The End of Our Greek Odyssey

After almost six years in Crete, we decided that it was time to return to the old country again. We had never intended to stay in Greece forever, and from the outset agreed to re-assess our lives after so many years. We wanted to experience the life and culture of different land, which we felt we have achieved, to a greater or lesser extent. It has been a fascinating experience and full of highs and lows. We were lucky to choose a beautiful small village where we were accepted as part of the furniture after a while. We met many good people and will miss the friends we made and the hospitality of our neighbours. Sadly, the current economic crisis seems to have noticeably dampened the mood of the country, and this is reflected in daily life. I will miss waking up to the sun shining through the shutters of the bedroom and to spend much of the year outdoors with the warmth of the sun on one's back (though I could give the searing heat of August and the mosquitoes a miss). I will miss the tranquility of the village and the kindness of the people. No longer will I have to saunter up to the kafeneon for my daily bread. So what happened to Rufus? Well, he travelled back to the UK in the back of a van with two other dogs and a cat. After four days on the road through Europe, he arrived safe and sound and enjoying his days in the Fen country, Alas, I never managed to climb to the top of Korda in the mountains after all ..... [Video footage of life in Vafes can be found on YouTube]