Pedi
Here in Greece, we can leave the house for exercise (walking) as long as we have sent the necessary SMS to the authorities and received permission. Having done that, last Friday, Neil walked down to Pedi and back and took the camera, so we’ve now got a few more photos that were not taken from the roof or balcony, and you will be able to see these during the week.
It’s Great Week this week, a time when people are usually preparing for Easter and family gatherings, church services and celebrations. This year will be different with only the priest and a few cantors allowed in the church to celebrate, but with services broadcast on radio and television. Perhaps even through the church’s speakers and across the villages, as they sometimes do with music at Christmas. I wonder if there will be dynamite in the hills? There is an unusual (some would say welcome) absence of firecrackers around the lanes, as there is an absence of people, but that has an upside. Two, in fact. Not only are Greece’s strict measures keeping down the spread of the virus, but the lack of people in the lanes and streets has also encouraged wildlife to venture closer.
In the last few weeks, we’ve seen a hoopoe fly past the house, the chickens from up the road have explored beyond their usual neighbourhood, and at the weekend, we had a stray mule in the ‘front garden.’ He’d slipped his tether, and that could have happened at any time, but the same day, I saw a hooded crow on the telegraph pole a few feet from the balcony. I’ve only seen them in Rhodes before, and never that close to the house. We often see and hear ravens, and even they have been venturing nearer to the buildings, as have the sparrows who were having a good old chinwag on our balcony railings on Saturday. Again, the first time I’ve seen them do that. I shall keep my eyes peeled for other unusual sights and keep you informed. Meanwhile, I will leave you with a couple more images from a spring/early summer walk to Pedi (and the visiting mule).
