Macedonian-Greek hospitality

I was invited to join representatives from a local municipality (pictured)

to attend a festival in Greece on Saturday. It was a nice opportunity to get to know some new people and to explore an off-the-beaten-path part of Greece.

For lunch, our Greek hosts went all out. The meal was comprised of fresh bread; a salad of tomato, cucumber, onion and pepper; herbed fresh (goat's milk, I think) feta cheese; souvlaki and tsatziki dressing on the side; rice (pilaf); french fries; and of course, ouzo (!) and Coca Cola. Desserts included an airy, fragrant panacotta (a milky dessert made with gelatin which is topped with cinnamon), fresh sliced peaches, and fruit and custard tarts.




Panacotta...
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The festival
We arrived to the festival site fairly early, and walked around previewing the games, foods, and wares available.


The fried dough of choice here was small, donut-hole-like confections that can be topped with chocolate syrup or cinnamon.
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Shooting game awaiting players...
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Blankets, towels, sheets, and comforters for sale...
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Pretty table coverings and doilies which I suspect are from Turkey, but don't know for sure...
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Shoes for sale at low, low prices!
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Get your Chanel, Hermes, and Fendi-esque bags here...
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Get a belt buckle with your name on it... (if your name is Greek)
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We also came upon this - family? they must be - playing music together. I certainly enjoyed hearing them play, and I think they liked being the target of my lens. I love the little dog in the corner!



Later...

The crowds came, along with about an hour's worth of rain that the region's been awaiting for months, and we enjoyed more food, music, some beer, and the company of new friends.




Hand-crafted glass crosses, plates, etc...
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Fragrant candles and some glass rings (in the corner)...
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More sweets for sale...
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