Another trip & More islands!

OUR KAPI organisation came up with another treat, a four-day trip to Syros and Tinos for complete contrast.
  The trip meant a early hours arrival after the ferry to the first island. Hotel  was situated right on the sea-front, and within walking distance of the main town.
  This is the island where Greek tradition and western influence come to a harmonious marriage. Ermoúpoli (meaning “the city of Hermes”) is the island’s capital town and has been the first important trade and industrial centre of the country in the 19th century.
  Evidence of this glorious past can be seen on public buildings (the City Hall, the Customs Office, “Apollo” theatre), on the neoclassical houses and at the beautiful squares. Due to its economic activity, Ermoúpoli has been called “Manchester of Greece” and the history of its years of blossom is exhibited in the Industrial Museum.
  The Orthodox community has contributed some outstanding religious monuments to the architecture of Ermoúpoli such as the churches of Metamórphossi tou Sotíros (Transfiguration of Jesus Christ), St Nicolas the Rich (Áyios Nikólaos Ploússios), Dormition of the Mother of God (Koímissis tis Theotókou)
  The medieval quarter of the Roman Catholic community and the fortress-like St George’s cathedral are on St George hill, also named Áno Sýros (meaning upper Sýros). Go up the stairs to the top of the hill and through the narrow streets, by the traditional whitewashed houses, the archways and the open spaces with a breathtaking view of the island.
  This was not for anyone other than fully fit - all steps, no roads and all very narrow!! It’s murder for the postman - no names and deliveries must be a complete nightware.
  Sýros is well-known for its gastronomic peculiarities. Halva pie (a pie made of thyme honey and roasted almonds), loukoúmi (a delight made of water, starch and sugar), “loosa” ham, fennel sausages and the San Mihalis spicy cheese (appellation d'origine contrôlée/”protected designation of origin") will no doubt satisfy even the most demanding taste buds. We also biougght excellent sea salt, sun-dried tomatoes and capers for about a third of the price here in Crete.
  We also had a one day ferry trip to Tinos, for a complete change. During the summer months and on the weekends, the town is throbbing with activity, primarily due to Greek visitors here to pay homage to the Holy Virgin at the famous Church of the Panagia. Unfortunately for many of them, they do not have the opportunity to visit the rest of the island, as most visitors for the Church stay only a few hours or for only one night.

  The final day was a late departure, so it was a tour of the island, and later for us a train trip around the city. Eventually it was off to the ferry, arriving from Athens. Hundreds surged forward and we found dozens of people stretched out over the seats, when there were no chairs to sit in. We spoke to one man saying one ticket-one chair, he grunted, swore, but moved for us. Others did not have the nerve and finished up sitting on the floor!!

Do it yourself - saves time

THERE are some people in life you can rely on, others simply promise but fail to deliver. An example - we had new windows, doors and conservatory windows fitted, not by a Greek, but what seemed a hard working Romanian.

  We were pleased with the results, even told friends. Any small problem call and I shall be there to fix. Good claims, in reality - rubbish. At first small problems he did fix, but when one window seems to be falling off the frame, we waited and waited.

  Phone calls, promises of coming the next day, all failed. Weeks and then months went by, we could never open the window in case it fell out. This week called again, I will be there tomorrow night - Nothing. It was not as if we had not asked also for some fencing on the terrace to be made - more  money for him - Nothing again.

  In desperation we climbed up to see what was the problem, baffled by a single screw which seemed not to fit any hole, we persevered. Looked at other windows to see the construction and eventually found the solution after a great deal of stress.

  If he ever bothers to turn up he will find two angry people and he will leave knowing service is his reputation

Dancing in the streets

AT last we have traditional Music Nights back every Monday in the village. After tavern owners failed for two weeks to make up their minds and agree to pay, the nights have been re-established and the square in packed on Monday's

 This always has a knock-on effect as people come up for the first time, place themselves in one of the many tavernas, and realise that this is a pretty and hard working village. The square has trees along one side, a featured water-fountain the the middle and all the owners have made special efforts to upgraded their buildings for the new season.

  There have been changes to the format odf the dance troup as well as changes with the actual music, which is really traditionaol and not just fior tourists. We actually see some of the locals gravitating to the square, and some actually go out to dance.

  Hopefully as the season progresses every table will be full every Monday, although the island is still not as full as everybody likes, at least they can be fully entertained.  The nioghts should continue right through to September - October, however if the trend does contiunue the outcome for many establishments on the island will be dire.