There are a few photos and a short video of Easter Saturday night/Sunday morning for you today, and probably tomorrow as well. The events of a Greek Easter are well documented elsewhere so I won’t go into detail, but on Saturday night we see the resurrection, symbolised in the lighting of candles from priest to people and from people on to people, which is what you can see in the video below.

There is much dynamite (though more on Friday than Saturday this year) to ward off the evil spirits, and there are many joyous bells, after Midnight on Saturday, plus flares and sometimes fireworks. On Sunday there’s the traditional breaking of the fast and the burning of Judas in the evening. We are usually so full of Sotiris’ lamb by then that we can’t move. I’m writing this on Sunday late morning, before the barbeque, because I want to make sure there is something ready and posting itself first thing Monday, as I doubt I shall be up in time.

The weather seems to have settled, at least it looks like it’s going to finally settle down. This time last year we were out and about early in the morning and heading up hills and down to the sea, but this year it’s been so wet and windy as to be too unpleasant. But I am hoping that from Tuesday onwards we shall be able to get back into the early morning walks so I can bore you all with photos of the same old sunrises. And also, of course, get rid of some of the Christmas & Birthday-season weight.

It also feels like, now that Easter is almost over, it’s time to knuckle down to summer work. Just about every business is up and running now, though not all. Up here in the village the Rainbow is due to open again soon and Taverna Zoi will open when more visitors arrive. The Olive Tree should be reopening this week too. Of course the Symi Dream shop won’t be open, it’s gone. Well, the building is still there, and no one has taken it yet, as far as I know. But all other places from the herb shop up to Dimitris at the ‘Lambros’ supermarket at the back if the village are running and waiting for customers.

And as for me, well I have my coursework book staring me in the face across the desk, I have one novel plotted and the first few chapters written, I have other ideas, I have the collection of tales book dithering about and Lonely House just needs some final editing and a cover; but I’m still feeling a little bit blocked, can’t get myself down at the desk, or note book, and get on with things. I blame the weather, and why not? I’m hoping things will unblock after today and I can then spend the summer finishing a book, or at least starting on one.

But that’s enough from me on this calm, crisp Easter Sunday morning. We are expecting guests in an hour, I have gigantes to cook, a beard to shave off (or down) and the cat litter to see to. Oh joy!

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