The first morning in Greece the sun was so astoundingly bright I panicked. Why had I not brought better sunglasses? How would I get around if I couldn’t see for the dazzle? It took me a while to realize that the effect was caused by the glassy stillness of the Messenian Gulf. It did not last. Nor did that morning’s terrific heat.
We Farrells have a habit of taking our holidays just as summer is ending, and our trip to the southern Peloponnese was no exception. On that morning, the last of high summer departed. By noon a storm had rolled in, cascades of rain pouring down our cottage pantiles. When the rain cleared three hours later, it was a different climate. The sky was grey. I could see where I was going, and I was no longer melting.
Of course we had some sunshine in that last week of September, and the temperature was perfect for exploring Koroni and Pylos. But the season was pretty much over; the beach empty of locals who thought it too cold to be there; fish soup off the menu at the taverna due to lack of mass demand. But if the season was done, there was still much magic – the softer shades of Taygetos Mountain pink at sunrise and sunset. And each day, looking over the Gulf at the wild fortress lands of the Mani, I thought I probably was in heaven.
copyright 2018 Tish Farrell
Tish Farrell 
Lovely travel writing Tish. I’m at home ministering to elderly parents
Thanks, Ian. Good luck on the parent front. I’m sure they could not be better cared for.
The first photograph tells you all you need to know. A post to bring a smile and elicit a few feelings of yearning to dig out my passport!
That is a very nice compliment, Ark. Thank you.
I have a dedicated notebook of sayings for when I run out of things to say.
I found this one on page 22 under the heading:
Things to say to Tish when you run out of things to say.
😉
🙂 🙂 🙂
I’m smelling the pine trees after the rain, Tish…
Aaaah. It’s a great scent, isn’t it, Mike.
Beautiful
Thank you, Beth.
When I grow up, I want to travel like Tish
Oh that’s so sweet, Mak. In truth I think you already do 🙂
Fabulous landscape photo, Tish! I also prefer to travel at the end of summer, when relief has finally come from the oppressive heat.
Yes, that’s one of our reasons for end of season travel too. That and the fact the main growing season at the allotment is over!
Loved our hols on the Greek isles before daughter came along, one day hope to return, as you say a little bit of heaven, superb bird watching!
And lovely Greek laid-back people. And the food…
Totally fantastic. Wish I was there 😃. Currently watching Wicked at Sunderland Empire. It’s the interval of course xx
So lovely of you to catch up with me in a wicked interval 🙂
This is lovely, Tish 🙂
Many thanks, Celestine.
A lovely place, I remember how much you loved it there and practically a year ago! Time is flying by so fast.
I know – too fast all round. I can’t believe it’s nearly a year since we were there.
And this year’s adventure? 🙂 🙂
Rather closer to home. All will be revealed – at some point or other 🙂
I love travelling in the ‘off’ season. You never know what wonders you’ll find that are usually hidden behind a ‘madding crowd.’ 🙂
That’s exactly it – the hidden treasures.
Stunning!
Thanks, Jennie.
You’re welcome, Tish.
Enjoy your Greek holiday… 🙂
It was last year, Brian. Though am enjoying the memory 🙂
Memories are made for that indeed. No plans abroad this year?
No. We don’t tend to go far these days. Can’t stick the airports for one thing. Maybe next year though.
Can’t “stick”? Stand? If the latter, I concur. Airports are increasingly unpleasant to me. But… with family and friends scattered all over… we have to make do. Cheers.
Yep. ‘stand’ As in can’t stand.
Interesting isn’t it? People like you and I who’ve done their fair share of traveling can’t really stand the new airport/airline system…
(One exception: Changi airport in Singapore. Very recommendable!)
I can also recommend Windhoek and Kalamata. Birmingham, Manchester and Toronto stink – from the security staff point of view.
We were also talking about the world gone mad – have since discovered a major source, if not the key source of the problem – offshore tax havens – ‘Treasure Islands’ by Nicholas Shaxson – makes me ashamed to be a Brit.
B’ham and Manchester? We are going back to the Middle Age…
And as for havens… Few know that the Cayman islands still belong to the Crown, if I’m not mistaken. Maybe that is why Theresa May(be) is slowly pushing for a no-deal Brexit. The entire UK would become a tax haven? 😦
Have a lovely week-end regardless, Memsahib.
Yes, there’s much people don’t know about the Cayman Islands and the City of London, and islands which we think are independent now, but aren’t in reality. A happy weekend to you too, Brian.
Asante sana. Kwaheri sassa Memsahib. 🙂
Wow your pink sky is AMAZING!