Singing workshop in Lefkada Greece

Back from a lovely week singing with Claire and Guido staying at Seafarers Nikiana Beach Club.  On the holiday were Jane, Pat, Jane, Graham, Julie, Tina, Sue, Jeanette, John, Liz, Julie, Sarah, Melanie, John, Liz, Sarah, Miles, Chris, Veronica, Anna, Dulcie, Molly, Andy, Amy, Will, Tim, Jim, Jeanette, Lynne, Lily, Alison, Anne, Sheila, Linda, Antonio, Rachel, Michelle, Georgia Nancy, Fiona, David, Chris and Deb.

We flew out on Sunday with Thomas Cook and arrived in about the same weather as Bristol.  That same cold wind which stayed for a few days with rain and a thunderstorm.  Luckily the sun came out for a few days so we could wear our summer stuff.

We sang in the morning then free time in the afternoon.  On Monday there was an optional Greek lesson which was fun.  Our teacher was a singer too so Claire exchanged details for a possible meet up next time.

I saw this pattern everyday

Adding to my collection of dragons

Julie and Sue modelling their macs

Joined by Jim

Some pics from front of the hotel

From a Taverna where we had our last lunch

Paddleboarder helpfully providing some forefront interest

Lily spotted this compostition with mountain and cloud mirroring the rock

Lily spotted all the fish heads on the beach

Images from the front of the hotel

On Tuesday there was an optional short hike.  Those of us not on the hike went into nearby Nidri by bus.

I took a walk around while most of the others had a drink at the "Tranquil" cafe below

Lovely rusty anchor with some detail

One of many, many, many cats in Greece

Bus was late so John is looking at alternative transport

Antonio, Linda, Jim and Julie

On Wednesday we had a day long cruise on M/S Christina around and a good time was had by all.  Great value for money and I can recommend this trip if you are in the area.  lefkadacruises.com

MS Christina sailing to Nikiana port

Liz, John, Graham and Michelle chilling 

Nikiana beach club, our base

Jim

Claire being sunlotioned by Georgie and Tina

Lily, Anne and Liz

Chilling

Large cave which provided safety to and allied submarine in World War II

Lily and Antonio

Our first swimming spot

Rare Mediterranean Monk seal  We saw two at the swimming spot

As well as singing we were entertained by Will and John

Legs ahoy

Kastos in the background

We had an hour in Kastos

Large insect on an orange car

MS Christina's dog who got left behind at Nikiana.  Luckily the boat returned to pick him up

Images from Kastos

The ferry arrived while we were there

Three fish.  Well there were lots but I took a few out.

Our second swimming spot.  Lily swam from the boat to reach the  rope which you can see attached to the cliff.

On our way home 

Third swimming spot

A singing session with Georgie in the background

Little church

Fourth swimming spot at the only public beach on the Onassis owned island.  The beach is where  Jackie Kennedy was photographed naked in the 60s.

Thursday was the second hike with George which I went on.  See www.mountaintrails.gr for more information on the hikes.

John and Tim in front followed by George in orange, Liz and Julie

Monastery of Evangelistria

Singing session

Antonio

Leaving the monastery 

Beetle in rose

Jim in the background

Claire looking around

Singing again

By the pit with all the frogs

One of many frogs

Still looking for frogs

A helping hand by Antonio for Linda followed by Claire and Jim

Short break

Coming into the village 

My first swallowtail butterfly

The beautiful old church in the village where we sang

On Friday, Sheila, Liz and I were hoping to take the bus to the waterfalls in Nidri.  However, bus was late so we did a local walk up the hill a little way then in a circle back to the village.   Claire arranged a coach to take us all into Lefkas town for a meal and wander around the many alleyways.

My version of selfie in a mirrored door with Liz and Sheila

Dog guarding goats.  They are all watching us

View from above

The Seafarers yachts

Almond tree

The second swallowtail butterfly of the trip

Cats on the walk

Cats at Nikiana beach club making themselves at home

The third swallowtail spotted by John (from Taunton) at the hotel

In Lefkas town

In camera movement of a poster

Claire conducting us in the town square

One of our audience

Street scenes

Veronica by a bell tower

Counter in a take away restaurant where the owner invited me in to take the photo.  Should be flat but the panorama has put a corner in it which I like

Finally made it to the waterfalls on Saturday with Liz and Michelle and met others from the group who went too.

Chickens in olive grove

dereliction

Jane, Pat followed by Melanie

The waterfall at the end of the walk with Liz in the foreground

Tree growing between two boulders

Taking a drink at the Tranquil cafe in Nidri, this was the scene in front of me

Sunset at Nikiana

Found this childs toy on the wall.  We ate at the Taverna earlier in the week

Good use of an unfinished building

Last sing on Sunday then out to the port to see some dancing.  Apparently a show like the One show was being filmed for later that evening.

Dancing for the TV

Vicky Stirling dressed as a widow for the production.  She is an artist and we bought a few postcards from her.  Claire and Michelle with Sheila in the corner

Sunken boat at the port

Forecast of the weather to come.  It was raining on our way back to the airport

Next trip to Northumberland and Scotland on 22nd May.