Cookies, Cakes, and Caves: A New Year Adventure

Happy New Year, Everyone!

 May it be joyful and fun and filled

 with good health and prosperity!

Liberty arrived a few days before Christmas, and although I had

  already decorated the house, she trimmed the tree. Isn't it pretty?

We baked our traditional, painted cutouts, which we've been

doing for over 20 years. Libby is the artist around here!

The cookies are made with orange zest, and every time we

open the tin, a lovely, sweet fragrance floats into the air.

The village of Agios (St.) Thomas, where several Byzantine churches attract tourists  throughout the year.

Outside, the air is crisp and cool, and even though it's been 
raining for 3 days straight, we've managed to take a few drives
 to favourite, nearby haunts, seeking a little adventure. 

In the village of Agios (St.) Thomas, we hiked up a hilltop, 

where ancient Roman tombs silently claim the land. 

Wandering into the small, damp caves, we

 were sheltered from the sudden downpour, 

as we gazed in silence, at the most

 beautiful views, across the valley, below.

Back home, we got busy preparing for several gatherings,

adding some scrumptious savouries to the many array 
of sweets, and decided to bake a tasty tiropita (cheese pie),

which, in turn, was accompanied by lively conversation, 
and good cheer, at a Christmas Tea Liberty and I hosted
last week, for the ladies of the Philanthropic Society.

To ring in the new year, we baked our traditional Vasilopita, or New Year's Eve cake, named after St. Basil, who is associated with Santa Claus in the Greek culture. At the stroke of midnight, after many hugs and kisses and well wishes, the Vasilopita is served. This delicious lemon cake contains a hidden coin, and before each piece is cut, a name is called out. Whoever finds the coin in their piece is said to have good luck for the new year. The first piece is always reserved in remembrance of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Thanks for visiting!

xoxo
Poppy


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Blessed Beauty

While visiting the Vosakou Monastery,

 near the city of Rethymno,

and the village of Agios (Saint) Thomas,
a small settlement in our own prefecture,

streams of gentle sunlight bathed the landscape

in a soothing radiance of hope.

Wishing you all a serene and sunny week! 

xo
Poppy

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The Village of Agios Thomas

An abandoned home, perched high on a cliff top, overlooking the valley, below.

A few weeks ago, we visited the village of Agios (Saint) Thomas, 

whose beginnings can be traced back to the 14th century, 

A contemporary building in the village, covered in Chinese Lantern vines.

according to a 1371 document, claiming the settlement

 as a feudal property of Petrus de Medio.

The Byzantine Church of Agios Thomas, in the centre of the village.

The village is home to 40 churches,

 some housing wall paintings from the 12th century.

Today, the village has a population of about 800 inhabitants.

 The locals take pride in the history of their village,

striving to maintain its original, architectural beauty.

With the Aegean Sea and the islet of Dia in the hazy distance,

we made our way to the nearby church of

 Panagia Kardiotissa, at the scenic site of Mouzouras,

a short drive from Agios Thomas. 

The altar of this little church dates back to the 7th century,
and some time after 1912, the church was built
 where ruins of the original once stood.

I always feel very peaceful in this pretty, pastoral setting;
a reason I return often, and in different seasons.

All that fresh autumn air soon alerted our appetites!
Not far from the church, at a restaurant that specializes 
in organic fare, we enjoyed a traditional Cretan lunch,
 al fresco, amid rolling hills and dipping valleys.

Hope you had fun!
Thanks for visiting and
have a wonderful week!

xo
Poppy

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