Of Moussaka and Men

Yesterday's trip to Halki went really well folks. 

Firstly, the sea was mercifully calm, resulting in one of the most pleasant crossings in a long while. 

Secondly, our good friends Kevin (a music freak like me) and Judy turned up at Levkosia's Taverna, having deduced that I'd probably forgotten all about the fact that we'd arranged to meet on the quay-side as the boat came in and so intuitively followed the sign of the bright yellow polo shirt. They also had in tow a really personable and instantly likeable couple called Graham and Wendy, both of whom have been coming to Halki for years, as have Kevin and Judy. Graham is an artist of some stature and has produced (and published in book form) some really marvellous illustrations, including one of Halki harbour which he presented to the Mayor some years ago. I am awaiting much more info about his work via e-mail and, when it comes, will be making a bit of a splash about him here. Keep tuned in folks. He and Wendy also have a much-sought-after pad down in Cornwall, right on the coastal path and overlooking the sea, which had me longing for an opportunity to take a break there. Take note Cath and Griff - you may be reaching for your mouse to book a stay down there once I reveal the details!!

Graham & Kevin

Some bloke fixing his nets, but nevertheless affording me the opportunity of taking the archetypal Greek harbour photo...

Wendy and Judy (he's not REALLY going to put this on the blog. ...is he?)

Yes folks, it's almost impossible to cruise into Halki without whipping the camera out...

And, thirdly - Levkosia, bless her, after having chided me mildy for the fact that our paths hadn't crossed in weeks, instantly asked me if I'd like a vegetarian Moussaka to take home with me. Now, once I'd got it home and safely ensconced it in the freezer, that was fine...

...but, can you imagine the difficulty presented to someone with a rucksack, a clipboard and 48 guests to shepherd aboard the ferry and subsequently aboard the coach on our arrival back at Kamiros Skala, by having also to carry a "tapsi" full of still hot, fresh-from-the-oven moussaka as well? Imagine too that, as the coach journey back to Kiotari progresses, how the aroma of fresh Moussaka floating past one's nasal passages tortures one, as one's hunger grows with each passing kilometre.

Of course, Levkosia's son Mihali, ever the gent, managed to find a cardboard box to lodge it in, so, there I was strolling nonchalantly back to the ship, rucksack over one shoulder, clipboard in one hand and cardboard box full of a huge Moussaka teetering in the other. As you can see from the above piccie, I made it.

What can you say about such kindness though? I've now lost count of how many Moussakas Levkosia's made just for Maria and I. Fortunately, yesterday a lot of my guests followed me to the taverna and quite a few (from the UK, Scandinavia and Germany) sampled the regular mince-containing Moussaka. They all confirmed that it was indeed something special. Regular readers of my stuff will already know that it's the best Moussaka in Greece. If you want to know why I can say that, unequivocally (phew, that one even surprized ME!), you'll have to find where I told the story in one of the RFR books. I can't remember which one now, oh, just read 'em all. (What a PLUG, eh?)

Anyway, why did that delicious fresh Moussaka go into the freezer? Well, see, they don't know it yet, but since Kevin and Judy are coming over for a nice lazy meal out on the patio next Saturday evening - guess what we'll be serving up...