Gell, William: The geography and antiquities of Ithaca (London, 1807)

89

Affiani, and the climate is very sensibly affected by the
difference of elevation. Within a few yards of the build-
in o- there is a precipitous descent to Port Molo; another side
of the mountain falls to the channel of Cephallonia, and on
the north the summit of Neritos rises to a still greater ele-
vation.

The Hegumenos, or superior, received us with the great-
est hospitality at the gate, by which we entered a court
surrounded by the buildings of the monastery. The house
consisted of a hall, or entry, on one side of which is the
refectory, and on the other a neat chamber, with two beds,
designed for the accommodation of those who, in the sum-
mer, come from the city to pass their time in this airy si-
tuation.

The first refreshments presented to a stranger in this
country are coffee and lemonade, which are brought imme-
diately, but as every thing else is prepared for the occasion
only, it requires time to get ready a Greek dinner or supper
for a traveller, particularly as the lamb, kid, or goat is not.
usually killed before the arrival of the guests. Our repast

was at length announced, and we entered a small refectory,

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