Holiday Highlights and Shades of White

A restored mansion in Rethymno, Crete, illustrates the city's fusion of Turkish and Venetian styles of architecture.

Hello Everyone!

 Hope 2015 has greeted you with lots of new energy

 and exciting creativity. It's been a while since I last 

posted, having spent all of my time with Liberty, 

A pair of potted olive trees mark the entrance of this villa in Rethymno's old town.

as we wandered around the island, visiting our favourite
 towns for a fix of Crete's beautiful architecture,
 bustling cobblestone streets, and charming bistros.

 

Above, original tiles, vintage accessories, and playful
 chairs furnish this eatery in Rethymno's old town,
radiating a wonderfully warm welcome to passers-by.

     A stone staircase leads to the remains of an ancient Greek temple, 

and the church of Agios Ioasaf,  in Agios Thomas, Crete.

But we also craved peace and quiet and prayer, and so,

 we found ourselves in the village of Agios Thomas, 

Icons, candelabras, and crosses inside the church of Agios Ioasaf, Agios Thomas, Crete.

where we visited several of the forty churches that are said
 to exist in the village, some of which are carved from rock
  formations, like Agios Ioasaf, above, and the tiny one below.

On many occasions, we were accompanied by local inhabitants 
 of the furry kind. In this case, two cute canines happily
 posed for pics, before we went our separate ways.

Liberty and her Prince. See the snow?

On the other hand, P.R. and Liberty (the love of his life),
were inseparable, and the spoiled royal never missed a 
photo op to prove to the world that he is still her man!

 

And speaking of proof, it's in these pics! As unbelievable as it may seem, it snowed - heavily, and many of us, (including yours truly 
and family), were confined to our homes for days.

 That's when Liberty and I baked up our 'snow cake', to celebrate Crete's white Christmas, which was quite magical for this 
Canadian expat. I'll be serving it in my next post, 
and I hope you'll drop by to share it with me.

Until then, thanks so much for visiting!
Wishing you a warm and cozy week!

xo
Poppy

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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


Sharing at:
What's It Wednesday,  Home & Garden Thursday, Wow Us Wednesdays, 
Tweak It Tuesday, Tuesdays at Our Home, Make It Pretty Monday, 
 Amaze Me Monday, Inspire Me Monday, The Art of Home-Making Mondays,
Saturday Sparks, Simple & Sweet Fridays, Friendship Friday, Home Sweet Home,