Koulouri

What is this?

 

It is a Koulouri! It is a street food that is sold in Greece. For the past few months, I passed the ladies who yell, “Koulouri! Koulouri!” and never yielded to the temptation of buying one of these sesame covered snacks. Yesterday was different, but out of the ordinary. I was asked by my husband if I wanted to try one. I said, “Yes!” (I never turn down food.) Then he asked whether I wanted a crunchy or soft one. 0.60 cents later, I had a soft Koulouri in my hands. It was quite filling and very good. Now I feel Greek!

 

Thankfully, I carry my camera everywhere. I was able to take a picture of the fine lady who sold me my first Koulouri. She is here everyday selling her Koulouris. That’s dedication!

 

Where we walk is where we go

Ilias and I do not own a car. We do not own a motorcycle or a bike either. We get around by foot, bus, taxi, ferry, or a ride from a friend. I have not missed having a car to get around. When I lived in Arkansas, it was essential to own a car. It meant life or death but, things are different here. There are no Wal-Mart supercenters at the far edge of town, work that is a hours drive away, or restaurants that cannot be reached by foot or by the local bus line. It is not only us either. Many Greeks do not own cars.

We walk to the local supermarket. We buy what we need for the day or two. We know the supermarket owner and his family and he always greets us when we walk in the door. It is a small place but, we know where our money is going. If we need fresh bread, we go to the bakery. The local butcher provides us our meat. All are within walking distance. I never feel bad about not exercising because I am constantly walking. The streets are always full of other people too, walking here and there to get the things they need for daily living.

However, we decided last night that we may get a car next spring for emergencies. Will we always use it? Probably not. The people, places, and occurrences that we see while walking to the grocer is something that I think we could never give up. Could you live without a car?

 

Why don’t you take a walk with me…

Use your imagination!

I have to get bread, fish, a few items from the supermarket and the butcher.

We start out by walking to the bakery since it closes at 2:00pm.

The fish store is still open. We better see what they have today.

 

Maybe we should take the long way to the supermarket. The view is beautiful and besides, it is a nice day.

Keep walking….

Almost to the supermarket, turn here…

 

 

There is the Supermarket. I will run in and get a few things and then we can go to the butcher.   

 

 

The butcher and supermarket are close to each other. Not too far to go…

 

The butcher is across the street. Do want to come in?

 

Okay, time to go home. Ready to walk again? Let’s take a shortcut through the alley!

 

 

I love the olive trees. It looks as if they are getting close to harvest.

 

Almost home…

 

Turn here…

 

We are home! Not too bad…Or was it?

 

Mister Professor

Today was a big day, a long day, and joyful day. We woke early to catch the morning bus to Heraklion, Crete. The trip was 3 hours of winding roads, seashore views, and tourists galore. Our reason for this trip was not for pleasure, but to finalize Ilias’s permanent appointment to the University in Chania. For the past 5 years or more, my husband has been doing research, lecturing to students, and working for the University as a Geophysicist under contract. His pay was sporadic, working hours varied month to month, and there was always a feeling of uncertainty. Not anymore! Today Ilias took the oath at the University in Heraklion to become a permanent Professor. I am very proud of his hard work and dedication. His appointment to the University in Chania is well deserved.

 

Congratulations to a wonderful man! 

 

It was my first visit to Herkalion and I found it to be much like Athens. There was too much traffic, dirty, chaotic, and had a very big city feel to it. I am glad it is far from where I live. I enjoy my sweet, magical hometown of Chania.

 

(Don’t get me wrong, there are some becoming parts to Heraklion as you can see from the pictures below. )

Backgammon????

Last night, I learned how to play backgammon. I have been wanting to learn for some time now. Ilias and I played about 5 games and by the time the last game finished, I believe I had the hang of it.

I always wondered about this game, backgammon. I see people play it in coffee shops, out on their balconies, and in little tavernas. What makes it so addicting? I still don’t know. All I can say is that I just set up the backgammon board (I set it up wrong) and will beg Ilias to play a game or 10 with me. I think I will soon find out it’s appeal.