The first week so far has been hot, really hot! Temperatures here are anything above 35°C and I beginning to remember what real Summer weather is. Thankfully, you’re never far from the sea here so I’m not completely frazzled. So far, I am spending my time relentlessly catching up with family and friends from old times. Along with unpacking a lot of boxes and suitcases! When I need a break, the best thing ever are traditional Greek coolers: Watermelon is a huge winner right now. The first chance I get, I think I might go for some extra special foraging in the abandoned garden next door. I’ve spotted some free-range grapes amongst the undergrowth. And did I mention the cats? Free-range as well. I think we are hosting 3 different families this year. Here’s on of the mums with her kittens, these are our regulars: One of the little fellows found himself locked in the house for the night and gave me a really good scare. He was trying to propel his little body through the front door window. The closed front door might I add. Light as a feather, you could just hear faint thumping noises, very much like someone trying to sneak into the house. At least that was what it sounded like to me, half asleep at 3 o’clock in the morning. The little thief didn’t steal anything, but his persistence went a long way! Opening the door for the poor soul didn’t make things any better. I must have scared him half to death, because he immediately disappeared under the sofa. We were playing hide and seek for a good half hour. Finally he saw his chance, that, yes, the door was open – and he made a bid for freedom! This is the very brave Zorro who comes to share breakfast (and lunch and dinner). The rest of her family is tucked safely away, somewhere out of sight. A much more charismatic and engaging feline. When our doors and windows are shut to keep the AC in, Zorro can be found on the window sill checking us out. And as you have already guessed, I’ve been too busy eating to share any recipes with you yet. Watch this space though because something is cooking!

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It’s been a wonderful 8 years away from home. I have to admit I never dreamed of coming back except to retire.

I try to remember myself when I left – hungry for the new, the different, with a sense of adventure and yearning to explore every corner of the globe. In the end, maybe I didn’t travel as wide and as far as I had hoped, but during my little time away I met so many amazing people from around the world; we shared a few drinks, some good food, and plenty of great times – as well as some that were not so great. It was all worth it, every last second.

So now I am back, but I am leaving behind many people who are very close to my heart. This blog is a little something dedicated to them, to help us stay in touch, and to keep alive the connections binding us together – the good food, and great times.

As I settle back into my old skin I hope to put a little structure into my culinary adventures, and to give you, my dear reader, a glimpse of real Greek culture here in Athens. For those who asked, you might find a few of the useful travel tips and information you were looking for. And I will definitely be sharing every recipe I come across, whether revisiting an old favourite or discovering something new out here in Greece.

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