Doing as I'm asked

I obviously ignored the sign, but was left wondering why? A pair of Oakley's for me and Prada for D for 10 Euros, can't be bad!

Intense

Hania, Crete, Venetian Harbour. 
For the full stare check out Flickr. He looks a bit pissed-off. It's been a long season and things were understandably slow on the busking front.
Spending sometime outdoors today for the first time following the op.

Anogia, Crete

There seems to be a lot of German tourists in Crete. I suppose that's not surprising given that they have the strongest currency in Europe. You won't see many in this village though! They have long memories here.

During WWII the mountain village of Anogia was the centre of Greek resistance to the Germans, who massacred all the men in the village in retaliation for their role in sheltering Allied troops and aiding in the kidnapping of the german general in command of Crete. The black shirts the men still wear (old and young) are a sign of their mourning.

It's a macho village where the Kafeneia on the main square (where this shot was taken) is frequented by moustachioed men, the older ones wearing traditional dress (baggy  pants and headdress), the younger ones driving big black 4WD's.

Panormos, Crete

Over two weeks the purple chair never moved, nor did I see anyone sitting in it. If I was to return next year I suspect it would still be there! The pace of life in Panormos is different from the pace of life in Edinburgh.
Dressings removed. Healing nicely though still some pain.

Yiorgos Hatziparaskos

... is one of the last traditional Filo Masters in all of Greece. He makes super-fine pastry by hand in his traditional workshop. He has been doing this for over 60 years, ably assisted by his wife Katerina for the last 50. The Baklava and Kataifi is by far the best I have ever eaten. If you are ever in Rethymno, Crete, indulge yourself.
In a bit of discomfort today. Switched to the super strength pain killers.

The day after

or ... Sandy does not lie with the fishes!

All appeared to go well, but had an extended game of Hueeee as a result of the medication. Got x2 for the price of one (one point of entry). Seems the otherside had an undiagnosed second. Don't know about cuts(sic) but the ward staff were excellent (as well as consultants). High level of care and professionalism, as well  as friendly approach in the face of some infuriating patients (yours truly for once not included). Respect NHS.

Got a bit pissed-off (sic) as they wouldn't let me go home until I produced 250cl at one standing. 

Now I know in some quarters I am considered a bit of a piss-artist, but it took me until 8pm to do the required.

Home now with suitable drug selection to see me through recovery (x1 to x2 weeks).

Lazy Sunday

Taken in the lovely village of Panormos on the North Coast of Crete, about 20km from Rethymno and only a short walk from where we were staying. Building in the village in need of some TLC. Crete photos starting to appear here.
Today has been a quiet Sunday with little going on. A little apprehensive about tomorrow as I go under the knife. 

On the street

20,000+ A good turnout. Sadly, the days of the workers united (and by implication, can never be defeated) are long gone. For some the old Tory figure of hatred (to say nothing of the new) remains deep in their Scottish psyche. Chants of Maggie, Maggie, Maggie, Die, Die, Die from the misguided few was rather sad and pointless, and devalued the legitimate protests of the majority!

Bread

I’m back. 

Relaxed, tanned and wondering (yet again) why I choose to live the way I do in a country that’s so cold. I love Scotland (and Edinburgh in particular) with a passion, but I also love the sun and in particular the pace and approach to life that tends to come with it. It was the first holiday in a very long time when I was dragging around photography kit with a degree of intent, though time and time again, I was easily distracted, particularly by food and drink and a level of hospitality that invariably included both. 

A lot of pictures that need some time and thought to see if they make any kind of sense. Very few that could be termed ‘holiday’ snaps. I still don’t have the in-your-face confidence to take the street stuff that I’m after, though I’m trying. Still have a detail/composition obsession, particularly doors, windows, and decay, wherever I happen to be … what’s that all about!

The converted village house from two years ago was still on the market (I had a look then) and for a lot less. Am I tempted, you bet!  

Internet Cafe

Sunday brunch at Browns - Eggs Benedict, orange juice, mocha + Sunday Papers. Bit of shopping (window for me, stuff for others). Some manly chores followed by a bit of processing and uploading. Work tomorrow then holiday time (Crete).

Fresh

My entry for Instruction #1 (if it's accepted!). The Site already has 72 images, but the majority a) were taken before the Instruction was issued or b) have got sod all to do with the Instruction. If the administrators don't get it sorted out sharpish I won't be bothering in future weeks.
Also started posting into the notorious HCSP (Hardcore Street Photography). Less than a cats chance in hell of getting anything accepted.
Been a street day. Lots to process and upload. Will appear in my Flickr photostream in due course.
Almost forgot. WASPS Artists Studios open this weekend throughout Scotland. Worth checking out www.waspsstudios.org.uk