A Joyful Eruption

There are plenty of thistles around but this is actually an artichoke that has been allowed to flower.  The splash of purple is an eye-popping sight in an increasingly brown landscape.

This artichoke has not fully opened yet.

The hill that is known as Mavrovouni in Yialos.

As the solstice approaches the island is heating up.  There is little point in looking at the weather forecast anymore as it is relentless sunshine from now until October and the only variation is whether it is going to be really hot, seriously hot or unbearably hot.  Temperatures are in the mid thirties and continue to climb. We can expect to be in the forties by the end of the month.  Night time temperatures are in the high twenties at the moment and the wind is hot, even when it blows from the north.  The wild flowers are disappearing rapidly in the valley but the oleanders that line the roads and water courses are a joyful eruption of hot pink, cool white and delicate cream.  The bougainvilleas are also starting to flower. 

 

Have a good week.

 

Regards,

Adriana

One of the many small lanes in the back of Yialos.
That is the new location of the post office at the far end, where the motorbike and yellow letter box are visible.