Greece - Kalo Taxidi! Notes from Greece and the Greek Islands.
Sunday, 14 December 2014
Thousands of children journey into the unknown Kathimerini investigates the dangers faced by unaccompanied immigrant minors in Greece
ekathimerini.com | Thousands of children journey into the unknown Kathimerini investigates the dangers faced by unaccompanied immigrant minors in Greece
Friday, 12 December 2014
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
Friday, 21 November 2014
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
Sunday, 9 November 2014
Amorgos - photos taken in October / November 2014
A selection of photos of Amorgos taken in October / November 2014. See more photos of the beautiful Cycladic island of Amorgos at
Facebook - Amorgos Friends
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| Feeding time for ducks (and cats!) at Katapola |
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| Small and delicate winter flowers |
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| The sea in Katapola bay - inviting even in November! |
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| Early evening at Katapola |
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| Katapola bay
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Friday, 7 November 2014
Thursday, 30 October 2014
Greek Wine Production Shows Significant Decrease | GreekReporter.com
Greek Wine Production Shows Significant Decrease | GreekReporter.com
The heavy rainfall during the flowering period did not allow farmers to correctly bind their vines, while humidity, low temperatures and rainfall in September caused major problems in wine production. - See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/10/29/greek-wine-production-shows-significant-decrease/#sthash.7nMRPBgo.dpuf
Greek Wine Production Shows Significant Decrease | GreekReporter.com
Greek Wine Production Shows Significant Decrease | GreekReporter.com
The heavy rainfall during the flowering period did not allow farmers to correctly bind their vines, while humidity, low temperatures and rainfall in September caused major problems in wine production. - See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/10/29/greek-wine-production-shows-significant-decrease/#sthash.7nMRPBgo.dpuf
Wednesday, 22 October 2014
Monday, 20 October 2014
Friday, 10 October 2014
Monday, 6 October 2014
ekathimerini.com | Piracy, a force that shaped the Eastern Mediterranean
ekathimerini.com | Piracy, a force that shaped the Eastern Mediterranean
"On many Aegean islands, for example, toponyms, town planning and architecture serve as an echo of an active or passive defense policy again the terror of the seas."
Town planning - the winding pathways of Cycladic villages were reputedly designed to confuse pirates!
"On many Aegean islands, for example, toponyms, town planning and architecture serve as an echo of an active or passive defense policy again the terror of the seas."
Town planning - the winding pathways of Cycladic villages were reputedly designed to confuse pirates!
Sunday, 28 September 2014
Monday, 22 September 2014
Wednesday, 17 September 2014
Greek Island Missing Out on Tourism Boom | GreekReporter.com
Greek Island Missing Out on Tourism Boom | GreekReporter.com
Pamvotis Island is in a lake near the Albanian border.
Pamvotis Island is in a lake near the Albanian border.
Monday, 15 September 2014
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
Five Amazing Greek Islands off the Beaten Path | GreekReporter.com
Five Amazing Greek Islands off the Beaten Path | GreekReporter.com
I've been to (or at least been on a ferry that called in at) all these islands. But my favourite island isn't mentioned ................
I've been to (or at least been on a ferry that called in at) all these islands. But my favourite island isn't mentioned ................
Friday, 15 August 2014
Greek islands holidays: Sailing the Cyclades | Mail Online
Greek islands holidays: Sailing the Cyclades | Mail Online
Not many travel articles mention Amorgos.
Not many travel articles mention Amorgos.
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
Donkey Milk from Nigrita -- More Expensive than Champagne | GreekReporter.com
Donkey Milk from Nigrita -- More Expensive than Champagne | GreekReporter.com
Donkeys are the most misunderstood, yet patient and humble animals in the world. Their milk costs more than French champagne, it is as beneficial as breast milk and it is expected to bring great profits to anyone who invests in it.
Tuesday, 22 July 2014
ekathimerini.com | Ministry approves 1.3 million euros for animal shelters
ekathimerini.com | Ministry approves 1.3 million euros for animal shelters
"The decision signed by Agricultural Development Minister Giorgos Karasmanis and authorized by the ministries of Interior and Finance foresees the construction of special departments in all municipalities whose task will be to collect, tag, vaccinate and sterilize stray cats and dogs, while also offering medical treatment and behavioral rehabilitation so they can be put up for adoption."
"The decision signed by Agricultural Development Minister Giorgos Karasmanis and authorized by the ministries of Interior and Finance foresees the construction of special departments in all municipalities whose task will be to collect, tag, vaccinate and sterilize stray cats and dogs, while also offering medical treatment and behavioral rehabilitation so they can be put up for adoption."
Friday, 11 July 2014
Friday, 4 July 2014
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Wednesday, 25 June 2014
BBC News - Where donkeys power the internet
BBC News - Where donkeys power the internet
This is in Turkey - something I haven't seen in Greece! The panel looks unwieldy - something more portable would be donkey friendly!
This is in Turkey - something I haven't seen in Greece! The panel looks unwieldy - something more portable would be donkey friendly!
Thursday, 19 June 2014
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
Monday, 9 June 2014
The Inspired Voyage of Patrick Leigh Fermor by Daniel Mendelsohn | The New York Review of Books
The Inspired Voyage of Patrick Leigh Fermor by Daniel Mendelsohn | The New York Review of Books
A review of the third volume of Patrick Leigh Fermor's travels, "The Broken Road".
A review of the third volume of Patrick Leigh Fermor's travels, "The Broken Road".
Sunday, 8 June 2014
Large Increase in Prices of Greek Hotels | GreekReporter.com
Large Increase in Prices of Greek Hotels | GreekReporter.com
These prices look like those of "luxury" hotels, not the accommodation most visitors to Greece like to stay in.
These prices look like those of "luxury" hotels, not the accommodation most visitors to Greece like to stay in.
Friday, 30 May 2014
Monday, 26 May 2014
Saturday, 10 May 2014
Amorgos Friends on Facebook - lots of beautiful photographs of Amorgos!
Some of the beautiful photographs of Amorgos at Amorgos Friends on Facebook - the photos below were all taken in the last few days.
Sunday, 4 May 2014
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Friday, 18 April 2014
The Epitaph: Greek Orthodox Good Friday Traditions | GreekReporter.com
The Epitaph: Greek Orthodox Good Friday Traditions | GreekReporter.com
"Epitaph" is more usually "translated" as "epitafios", the Greek word.
"Epitaph" is more usually "translated" as "epitafios", the Greek word.
Wednesday, 16 April 2014
Why Do Greeks Dye Eggs Red for Easter? | GreekReporter.com
Why Do Greeks Dye Eggs Red for Easter? | GreekReporter.com
Packets of red dye are prominently displayed in Greece grocery shops as easter approaches, and this article explains why.
Packets of red dye are prominently displayed in Greece grocery shops as easter approaches, and this article explains why.
Monday, 14 April 2014
Friday, 11 April 2014
Greek Kiosks Becoming Extinct | GreekReporter.com
Greek Kiosks Becoming Extinct | GreekReporter.com
Under the new law when a kiosk closes or its owner dies, the operating license of the kiosk would no longer be transferred to anyone.
I double-checked to make sure this article wasn't published on April 1 - but no, sadly it is true.......................
Under the new law when a kiosk closes or its owner dies, the operating license of the kiosk would no longer be transferred to anyone.
I double-checked to make sure this article wasn't published on April 1 - but no, sadly it is true.......................
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Google Honors Greek National Poet Dionysios Solomos
http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/04/08/google-honors-greek-national-poet-dionysios-solomos/
This was on 8 April 2014, so the opportunity to see this Google doodle has now gone!
This was on 8 April 2014, so the opportunity to see this Google doodle has now gone!
Sunday, 6 April 2014
Driving in Greece: Simple Rules of Survival on the Greek Roads
Driving in Greece: Simple Rules of Survival on the Greek Roads
When I first came to Greece most of the cars in Athens were Morris Minors. Or perhaps I should say that the only cars that I recognised for Morris Minors!
When I first came to Greece most of the cars in Athens were Morris Minors. Or perhaps I should say that the only cars that I recognised for Morris Minors!
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Monday, 31 March 2014
The Cyclades: The good life / Greece / Where / National Geographic Traveller (UK)
The Cyclades: The good life / Greece / Where / National Geographic Traveller (UK)
A good brief summary of Paros, Naxos and Santorini. But only one hotel on each island mentioned - there are plenty more to choose from!
A good brief summary of Paros, Naxos and Santorini. But only one hotel on each island mentioned - there are plenty more to choose from!
Sunday, 30 March 2014
Greek Seamen To Hold Rolling 48-Hour Strikes Starting 31 March » GTP Headlines
Greek Seamen To Hold Rolling 48-Hour Strikes Starting 31 March » GTP Headlines
Here go (or don't go............) again. It's time to update my ferry travel in Greece 2013 page!
Here go (or don't go............) again. It's time to update my ferry travel in Greece 2013 page!
Saturday, 29 March 2014
Greece Allows Smoking Areas in Bars, Clubs, Casinos, Lotto | GreekReporter.com
Greece Allows Smoking Areas in Bars, Clubs, Casinos, Lotto | GreekReporter.com
I remember reading that something similar already applied - but the owners did not want to pay the administration charge (this article mentions "an annual fee of 200 euros per square metre.")
I remember reading that something similar already applied - but the owners did not want to pay the administration charge (this article mentions "an annual fee of 200 euros per square metre.")
Friday, 28 March 2014
Thursday, 27 March 2014
Saturday, 22 March 2014
What is the Most Well Known Greek Hand Gesture? | GreekReporter.com
What is the Most Well Known Greek Hand Gesture? | GreekReporter.com
The hand gesture that I try not to make inadvertently when waving at someone!
The hand gesture that I try not to make inadvertently when waving at someone!
Friday, 21 March 2014
Thursday, 20 March 2014
Tuesday, 18 March 2014
Sunday, 16 March 2014
Saturday, 15 March 2014
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
'Kitchen Nightmares' with Gordon Ramsay in Greece | GreekReporter.com
'Kitchen Nightmares' with Gordon Ramsay in Greece | GreekReporter.com
Gordon Ramsay "will go to Greece to help British people who own restaurants, hotels and inns in the country to refine the dishes that they offer their customers." - See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/03/10/kitchen-nightmares-with-gordon-ramsay-in-greece/#sthash.xH5MIAkW.dpuf
Gordon Ramsay "will go to Greece to help British people who own restaurants, hotels and inns in the country to refine the dishes that they offer their customers." - See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/03/10/kitchen-nightmares-with-gordon-ramsay-in-greece/#sthash.xH5MIAkW.dpuf
Monday, 10 March 2014
The simple pleasures of Amorgos - a lamb grazing
http://youtu.be/3ApIWCDE238
A lamb grazing in Amorgos, near Katapola - enjoying the lush winter greenery. Being in Amorgos in winter gives you the chance to savour the simpler pleasures of life. But, thinking of lamb, 2savour" was perhaps not the best word to use!
A lamb grazing in Amorgos, near Katapola - enjoying the lush winter greenery. Being in Amorgos in winter gives you the chance to savour the simpler pleasures of life. But, thinking of lamb, 2savour" was perhaps not the best word to use!
Sunday, 9 March 2014
Some photos of Amorgos in March 2014
The title says it all - some photos of Amorgos in March 2014!
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| Katapola Bay at sunset. Every day the clouds are different! |
Saturday, 8 March 2014
Friday, 7 March 2014
BBC News - Tourism helping shadow puppets come into the light
BBC News - Tourism helping shadow puppets come into the light
This video is about Indonesian, not Greek, shadow puppets. But there are shadow puppets (Karaghiozis, Καραγκιόζης) in Greece. There is a display of shadow puppets at the main building of the Museum of Greek Folk Art in Athens (Kidathineon, in the Plaka). There is also the Haridimos Shadow Puppet Museum - Theatre which I must go and visit next time I am in Athens.
Read about the Greek shadow puppets at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karagiozis
This video is about Indonesian, not Greek, shadow puppets. But there are shadow puppets (Karaghiozis, Καραγκιόζης) in Greece. There is a display of shadow puppets at the main building of the Museum of Greek Folk Art in Athens (Kidathineon, in the Plaka). There is also the Haridimos Shadow Puppet Museum - Theatre which I must go and visit next time I am in Athens.
Read about the Greek shadow puppets at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karagiozis
Thursday, 6 March 2014
Travel Bloggers Meet at TBEX 2014 Held in Athens | GreekReporter.com
Travel Bloggers Meet at TBEX 2014 Held in Athens | GreekReporter.com
"The choice of Athens as host city for the event that will take place in October 2014, is an extremely important development for the location and the city’s image in the international tourism and travel market." - See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/03/06/travel-bloggers-meet-in-athens-tbex-2014/#sthash.EgxUiWuL.dpuf
"The choice of Athens as host city for the event that will take place in October 2014, is an extremely important development for the location and the city’s image in the international tourism and travel market." - See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/03/06/travel-bloggers-meet-in-athens-tbex-2014/#sthash.EgxUiWuL.dpuf
Telegraph: Greek Island Among Europe's 10 Hidden Seaside Resorts | GreekReporter.com
Telegraph: Greek Island Among Europe's 10 Hidden Seaside Resorts | GreekReporter.com
The island is Kea.
"“Now that Athens has moved its airport away from the city and Piraeus, all the more reason to take the back door route to the islands". - See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/03/05/telegraph-greek-island-among-europes-10-hidden-seaside-resorts/#sthash.T2ASdn5V.dpuf"
True, the "new" Athens airport (which opened in 2001) is much further away from Athens and Piraeus than the old airport. But the public transport from the new airport is much, much, better than from the old airport. From the new airport there are regular buses round the clock to various places, including Piraeus and Syntagma Square. There is also a railway station at the airport, taking you to the centre of Athens and the Athens metro system.
The old airport had three terminals, with no obvious and easy means of walking from one to another. I travelled to and from the old airport on many occasions, and never saw a bus timetable (at the new airport there are bus timetables immediately outside of the arrivals door). So many a holiday was spent waiting for ages for a bus to or from the old airport. The journey from the new airport to Piraeus takes about an hour and the fare is 5 euro. Much less than the taxi fare the author of this article suggests from the airport to Lavrio. Go to Kea by all means but not merely because of the location of the new Athens airport!
Or you could take a different "back door" route to the islands - by catching a bus to the port of Rafina - closer to the new airport than Piraeus but when I last checked the buses were less frequent.
The island is Kea.
"“Now that Athens has moved its airport away from the city and Piraeus, all the more reason to take the back door route to the islands". - See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/03/05/telegraph-greek-island-among-europes-10-hidden-seaside-resorts/#sthash.T2ASdn5V.dpuf"
True, the "new" Athens airport (which opened in 2001) is much further away from Athens and Piraeus than the old airport. But the public transport from the new airport is much, much, better than from the old airport. From the new airport there are regular buses round the clock to various places, including Piraeus and Syntagma Square. There is also a railway station at the airport, taking you to the centre of Athens and the Athens metro system.
The old airport had three terminals, with no obvious and easy means of walking from one to another. I travelled to and from the old airport on many occasions, and never saw a bus timetable (at the new airport there are bus timetables immediately outside of the arrivals door). So many a holiday was spent waiting for ages for a bus to or from the old airport. The journey from the new airport to Piraeus takes about an hour and the fare is 5 euro. Much less than the taxi fare the author of this article suggests from the airport to Lavrio. Go to Kea by all means but not merely because of the location of the new Athens airport!
Or you could take a different "back door" route to the islands - by catching a bus to the port of Rafina - closer to the new airport than Piraeus but when I last checked the buses were less frequent.
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
7,500 Greek Worldwide Spots on 1 Website | GreekReporter.com
7,500 Greek Worldwide Spots on 1 Website | GreekReporter.com
"In Estonia, tourists can enjoy Greek cuisine in several restaurants in Tallinn and Tartu. In Ecuador, the “Samos” restaurant offers take-away shrimp and spinach pilaf and tzatziki. In Venezuela and Uruguay, there are Greek dancing classes and in London there are three Greek bookstores. - See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/03/05/7500-worldwide-greek-spots-on-1-website/#sthash.ZD7STECu.dpuf"
"In Estonia, tourists can enjoy Greek cuisine in several restaurants in Tallinn and Tartu. In Ecuador, the “Samos” restaurant offers take-away shrimp and spinach pilaf and tzatziki. In Venezuela and Uruguay, there are Greek dancing classes and in London there are three Greek bookstores. - See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/03/05/7500-worldwide-greek-spots-on-1-website/#sthash.ZD7STECu.dpuf"
Monday, 3 March 2014
Saturday, 1 March 2014
Mandatory Email Service for Greek Taxpayers | GreekReporter.com
Mandatory Email Service for Greek Taxpayers | GreekReporter.com
"Greek taxpayers who don’t submit an e-mail address on time will have to pay a minimum fine of 100 euros. This requirement even applies to the elderly, who may be computer illiterate and don’t have access to a computer, and to taxpayers who don’t have an internet connection and those who live in rural and remote regions."
What is an email address? A personal email address, or the address of the closest relative, however distant, who has an email address? I don't know about Greece, but in England there must be a large number of people without an email address. I'd guess that in Greece the percentage of people without an email address would be higher than in England.
"Greek taxpayers who don’t submit an e-mail address on time will have to pay a minimum fine of 100 euros. This requirement even applies to the elderly, who may be computer illiterate and don’t have access to a computer, and to taxpayers who don’t have an internet connection and those who live in rural and remote regions."
What is an email address? A personal email address, or the address of the closest relative, however distant, who has an email address? I don't know about Greece, but in England there must be a large number of people without an email address. I'd guess that in Greece the percentage of people without an email address would be higher than in England.
Naxos - photos taken in February 2014
Some photos of Naxos in February 2014.
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| Sunset - looking towards Paros |
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Carnival time - time to let your hair down |
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The church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa in the harbour at Naxos.     |
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Sunday, 23 February 2014
Friday, 21 February 2014
Thursday, 20 February 2014
Monday, 17 February 2014
Sunday, 16 February 2014
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
Greek Government Unveils Plan for Network of Water Airports Serving Seaplanes | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
Greek Government Unveils Plan for Network of Water Airports Serving Seaplanes | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece
"The Greek government on Monday unveiled plans for a network of water airports designed to improve transport links to Greece ΄s remote islands and regions. - See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/02/11/greek-government-unveils-plan-for-network-of-water-airports-serving-seaplanes/#sthash.3XhthgYH.dpuf "
Corfu is one of the places mentioned - hardly remote, with a large airport - so why the need for a water airport serving seaplanes on Corfu?
"The Greek government on Monday unveiled plans for a network of water airports designed to improve transport links to Greece ΄s remote islands and regions. - See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/02/11/greek-government-unveils-plan-for-network-of-water-airports-serving-seaplanes/#sthash.3XhthgYH.dpuf "
Corfu is one of the places mentioned - hardly remote, with a large airport - so why the need for a water airport serving seaplanes on Corfu?
Monday, 10 February 2014
Sunday, 2 February 2014
Thursday, 23 January 2014
Tuesday, 14 January 2014
Saturday, 4 January 2014
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