Greece - Kalo Taxidi! Notes from Greece and the Greek Islands.
Thursday 27 December 2012
Wednesday 26 December 2012
SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS from NAWS (Naxos Animal Welfare Society)
"SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS
Too many animals were abandoned this week and we don't have kennels to house them. the cold and rain is too much for them, most of the new ones are skinny sick animals..... Help whichever way you can, food, worming pills, money for the kennels..Most of the new ones are pregnant females that MUST be sterilised immediately and we don't know how we will pay the vet. PLEASE HELP!!!!!" (24 December 2012, NAWS Facebook))
http://naws.on-naxos.com/
Too many animals were abandoned this week and we don't have kennels to house them. the cold and rain is too much for them, most of the new ones are skinny sick animals..... Help whichever way you can, food, worming pills, money for the kennels..Most of the new ones are pregnant females that MUST be sterilised immediately and we don't know how we will pay the vet. PLEASE HELP!!!!!" (24 December 2012, NAWS Facebook))
http://naws.on-naxos.com/
A Guide to Greek Christmas
http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/12/24/a-guide-to-greek-christmas/
A Guide to Greek Christmas.
"The Christmas season in Greece begins on December 6th, when the patron saint of the holidays Saint Nicolas, protector of sailors, is celebrated (which explains why many decorate boats instead of trees)"
Tuesday 25 December 2012
Monday 24 December 2012
Sunday 23 December 2012
Saturday 22 December 2012
5 Must Taste Greek Christmas Recipes
5 Must Taste Greek Christmas Recipes | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Mmmmmmmmmmmm! But I was surprised by this; "After 40 days of fasting, the Christmas feast is anxiously looked forward." I've heard of fasting before Lent, but not of fasting before Christmas.
Mmmmmmmmmmmm! But I was surprised by this; "After 40 days of fasting, the Christmas feast is anxiously looked forward." I've heard of fasting before Lent, but not of fasting before Christmas.
Thursday 20 December 2012
Wednesday 19 December 2012
Ryanair to make Hania one of its hubs
ekathimerini.com | Ryanair to make Hania one of its hubs
Posted tentatively as I have yet to fly with Ryannair.
Posted tentatively as I have yet to fly with Ryannair.
Sunday 16 December 2012
Cats of Katapola 2013 by Susan Watkin (Calendar) — Lulu GB
Cats of Katapola 2013 by Susan Watkin (Calendar) — Lulu GB
My calendar, Cats of Katapola 2013, is now available! You can see the photos in the preview without buying the calendar. Enjoy!
My calendar, Cats of Katapola 2013, is now available! You can see the photos in the preview without buying the calendar. Enjoy!
Saturday 15 December 2012
Kinaros Island, Population – 3
Kinaros Island, Population – 3 | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Kinaros, a Greek island that I have not visited. And, I guess, an island that very few people have visited!
Kinaros, a Greek island that I have not visited. And, I guess, an island that very few people have visited!
Thursday 13 December 2012
Wednesday 12 December 2012
Tuesday 11 December 2012
Friday 7 December 2012
Monday 3 December 2012
Sunday 2 December 2012
Thursday 29 November 2012
Wednesday 28 November 2012
"Sea Cloud" - one of the yachts in Katapola on 10 October 2012
On 10 October 2012 there were some large yachts in Katapola Bay. One was the Sea Cloud. When built in 1931, the Sea Cloud (then called the Hussar) was the largest sailing yacht ever built.
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| Sea Cloud |
Friday 23 November 2012
Tuesday 20 November 2012
Monday 19 November 2012
Festival at Chozoviotissa monastery, Amorgos - 20-21 November
A photo of the making of pasteli for the festival, from Amorgos Island Magazine
I've only been to the monastery in November once, and that was just after the festival ended. Bad timing on my part! But i did eat some of the paasteli at the monastery. I had eaten pasteli from packets before. But the pasteli at the monastery was fresh, and was made on the leaf of a lemon tree.
Saturday 17 November 2012
Friday 16 November 2012
Thursday 15 November 2012
Wednesday 14 November 2012
Fuel Costs Make Greek Coastal Shippers Slow
Fuel Costs Make Greek Coastal Shippers Slow | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
According to this article, about half of the ferries from the mainland to the Aegean islands and Crete may not over the next 3 months, and the journey times of those that do run may be extended to cut fuel costs.
Looking at the ferries to and from Katapola in Amorgos - last month there were three Blue Star ferries a week to Piraeus. Now there is one.** There are still two ferries a week from the other end of the island, Aegiale (but no buses to get there). Last month both the Artemis (twice a week) and Aqua Spirit (once a week) ran from Amorgos to Syros - now neither are running. The local and reliable Express Scopelitis is still running six days a week from Amorgos to Naxos.
The fares on Blue Star ferries are I understand about 25% higher than the fares on traditional, slower, ferries. But on many routes there are no slower traditional ferries. So passengers will be paying the 25% surcharge to travel on faster ferries - and the faster ferries will be running slow.
** after writing this I checked the Greek Travel pages - there are now two Blue Star ferries a week from Katapola to Piraeus. Last time I checked the tiemtable may have been reduced because of the current strike.
According to this article, about half of the ferries from the mainland to the Aegean islands and Crete may not over the next 3 months, and the journey times of those that do run may be extended to cut fuel costs.
Looking at the ferries to and from Katapola in Amorgos - last month there were three Blue Star ferries a week to Piraeus. Now there is one.** There are still two ferries a week from the other end of the island, Aegiale (but no buses to get there). Last month both the Artemis (twice a week) and Aqua Spirit (once a week) ran from Amorgos to Syros - now neither are running. The local and reliable Express Scopelitis is still running six days a week from Amorgos to Naxos.
The fares on Blue Star ferries are I understand about 25% higher than the fares on traditional, slower, ferries. But on many routes there are no slower traditional ferries. So passengers will be paying the 25% surcharge to travel on faster ferries - and the faster ferries will be running slow.
** after writing this I checked the Greek Travel pages - there are now two Blue Star ferries a week from Katapola to Piraeus. Last time I checked the tiemtable may have been reduced because of the current strike.
Tuesday 13 November 2012
Greece - The Odyssey
Greece - The Odyssey - Foreign Correspondent - ABC
Back to basics in the Greek countryside. A more positive view of current conditions in Greece than we usually see.
Back to basics in the Greek countryside. A more positive view of current conditions in Greece than we usually see.
Monday 12 November 2012
The Greek Diet: Let Them Eat Expired Food
The Greek Diet: Let Them Eat Expired Food | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
"Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras,................................... says the answer to hunger in Greece, where two million people are out of work and about that many have no health care, is for them to buy expired food."
I remember reading a few years ago that rules for selling "expired" food had been relaxed on the islands. I've been doing a quick Google but can't see anything on that. So what is now proposed is nothing new. And begs the question - how meaningful are sell-by dates? Do they show not that the food is "off", but that the risk of the food being "off" is higher than it would be if the food was fresher. In England I am increasingly seeing food on sale in supermarkets, at full price, that is on its "last legs", with an expiry date of the date that it is on sale.
"Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras,................................... says the answer to hunger in Greece, where two million people are out of work and about that many have no health care, is for them to buy expired food."
I remember reading a few years ago that rules for selling "expired" food had been relaxed on the islands. I've been doing a quick Google but can't see anything on that. So what is now proposed is nothing new. And begs the question - how meaningful are sell-by dates? Do they show not that the food is "off", but that the risk of the food being "off" is higher than it would be if the food was fresher. In England I am increasingly seeing food on sale in supermarkets, at full price, that is on its "last legs", with an expiry date of the date that it is on sale.
Sunday 11 November 2012
Thursday 8 November 2012
Ancient Greek lessons in Naxos
http://www.facebook.com/groups/Paroslife/#!/photo.php?fbid=522641074415483&set=a.216081908404736.60851.207300962616164&type=1&theater
This makes me wish I was on Naxos and could start learning ancient Greek.
But - on second thoughts, I first need to improve my (very, very basic) modern Greek................................
This makes me wish I was on Naxos and could start learning ancient Greek.
But - on second thoughts, I first need to improve my (very, very basic) modern Greek................................
Cut to the Bone: The Samaras Measures
Cut to the Bone: The Samaras Measures | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
These measures in particular caught my eye.
"Entrance tickets to casinos will drop in price from 15 euros ($19.30) to just 6 euros ($7.72), with 4.80 euros ($6.18) of that going straight into the public coffers, while the state’s participation in the gross profits of casino games will rise by two percentage points."
Marie Antoinette's comment "Let them eat cake" came to mind.
"An extraordinary tax of between 25 and 35 percent on solar energy production plants, depending on the time the project was hooked up to the national electricity grid. It will be calculated on the turnover from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2014, although this may be extended by another year"
Will this discourage investment in solar energy, a natural resource that greece should capitalise on??
These measures in particular caught my eye.
"Entrance tickets to casinos will drop in price from 15 euros ($19.30) to just 6 euros ($7.72), with 4.80 euros ($6.18) of that going straight into the public coffers, while the state’s participation in the gross profits of casino games will rise by two percentage points."
Marie Antoinette's comment "Let them eat cake" came to mind.
"An extraordinary tax of between 25 and 35 percent on solar energy production plants, depending on the time the project was hooked up to the national electricity grid. It will be calculated on the turnover from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2014, although this may be extended by another year"
Will this discourage investment in solar energy, a natural resource that greece should capitalise on??
Wednesday 7 November 2012
Tuesday 6 November 2012
No print issue on November 2 | Athens News
No print issue on November 2 | Athens News
An announcement in the Athens News
"The paper edition of the Athens News will not circulate on Friday 2 November due to the participation of its employees in the strike called by the journalists' unions on October 31-November 1."
I bought the Athens News on 5 October 2012, which contained an apology for the paper being shorter than usual. And there has been no print edition since.
I mention this as just one example of the impact that strikes are having in Greece.
An announcement in the Athens News
"The paper edition of the Athens News will not circulate on Friday 2 November due to the participation of its employees in the strike called by the journalists' unions on October 31-November 1."
I bought the Athens News on 5 October 2012, which contained an apology for the paper being shorter than usual. And there has been no print edition since.
I mention this as just one example of the impact that strikes are having in Greece.
Google Honors Odyseus Elytis with a Doodle
Google Honors Odyseus Elytis with a Doodle | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
"The daily Google Doodle for Nov. 2 is dedicated to Greek Nobel prize laureate poet, Odyseus Elytis, who was born on Nov.2 in 1911."
"The daily Google Doodle for Nov. 2 is dedicated to Greek Nobel prize laureate poet, Odyseus Elytis, who was born on Nov.2 in 1911."
Monday 5 November 2012
Cretan Coleslaw Aims at Guinness Record
Cretan Coleslaw Aims at Guinness Record | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
A 2.5 kilometre long coleslaw salad.............................
A 2.5 kilometre long coleslaw salad.............................
Greek Islands: The Best Places to Buy or Build | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Greek Islands: The Best Places to Buy or Build | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
The "best" islands (in my view) aren't listed. I wouldn't want to live on any of the islands listedin this article (Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes).
The "best" islands (in my view) aren't listed. I wouldn't want to live on any of the islands listedin this article (Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes).
Saturday 3 November 2012
Friday 2 November 2012
The Social Onslaught of Economic Austerity in Rural Greece
http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-social-onslaught-of-economic-austerity-on-rural-greece/5310349
An article about Ambelos, on the island of Samos.
An article about Ambelos, on the island of Samos.
Alcohol Increases Resting Brain Activity in Social Drinkers
http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/11/01/alcohol-increases-resting-brain-activity-in-social-drinkers/
So chatting with friends, a glassof wine will increase my brain activity. But sitting at home writing, a glass of wine won't make me a more lucid writer, as my brain is not at rest. Have I got that right??
So chatting with friends, a glassof wine will increase my brain activity. But sitting at home writing, a glass of wine won't make me a more lucid writer, as my brain is not at rest. Have I got that right??
Greece, the True Experience
http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/11/01/greece-the-true-experience/
"Under the slogan Greece All Time Classic, the Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni presented Oct. 31, communication strategies implemented for the promotion of Greek Tourism."
"Under the slogan Greece All Time Classic, the Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni presented Oct. 31, communication strategies implemented for the promotion of Greek Tourism."
Thursday 1 November 2012
Kalo mina - have a good month!
Today is November 1. "Kalo mina" is the traditional greeting on the first day of the month. "Kalo" means "good", and "mina" means month. When I first heard the expression, I thought that "mina" meant "first" (thinking of "mia birra" meaning "one beer") but "mina" means "month".
WalkTheBlue Amorgos - footpath clearance in Amorgos
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/WalkTheBlue-Amorgos/516280441717836
This sounds like an ongoing project to clear the footpaths of Amorgos. On 3 November 2012 - a path from Chora to Katapola.
It's not clear from the poster which path of the paths from Chora to Katapola is being worked on on 3 November.
Walking down from Chora, I prefer walking down the small path that starts near the back of Parvas's kafeneion, on the right hand side of the hill. But I've heard that the lower end of that is difficult to walk because of the construction of a large building.
I haven't walked down what I call the "old main path" that starts near the garage at the top of the road from Chora to Katapola much since a sewer was laid down that route, and the old paving destroyed. The top part of that path was lovely before the sewerage works, but walking below the petrol station and the otehr buildings lower down the path is not very pleasant.
This sounds like an ongoing project to clear the footpaths of Amorgos. On 3 November 2012 - a path from Chora to Katapola.
It's not clear from the poster which path of the paths from Chora to Katapola is being worked on on 3 November.
Walking down from Chora, I prefer walking down the small path that starts near the back of Parvas's kafeneion, on the right hand side of the hill. But I've heard that the lower end of that is difficult to walk because of the construction of a large building.
I haven't walked down what I call the "old main path" that starts near the garage at the top of the road from Chora to Katapola much since a sewer was laid down that route, and the old paving destroyed. The top part of that path was lovely before the sewerage works, but walking below the petrol station and the otehr buildings lower down the path is not very pleasant.
Wednesday 31 October 2012
Refused a receipt? Don't pay!
Refused a receipt? Don't pay! | Athens News
I can see how this would work in a shop, but in a restaurant? After you have eaten a meal, how can you leave the meal in the restauarant!
I can see how this would work in a shop, but in a restaurant? After you have eaten a meal, how can you leave the meal in the restauarant!
""If the customer requests a receipt and the shopkeeper refuses, the customer can complain to the relevant authorities after leaving the goods and leaving the shop. But they cannot take the goods and leave without paying," ESEE said."
"The new measure, launched on Monday, is being piloted in the restaurant sector. If successful, it will be extended to other services, shops and professions."
Weighing up the possibilities - a luggage dilemma, take more or take less
When the hold luggage allowance on Aegean Air was 20kg, plus 5kg extra as a "blue" card holder, my lugagge weighed just under 20kg on the way out, and just under 25kg on the way back. My cabin luggage was just about the 8kg limit.
Now Aegean Air has changed its luggage policy, and has removed the extra 5kg allowance for "blue" card holders. So now I need to get my bag down to 20kg, or pay £20 (more if not booked in advance) for a second bag/ extra weight.
On my last trip the bag was just under the limit on the way out. This was my first trip to Greece since the new Aegean baggage rules. I had bought a few books and other things in Greece and suspected that my bag would be overweight - I had no scales so could not check. So I paid my £20 for an extra bag (a lightweight rucksack that I had put in my small wheeled cabin bag on the way out).
At the airport in Athens my main hold luggage weighed 20.4 kg, and my second hold bag just over 5kg.
Which set me wondering - was there anything I could have managed without?
Or, if I ws going to pay for a second piece of hold luggage, was there anything else I could have taken to fill a second piece of luggage?
I pondered the possibilities. But I have honed my luggage as finely as I can. If I deliberately took more, I might find that I needed to pay for a 3rd piece of luggage on the way back!
And in Greece when I travel around, I don't want to be lumbered with a second piece of hold luggage. A small foldable bag that can be used if necessary as a second hold bag is probably the best option.
I also remembered a visit to Albania many years ago, when Enver Hoxha was in power. I bought a lot of books in Albania, and posted them back to England. I could have investigated posting the books back from Greece - but as these were books I bought in Athens at a weekend on the way back, I might not have found a post office open. And would the postage rate have been morethan the excess baggage rate?
[Second thoughts, there is a Post office at Athens airport, but by the time I remembered this I had checked in my bags].
Now Aegean Air has changed its luggage policy, and has removed the extra 5kg allowance for "blue" card holders. So now I need to get my bag down to 20kg, or pay £20 (more if not booked in advance) for a second bag/ extra weight.
On my last trip the bag was just under the limit on the way out. This was my first trip to Greece since the new Aegean baggage rules. I had bought a few books and other things in Greece and suspected that my bag would be overweight - I had no scales so could not check. So I paid my £20 for an extra bag (a lightweight rucksack that I had put in my small wheeled cabin bag on the way out).
At the airport in Athens my main hold luggage weighed 20.4 kg, and my second hold bag just over 5kg.
Which set me wondering - was there anything I could have managed without?
Or, if I ws going to pay for a second piece of hold luggage, was there anything else I could have taken to fill a second piece of luggage?
I pondered the possibilities. But I have honed my luggage as finely as I can. If I deliberately took more, I might find that I needed to pay for a 3rd piece of luggage on the way back!
And in Greece when I travel around, I don't want to be lumbered with a second piece of hold luggage. A small foldable bag that can be used if necessary as a second hold bag is probably the best option.
I also remembered a visit to Albania many years ago, when Enver Hoxha was in power. I bought a lot of books in Albania, and posted them back to England. I could have investigated posting the books back from Greece - but as these were books I bought in Athens at a weekend on the way back, I might not have found a post office open. And would the postage rate have been morethan the excess baggage rate?
[Second thoughts, there is a Post office at Athens airport, but by the time I remembered this I had checked in my bags].
Tuesday 30 October 2012
Five new routes from Manchester Airport (EasyJet to Mykonos and Santorini
Five new routes from Manchester Airport | Granada - ITV News
Great news if you want to get to Mykonos or Santorini. But if you want to go elsewhere in Greece, you'd be betetr off flying to Athens - as Athens is usually easier to reach from other islands.
Great news if you want to get to Mykonos or Santorini. But if you want to go elsewhere in Greece, you'd be betetr off flying to Athens - as Athens is usually easier to reach from other islands.
Anniston Star - The Greek crisis as seen from a small town
Anniston Star - The Greek crisis as seen from a small town
The small "town" is the island of Skopelos.
The small "town" is the island of Skopelos.
Grace Hotels - Echoes of Great Greek Getaways
Grace Hotels - Echoes of Great Greek Getaways
"Each room at the hotel will have its own private swimming pool, "
Luxurious perhaps - call me old-fashkioned, but I prefer more traditional Greek comfort, and being able to feel that I am living in a real Greek community, not in tourist isoltation.
"Each room at the hotel will have its own private swimming pool, "
Luxurious perhaps - call me old-fashkioned, but I prefer more traditional Greek comfort, and being able to feel that I am living in a real Greek community, not in tourist isoltation.
As Diets Change in Greece, Obesity Becomes Growing Problem
As Diets Change in Greece, Obesity Becomes Growing Problem | PBS NewsHour
"The word "diet" actually comes from the Greek -- it originally meant "way of life.""
"The word "diet" actually comes from the Greek -- it originally meant "way of life.""
Monday 29 October 2012
Sunday 28 October 2012
Friday 26 October 2012
Turks Claim Kourabiedes as Their Own
Turks Claim Kourabiedes as Their Own | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
I don't want to add fuel to the Turkish claim, but in over 30 years of visiting Greece I don't recall having seen or eaten a kourabiedes. Savoury food is listed on menus, but most tavernas don't sell much in the way of desserts. Greeks tend to go to a "patisserie" for dessert. Patisseries do have menus, but I tend not to look at them, except for drinks. I go inside and look at what is on display. In the patisserie I usually go to cakes are labelled by number, not name. I do tend to look at portion size slices of cakes, not at the section where smaller items are sold by weight, and that may be where the kourabiedes lurk.
I had to look up kourabiedes to see what it was - a shortbread type biscuit usually made with ground almonds
Wikipedia - Qurabiya Wikipedia suggests a Persian origin, and also refers to Spain, Mexico, the Philippines and the US.
I have seen Scottish and English shortbread (in packets) on sale in Greek shops.
I don't want to add fuel to the Turkish claim, but in over 30 years of visiting Greece I don't recall having seen or eaten a kourabiedes. Savoury food is listed on menus, but most tavernas don't sell much in the way of desserts. Greeks tend to go to a "patisserie" for dessert. Patisseries do have menus, but I tend not to look at them, except for drinks. I go inside and look at what is on display. In the patisserie I usually go to cakes are labelled by number, not name. I do tend to look at portion size slices of cakes, not at the section where smaller items are sold by weight, and that may be where the kourabiedes lurk.
I had to look up kourabiedes to see what it was - a shortbread type biscuit usually made with ground almonds
Wikipedia - Qurabiya Wikipedia suggests a Persian origin, and also refers to Spain, Mexico, the Philippines and the US.
I have seen Scottish and English shortbread (in packets) on sale in Greek shops.
Thursday 25 October 2012
Views around Katapola, Amorgos - October 2012
Views around Katapola
Come back soon as I'll be adding more photos!
I'm now back in England, looking at a dull grey sky. looking at my photos reminds me of what a blue sky looks like .........................
Come back soon as I'll be adding more photos!
I'm now back in England, looking at a dull grey sky. looking at my photos reminds me of what a blue sky looks like .........................
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| The church of Agios Pantelemonas on a peninsula in the bay of Katapola |
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| The very old, current, and old lighthouses at the entran`ce to the bay of Katapola |
Tuesday 23 October 2012
Mazower Will Get the Dido Sotiriou Prize | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Mazower Will Get the Dido Sotiriou Prize | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
"The Hellenic Authors Society will be honoring British historian and Hellenist Mark Mazower with the Dido Sotiriou Award, at a ceremony to be held at the Athens Concert Hall, on Oct. 23 for his works that delve deeply into modern Greece."
Hellenic Authors' Society - http://www.dedalus.gr/en/index.php
I was looking at the Hellenic Authors' Society website the other, reading about the Greek author Zyranna Zateli, whose portrait I had seen in the exhibition of paintings by Thanassis Makris at the Frissiras Museum (called a museum, but I would call it an art gallery!) in Plaka.
"The Hellenic Authors Society will be honoring British historian and Hellenist Mark Mazower with the Dido Sotiriou Award, at a ceremony to be held at the Athens Concert Hall, on Oct. 23 for his works that delve deeply into modern Greece."
Hellenic Authors' Society - http://www.dedalus.gr/en/index.php
I was looking at the Hellenic Authors' Society website the other, reading about the Greek author Zyranna Zateli, whose portrait I had seen in the exhibition of paintings by Thanassis Makris at the Frissiras Museum (called a museum, but I would call it an art gallery!) in Plaka.
Aegean Closes $94 Million Deal to Buy Olympic | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Aegean Closes $94 Million Deal to Buy Olympic | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
"Aegean Airlines and Marfin Investment Group (MIG) have agreed on the sale of 100% of Olympic Air to its rival, which will give them almost complete dominance over domestic air travel, almost two years after the European Commission blocked a merger on anti-competition grounds, and this deal, reported to be some $94 million, will face the same challenge."
So still subject to EC approval.
When Olympic flew to London I always travelled to Greece with Olympic. Since Aegean took over the Olympic slots at London, I have travelled with Aegean. No problems with either company. I like flying with a Greek airline as I feel as if I am in Greece on board! And (say it quietly!) you may find that the fares are cheaper than Easyjet!
An article in Ekathimerini - Aegean Airlines and Olympic set joint flight paths
"Aegean Airlines and Marfin Investment Group (MIG) have agreed on the sale of 100% of Olympic Air to its rival, which will give them almost complete dominance over domestic air travel, almost two years after the European Commission blocked a merger on anti-competition grounds, and this deal, reported to be some $94 million, will face the same challenge."
So still subject to EC approval.
When Olympic flew to London I always travelled to Greece with Olympic. Since Aegean took over the Olympic slots at London, I have travelled with Aegean. No problems with either company. I like flying with a Greek airline as I feel as if I am in Greece on board! And (say it quietly!) you may find that the fares are cheaper than Easyjet!
An article in Ekathimerini - Aegean Airlines and Olympic set joint flight paths
Friday 19 October 2012
Thursday 18 October 2012
Wednesday 17 October 2012
Tuesday 16 October 2012
Greek ferries sailing foreign routes to earn cash
ekathimerini.com | Greek ferries sailing foreign routes to earn cash
The only ferry mentioned that I have travelled on in Greece is the Express Santorini. I rememember travelling on the Express Santorini when the ferry was newly arrived in Greece. The menus on display in the cafe still had menus in English and prices and sterling!
The only ferry mentioned that I have travelled on in Greece is the Express Santorini. I rememember travelling on the Express Santorini when the ferry was newly arrived in Greece. The menus on display in the cafe still had menus in English and prices and sterling!
Monday 15 October 2012
Sunday 14 October 2012
Cat Lit - my new book of cat photos and cat quotations
My new book Cat Lit: A Selection of Cat Photos and Cat Quotations was published today. I took the photos on the Greek island of Amorgos.
Friday 12 October 2012
Government denies reports of island evacuation | Athens News
Government denies reports of island evacuation | Athens News
Being cynical, the denial makes me wonder if there is any truth in the rumour. "Small" is referred to as "less than 150 residents".
Looking at Wikipedia, the population of Donoussa is given as 163 (in the 2001 census), Iraklia 151 (2001 census) and Schinoussa 2006 (2001 census), and Koufonissi 366. There was a census in 2011 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_census_2011 ).
But if evacuation was being considered, proximity and access must also be factors. A cluster of small islands on the route of ferries to larger nearby islands are easier to "service" than a remote island. Anaphi is at the end of a feryr line, and in 2001 had a population of 273.
Being cynical, the denial makes me wonder if there is any truth in the rumour. "Small" is referred to as "less than 150 residents".
Looking at Wikipedia, the population of Donoussa is given as 163 (in the 2001 census), Iraklia 151 (2001 census) and Schinoussa 2006 (2001 census), and Koufonissi 366. There was a census in 2011 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_census_2011 ).
But if evacuation was being considered, proximity and access must also be factors. A cluster of small islands on the route of ferries to larger nearby islands are easier to "service" than a remote island. Anaphi is at the end of a feryr line, and in 2001 had a population of 273.
Wednesday 10 October 2012
"Sea Cloud" - on of the yachts in Katapola on 10 October 2012
http://www.seacloud.com/en/die-schiffe/sea-cloud/history/the-beginning.html
Last night the "Panorama", a large cruise yacht was moored in Katapola. Today the "Sea Cloud" and another large yacht behind her are moored in the bay.
Being nosy I looked up the "Sea Cloud". I would never have guessed that the Sea Cloud was built in 1931 in Kiel. She was then the largest sailing yacht ever built.
Last night the "Panorama", a large cruise yacht was moored in Katapola. Today the "Sea Cloud" and another large yacht behind her are moored in the bay.
Being nosy I looked up the "Sea Cloud". I would never have guessed that the Sea Cloud was built in 1931 in Kiel. She was then the largest sailing yacht ever built.
Tuesday 9 October 2012
Cats of Katapola October 2012
A selection of my photos of cats in and around Katapola, Amorgos, in October 2012.
Monday 8 October 2012
Eating in Naxos
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=4617188110006&set=a.3191173380529.159701.1301721739&type=1&theater
Just one corner of a veg. stall in Naxos. So nuch choice in the shops, and such good foods in the tavernas.
Just one corner of a veg. stall in Naxos. So nuch choice in the shops, and such good foods in the tavernas.
Wednesday 3 October 2012
Tuesday 2 October 2012
Sunday 30 September 2012
Amorgos honey
http://www.facebook.com/amorgosmagazine#!/photo.php?fbid=473818665992079&set=a.160318544008761.30708.136936979680251&type=1&theater
In Greece (and in England!) I always try and buy local honey.
Once I made the mistake in Greece of buying the cheapest "honey" on sale. It looked like honey, but it wasn't honey. It was a sweet syrup, with no involvement of bees in the production. Lesson learnt!
In Greece (and in England!) I always try and buy local honey.
Once I made the mistake in Greece of buying the cheapest "honey" on sale. It looked like honey, but it wasn't honey. It was a sweet syrup, with no involvement of bees in the production. Lesson learnt!
Tuesday 25 September 2012
Olive oil prices to soar after Spanish drought devastates crop | Business | The Observer
Olive oil prices to soar after Spanish drought devastates crop | Business | The Observer
Pondering the implications for Greek olive oil. Was the Greek crop affected by drought? Are there marketing opportunities for Greek olive oil producers?
Pondering the implications for Greek olive oil. Was the Greek crop affected by drought? Are there marketing opportunities for Greek olive oil producers?
Greece Gears Up for Week of Strikes Against Cuts | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Greece Gears Up for Week of Strikes Against Cuts | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
A "general" strike on 26 September 2012. When I see mention of a "general" strike, I wonder how "general" is "general". Which is a way of saying if I was in Greece, would I be affected.
"Greek ships and ferries will remain docked". Which means not disruption for just one day, but other changes as when the strike ends boats may not be where they need to be to resume normal duties.
A "general" strike on 26 September 2012. When I see mention of a "general" strike, I wonder how "general" is "general". Which is a way of saying if I was in Greece, would I be affected.
"Greek ships and ferries will remain docked". Which means not disruption for just one day, but other changes as when the strike ends boats may not be where they need to be to resume normal duties.
Monday 24 September 2012
Where's your laptop?
My laptop spent severla months in police custody at Athens International Airport.
How come? As usual I took my laptop out of its bag for inspection at airport security. It wasn't until I was back home in England that I found that my laptop wasn't in its bag.
The airport was very good when I rang them. They had the laptop. I tried to arrange a courier to collect the laptop, but they were for some reason unable to collect it. So I collected my laptop on my next trip to Greece.
A tip - make sure that you have all your possessions after going through airport security.
I now half expect my laptop to say "jassou" gto the staff when we go through airport security at Athens!
How come? As usual I took my laptop out of its bag for inspection at airport security. It wasn't until I was back home in England that I found that my laptop wasn't in its bag.
The airport was very good when I rang them. They had the laptop. I tried to arrange a courier to collect the laptop, but they were for some reason unable to collect it. So I collected my laptop on my next trip to Greece.
A tip - make sure that you have all your possessions after going through airport security.
I now half expect my laptop to say "jassou" gto the staff when we go through airport security at Athens!
Thanasis Taverna, Monastiraki, Athens
I've eaten at Thanasis many times. In more prosperous times I would have added "when there is an empty table".
Most Greek giros are carved off a vertical spit. Those at Thanasis are made of mince - but very tasty.
Read the review on Kalofagas
Most Greek giros are carved off a vertical spit. Those at Thanasis are made of mince - but very tasty.
Read the review on Kalofagas
Sunday 23 September 2012
Snaking around
A few years ago I was walking around outside a Greek church - a village church, perhaps on the island of Kea or Kythnos. There was a fig tree next to the church. I put my hand up to hold the branch as I stooped to go beneath it. And the "branch", a long "branch", moved. It was the biggest snake I'd ever seen - the body must have been the diameter of my arm. It was in paper photo days, and I don't remember taking a photo, just moving on quickly!
Saturday 22 September 2012
Aegean and Olympic brace for turbulent times ahead
http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite2_1_21/09/2012_462568
"Following negative forecasts for the winter season, Greece’s two main carriers, Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air, are seeking ways to ensure their survival as they attempt to navigate through a particularly tough period."
There will always be fewer tourists visiting Greece in winter.
"There will be an estimated 55 fewer routes from abroad this winter compared to last, further limiting the potential of Greek air companies."
Feta Fiesta
If your Greek is good enough, read about the Fiesta at http://www.giortifetas.gr/
If your Greek is not so good, see http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/09/21/a-feta-fiesta-for-greeces-beloved-cheese/
If your Greek is not so good, see http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/09/21/a-feta-fiesta-for-greeces-beloved-cheese/
Friday 14 September 2012
Cat Lit - photos of cats and quotations about cats
Now that Kindles can show colour, I'll start an e book of my "Cat Lit" website.
http://www.catlit.wanadoo.co.uk/1214.htm
http://www.catlit.wanadoo.co.uk/1214.htm
C was a lovely pussy cat
Its eyes were large and pale;
And on its back it had some stripes
And several on its tail.
Edward Lear
Thursday 13 September 2012
Wednesday 12 September 2012
Wave of Strikes Over Austerity Start to Hit Greece | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Wave of Strikes Over Austerity Start to Hit Greece | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Here we go again - this time next month I will (should.....................) be in .................Greece
Here we go again - this time next month I will (should.....................) be in .................Greece
Tuesday 11 September 2012
Saturday 8 September 2012
Friday 7 September 2012
Thursday 6 September 2012
Saturday 1 September 2012
Monday 27 August 2012
Sunday 26 August 2012
Nigel Slater's flatbread recipes | Life and style
Nigel Slater's flatbread recipes | Life and style | The Observer
A receipe to try in Greece- a bread cooked in a frying pan.
Another "flatbread" I used to make in a frying pan was one I called panbread. I've mislaid the recipe, but it contained flour, Greek yogurt, and a little olive oil. It didn't rise that much, but then there was no waiting for the dough to rise. And as I never have a pair of scales in Greece, no accurate measurements were involved.
A receipe to try in Greece- a bread cooked in a frying pan.
Another "flatbread" I used to make in a frying pan was one I called panbread. I've mislaid the recipe, but it contained flour, Greek yogurt, and a little olive oil. It didn't rise that much, but then there was no waiting for the dough to rise. And as I never have a pair of scales in Greece, no accurate measurements were involved.
The Deserted House on Anaphi
I wrote this in the late 1990s - bear this in mind if you try to find this deserted house. But I have day-dreamed about many other deserted Greek island houses!
The Deserted House on Anaphi
I would not have found the cottage if a couple of German tourists had not pointed it out. Looked at from the cold light of an English winter, the cottage was a ruin and would never be lived in again. Seen from the rosy viewpoint of a tourist I saw only the marvellous views and imagined living there. Even my rosy eyes saw the drawbacks of water from a distant well, and the long climb to and from the limited shops in the village. A cottage at the end of Europe indeed. The Germans had approached the cottage from the opposite direction to me, and I understood them to say that they had walked round the back of the mountain. I tried to do the same but found the terrain impenetrable. I spent longer than I would normally have done trying to get round, on the basis that anything they could do, I could do better. I eventually gave up. Meeting up later, we compared notes on our respective walks. It turned out that the Germans had walked in front of, not behind, the mountain!
The Deserted House on Anaphi
I would not have found the cottage if a couple of German tourists had not pointed it out. Looked at from the cold light of an English winter, the cottage was a ruin and would never be lived in again. Seen from the rosy viewpoint of a tourist I saw only the marvellous views and imagined living there. Even my rosy eyes saw the drawbacks of water from a distant well, and the long climb to and from the limited shops in the village. A cottage at the end of Europe indeed. The Germans had approached the cottage from the opposite direction to me, and I understood them to say that they had walked round the back of the mountain. I tried to do the same but found the terrain impenetrable. I spent longer than I would normally have done trying to get round, on the basis that anything they could do, I could do better. I eventually gave up. Meeting up later, we compared notes on our respective walks. It turned out that the Germans had walked in front of, not behind, the mountain!
I wrote this piece many years ago, when the old Skopelitis was the local ferry running between the small Cyclades. I've been to Amorgos twice this year (2012) on the Express Skopelitis, and on one trio the Express Skopelitis did dock at the old harbour.
Approaching Donoussa
At Donoussa, larger ferries use the new harbour. The Skopelitis uses the older, smaller harbour nearer to the centre of the village. The Skopelitis no doubt continued to use the older quay as it was more conveniently placed for deliveries, especially in the days when there was even less in the way of wheeled transport than there is today. There is still little in the way of transport on Donoussa, but more than there was a few years ago. [Note from England: in summer 1998 the Express Skopelitis was brought into service; being larger than the old Skopelitis, she uses the new harbour. The Skopelitis I refer to here is the old, original, Skopelitis.]
On other islands the Skopelitis docks by way of her "car ramp," on the side of the ship at the back. "Car ramp" is probably too grand a word for a ramp to an area of the Skopelitis that could in theory carry two small cars. In practice, the area is so crammed full of boxes, parcels, and (especially at Easter) slaughtered lambs packaged up like mummies, that there is no room for a car.
At Donoussa, a small gate on the front deck is used for embarking and disembarking. The locals and regular travellers in these parts know this know this. Most other people see what is happening. However I have known passengers wait around at the back of the boat for the ship to dock - when the ship has docked and undocked at the front. I remember that at Donoussa one English chap was most irate about it. As the Skopelitis was pulling away from Donoussa, he kept demanding that he be returned to Donoussa, and that the Skopelitis should dock 'properly'. He was told words to the effect of "hard luck mate, we'll take you to Koufonissi and you can come back tonight." He had wanted to get off at Donoussa but he stayed on the boat. The only way back was by the same boat on the return trip. It is easy to laugh - but everyone has to learn the ropes somehow. If I had wanted to get off at Donoussa the first time I was on a ferry that called in there, I could well have missed it! I thought about my first trip to the Cyclades, when I was hovering at the ‘wrong’ end of the Panagia Tinou waiting for her to dock, without realising that the other end of the ship was tied up to the harbour. At least that chap knew that the island was Donoussa. The islands do not have name plates like railway stations, and often novices have no idea where they are. One young girl asked me once as we approached Katapola "The boat, does she go on to Chora!" For those who do not know, Chora is inland and uphill.
It is easy to laugh... But... At Naxos, the Skopelitis usually docks at the small boat harbour. Once when I was waiting to catch a fast boat at 3.15 (I hang my head in shame, the Skopelitis left at 3) the Skopelitis was moored in the big boats quay. Confusing. I never discovered why, and if I had wanted to catch her, I might have waited in vain at the wrong quay. I kept my head down - as I felt like a traitor not going on the local boat - but arriving at 5.30 instead of about 10.30 is quite an advantage.
Approaching Donoussa
At Donoussa, larger ferries use the new harbour. The Skopelitis uses the older, smaller harbour nearer to the centre of the village. The Skopelitis no doubt continued to use the older quay as it was more conveniently placed for deliveries, especially in the days when there was even less in the way of wheeled transport than there is today. There is still little in the way of transport on Donoussa, but more than there was a few years ago. [Note from England: in summer 1998 the Express Skopelitis was brought into service; being larger than the old Skopelitis, she uses the new harbour. The Skopelitis I refer to here is the old, original, Skopelitis.]
On other islands the Skopelitis docks by way of her "car ramp," on the side of the ship at the back. "Car ramp" is probably too grand a word for a ramp to an area of the Skopelitis that could in theory carry two small cars. In practice, the area is so crammed full of boxes, parcels, and (especially at Easter) slaughtered lambs packaged up like mummies, that there is no room for a car.
At Donoussa, a small gate on the front deck is used for embarking and disembarking. The locals and regular travellers in these parts know this know this. Most other people see what is happening. However I have known passengers wait around at the back of the boat for the ship to dock - when the ship has docked and undocked at the front. I remember that at Donoussa one English chap was most irate about it. As the Skopelitis was pulling away from Donoussa, he kept demanding that he be returned to Donoussa, and that the Skopelitis should dock 'properly'. He was told words to the effect of "hard luck mate, we'll take you to Koufonissi and you can come back tonight." He had wanted to get off at Donoussa but he stayed on the boat. The only way back was by the same boat on the return trip. It is easy to laugh - but everyone has to learn the ropes somehow. If I had wanted to get off at Donoussa the first time I was on a ferry that called in there, I could well have missed it! I thought about my first trip to the Cyclades, when I was hovering at the ‘wrong’ end of the Panagia Tinou waiting for her to dock, without realising that the other end of the ship was tied up to the harbour. At least that chap knew that the island was Donoussa. The islands do not have name plates like railway stations, and often novices have no idea where they are. One young girl asked me once as we approached Katapola "The boat, does she go on to Chora!" For those who do not know, Chora is inland and uphill.
It is easy to laugh... But... At Naxos, the Skopelitis usually docks at the small boat harbour. Once when I was waiting to catch a fast boat at 3.15 (I hang my head in shame, the Skopelitis left at 3) the Skopelitis was moored in the big boats quay. Confusing. I never discovered why, and if I had wanted to catch her, I might have waited in vain at the wrong quay. I kept my head down - as I felt like a traitor not going on the local boat - but arriving at 5.30 instead of about 10.30 is quite an advantage.
Election day drinking
Election day drinking
We were in Amorgos on election day in Autumn 1993, and saw many people going back to Athens to vote. In the evening the word PASOK was lit in large red letters on the hillside above Katapola. There is a law against drinking alcohol on election day - but no one seemed too sure what the law was. We knew nothing about it and ordered drinks as usual - then every place we went to seemed to have a different interpretation of the law.
I can see that in Athens and the other big cities there might be a problem with people getting drunk and disrupting the election, but surely not on Amorgos?
We first tried to order a beer in the bar in the square up in the Chora. We did order the beer and the owner went in as though he was going in for the beer. Then he came out again and very apologetically said he couldn't serve beer on election day. We ordered frappes instead. We naively assumed that the law only applied to drinking without food - we assumed that we could drink with a meal. At lunch time we went to the restaurant in the main street. We had eaten there a number of times, and always helped ourselves to wine and glasses, and opened the bottle ourselves. So there we were in full view of the whole village, waiting for our dinners to arrive with a full bottle of red wine on the table! There was another tourist at the next table - a German I think - and of course she saw the wine on our table. I could see her thinking 'if they can I can' and she went in and came out with a bottle of wine as well!"
We wondered if drinking wine with our lunch could affect the outcome of the election, and what the penalty was for contravening the law! We could have had an extended stay in Greece at the expense of the Greek government. Later in the afternoon we came back to Lefteri's Lefteri said that if we were eating a meal we could have a beer or wine with it, but if we wanted a drink without having a meal, we would have to go inside to drink it so that we could not be seen. We had a frappe outside. That night we ate at Gavalas. Mrs. Gavalas wouldn't serve alcohol indoors or out. We had a bottle of water with our meal. After dinner we went to the cafe in the square by the Skopelitis and had no problem buying a Metaxa - with the usual free assortment of nuts, but no meal. We sat outside in the square as usual. it may be that by that time of night the polling stations had shut and the drinking laws were back to normal. I wondered what the nuisance is that the law is trying to prevent. Corruption at elections or drunkenness and disorder on the streets. It is strange when the Greeks are usually so relaxed and sensible about drinking.
We were in Amorgos on election day in Autumn 1993, and saw many people going back to Athens to vote. In the evening the word PASOK was lit in large red letters on the hillside above Katapola. There is a law against drinking alcohol on election day - but no one seemed too sure what the law was. We knew nothing about it and ordered drinks as usual - then every place we went to seemed to have a different interpretation of the law.
I can see that in Athens and the other big cities there might be a problem with people getting drunk and disrupting the election, but surely not on Amorgos?
We first tried to order a beer in the bar in the square up in the Chora. We did order the beer and the owner went in as though he was going in for the beer. Then he came out again and very apologetically said he couldn't serve beer on election day. We ordered frappes instead. We naively assumed that the law only applied to drinking without food - we assumed that we could drink with a meal. At lunch time we went to the restaurant in the main street. We had eaten there a number of times, and always helped ourselves to wine and glasses, and opened the bottle ourselves. So there we were in full view of the whole village, waiting for our dinners to arrive with a full bottle of red wine on the table! There was another tourist at the next table - a German I think - and of course she saw the wine on our table. I could see her thinking 'if they can I can' and she went in and came out with a bottle of wine as well!"
We wondered if drinking wine with our lunch could affect the outcome of the election, and what the penalty was for contravening the law! We could have had an extended stay in Greece at the expense of the Greek government. Later in the afternoon we came back to Lefteri's Lefteri said that if we were eating a meal we could have a beer or wine with it, but if we wanted a drink without having a meal, we would have to go inside to drink it so that we could not be seen. We had a frappe outside. That night we ate at Gavalas. Mrs. Gavalas wouldn't serve alcohol indoors or out. We had a bottle of water with our meal. After dinner we went to the cafe in the square by the Skopelitis and had no problem buying a Metaxa - with the usual free assortment of nuts, but no meal. We sat outside in the square as usual. it may be that by that time of night the polling stations had shut and the drinking laws were back to normal. I wondered what the nuisance is that the law is trying to prevent. Corruption at elections or drunkenness and disorder on the streets. It is strange when the Greeks are usually so relaxed and sensible about drinking.
Friday 24 August 2012
Louis Cup to go on display at Acropolis Museum | Athens News
Louis Cup to go on display at Acropolis Museum | Athens News
Read more about Louis Spyros, or Louis Spyridon, who won the marathon at the 1896 Olympics.
Read more about Louis Spyros, or Louis Spyridon, who won the marathon at the 1896 Olympics.
Wednesday 22 August 2012
Five-Day Heat Wave Expected Thursday | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Five-Day Heat Wave Expected Thursday | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Are there any flights left ..............................??
Are there any flights left ..............................??
Saturday 18 August 2012
Friday 17 August 2012
Thursday 16 August 2012
Greek Ferry Firms Facing Dire Straits, Sinking Fast | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Greek Ferry Firms Facing Dire Straits, Sinking Fast | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
"The government has also delayed paying subsidies for unprofitable routes, for up to eight months" - this will affect travellers to the smaller islands in particular. I have known a small ferry not run when a subsidy was paid late - normal 2red tape" late, not over 8 months late.
"The government has also delayed paying subsidies for unprofitable routes, for up to eight months" - this will affect travellers to the smaller islands in particular. I have known a small ferry not run when a subsidy was paid late - normal 2red tape" late, not over 8 months late.
Sunday 12 August 2012
Saturday 11 August 2012
Friday 10 August 2012
Wednesday 8 August 2012
Monday 6 August 2012
Sunday 5 August 2012
Saturday 4 August 2012
Thursday 2 August 2012
Wednesday 1 August 2012
Tuesday 31 July 2012
Pretty sweet thing: The Tsakonian eggplant
ekathimerini.com | Pretty sweet thing: The Tsakonian eggplant
I've seen purple aubergines with white stripes on sale in Greece, but didn't know they were Tsakonian aubergines. Tsakonia is a region in the south eastern Peloponnese.
I've seen purple aubergines with white stripes on sale in Greece, but didn't know they were Tsakonian aubergines. Tsakonia is a region in the south eastern Peloponnese.
Sunday 29 July 2012
Saturday 28 July 2012
Friday 27 July 2012
Thursday 26 July 2012
Wednesday 25 July 2012
Stormclouds gather for domestic tourism
Stormclouds gather for domestic tourism | Athens News
There is still the cost of transport, but I get the impression that many Greek holiday makers stay with family and friends in their ancestral islands, and don't stay in hotels.
This comment surprised me. Foreign tourists in Greece are enterprising creatures, and quite capable of reaching regions and small islands off the main routes!“There are several regions and small islands that are off the main routes and therefore inaccessible to foreign tourists. Given that Greeks account for only a quarter of tourists in the country annually, these areas face the threat of economic destruction because they rely exclusively on domestic travellers,” Drakopoulos told the Athens News.
a 50 percent fall in hotel bookings by Greek holidaymakers
There is still the cost of transport, but I get the impression that many Greek holiday makers stay with family and friends in their ancestral islands, and don't stay in hotels.
Monday 23 July 2012
Greek Islands travel guide - Telegraph
Greek Islands travel guide - Telegraph
Corfu
Crete
Santorini
Mykonos
Rhodes
Skiathos
Hydra
Patmos
I've been to six of these islands. Lovely in their own way. But I'd choose a smaller island!
Corfu
Crete
Santorini
Mykonos
Rhodes
Skiathos
Hydra
Patmos
I've been to six of these islands. Lovely in their own way. But I'd choose a smaller island!
Sunday 22 July 2012
A successful year for This Is My Athens initiative
ekathimerini.com | A successful year for This Is My Athens initiative
This Is My Athens, an initiative to help tourists get better acquainted with the Greek capital through tours conducted by volunteers.
This Is My Athens, an initiative to help tourists get better acquainted with the Greek capital through tours conducted by volunteers.
Top 3 Most Expensive Hotel Suites in Greece | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Top 3 Most Expensive Hotel Suites in Greece | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Mmmmmmmmm!
I have my own "private paradise on earth" in Greece, modest but very comfortable, run by a lovely family, sea views, mountain views, surrounded by flowers and cats. I expect most regular visitors to Greece have favourite hidey holes. But 30,000 a night! No way!
Mmmmmmmmm!
I have my own "private paradise on earth" in Greece, modest but very comfortable, run by a lovely family, sea views, mountain views, surrounded by flowers and cats. I expect most regular visitors to Greece have favourite hidey holes. But 30,000 a night! No way!
Saturday 21 July 2012
Thursday 19 July 2012
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Monday 16 July 2012
Word Wise: It's all Greek to me
It's all Greek to me
On my first trip to Greece I went for a walk in the hills on the island of Paros. A Greek lady also walking in the hills said something that I heard as kalamari. I must have looked as puzzled as you would at a stranger in the hills saying "squid". Was she trying to sell me some squid? Kalamari is from kalamos (pen) - the squid has a long tapering internal shell. I later realised that she had been saying kalimera (good day). I was then more familiar with words for Greek food than with greetings. I find opposites very easy to confuse, particularly when there is nothing to grasp hold of to tell the words apart. When asked when I had arrived on an island, I said avrio (tomorrow). Of course I meant kthes (yesterday). Nai (yes) and ochee (no) are also easy to confuse, sounding like "nay" and "OK".
I used to listen to Greek language cassettes when packing to go to Greece - but now I more or less know by heart the lessons about food, drink, accommodation and travel. I need something different. And so I started looking at how English words with Greek origins could help me to understand more Greek. The problem I find in trying to read languages with a different alphabet is that the slightest variation in the basic script is SO difficult to decipher. I once went to an evening class in Greek run by an elderly Greek man with shaky hand writing who insisted in writing in lower case script in chalk on a blackboard. I would have struggled to understand upper case in clear script - but lower case in patchy and scratchy chalk was almost impossible to understand. Another problem is dictionaries - dictionaries are not easy to use when you do not know the position of some of the letters in the alphabet. I was once looking for a hotel, and found a "G" class hotel. I had read that "E" class hotels could be somewhat basic. What would a "G" class hotel be like? Then I remembered that gamma is the third letter of the Greek alphabet - I was looking at a "C" class hotel.
There are a lot of goats in Greece, and the tinkle of goat-bells is one of the many charming features of a walk in the hills. A tragedy is etymologically a "goat-song" - from the Greek tragos (goat) and oide (song, and the origin of the English ode). Rhapsody is from rhaptein (to stitch) and oide. The Greek rhapsoidos - the literal meaning is "song-stitcher" - was an itinerant minstrel who "stitched" together pieces of poetry.
I once got into conversation with a Greek chap on a ferry about a flower he called amaranth (not the sort of word you find in the average phrasebook!), an "everlasting" flower of the sort used in dried flower arrangements. The sort of flower that should do well in the dry Greek summers. Amarantos (unfading) is from marainein (wither). The prefix a or an means "without". Other words with the same prefix include apathy (from apathes, without feeling), atheism (from atheos, without God), anonymous (from onuma, without a name).
Museum is from mouseion (place of the Muses). In one of my favourite Greek museums (on the island of Naxos) there is a small stone figure, just a head and shoulders a few inches high) labelled in English acrolithic. The figure would originally have had a wooden trunk, and perhaps stone legs. Akros means tip or peak, and lithos stone. The figure had extremities made of stone. In Athens I usually stay at a hotel with a view of the Acropolis from the roof terrace. An acropolis is an elevated part of a polis or city. An acrobat (from bainein, to walk) walks on another extremity, the toes.
My camera works overtime in Greece. The Greek phos means "light" and graphos "writing". The word photograph was introduced into English in 1839 by the astronomer Sir John Herschel. Astronomy is from astron (star) and nemein (name or distribute). Panorama is from pan (all) and orama (view).
Epistrophe (return) is a useful Greek word for finding out about the return time of a bus or ferry. Strephein means to turn, and the prefix epi means on, near to, above, or in addition. Apostrophe is from the Greek phrase prosoidia apostrophos - the literal meaning is "accent of turning away", a mark showing where a letter has been omitted. The prefix apo means "away".
Now it is time to check the return bus times!
On my first trip to Greece I went for a walk in the hills on the island of Paros. A Greek lady also walking in the hills said something that I heard as kalamari. I must have looked as puzzled as you would at a stranger in the hills saying "squid". Was she trying to sell me some squid? Kalamari is from kalamos (pen) - the squid has a long tapering internal shell. I later realised that she had been saying kalimera (good day). I was then more familiar with words for Greek food than with greetings. I find opposites very easy to confuse, particularly when there is nothing to grasp hold of to tell the words apart. When asked when I had arrived on an island, I said avrio (tomorrow). Of course I meant kthes (yesterday). Nai (yes) and ochee (no) are also easy to confuse, sounding like "nay" and "OK".
I used to listen to Greek language cassettes when packing to go to Greece - but now I more or less know by heart the lessons about food, drink, accommodation and travel. I need something different. And so I started looking at how English words with Greek origins could help me to understand more Greek. The problem I find in trying to read languages with a different alphabet is that the slightest variation in the basic script is SO difficult to decipher. I once went to an evening class in Greek run by an elderly Greek man with shaky hand writing who insisted in writing in lower case script in chalk on a blackboard. I would have struggled to understand upper case in clear script - but lower case in patchy and scratchy chalk was almost impossible to understand. Another problem is dictionaries - dictionaries are not easy to use when you do not know the position of some of the letters in the alphabet. I was once looking for a hotel, and found a "G" class hotel. I had read that "E" class hotels could be somewhat basic. What would a "G" class hotel be like? Then I remembered that gamma is the third letter of the Greek alphabet - I was looking at a "C" class hotel.
There are a lot of goats in Greece, and the tinkle of goat-bells is one of the many charming features of a walk in the hills. A tragedy is etymologically a "goat-song" - from the Greek tragos (goat) and oide (song, and the origin of the English ode). Rhapsody is from rhaptein (to stitch) and oide. The Greek rhapsoidos - the literal meaning is "song-stitcher" - was an itinerant minstrel who "stitched" together pieces of poetry.
I once got into conversation with a Greek chap on a ferry about a flower he called amaranth (not the sort of word you find in the average phrasebook!), an "everlasting" flower of the sort used in dried flower arrangements. The sort of flower that should do well in the dry Greek summers. Amarantos (unfading) is from marainein (wither). The prefix a or an means "without". Other words with the same prefix include apathy (from apathes, without feeling), atheism (from atheos, without God), anonymous (from onuma, without a name).
Museum is from mouseion (place of the Muses). In one of my favourite Greek museums (on the island of Naxos) there is a small stone figure, just a head and shoulders a few inches high) labelled in English acrolithic. The figure would originally have had a wooden trunk, and perhaps stone legs. Akros means tip or peak, and lithos stone. The figure had extremities made of stone. In Athens I usually stay at a hotel with a view of the Acropolis from the roof terrace. An acropolis is an elevated part of a polis or city. An acrobat (from bainein, to walk) walks on another extremity, the toes.
My camera works overtime in Greece. The Greek phos means "light" and graphos "writing". The word photograph was introduced into English in 1839 by the astronomer Sir John Herschel. Astronomy is from astron (star) and nemein (name or distribute). Panorama is from pan (all) and orama (view).
Epistrophe (return) is a useful Greek word for finding out about the return time of a bus or ferry. Strephein means to turn, and the prefix epi means on, near to, above, or in addition. Apostrophe is from the Greek phrase prosoidia apostrophos - the literal meaning is "accent of turning away", a mark showing where a letter has been omitted. The prefix apo means "away".
Now it is time to check the return bus times!
Sunday 15 July 2012
Saturday 14 July 2012
Friday 13 July 2012
Piraeus to Get $268 Million for Cruise-Ship Facility Expansion | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Piraeus to Get $268 Million for Cruise-Ship Facility Expansion | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Ferries often slow down when approaching the "gates" to ghe harbour at Piraeus, often half an hour or so before reaching the "gates". i'm wondering if cruise ships use the same "gates" and if the "gates" will be improved so that all shipping can move faster.
Ferries often slow down when approaching the "gates" to ghe harbour at Piraeus, often half an hour or so before reaching the "gates". i'm wondering if cruise ships use the same "gates" and if the "gates" will be improved so that all shipping can move faster.
Thursday 12 July 2012
ekathimerini.com | Ferry worries are increasing
ekathimerini.com | Ferry worries are increasing
15 % fewer passengers and 25% fewer vehicles than last year.
15 % fewer passengers and 25% fewer vehicles than last year.
"Coastal shipping sources say the market is pinning its few remaining hopes for a rebound on the 50 days left until the end of August, the period when traffic is expected to peak.I was in Greece last July and some of the ferries I wanted to travel on were full. This year there may be places. Get on that ferry!
Otherwise, they warn, a great number of ships will be forced to remain permanently docked as of September or be sold abroad."
Wednesday 11 July 2012
1st Serifos Festival 2012 Βegins
1st Serifos Festival 2012 Βegins | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
"The festival basically aims at giving the Aegean island a cultural dimension next to its natural beauties, crystal seas and lovely beaches. Visitors and locals of the island will have the unique opportunity of experiencing a series of cultural events praising modern and traditional Greek music, rebetiko, shadow theatre, theatre performances and children’s literature."
"The festival basically aims at giving the Aegean island a cultural dimension next to its natural beauties, crystal seas and lovely beaches. Visitors and locals of the island will have the unique opportunity of experiencing a series of cultural events praising modern and traditional Greek music, rebetiko, shadow theatre, theatre performances and children’s literature."
Tuesday 10 July 2012
Vlasia: Cool, peaceful mountain escape
ekathimerini.com | Vlasia: Cool, peaceful mountain escape
Just reading this article makes me wish I was in Greece..................................
Just reading this article makes me wish I was in Greece..................................
Saturday 7 July 2012
Mythmakers and problem solvers
http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite3_1_05/07/2012_450631
Misconceptions breed more misconceptions.
Misconceptions breed more misconceptions.
Friday 6 July 2012
What Greece Makes, the World Might Take
What Greece Makes, the World Might Take - NYTimes.com
Olive oil, feta. Wine as well. Get exporting!
It's not all about labelling. Also in the news today is the need to simplify Greek export procedures
http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/11/56746
Olive oil, feta. Wine as well. Get exporting!
It's not all about labelling. Also in the news today is the need to simplify Greek export procedures
http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/11/56746
Thursday 5 July 2012
Greece hopes tourism will rebound amid lingering crisis
Greece hopes tourism will rebound amid lingering crisis, 5 July 2012 Thursday 9:17
I was a teeny bit doubtful about going to Greece in May - June. I wasn't expecting any problem in my island destinations - and there were no problems, just lots of friendly hugs and kisses! If anything, I was made even more welcome than usual.
My lingering doubts were about Athens. As it happened, as there were fewer tourists, I was able to get a seat on internal flights that would normally have been fully booked. But I need not have worried, there was no trouble I recall hearing about in Athens whilst I was in Greece.
Reading about hotels closing in Athens because of the downturn in tourism, I'm hoping that my favourite hotels and tavernas will still be in business when I am next in Greece later this year.
I was a teeny bit doubtful about going to Greece in May - June. I wasn't expecting any problem in my island destinations - and there were no problems, just lots of friendly hugs and kisses! If anything, I was made even more welcome than usual.
My lingering doubts were about Athens. As it happened, as there were fewer tourists, I was able to get a seat on internal flights that would normally have been fully booked. But I need not have worried, there was no trouble I recall hearing about in Athens whilst I was in Greece.
Reading about hotels closing in Athens because of the downturn in tourism, I'm hoping that my favourite hotels and tavernas will still be in business when I am next in Greece later this year.
Warming to the frozen yogurt culture | Athens News
Warming to the frozen yogurt culture | Athens News
I remember buying "yogice" at Rackhams department store in Birminghan in the early 1970s. I don't remember haveing eaten yogurt before I came across yogice.
I remember buying "yogice" at Rackhams department store in Birminghan in the early 1970s. I don't remember haveing eaten yogurt before I came across yogice.
Wednesday 4 July 2012
David Cameron 'prepared to halt immigration of Greeks into UK' | UK news | The Guardian
David Cameron 'prepared to halt immigration of Greeks into UK' | UK news | The Guardian
And see the comments on the Pappas Post
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pappaspost
And see the comments on the Pappas Post
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pappaspost
Whoops, sorry! You can't see the full caption in this photo. The last part reads: "Perhaps he should begin his deporting with her."
Monday 2 July 2012
Friday 29 June 2012
Thursday 28 June 2012
How your Greek summer holiday can help save Greece
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2012/jun/22/greek-summer-holiday-save-greece?newsfeed=true
"What sort of welcome can we expect to receive?
Open arms and bear hugs. Chris Wright, managing director of GIC The Villa Collection, says that it's like the Greece of 20 years ago – very friendly and very welcoming."
"What sort of welcome can we expect to receive?
Open arms and bear hugs. Chris Wright, managing director of GIC The Villa Collection, says that it's like the Greece of 20 years ago – very friendly and very welcoming."
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