Travels to Kefalonia – and a wedding.
I’ve been on the road. There’s nothing quite so exciting as a voyage is there? That’s how I feel – and especially so of travel to a place I’ve never seen before. So with much delight we set off to Greece, via Athens to the startlingly beautiful island of Kefalonia. I have long dreamt of [...]
I’ve been on the road. There’s nothing quite so exciting as a voyage is there? That’s how I feel – and especially so of travel to a place I’ve never seen before. So with much delight we set off to Greece, via Athens to the startlingly beautiful island of Kefalonia. I have long dreamt of visiting Greece, and with this trip we had a very special reason to make our journey: the wedding of our dear friend Hector (also our son’s godfather) and his beautiful Sonia. Despite pictures and books, you never truly know what a place will be like until you are actually there do you? The light, the mood, the breeze, the colours? And the food! For me this is very important – the markets, cafes and restaurants, food shops and supermarkets, the fruit growing on the trees. Like this lemon I just picked.
A lovely lunch of prawns and garlic, and a “village salad” of soft fresh cheese, herbs and olives.
I have never seen water so clear as this Ionian sea – and look at the colours. Perfect for a little swim before lunch.
The wildflowers are sprinkled alongside the roads and over the hills like fluttering jewels and the wild herbs fill the breeze with scent. The land is rich with olive trees. Beautiful olive trees.
A bounty of land and sea. And bread, honey and nuts.
So a wonderful few days of exploring and eating, drinks and chats in the town square cafes, the children climbing the big tree in the middle of the square, laughing, and learning a little Greek. What could be better? Well a big fabulous Greek wedding, of course!
This wedding was magnificent and so different from any I’ve been to before. The ceremony took place outside as the sun was going down, beside a beautiful family chapel. The guests all stood, walked around, chatted a bit, while the priests conducted the marriage ceremony. Some sang, we all pelted the couple and priests with rice. The children ran around and giggled, flinging handfuls of rose petals. Later the children helped to give out sugared almonds and little almond cakes. And then off we all went, to a glorious seaside taverna, to dance and feast and toast the happy couple.
Some sweets from Kefalonia. Such a beautiful place – I can’t wait to visit again one day.
Thanks for visiting. More very soon, with some recipes inspired by the sun!
David: 16th June 2011
Absolutely, beautiful. You have captured the feel and colours so brilliantly.
pascale: 16th June 2011
Thanks David!
Kavey: 16th June 2011
Lovely lovely photos and post. Really enjoyed.
pascale: 16th June 2011
Hi Kavey! Thanks for your kind comment and stopping by. Hope to catch up with you on the bloggers’ circuit again soon.
Silvana de Soissons: 16th June 2011
Pascale, you are a very talented lady. What an eye for detail, colour, light, composition and story-telling. Many congratulations on yet another magnificent Blog. Bravissima. Silvana.x
pascale: 16th June 2011
Silvana, you are so kind, and have made my day with this lovely comment.
Rosa: 16th June 2011
A gorgeous place! Lovely landscapes, pictures, food and wedding.
Cheers,
Rosa
pascale: 16th June 2011
Hi Rosa, I know I feel very lucky to have the chance to visit. P.
Charlie: 16th June 2011
Your post made me wistful and nostalgic – for a place I’ve never even been to! That is a mark of great story-telling xx
pascale: 16th June 2011
Thanks Charlie. That’s a great compliment from you – you are a wonderful writer/storyteller!
Barb Kellogg: 16th June 2011
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your trip to Greece!
Sally: 16th June 2011
It’s always a pleasure to see a piece from you in my inbox. Really enjoyed sharing this trip to Kefalonia through your eyes.
pascale: 16th June 2011
Hello Sally, how are you doing? Any travel plans yourself this summer?
Sonia: 16th June 2011
I am so glad David has sent us the link! The pics are gorgeous and the blog is amazing, I’ve added to my favorites
pascale: 16th June 2011
Thanks Sonia. We had such a lovely time!
Ruth: 16th June 2011
Hi,
I really love this post, I visited Kefalonia last summer and I’m currently torn between going again this year and trying somewhere different, such a beautiful island.
I’d be really interested to find out where you visited and where you ate
pascale: 16th June 2011
Hi Ruth, thanks for your comment. I’d be happy to tell you where we stayed, thing we did, food, etc. if you like. Feel free to email me and we can chat more. Px
Margaret: 16th June 2011
I’ve never been to Greece but now I really want to go. Your pictures do justice to this incredibly beautiful place and your words add another magical dimension. I love the oleander picture – the colours,light and composition are exquisite.
pascale: 16th June 2011
You would love Greece Mum!
Clairetweet: 16th June 2011
Oh Mamma Mia how perfect. Looks beautiful. I need to get to a sea like that.
pascale: 16th June 2011
Claire, I know it is so lovely to see the sea. We are totally landlocked here – about as far from the coast as can be in the country – and I really miss it.
Artemis Tsipi: 16th June 2011
It’s really nice to find you, Pascale! Have you been to FBC11 because I found you through your twitter message about winning Cuisinart -congratulations! I’ve been to FBC too but didn’t meet you…
I loved your post about Kefalonia!
pascale: 16th June 2011
Hi Artemis, thanks for visiting. My poor old blog has been a bit neglected lately as we’ve been moving house and renovating…all consuming stuff! Let’s keep in touch on twitter. Pascale
Jeanne @ CookSister!: 16th June 2011
Oh Pascale – what a sumptuous post! Funny thing is – I even before I saw the title I thought Hmm, that reminds me of Corfu – where we went on holiday this summer. The wonderfull foods and scenes you have captured brought back memories of my holiday too – those little fried fish, the addictive Greek salads… and oh that blue water! Thanks for sharing your lovely trip!
pascale: 16th June 2011
Thanks Jeanne. Hope to see you soon!