Saturday was filled with many different twists and turns. We got in the car and drove down to Vousvoulos, a traditional village. We ate lunch at Roza's Taverna and Mara, her daughter and our waitress was very nice and spoke very good English. Most speak English in Oia well as this is an international vacation destination. The restaurant was closing early as the Easter rituals were commencing that afternoon. At the church in this village, Judas was hanging in effigy. Mora says that they shoot him with gasoline and set him afire. Seemed a little violent to me and not quite sure Jesus would really appreciate it. But they are very passionate about their religion and their rituals. Nancy had made reservations for us to eat "lamb stew" at midnight as this was traditional. It was actually lamb intestines. Nancy said she was just going to taste it. I kind of doubt it as Nancy is one of the best cooks I know but she is not adventurous in what she eats. She was unsure why reservations needed to be after midnight but we were famished and decided to eat earlier and cancel the reservations. Our friends, Penelope, Honesty, and ____ explained that the faithful refrain from meat for 2 weeks prior to Easter and then can eat at midnight Saturday night/Sunday morning. Easter reminds me a little of our Fourth of July because at midnight they set off fireworks in the church square and everyone goes to eat! They take candles back to their houses/businesses lit from the ______and burn crosses on the threshold to ensure blessings for the next year.
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