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Today my very kind niece spent the whole day with me, driving me around the island of Kefalonia. Over the years I have visited Greece quite a lot and been charmed by many places in this country. This. is my first trip to the western side of Greece, however. I could not have imagined how distinct in character is Kefalonia. What I have seen of the capital, Argostoli, is spread out along a long waterfront promenade. There is a pedestrian bridge out across the bay that forms a sort of lagoon of salt water that ebbs and flies with the tides.

It is springtime and many lovely trees are in bloom. A friend of my niece produces a wonderful honey from thyme flowers. It is dark and delicious. As I savoured a taste I wondered how the bee keepers made sure the bees didn’t indulge in mimosa, wild pear, daisies, orange blossom, or any of many flowering plants that surprised me at every turn of the narrow and twisting roads.

At the top of a hill was a beautiful little church where a large number of 18th century icons had been brought following a devastating earthquake in the 1950’s. They are kept under glass but others are open to the veneration of the faithful. It is lent and today being soul Saturday, the warden was handing out hefty portions of delicious bread.

I had a lovely day and to my joy, fell in love with Kefalonia a little. Tomorrow will be the celebration of Independence Day with bands and a visit to the Catholic Church that stands with its doors wide open day and night. A bow to the feast of the Annunciation and more of my niece Katy’s plans … “ Thia, I have to show you….”