Always on my Mind

Spring flowers over Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Hello again!

Yes, I've been away from blogging duty for a bit more than originally expected.
But I've been, and still am, away from the island since the end of March.

This is the first time in over 10 years that I've been away from Kefalonia on Greek Orthodox Easter.  Since this is the most breathlessly beautiful time of the year on the island, I do feel a bit deprived and envious.

I've been trying to figure out the best way to keep up with the blog while I'm away, especially as this is the time of year that most of my online friends are planning their holidays and seeking information on where to go and what to see.

Of course, it never crossed my mind to keep on posting as if I were there... I'm sure you'd be able to tell the difference!!!
So, here's the deal....
While I'm away—and I will be away for a while—I'll post about all those special places that shouldn't be missed, giving you the inside scoop on places and things to do.

HAPPY EASTER to those of you celebrating Orthodox Easter.
Greetings from NEW YORK to all. 🙌

Spring Break

Busy as a bee and taking a small break from blogging duty to get a bit organized.
Will be back in a few days.
Enjoy the season!

Never on Sunday!

Argostoli Bay, Kefalonia

It seems almost obscene to worry or have the slightest concern on a day like this.

More than just a Sunday, this was the first real day of Spring.
Everything just came together after months of longing: the sun, the sky, the breeze, the sea, the landscape in full blossom, the inevitable coming out to play.

Welcoming Spring by the sea at Avythos

 I must admit that I was caught by surprise; I've grown accustomed, over the last few months, to sharing these favorite places with only a fisherman, a jogger or two, and, maybe, a few cats.

The sun kissed day seemed to have enticed so many others to rush to the sea to feel, see, touch, hear, and smell the celebration of life that is Spring.

A picnic basket, a frisbee, a bucket to collect pebbles...
Yes, the earth's axis has finally slipped into its right position. Any problems or worries can certainly be moved back a day, they have no place here.

Never on Sunday, especially when it is like this!

Avythos Beach, Kefalonia

Springtime Blue

Lourdas Bay, Kefalonia

Regaining  its rightful place in the field of vision, at last!
The most soothing color, in such generous supply.
It will, of course, have to compete with yellow, and pink, and indigo over the next couple of months.
But I have it on good authority that it will outlast them all...

Sissia Monastery, Kefalonia

Color My World in Tones of Revival

Klismata, Kefalonia

Color is peculiar.
Endless lines and pages are dedicated to the effect of color on everything, from mood to productivity. Each color has a personality of sorts and widely accepted associations in literature, science, aesthetics, the life cycle, and cultural perceptions.

So many associations, in fact, that they are often contradictory. Take yellow, for example. It is associated with aging, frailty, and cowardice—but also with activity, excitement and freshness.

In nature, however, it means one thing: R-E-V-I-V-A-L!

Citrus orchard, set against a background of snow-capped Mt. Aenos

Yes, the unmistakable arrival of Spring is reconfirmed by the sudden presence of yellow in strips, patches, swirls and bunches. Their density and variety will, of course, improve over the next few weeks but the first impression is unsurpassed. (It even makes me forget about that patch of  "vile white stuff" still visible in the background).

Olive grove @Svoronata, Kefalonia

Early Spring flowers, Kefalonia

Unmistakable Arrival of Kefalonia's Native Season

Snow-defying Spring colors in late February, Kefalonia

In nature, as in life, patience is definitely a virtue—and certainly rewarded!

St. Irene's Chapel at Xenopoulo, Kefalonia

A Light Exists in Spring

(Emily Dickinson)  

 A Light exists in Spring
Not present on the Year
At any other period —
When March is scarcely here

A Color stands abroad
On Solitary Fields
That Science cannot overtake
But Human Nature feels.

It waits upon the Lawn,
It shows the furthest Tree
Upon the furthest Slope you know

It almost speaks to you.   

Reeling Them in Against the Tide

Against the tide, against all odds!
It was a rough week for this island because it has been an extremely rough week for this country. 

Avythos Beach, Kefalonia

I've captured many colors, shapes and textures this past week—aided by the moody weather, wind, and clouds. But none as symbolic as the scenes of the lone fisherman matching wits with the fish swimming against the tide.

Winter's catch (Avythos)

Don't ask which is which in the symbolism. Suffice it to say that, despite the outcome, both will have had their moment of triumph under the caressing sun rays, which serve to deceitfully compensate for the rough seas and turbulent times.

It is a game of patience, perseverance, and the will to survive. Time will tell.
It may even turn out that the tide is cathartic for both man and fish.

Lourdas Beach, Kefalonia

The Countdown Must Go On

Agios Thomas, Kefalonia with snow-capped Mt. Aenos in the background

When I set my countdown to Spring into motion a few days ago, I had no idea that Mother Nature would be so offended by my impetuous action. Her reaction was disproportionately violent compared to my humble wish for the arrival of her prettiest season.

She responded with howling winds, torrential rain, turbulent seas, sweeping waves, freezing temperatures, and billions of snow flurries piling on each other—for no apparent reason other than to annoy me and so many others.

Snow on Mt. Aenos, Kefalonia (background), blossoming almond trees in Karavados (foreground)

 But for all her wickedness, the countdown continues.

As long as the snow is framed against pink almond tree blossoms, Spring is just around the corner. It may be delayed a bit but all this rain and melting snows will help her make a debut with extravagant flora and colors.

The Sweeping White of a Lady Angered

A sea swell exploding on breakwaters at Pessada, Kefalonia

It is a lady's prerogative to be unpredictable, and the sea is definitely a lady.

As such,  she is flattered by flamboyant descriptions as to her virtues; she even tolerates wish-washy praises about her character.

Her natural state is absolute calmness, dressed in stunning shades of blue.
But just when you think you've got her all figured out, she'll remind you that she can be capricious, moody, vain, and fierce.

She'll rise, darken, and send out her signals in waves. At times, though, her vices are overwhelmingly deceitful.

Like when she seems calm on the surface but swells and crashes with a sweeping roar, staying just as beautiful when unleashing her fury.

That is the time to stand back in humble admiration.
Give her time, it will pass.

In Denial

Almond tree blossoms,  Kefalonia

Ignoring the howling wind, the snow blizzard, and the subfreezing temperatures outside, I reaffirm my commitment to the Spring Countdown.

So, instead of pictures of snow flurries and trees bent in the wind, here are some sweet almond tree blossoms - framed against blue, late February skies.

After all, it is only a matter of time...

Countdown to Bliss

Scrolling through the last dozen or so posts, it dawned on me that I've let myself be carried away by winter's devious charm.

Way too many photos of snow and white-horse seas— for my disposition, that is.

The most photogenic rose bush on Kefalonia (Agia Efimia)

It is as if my least favorite season embarked on a campaign hijack mys senses and turn me into a fan.

It almost worked too!

Almost..

On this last day of January—of freezing temperatures under perfectly blue skies—I am calling its bluff by beginning the countdown to the Queen of Seasons: SPRING!

And find myself humming tunes...

❝Just remember in the Winter,
Far beneath the bitter snows,
Lies the seed that with the sun's love,
In the Spring
Becomes the Rose❞

("The Rose" by Bette Midler)

In the Company of Perfect Strangers

Makris Gialos Beach, Kefalonia (in late October)

There's an unspoken understanding and a silent solidarity between people who frequent some of my favorite places on the island. Communication is carried out mainly by glances, smiles, nods and gestures. Faces become familiar after a while and there's an inherent understanding and respect for that space that each of us is allotted for fulfilling the purpose of his visit.

A fisherman, a woman walking her dog, a couple waiting for the sunset, a jogger, an amateur photographer—each with their own agenda. Once in a while, after some familiarity is established, the nods and gestures are accompanied by a few substantial words and suggestions:
"...over those rocks you'll get a better view of the seagulls" 
"if you really want to capture some big waves, you should come in the morning"
or the inevitable question:  
"....do you ever publish these photos, is anyone interested in seeing winter images?"

I have learned so much from my "comrades in solitude." A fisherman gave me a condensed course in understanding weather so I can choose the right place and time for perfect clouds and colorful seas. An English couple tipped me off as to the purple skies of dusk that I might miss at Ammes Beach if I leave right after sundown. A jogger at Makris Gialos made a slight detour to leave some footprints so that my photo (above) would turn out less bland. Without a word, just a bow and a smile before he returned to his original path.

Thinking about this the other day, I found myself humming some lyrics from an old tune. One I haven't even heard in years, but so appropriate for the situation; it really describes what all us strangers do when smiling, nodding, and gesturing to each other in places of solitude...

Yes,indeed,

❝ We fill out the missing colors 
In each other's paint-by-number dreams...❞

(from Jackson Browne's The Pretender, paraphrased a tiny bit)

Seagoing Felines

Yes, I'm a member of their fan club. Would they pose for me otherwise?

Avythos Beach is more than place, it's a state of being. Strangely enough, it is not my favorite beach for swimming though it is absolutely gorgeous in the summer. The swimmer in me seems to have bonded over the years with the pebbles of Skala. 

Avythos Beach, Kefalonia

That aside, Avythos is my favorite year-round escape; it is  so incredibly dependable.
Now, that is a strange word to use in describing a place that is different every time, but let me explain.

It is dependable in that it will never disappoint you: be it with crashing or gentle waves; in sunshine or storm; with flawless sand or the occasional pebbles; with a spotless ceiling or overcast skies.

And, of course, on days when the northwestern wind rules, Avythos becomes a huge canvas for the "god among winds" to have a field day painting it in all shades of blue.
Blue in tiers and strips, in blotches and swirls.

And offshore, Dias Islet serves as a pivot point around which colors and shapes are formed.

But the most dependable and adorable given on Avythos are the cats that actually live there year-round. They are well-fed by beach regulars and are true extroverts.
They'll nudge and cajole, in the most imaginative ways, till they turn you into a regular meal provider.

 I know because I've become a subscriber to their charm!

Avythos beauty, in the landscape and on four legs!

The cats of Avythos Beach, Kefalonia

Cats rule... any objections?

Bridging the Distance

The mainland as seen from southeastern Kefalonia

When skies take on pale, powder blue and gray shades, they do so with a purpose. Only then do the outlines of the mainland take on definite shape and form. Hazy blobs in the horizon pop out for what they really are: snow covered mountains, rugged islets, and rock formations acting as "pit stops" for seagulls. 

Some are closer than others but there is no use in trying to map out "what is what" and attach names to them—though each one does have a unique name.

On a clear-skies, true blue day you probably could because, strangely enough, there is less to see. Then, only the largest and well recognized islands and islets are visible.

But on subtle and mute-colored, less vivid, days the more obscure formations come into focus, blotting out the big picture and forcing you to concentrate on details.

Like the flight path of seagulls that bridges the distance between here and there.
Or, the relevance of distance itself when it comes to drifting over the sea.

A pit stop for seagulls along the southeastern coast of Kefalonia

Our Honored Guest, Mr. Roy G. Biv

Rainbow over Kokkylia, Kefalonia

 Few natural phenomena are as universally admired as rainbows.

Those unbelievable arches of color-tinted light, filling up the sky after a rainfall, are the material legends and fairy tales are made of.

Hope, optimism, good tidings, and luck are just some of the words frequently attached to any description of rainbows.

Of course, the prerequisite conditions for the formation of rainbows are better left to be explained by those more scientifically inclined than yours truly. (Something to do with the interaction of light, raindrops and sun rays, but physics was never my strong suit).

There are seven spectacular colors distinctly visible to the human eye, and they appear in a specific order (reversed on the top rainbow, if there are two).

Remembering the order of the colors is easy thanks to an ingenious mnemonic device. All you have to do is remember the name of a most respectable gentleman: Roy G. Biv. 
(RedOrangeYellow Green BlueIndigoViolet).

Rumor has it that his permanent residence is ...over the rainbow. Though he is of undeclared profession, I'd say that he is eternally committed to carrying that pot of gold from one side of his residence to the other with such speed as to confuse the seekers and, thus, perpetuate the search!

Rainbow over St. George's Fortress, Kefalonia

Shifting Positions to Catch a Sunrise

If I ran a poll on which part of the day people find most attractive, there's no doubt that the results would come back with a predictable answer: "but the sunset, of course."

That said, I will not run such a poll, at least not before I attempt to persuade you that the crown jewel of the day is the Almighty Sunrise!

Sunrise viewed from Mt. Aenos, Kefalonia

Sunrise reflected on the sea of Lourdas Bay, Kefalonia

Sunrise on the Hills

❝ I stood upon the hills, when heaven's wide arch
Was glorious with the sun's returning march,
And woods were brightened, and soft gales
Went forth to kiss the sun-clad vales.
The clouds were far beneath me; bathed in light,
They gathered mid-way round the wooded height,
And, in their fading glory, shone
Like hosts in battle overthrown. ❞

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Note: the campaign of persuasion has just begun.

A Senseless Tragedy

A mind-boggling accident

 Having spent countless hours over the past 3 years at the Argostoli cruise liner pier, the Costa Concordia accident at Giglio Island makes me sad beyond words.

Those hours upon hours of gazing at those floating palaces as they glided in and out of the bay—marveling at the diverse group of people coming off the boats—bring the tragedy on the Tuscany coast closer to home than it actually is.

Surmounting this feeling is the reality that the Concordia has a couple of sister vessels, operated by the same company, which either dock here or bypass the island at incredibly short distances to the shore.

CS Costa Fortuna sailing by Kefalonia

Unchartered waters or human error?

It is amazing how a super cruise liner's state-of-the art equipment could not avert a collision with an otherwise insignificant rock formation.

You'd think that the waters along these cruise routes would be fully charted. On the other hand, should this accident prove to be the result of poor human judgement, what is the sense of all the technology if a skipper can override warning systems?

Reading all the news reports on the accident, I could not but think of all the happy faces coming off the boats, eager to explore, to discover, or simply to bask in the warm sunshine. I even wondered if any passengers of the ill-fated Concordia have been on one of the cruise ships making a port call to Argostoli.

Costa Fortuna sailing past Poros, Kefalonia

The Costa Concordia's sister vessel, the Costa Fortuna, is a frequent guest in our waters; it sails past Skala and Poros once a week in the summer on it's return journey from the eastern Mediterranean.

See previous post on cruise ships:
➥AND WATCH 'EM ROLL AWAY AGAIN

Foregrounds and Backgrounds in Winter

The chapel over Trapezaki Beach, Kefalonia

A small, unassuming chapel perched on the hill overlooking a popular beach, hidden from the world by the embrace of a pine grove.

A modest bell tower without the impressive architectural elements embellishing so many bell towers on the island.

And to top all this modesty, a snow covered mountain-protagonist as backdrop.

Does the foreground stand a chance?
On a clear and crisp January day anything is possible.

If you ask me, I think the rusting bells—aided by the blue sky—are giving Mt. Aenos a run for the money!

Anticipated Blue With a Yellow Twist

View of Mt. Aenos  Lourdas Bay

The snow had all but melted under the harsh January sun, crisp but enticing days were sure to follow. So, a leisurely Sunday drive was indicated.

No game plan, no itinerary to adhere to, no planned routes. 
With abrupt stops at crossroads and impulsive decisions as to which road to take.

The winter colors of Lourdas and Trapezaki

Nice, but predictable.
That is, until I decided to explore on foot the ravine behind the beach at Trapezaki.
And there she was, standing out amidst all that green and blue. I'm not a bird expert, I can barely tell apart a chicken from a vulture. But she left no doubt as to her genus—a bird with this strut of the tail can only be a Yellow Wagtail!

Yellow Wagtail at Trapezaki, Kefalonia

Wading her way across the puddles formed by running waters on the uneven turf, she seemed to take extreme pleasure in knowing that her reflection was equally spectacular. Yes, beauty comes with attachments—vanity and self-confidence!

📷 Note: unfortunately, the 2nd camera with a long lens attached, was without memory card, so I had to capture her with a short zoom lens, lest she decide to fly away while I was trying to change cards.

Grazie Mille!

Limenia - Poros, Kefalonia

A sincere thank you to the new friends of this blog in ITALY.
It was a genuine surprise, in reviewing the recent visitor statistics, to see that you went into the trouble of using the google translator to read the entire blog.

I have no way of knowing if the translation is good, or what you are looking for. Regretfully, my knowledge of Italian is next to zero and, thus, I don't know how to say "hang around" in your language. But, I hope that you do! GRAZIE!!!

And since I'm on the subject of blog visitors, a huge thank you to the loyal friends of this blog in SLOVENIA.
I truly appreciate it!

Archived Kefalonia Moments and Memories

From time to time I run into some long forgotten photos, in a mislabeled file folder of my hard disk, that bring a big smile to my face. Not because they are good images but because they are associated with extraordinary moments, people, or situations.
Such as the two photos below.
I'll explain...

Preparing the nets @Spartia, Kefalonia

Fishing nets and snowstorms

The image above was snapped with a pocket digital camera in January 2006.

An extraordinary period for Kefalonia, by any definition. We had a severe and unprecedented snowstorm that knocked out power lines, causing a 3-day total blackout! 

 

There was not much to do in the house without electricity, running water, telephone, or internet service. The only battery still working was that of the car and the pocket Canon. So, I found myself wandering to the village of Spartia where I could at least bask in the crisp, bright sunshine. The fishermen on the small quay of Klimatsias Beach were going about their business—so I went on with mine!

(A couple of years later, this photo was used by the former Municipality of Livatho as a poster, breaking ground since it was the first time that a winter photo of the island was used in official promotional material.)

Claiming the day's meal @Paliouras Bay, Kefalonia

It isn't what you think!

I followed this fishing boat from Antisamos Beach to the smaller bay of Paliouras, on the outskirts of Sami. Walking along the edge of the road above the bay, I was snapping away. My viewfinder was aimed at the seagulls that circled the boat trying to convince the fishermen to part with a portion of their catch and dedicate it to a good cause!

As the huge mast to the left came into view, I almost tripped over the edge in a futile effort to see the vessel it belonged to. I will never forget how silly I felt a year later when, while crossing this bay by boat, I discovered that the mast is actually part of the architecture of a villa overlooking the beach!

Be Quiet, There's a Full Moon Arising

Full moon over Mt. Aenos, Kefalonia - St. George's Fortress in the foreground

It is one of those moments when silence is clearly indicated...

Improving the Effectiveness of Adjectives

Cloudy sky @Poros, Kefalonia

The adjective is a fascinating part of speech—a descriptive word used to "qualify" the dull nature of nouns. It is usually efficient in sentence formation and completeness, though not always effective.

What do I mean?
Take, for example, the adjective in the phrase "a cloudy sky."  It is efficient in qualifying the sky as having clouds. But, how effective is that qualification in actually visualizing the sky? Would you go out of your way to view a cloudy sky? Would you enjoy it if you did? Well, it all depends...
Take a chance.  

After all, it may even help your syntax as you'll learn to use more effective, double-adjective sentences.

A storm gathering over Poros, Kefalonia

After the storm @Poros, Kefalonia

Poros, Kefalonia

Vessels of varying sizes but equal significance at Poros, Kefalonia