Summer in Samos

We always must make the pilgrimmage back to the village, the birthplace of my husband, when we visit Greece. Family is still there and are always happy to see us when we show up annually. It is an old village, and like many others around Greece, half abandoned with tumble-down houses next to those that are occupied. Living among the ruins so to speak. But perhaps this was forever thus in this land of past civilisations.

The centre of the village is of course the church- and the Kafeneion. One can always find a spot to sit and chat with villagers over a coffee or ouzo. Also a mainstay in every village are cats! The cats of Greece! Originally brought to Greece from Egypt, the greek cats with their very slender bodies and prolific collective prides, are essential for maintaining the mouse, rat, snake and scorpion populations in these villages.