Press confusion about European report

http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/1/56604

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."

Greek Islands travel guide

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destination/greece/73192/Greek-Islands-travel-guide.html

"There’s been a resurgence of pride in regional specialties (including wine), and more careful cooking based on the superb raw materials that were always a mainstay of tavernas patronised by Greeks rather than tourists."

The Summer of Discontent?

http://www.iol.co.za/travel/world/europe/the-summer-of-discontent-1.1329968

"I reached the island of Poros on the dot of 6pm.............Gratification is rarely so instant. By 6.03pm, I was sitting in a café with a bottle of Mythos, a bowl of olives and a grin."

Attaboy!

Greek president to fly economy class to Brussels

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/28/uk-greece-president-idUSLNE85R00V20120628

A source familiar with the travel plans of the Greek delegation, led by 83-year-old President Karolos Papoulias, said they would travel economy on a regular Aegean Airlines flight to Brussels.

And the President is not taking 280,000 euro salary.

If the plane Aegean use on the Athens - Brussels flights is the same as the ones used on the Athens  -London flights, I hope the President gets a seat at the front of economy class - that would be first class if the partition was moved back a bit.

Greek-American chef finds opportunity in Greece financial meltdown

http://www.pri.org/stories/world/greek-american-chef-finds-opportunity-in-greece-financial-meltdown-10449.html

This caught my eye: 

"In 2009, Vezene started his own restaurant, an Italian place on the Greek island of Meganisi."

It is many years since I went to Meganisi, but I remember going into a taverna in the uphill village with a friend.  All there was to eat was one gigante.  Not a portion, just one gigante.  For those who don't know, gigantes are like large baked beans, served in a toamto sauce.  Things must have changed a lot on Meganisi.  That "meal" is tored in the same memory compartment as:

Serifos.  I was there in I think March.  There were few ferries.  The food at the one open taverna dwindled day by day.  Tomato, cucumber, meat - all were off.  As I waited for the fery, all that was on the menu was pasta.  No sauce, just pasta.

Siphnos.  A bar by the sea.  The bar appeared to be open, but there was nothing to drink available to by.  the person on duty offered to ladle some water out of a bowl for me to drink.

Many years later I know Greece much better and haven't been on short commons for years!

Anafiotika, the hidden island of Athens

http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/photo_essay/setimes/photo_essay/2012/06/18/photo_essay

Anafiotika, nestling on the slopes of the Acropolis, is one of my favourite spots in Athens.  I often spend the last night of a holiday in Athens, staying in the Plaka, and go for a morning walk before heading to the airport.  The walk often includes Anafiotika.  With its small houses and dozing cats, you can almost imagine that you are on an island.

Angeliki Nikolouli: the Greek "Agatha Christie"

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/25/angeliki-nikolouli-dreamed-of-your-killer/

“I Dreamed of Your Killer",  a novel by Greek crime reporter Angeliki Nikolouli

Immigrants Living in Greece Promote Greece Abroad

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/25/immigrants-living-in-greece-promote-greece-abroad/

"Naxos" by Lucretia Stewart

http://www.travelintelligence.com/travel-writing/naxos

Cleethorpes not Katapola

One of my websites is Cleethorpes not Katapola.

On 26 June 2012 the Olympic flame will be coming to Cleethorpes. 

Greek citizens: 'Family is all that is holding us together. But it can't last, people are getting tired'

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/greek-citizens-family-is-all-that-is-holding-us-together-but-it-cant-last-people-are-getting-tired-7870087.html 

Greek Cottages and Villas Sold Short Massively But Buyers Still Uninterested

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/25/greek-cottages-and-villas-sold-short-massively-but-buyers-still-uninterested/

Forget the Greek crisis - you'll still get a warm welcome in the land of Zeus

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2151197/Holidays-Greece-Youll-warm-welcome-land-Zeus.html

Life is still sweet in Crete: Expect a warm welcome on the friendly Greek island

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2163920/Holidays-Greece-Dont-panic-life-sweet-island-Crete.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Greece brain drain 'wrecking my social life'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18542449

How your Greek summer holiday can help save Greece

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2012/jun/22/greek-summer-holiday-save-greece

A good article in the Guardian.

Crete Organizes Celebrations for 100th Anniversary of Union with Greece

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/21/crete-organizes-celebrations-for-100th-anniversary-of-union-with-greece/

I thought I knew my Greek history, but I hadn't realised that the union of Crete with Greece was that recent.

The New Cabinet

http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/8/56437

There are still some junior ministers to be named.  Of those listed all the politicians are New Democrats.  These are the occupations of the technocrats (thinks, why don't we have some technocrats in the House of Commons?):

• Professor of Constitutional Law
• University rector
• Professor of geodesy and cartography
• Professor
• Banker
• European Commission official
• Professor of Genetics and Plant Breeding
• Entrepreneur and social activist

and a few others not shown as politicians or technocrats

5th Nemean Games to Commence

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1358282753539526542#editor/src=sidebar

Nemea isn't just a type of wine!

Profile: Greek conservative leader (and Prime Minister) Antonis Samaras

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18410765

"The Real Greek" by Lucretia Stewart

http://www.travelintelligence.com/travel-writing/real-greek

"Treasured Island" (Amorgos) by Tim Bird -

http://www.travelintelligence.com/travel-writing/treasured-island

An atmospheric description of Amorgos.

Santorini

A guide in the Daily Telegraph to Santorini
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destination/greece/72231/Santorini-travel-guide.html

Greece v Russia - celebrations on Naxos

Party Time In Greece As The National Side Stuns Russia In EURO 2012 

Read about the match as seen on Naxos.

Greeks are very enthusiastic about football, but very well-behaved.

Many bars and tavernas have large screens.

Last year I went to one of my favourite tavernas in Naxos. There were 30, 40, perhaps more young men in a group eating there, all wearing football shirts. If I had been in England I would have rapidly moved on and eaten elsewhere. But in Naxos, no problem.

Earlier this year I was on an island much smaller than Naxos, in winter. In one taverna I noticed a rolled up screen and stand. A day or two later I noticed the taverna was crowded - with people watching a football match on the screen.

A final thought on football. Often in bars and tavernas the TV is switched on, but the volume turned down. The sound you hear is from a CD or radio. But when there is a football match on TV, the sound you hear is of the football match.
　

　

　

 

Greek elections - the efficiency

I was surprised at how quickly the results of the Greek elections were announced.  Voting in Greece cannot be done on-line, as many people travel home to vote.  In the UK it seems to take ages for the results the results of large and sprawling constituencies to be announced.  Greece has so many islands - yet the results were announced quickly.

Something I am puzzling over  - the reason for the winning party being given 50 extra seats.

Swedish Βotanist Records Greek Flora for Past 50 Years

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/18/swedish-%ce%b2otanist-records-greek-flora-for-past-50-years/

I'm no botanist, but have been visiting Greece longing enough to recognise the less usual plants.  But what I really enjoy seeing are the vast expanses of flowers you can sometimes see in spring.  Red poppies and large daisy type slowers are nor scarce, but densely packed, they are spectacular.

Domus Festival at the Venetian Museum Naxos

These concerts are in the lovely setting of a very old building in the kastro in Naxos Chora. 
http://www.naxosfestival.com/domus-festival

Bouzouki  Evening - Greek Popular Music Songs Laiko- Rebetiko –Smyrnaiko

Piano Evening  - Jazz and Blues Improvisations

SUNSET CONCERT - Naxos Traditional Music, songs dances – Dancers in traditional costumes.  Listen to the Naxos bagpipe!

 

Violin and Piano Concerts 

8th International Festival of the Aegean to be Held on Syros, July 9-22

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/16/8th-international-festival-of-the-aegean-to-be-held-on-syros-july-9-22/

Ermpouli, the main town on Syros, with its large buildings, is is some way like a west European city in miniature.

Don't panic: all your travel questions answered about Greece

http://travel.uk.msn.com/travel-advice/dont-panic-all-your-travel-questions-answered-about-greece

Grexit

http://susanswordwise.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/grexit.html

Euro 2012: Could A Greek Victory Over Russia Decide The Nation's Elections?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/chrissmith/2012/06/16/euro-2012-could-a-greek-victory-over-russia-decide-the-nations-elections/

SYRIZA Leader Tsipras’ Privileged Life Belies His Image

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/14/syriza-leader-tsipras-privileged-life-belies-his-image/

Third Year Anniversary of the Opening of the New Acropolis Museum

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/15/third-year-anniversary-of-the-opening-of-the-new-acropolis-museum/

"Wednesday, June 20th [2012]. Exhibition spaces will remain open to the public from 8.00 a.m. to midnight and general admission will be offered with a festive 3-Euro ticket.

Famous soloists and eminent musicians will be entertaining visitors in every exhibition space of the museum performing ancient music, music of the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras and separate works of the 20^th century." ........................................

I wish I could be there

French President Hollande Warns Greece to Respect its Commitments Referring to Probable Euro Exit

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/14/french-president-hollande-warns-greece-to-respect-its-commitments-referring-to-probable-euro-exit/

"He said Greeks could have confidence that if they decided to remain in the euro, they would be helped by their European and international partners."

Greek crisis: 'I'd like to go out and have coffee with a friend'

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1358282753539526542#editor/src=sidebar

"Asked what she would do with a bit more money, Eleni says: 'I’d like to go out sometimes and have coffee with a friend'."

Greek farmers rent patches of land to citydwellers in scheme to combat crisis

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/greek-election-blog-2012/2012/jun/14/greek-farmers-rent-land-crisis

"citydwellers rent a patch of land from a farmer, tell him what they would like grown on it, and get their own fresh vegetables delivered to them weekly. And unlike some services elsewhere, it costs them on average 70% less than at the supermarket or greengrocers."

http://www.gineagrotis.gr/

The Greeks who are swimming against the tide

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/greek-election-blog-2012/2012/jun/13/greeks-swimming-against-the-tide?newsfeed=true

Will Greece leave the euro zone?

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/06/13/will-greece-leave-the-euro-zone.html

Gastronomic Feast at Mount Athos Attracting International Visitors

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/12/gastronomic-feast-at-mount-athos-attracting-international-visitors/
The "feast" was in the Mount Athos area, not Mount Athos itself, as the presence of ladies is mentioned.

Ferry Companies Sound Alarm, Closing in 3 Months

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/12/ferry-companies-sound-alarm-closing-in-3-months/

Reading this, the problem is increasing costs, and fewer passengers. 

For men only (unless you are a cat): a pilgrimage to Mount Athos

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/for-men-only-a-pilgrimage-to-mount-athos-in-greece-7786356.html

Live from London: Debating on the Parthenon Marbles

http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite4_1_07/06/2012_445868

"The debate, titled “Send Them Back: The Parthenon Marbles Should Be Returned to Athens,” will take place in London and be screened at the amphitheater of the Acropolis Museum in the Greek capital from 8.30 to 10.30 p.m. on Monday, June 11, through a live feed from London via the BBC."

Read more at http://www.intelligencesquared.com/events/parthenon-marbles  The times above are Greek time.

And here is a report on the debate
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturenews/9326108/Stephen-Fry-calls-for-Britain-to-return-Parthenon-Frieze-to-Greece.html

Greek far-right Golden Dawn MP wanted for assault

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18352258

Greek Parliament Member Attacks and Slaps Another MP Live on TV (Video)

Happy Yo-Yo Day: Yes, Greeks Invented this too!

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/07/happy-yo-yo-day-yes-greeks-invented-this-too/

"Cleethorpes not Katapola" - my website updated after my recent trip to Greece

I have started to update my Cleethorpes not Katapola website after my recent (May and June 2012) visit to Greece.

There is much more to follow shortly, including the timetables of the Express Sclopletis and the buses.

Amorgos Island Magazine - read about Amorgos

Top attractions on Amorgos

Hiking trail:  Hozoviotissa, Potamos, Aegiali

and lots more ............................

The Greek Crisis, The Euro Crisis, President Obama, And The Rest Of Us

http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/postmodernconservative/2012/06/03/the-greek-crisis-the-euro-crisis-president-obama-and-the-rest-of-us/

Kopiaste..to Greek Hospitality: … for Authentic and Healthy Greek and Cypriot Recipes

I was looking for a recipe for Tigania, and came across this Greek food blog.
http://kopiaste.org/2008/03/agioritiki-tigania/

I'm still looking for a recipe for the tigania I ate - slices of pork containing a cross section , in a tasty sauce.

"Tigania" just means "fried", so there may be many variations of this dish.

HSBC Tests Cash Machines in Athens for Drachmas

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/02/hsbc-tests-cash-machines-in-athens-for-drachmas/

Kos: An Underestimated Tourist Destination

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/06/01/kos-an-underestimated-tourist-destination/


It's a few years since I visited Kos, but I would hardly class it an an underestimated tourist destination.    I only went to Kos as it was a convenient ferry junction for other places I wanted to visit - I had been put off Kos by its image as a beach and partying island.  But I was pleasantly surprised by the things to see and do in Kos town. 

Archaeological Museum of Kos

Edward Lear bust unveiled in Corfu

http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/3/55838

Read and Edward Lear and Corfu

Villa hunters line up euro exit bargains

http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/9/55966