Sunday, 30 September 2012

ekathimerini.com | Up for rent: Island of Dreams

ekathimerini.com | Up for rent: Island of Dreams

The island is Pezonisi, off the coast of Evia.

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!

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?

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. 

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!

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 

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."



Greeks Need To Know: Who Are The Dirty 30?

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/