hottest point). Dilly-dallying until late afternoon to avoid the worst of it, we went for our last swim at about 1630. Floating about performing the occasional somersault, back flip or barrel roll, we wiled away the time and, after an adventurous swim to see how far out of the bay we could swim (which was quite a distance, and seemed longer upon turning to swim back against the tide and wind), we trudged back up the hill to the apartment.
Today, not only being the hottest we'd had yet, was also a day for wildlife! On the apartment driveway Katie (A.K.A. eagle-eyes) spotted a tiny lizard scuttling along. Just as we left for dinner that evening, we noticed a preying mantis crouched in one of the snorkeling masks! These are the main two alongside the plethora of dogs, cats, wasps and fish that we encountered here everyday. Finishing off our holiday as we started it, in Spiros, I enjoyed a Mezes starter followed by a Kefalonian Meat Pie (so finishing EXACTLY how I had begun). Katie had a Saganaki Shrimp (shrimp and feta in a tomato sauce) and a green Mediterranean salad. Finally, unable to put it off any longer we returned to Myrto for the final time, pausing only once along the way for me to scatter low-value cents into the swimming bay for snorkeling kids (or adults) to find. An early start in the morning, and a long day, so time for a (relatively) early final night.
Kefalonia - Part Six
Tuesday 24th
Huzzah! Katie's feeling better. After an unbroken night's sleep, we take the morning easy, reading and eating paine au chocolates until about 1100. Armed with our trusty map, an ice cream (for Katie), the camera, some euros and Kioni, we followed the bay around Agia Efimia, and out towards Sami. As the last day we have the car, let me just say that, flaw's aside, she's an economic little trooper. Given that we started the day between a quarter a tank of petrol and empty, and only added twenty euros (nudging the needle to just over halfway), and the amount of driving we did (which, you'll see, is a fair bit), she still retains about a quarter tank! I want a Chevrolet Aveo for my next car now (though new- without the hiccoughs Kioni suffers from).
First off, she has a tendency to be inconsistent. Sometimes, she loves third gear, and will rocket along quite happily in it for an age. Others, she'll slow down and moan like a baby until you change up or down. Fact is she sometimes won't even accept fourth in it's place, the fussy madam! Secondly, inclines. No, we're not even talking vertical climbs, in fact, the worst we encountered were only 10% inclines; but gentle slopes. Even a hint of a change in the horizontal/vertical orientation and she slows right down if in third or fourth and climbs in the manner of a stubborn mule. Third, second gear. Between 20 and 25 kph, she'll whine like crazy, but put your foot down a tad more and tadah! silent, smooth running! And don't get me started on first gear - try to idle along in the most basic of automobile functions and you'll shunt forward then slow suddenly without warning a moment later.
But, despite all the gear issues and attitude, she's got a brilliantly tight turning circle, augmented by a very responsive power steering, and second gear has a feisty kick when employed properly (all useful for these crazy Greek roads). The air conditioning works well enough and she's deceptively spacious - all in all, she's served her purpose well here on the island. Anyway; our trip.
We stopped to add fuel just outside of Sami, continuing through the town before striking out south on the mountain pass road, past Drograti caves. Around about the highest point the pass road reaches between Argostoli-Sami, 674m above sea level, we turned left, heading along the southern face of Mt. Roudi. Just after a quite randomly-located chapel, the going got much harder. After circling a bowl of flat land (yes, I know how contradictory those terms are, but it was a bowl-shaped area, flatter than the mountains around it, okay?), and bypassing a European Union radar station, we entered the proper mountain road. Or maybe lanes would be a more apt word. Flanked either side by towering firs and pines, the path wound back and forth with frequent hairpins and a constant lack of safety barriers. By more luck than judgement, we managed to reach the top without encountering another vehicle (though we did spot a playground about halfway up, and two downed telegraph poles!).
Eventually though, we reached the sloping plateau that served as the car park, the immediate area dominated by several large radio masts. A road ran around the fenced off metal spires, which we parked at the side of in true Greek fashion. To fully orientate and acclimatise ourselves to the altitude (1,384m above sea level, to be precise), we took a stroll around the circuit. Before we left the car we were marveling at how the cloud was rolling past a tree-level through their branches, so close were we! As we rounded the buildings that formed the foundation of the masts, it became apparent how far up we actually were - from the cliff we were stood on, nothing but cloud ws visible below! Completing the round trip, we took off down a dirt track that led away from the masts, directly opposite them across the plateau. A few twists in the path and we came across a couple of lone benches to one side, bare, unobstructed (nLots of it.
Further on, aside from two diversions involving a yellow butterfly and a beautiful red-winged cricket, we found a break in the trees that allowed us a view north, amazingly enough (though we only guess it at the time and confirmed the fact later), of the bay that hosts Sami and Agia Efimia! Photo opportunities were aplenty here, though the weather took a dynamic shift just before we turned around to head home. Thick, grey cloud swept down across the path and through thre trees - this time actually about us, not just close above. Everything took on a (-n even more) surreal quality, looking more and more like a horror story setting. By the time we got back to the car, the tallest radio mast, which rose close to 100 foot in height, had all but disappeared in the thick bank of cloud that had rolled in. And we were parked next to it, no more than a few foot from its base! Needless to say, visibility was low.
Carefully we descended, pausing at the random playground for some childishness and photos before continuing down. Between the playground and the chapel, the visibility was so low we were expecting to emerge into an apocalypse - the only people left alive on the island, left to fend for themselves against a horde of mindless, once-human creatures. Alas this tale is neither that exciting nor that morbid. We emerged, intact and not alone, as the intermittent traffic attested to. Reaching the mountain pass road once again, we clove west, heading for the island capitol. Continuing the bout of mundane, we took refreshment and did a little shopping there, before following the long coastal route north along the Gulf. Crossing over the western shoulder of the island between the relatively small Mt. Agrilla and Mt Imerovigli (455m and 994m - relative to Mt Aenos, that is), we found ourselves above the poster-bay of Kefalonia - Myrtos Beach. From the views we had, it's understandable why it has become so famous - cyan blue waters lap gently at a truly golden-yellow shoreline, the encroaching seaweed beds that are found everywhere starting fairly far out in comparison to other places we've seen. The only deterrent we could see was the road down, which in light of Mt Aenos roads, was an easy drive. But, we had a better target in mind.
Not far past Myrtos we turned off the road at what first look is a tarmac drop off the cliffside. Luckily for us it isn't and twists down to the gorgeous spur of land dubbed Assos. Unfortunately for us, Katie was feeling a little off-colour again, so we didn't take the steep walk up to the fortress that resrs there, but we sat and ate an ice lolly each and observed the sheltered inlet that serves as the villagers port, pool and beach all in one. It is (and was) a little slice of paradise. Soon enough though we piled back into our vehicular trooper and traversed the width of the island's headland to get back to our apartment, pausing just outside Agia Efimia to take a picture of the sign pointing down a lane to "Hectors" (my Grandma's dog is called Hector, for those of you who didn't know).
Back home, I sadly emptied Kioni and did a double-check through all the areas, ensuring we hadn't left anything behind. After a rest and a read we changed and headed out in a different direction - at the bottom of the drive we turned left up the road, searching for a well-hidden restaurant a couple, who had been on our minibus from the airport and were also staying in the Myrto apartments, had recommended highly to us. Well barely had we turned the corner than we were accosted by Karen. She approached us across the road, with a look in her eye that put us both in mind of the questionnaire/survey/religious convert people in busy town centres, that seem only to pop up into your path when your either really late or eager to get to a certain shop. You know the type.
Anyway, Karen was the complete opposite of the usual promotion/marketing sales rep. Ok, sure, she gave us the spiel about the hotel and restaurant, but was surprisingly unique and refreshing. We unanimously decided whether or not it was the recommended place, to give it a try. Karen came up to the hotel with us and waited on us, returning regularly throughout the night to make sure everything was alright. We shared a Feta Pocket for starters, which was the fancy, up-market name for the Feta cheese with pastry, honey and sesame seeds and, whilst I'm not saying Finikas' version wasn't nice (because it is - it's delicious), the Odyssey one was better. The whole dish lighter, and the honey just in enough quantities to off-set the Feta. Perfect. For main course, Katie had pizza carbonara, which is exactly as it sounds - carbonara with pizza replacing the pasta! I had BBQ pork ribs, served on a bed of the best french fries ever. And the sauce - so fruity but not over-sweet; just right! The hotel itself was beautiful, clean (like pretty much everything except the cars here in Greeg), and bright. We sat on a terrace-balcony overlooking the road, with a panoramic view of the bay spread before us. We were definitely going back.
Just a short walk back and we have time for a chill-out before bed. The next door "Up" dog (the spitting image of the lovable lab from the Disney classic) eyed us sleepily as we passed. Tomorrow old faithful Kioni gets taken from us, spelling the doomed countdown until the end of holiday. Until then, though, more sea, sun, and good food!
Huzzah! Katie's feeling better. After an unbroken night's sleep, we take the morning easy, reading and eating paine au chocolates until about 1100. Armed with our trusty map, an ice cream (for Katie), the camera, some euros and Kioni, we followed the bay around Agia Efimia, and out towards Sami. As the last day we have the car, let me just say that, flaw's aside, she's an economic little trooper. Given that we started the day between a quarter a tank of petrol and empty, and only added twenty euros (nudging the needle to just over halfway), and the amount of driving we did (which, you'll see, is a fair bit), she still retains about a quarter tank! I want a Chevrolet Aveo for my next car now (though new- without the hiccoughs Kioni suffers from).
First off, she has a tendency to be inconsistent. Sometimes, she loves third gear, and will rocket along quite happily in it for an age. Others, she'll slow down and moan like a baby until you change up or down. Fact is she sometimes won't even accept fourth in it's place, the fussy madam! Secondly, inclines. No, we're not even talking vertical climbs, in fact, the worst we encountered were only 10% inclines; but gentle slopes. Even a hint of a change in the horizontal/vertical orientation and she slows right down if in third or fourth and climbs in the manner of a stubborn mule. Third, second gear. Between 20 and 25 kph, she'll whine like crazy, but put your foot down a tad more and tadah! silent, smooth running! And don't get me started on first gear - try to idle along in the most basic of automobile functions and you'll shunt forward then slow suddenly without warning a moment later.
But, despite all the gear issues and attitude, she's got a brilliantly tight turning circle, augmented by a very responsive power steering, and second gear has a feisty kick when employed properly (all useful for these crazy Greek roads). The air conditioning works well enough and she's deceptively spacious - all in all, she's served her purpose well here on the island. Anyway; our trip.
We stopped to add fuel just outside of Sami, continuing through the town before striking out south on the mountain pass road, past Drograti caves. Around about the highest point the pass road reaches between Argostoli-Sami, 674m above sea level, we turned left, heading along the southern face of Mt. Roudi. Just after a quite randomly-located chapel, the going got much harder. After circling a bowl of flat land (yes, I know how contradictory those terms are, but it was a bowl-shaped area, flatter than the mountains around it, okay?), and bypassing a European Union radar station, we entered the proper mountain road. Or maybe lanes would be a more apt word. Flanked either side by towering firs and pines, the path wound back and forth with frequent hairpins and a constant lack of safety barriers. By more luck than judgement, we managed to reach the top without encountering another vehicle (though we did spot a playground about halfway up, and two downed telegraph poles!).
Eventually though, we reached the sloping plateau that served as the car park, the immediate area dominated by several large radio masts. A road ran around the fenced off metal spires, which we parked at the side of in true Greek fashion. To fully orientate and acclimatise ourselves to the altitude (1,384m above sea level, to be precise), we took a stroll around the circuit. Before we left the car we were marveling at how the cloud was rolling past a tree-level through their branches, so close were we! As we rounded the buildings that formed the foundation of the masts, it became apparent how far up we actually were - from the cliff we were stood on, nothing but cloud ws visible below! Completing the round trip, we took off down a dirt track that led away from the masts, directly opposite them across the plateau. A few twists in the path and we came across a couple of lone benches to one side, bare, unobstructed (nLots of it.
Further on, aside from two diversions involving a yellow butterfly and a beautiful red-winged cricket, we found a break in the trees that allowed us a view north, amazingly enough (though we only guess it at the time and confirmed the fact later), of the bay that hosts Sami and Agia Efimia! Photo opportunities were aplenty here, though the weather took a dynamic shift just before we turned around to head home. Thick, grey cloud swept down across the path and through thre trees - this time actually about us, not just close above. Everything took on a (-n even more) surreal quality, looking more and more like a horror story setting. By the time we got back to the car, the tallest radio mast, which rose close to 100 foot in height, had all but disappeared in the thick bank of cloud that had rolled in. And we were parked next to it, no more than a few foot from its base! Needless to say, visibility was low.
Carefully we descended, pausing at the random playground for some childishness and photos before continuing down. Between the playground and the chapel, the visibility was so low we were expecting to emerge into an apocalypse - the only people left alive on the island, left to fend for themselves against a horde of mindless, once-human creatures. Alas this tale is neither that exciting nor that morbid. We emerged, intact and not alone, as the intermittent traffic attested to. Reaching the mountain pass road once again, we clove west, heading for the island capitol. Continuing the bout of mundane, we took refreshment and did a little shopping there, before following the long coastal route north along the Gulf. Crossing over the western shoulder of the island between the relatively small Mt. Agrilla and Mt Imerovigli (455m and 994m - relative to Mt Aenos, that is), we found ourselves above the poster-bay of Kefalonia - Myrtos Beach. From the views we had, it's understandable why it has become so famous - cyan blue waters lap gently at a truly golden-yellow shoreline, the encroaching seaweed beds that are found everywhere starting fairly far out in comparison to other places we've seen. The only deterrent we could see was the road down, which in light of Mt Aenos roads, was an easy drive. But, we had a better target in mind.
Not far past Myrtos we turned off the road at what first look is a tarmac drop off the cliffside. Luckily for us it isn't and twists down to the gorgeous spur of land dubbed Assos. Unfortunately for us, Katie was feeling a little off-colour again, so we didn't take the steep walk up to the fortress that resrs there, but we sat and ate an ice lolly each and observed the sheltered inlet that serves as the villagers port, pool and beach all in one. It is (and was) a little slice of paradise. Soon enough though we piled back into our vehicular trooper and traversed the width of the island's headland to get back to our apartment, pausing just outside Agia Efimia to take a picture of the sign pointing down a lane to "Hectors" (my Grandma's dog is called Hector, for those of you who didn't know).
Back home, I sadly emptied Kioni and did a double-check through all the areas, ensuring we hadn't left anything behind. After a rest and a read we changed and headed out in a different direction - at the bottom of the drive we turned left up the road, searching for a well-hidden restaurant a couple, who had been on our minibus from the airport and were also staying in the Myrto apartments, had recommended highly to us. Well barely had we turned the corner than we were accosted by Karen. She approached us across the road, with a look in her eye that put us both in mind of the questionnaire/survey/religious convert people in busy town centres, that seem only to pop up into your path when your either really late or eager to get to a certain shop. You know the type.
Anyway, Karen was the complete opposite of the usual promotion/marketing sales rep. Ok, sure, she gave us the spiel about the hotel and restaurant, but was surprisingly unique and refreshing. We unanimously decided whether or not it was the recommended place, to give it a try. Karen came up to the hotel with us and waited on us, returning regularly throughout the night to make sure everything was alright. We shared a Feta Pocket for starters, which was the fancy, up-market name for the Feta cheese with pastry, honey and sesame seeds and, whilst I'm not saying Finikas' version wasn't nice (because it is - it's delicious), the Odyssey one was better. The whole dish lighter, and the honey just in enough quantities to off-set the Feta. Perfect. For main course, Katie had pizza carbonara, which is exactly as it sounds - carbonara with pizza replacing the pasta! I had BBQ pork ribs, served on a bed of the best french fries ever. And the sauce - so fruity but not over-sweet; just right! The hotel itself was beautiful, clean (like pretty much everything except the cars here in Greeg), and bright. We sat on a terrace-balcony overlooking the road, with a panoramic view of the bay spread before us. We were definitely going back.
Just a short walk back and we have time for a chill-out before bed. The next door "Up" dog (the spitting image of the lovable lab from the Disney classic) eyed us sleepily as we passed. Tomorrow old faithful Kioni gets taken from us, spelling the doomed countdown until the end of holiday. Until then, though, more sea, sun, and good food!
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