Thursday, 24 November 2016

Santorini landmark at risk | Community | ekathimerini.com

Santorini landmark at risk | Community | ekathimerini.com

"“What’s happening in Vlychada is a crime. Geological formations that are thousands of years old are being destroyed and not just by illegal but also legal construction,” warns Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos. “If we want to salvage something of Santorini, we need to stop building on it.”"

Saturday, 12 November 2016

Leonard Cohen's Love for Greece (videos) | GreekReporter.com

Leonard Cohen's Love for Greece (videos) | GreekReporter.com

"Cohen bought the house on Hydra for $1500, using a bequest from his recently deceased grandmother. He found the island and its people mysterious and unusual. He later said that it was the smartest decision he ever made. “The years are flying past and we all waste so much time wondering if we dare to do this or that, the thing is to leap, to try, to take a chance.”"

Leonard Cohen's Greek island haven bids balladeer farewell | Life | ekathimerini.com

Leonard Cohen's Greek island haven bids balladeer farewell | Life | ekathimerini.com

"Now, the street in front of his house will be renamed in his honor, and a Leonard Cohen bench will also be installed at the harbor."

Monday, 7 November 2016

A look back at Clinton’s 1999 visit to Athens | Comment | ekathimerini.com

A look back at Clinton’s 1999 visit to Athens | Comment | ekathimerini.com

"He hailed the vitality and success of the Greek-American community and their contributions to the United States, singling out his boyhood friend from Arkansas, David Leopoulis, “who, after 45 years, still every single week sends me an e-mail about Greece and Greek issues to make sure I don’t stray too far from the fold.” (That last line, with its charming mix of ingratiation and authenticity, was, like several other parts of the speech, ad-libbed.) "

Saturday, 5 November 2016

Greek museum's birthday show packed with history | Life | ekathimerini.com

Greek museum's birthday show packed with history | Life | ekathimerini.com

"The biggest and oldest repository of Greece’s archaeological riches is celebrating its 150th birthday with a small but jam-packed exhibition.

Nearly 200 artifacts excavated from all over the country are on show in the darkened temporary exhibition hall of the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, spot-lit and blended with music, poetry, and the sounds of waves and creaking ships' blocks."

Saturday, 1 October 2016

Shutters come down on historic Athens bookstore | Multimedia | ekathimerini.com

Shutters come down on historic Athens bookstore | Multimedia | ekathimerini.com"



The good news is that "Its owners vowed to return when "a stable business environment" is in place"



I remember going to concerts in this bookshop.  And something I have never seen anywhere else - white paper table covers in the café, and a supply of crayons!

Sunday, 8 May 2016

National Gardens Shut Down Ahead of Greek Govt Vote on Pension-Tax Reform | GreekReporter.com

National Gardens Shut Down Ahead of Greek Govt Vote on Pension-Tax Reform | GreekReporter.com



When I'm in Athens I often walk across the National Gardens - a quiet oasis in the centre of Athens.  As well as the plants there is a small zoo, a large pond, a small pond with turtles.  I stay in the Plaka and walk through the National Gardens to reach the museums on the other side - including the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Benaki Museum. 

Thursday, 14 April 2016

Greek Commercial Stores to Offer 20% Discount to Tourists from Four Countries | GreekReporter.com

Greek Commercial Stores to Offer 20% Discount to Tourists from Four Countries | GreekReporter.com



An odd policy! 



How will it be funded?



Aren't all stores "commercial"?



Imagine the queues at shop checkouts whilst the passports of those from "selected" countries are checked..............

Tuesday, 22 March 2016

Santorini To Impose A Limit To Daily Arrivals During High Tourist Season | GreekReporter.com

Santorini To Impose A Limit To Daily Arrivals During High Tourist Season | GreekReporter.com



The restriction won't be as wide as the headline suggests - it only applies to passengers on cruise ships and is designed to spread the arrivals more evenly throughout the week.