I need to update the blog but I don’t feel like it.

That’s what I just said to Matthias. Sure, there’s a lot I can write about, but I’d rather play a game on the computer, watch a movie, or read my book. Also, I can’t remember what I’ve already written, and since I don’t have access to the Internet right now, I might be repeating myself. But here goes anyway…

We had a really nice xmas dinner here in Pitsidia at the local pub, which is run by Hans (from Bavaria) and Isabelle (from Poland.) So the food was traditional Northern European – duck, cabbage, potato salad and dumplings, etc. , and it was delicious. And of course the beer was flowing, as was the Raki (to add the required Greek flair to the party.) We also spent a relatively quiet New Year’s Eve at the Pub – less food but equal amounts of spirit.

But then the holidays didn’t end there. On New Year’s Day we went to a traditional gathering in the little town square, or platia (it’s triangle-shaped, actually) where the Greek version of Santa Claus (I just learned that’s an American name – developed by Coca-cola, I was told) delivered gifts to all the children. There was also a big cake – everyone got a piece and more – and somewhere hidden inside was a token for a prize. The cake was tasty, but I didn’t win the prize (or I just ate it.) There was also some music and dancing. It was fun.

The next day (my birthday) we took a bus to Iraklion – the nearest “big city” about an hour away. Unfortunately (as often happens on the 2nd of January) most restaurants and shops were closed, so I didn’t get to do my birthday eating and shopping until the next day (fortunately, I thought ahead – we stayed overnight in Iraklion.) Every Saturday, as the 3rd of January happened to be, there is a big market in Iraklion – fruits, veggies, clothes, you name it, and Souvlaki! We had fun there before getting the bus back to Pitsidia in the afternoon. Actually, the bus ride is nice in itself – the bus winds its way over the snow-covered mountains. By the way, thanks to all for the birthday greetings – it was fun to go to an internet café and get 15 birthday emails in my inbox, not to mention the Facebook postings!

Now things are back to “normal”. We’ve had a few days of nice weather and have been biking and hiking around. Hopefully, I’ll be able to include some photos here as well as on the Picasa site (link will be included here or to the left – whichever I have time for.) So, that’s all for now. Happy New Year to all!