Greek sunshine on a grey London day

Paddy Leigh Fermor on a boat with a goat

While I was in London for Özlem's Book Launch I scheduled my visit to the 'Charmed Lives in Greece at the British Museum to coincide with a talk by Sir Michael Llewellyn Smith - British Ambassador to Greece 1996 to1999 - on Patrick Leigh Fermor; one of those characters who seemed to fit in enough deeds of derring-do to fill 4 lifetimes as well as leaving behind a literary legacy that will keep future generations entertained for centuries. 

Hotel by the Sea  John Craxton 

It was a cold, wet day outside but once through the doors of Exhibition Room 5, the Greek sun shone out brightly through the canvasses of John Craxton and Nikos Hadjikyriakos Ghika and warmed us up a treat.  I'm lucky to live on a sun-blessed peninsula, but if I were ever to move back to the UK, I would need a few of these pictures on my walls to keep up my spirits.

I love 'Reclining figure with Asphodels' but it did remind me that I no longer have any of these stately flowers in my garden since my neighbour dug up all the bulbs.  

I couldn't resist the book that accompanies the exhibition and carried it back on easyJet in my hand luggage, alongside 3 volumes of Özlem's cookery book. The chap sitting next to me kindly offered to lift my smallish case down from the overhead locker. It was only when I noticed his pained expression that I remembered its weighty contents.  I hope I didn't ruin his holiday. 

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