Paxos via Corfu

A trip to a greek island is always a treat but sometimes the weather makes it more interesting! Arriving in Corfu in theory to catch a ferry to Paxos we eventually found out that the wind was too strong and all sailings had been cancelled. However Kyria who had flown in from Portugal the day before and I found ourselves in the same overnight hotel as my stepdaughter Sarah and her husband Anthony. So we had a very enjoyable stroll round old Corfu town taking in a bar

on a square for an ouzo for me, followed by a good meal in a Cretan taverna,(have to support my favourite Greeks) and then some music on the way back.

We eventually arrived at lunchtime on Tuesday to find our little cottage right on the beach

as you can see I mean right on! Kyria had some sleep to catch up on

We were not far from the large village of Loggos, a pretty harbour and derelict soap factory with an aphrodite statue

as it happened Sarah and Anthony were on the other side of the town so we had a few meetings.

Kyria and I went on a round the island cruise and I assure you none of these photos have been photo shopped the colours you see are as they were. The west coast has high cliffs and rock formations

This was followed by a visit to Anti Paxos a small sister island

before heading back round the east coast where the beaches (mainly pebble) are found. A quick change had us ready for the pre-wedding party back on top of the cliffs we had passed earlier in the day. The sunset was magical although not photographically brilliant as there was little cloud but you see what I mean.

Saturday and Sunday gave us time to enjoy both our own beach

and the one next door

walks to Loggos

with suppers in Loggos not sure what was so funny

and moonlit returns

All too soon, time to return home feel obliged to show off my newest t-shirt courtesy of Kevin, left in Portugal by Kyria working allegedly!

While waiting for our coach we noticed these cats enjoying the early morning sun, no sharing allowed clearly. 

Fortunately the journey home not so fraught and we arrived safely back on time in London after a lovely week in a beautiful island.

Summer weddings

The Davies family had 2 weddings and a blessing in August. First my step grandson Olly married his long term girlfriend Katie in Bristol on the 4^th . The showers more or less held off and it was a lovely family occasion the reception being enlivened by a sung best man speech!

Nathaniel and Jess had a civil ceremony in London to avoid an extended stay in Greece required to get married there. The weather was glorious and Marylebone Town Hall provided a lovely room for the proceedings.

We were a very small group apart from the bride and groom, the two witnesses best man and bridesmaid

the two mothers

and my 91 year old Aunt Grace, my fathers elder sister and last of her generation in the Harding/Davies family.

The bride and groom looked suitably lovely and handsome, the registrar kept them in order

and both made clear and positive answers (such a relief!).

The register was signed

and a few post marriage photos taken.

We then removed to the Landmark hotel for some fizz and lunch

and the hotel provided an extra pudding for the happy couple

After all this excitement they had to rush off to get to Gatwick for a late flight to Corfu,

oh to be young!

Family and friends made their way to Paxos via Corfu for a pre-wedding evening party on the cliffs at Erimitis to meet up and watch the sunset (photo) of which on the Paxos blog).

It was a fabulous spot and a chance for everyone to meet up from our various villas and hotels scattered over the island. Jess had gone to a lot of trouble to arrange things and I hope she knows how much we all appreciated it.

Including transport, this is Kyria waiting for our minibus

It was good to see everyone in holiday mode

and the happy couple looked suitably happy which considering the bridegrooms wedding ring had been lost in the sea earlier in the week was remarkable, but that's another story!!

The sun eventually set as we enjoyed our meal and Kyria's dress choice proved inspired.

The next evening was still rather warm when we were picked up and taken to the Olive grove. There seemed to be an unorganised choice of blue for many of the guests, me

Kyria and Sarah (Nathaniel's half sister)

as well as Jess's sister and mother Jackie in Blue and white

I have to be a very proud Mum to have such beautiful children

The bridegroom and best man were visions in grey

The path to the ceremony was strewn with purple bougainvillea and as you can see she looked stunning

The ceremony was conducted by a pastor from Corfu and as you can see the sun shines on the righteous

not quite so sure on one of these!

A happy couple indeed

and lovely photo of the bride with her bridesmaid Mariana

Time for some formal photos which I haven't seen yet and a glass of bubbly before heading off to the reception which was held at their villa. Which has stunning views

even the moon came out on queue

and an enormous terrace

a tasty meal of many different mezes, followed by grilled meats and baklava meant that dancing was required to save becoming obese.

Greek first

Time for a rest

and then disco for the young and not so young, it was a wonderful occasion and will live in the memory of all those there for sometime I think.

On popping out for some stores the next evening the harbour in Loggos was festooned with white balloons, there were lots of well wishers milling about

and lo and behold a greek bride arrived on a boat

to be married in the town hall there, a very exuberant lady and typically greek, ouzo available before the ceremony!

So there you have it a few weddings all different but hopefully all three couples will have long and happy lives together.