Colourful Crete

THE village artists have been out and about in force for this season. Pano Hersonissos has never looked so spruce as the season gets underway with many of the restaurants having a make-over for the season. It really started in the winter-time when one of the oldest kafenion’s Costas started by having new stonework installed inside, followed by a new corner fire and then new kitchens on the ground floor and a circular stairway to connect it. He followed by with new tables and painted the chairs creams and browns, really standing out from the crowd.
  This must have stunned some of the others as they picked up on what was happening. One, called Konaki was finally taken back from two Dutchmen, and, quite rightly is back as a Greek outlet instead of the european offerings before, and they spent a great deal of time and money on ripping out all the bad and installing new kitchens, painting all the chairs for outside as well as new tables.
  Further around the square the souvlaki establishment went to town with the outside newly painted and some excellent representations of his food hand painted on the walls. But the prize for all the top effort goes to Taverna Margo.
  It has been transported into a calm oasis of green chairs and tables, all hand painted. A superb new sign topped off by a new menu, all from fresh meats and fish (unlike some others in the square)  from an owner and his wife trying hard to make a success in a very competetive industry.

Another day - another monastery

WE are still able to find new places to visit, even after nine years on the island. Today it was to Kapsa's Monastery, and a big hike up the steep hill, but worth it.

  The Monastery of Kapsa is located 40 km from the town of Sitia at the exit of the Pervolakia Gorge built against the steep rocks overlooking the Libyan sea. The exact time of the foundation of the monastery is still unknown, while some believe that it was in the 15th century. Until 1841 there were only a small chapel dedicated to the Saint John the Baptist and a few cells.
   The glorious period of the monastery is connected with the activities of a crook of the time named "GERONTOYANNIS" (Yannis Vitsentzos). He had been using the monastery as a hideout when he believed that he could make money by curing people! It was rumoured that he had Divine visions and with the help of the God he was able to cure the pilgrims (only the really faithfull) of any illness.
   A large number of people started then visiting the monastery, bringing lots of gifts and Gerontoyannis spent a lot of them to built new cells and a second chapel dedicated this time to the Holly Trinity. A renowned craftsman of the time, Hatzi Minas, made the splendid wooden temples (1869) and Antonis Alexandridis made the beautiful icons (1870).
   Gerontoyannis died in 1874 at the age of 75. His grandson Iosif many years later came to the monastery to continue his grandfather's work. He added some new cells, brought running water to the monastery and cultivated the surrounding gardens. The monastery celebrates every year in August 29, name day of Saint John.

  We were with out seniors group, Kapi, and the day included good time in Ierapetra and them on to Viannos high in the hills. In total it was 12 hours on the road, glorious weather, and great company with a total of three buses.

Yes - No - Yes - Maybe!!!

IN OUR village, Pano Hersonissos, Crete, taverna owners are keeping their fingers crossed. Weather in the last few days has been uncertain, but, if the Gods are with them this Monday, they hope to have the first of the Music Nights, which is certainly needed to boost incomes.

   The start to the season has been a little quiet - not too bad, but it could certainly be better. People are drifting into the hotels and they were being given the information that last Monday there might be the traditional music and dancing - it was a little too uncertain weather wise so it was not staged, but they have high hopes for next Monday. 

  The weather forecast is looking good. Visitors who have been before will soon notice a colourful change to the square. Almost all of the establishments have taken a great deal of care and time to update their look. One has even had all its tables and chairs hand painted with flowers and birds - a vast improvement from the usual brown/black options
  The music nights are very traditional, although it's well planned, the dancers are not on a stage but show their craft around he square, dodging the traffic which makes it way through the square, despite signs advising drivers to take the rout away from the square, tourists accept this but the Greeks have a habit of failing to notice the traffic signs!.

Dinosaurs roar into Crete

IF you don't know your T-Rex dinosaur from a Raptorex or a Dicertops from a Diploducus then a new exhibition in Crete is the place for you.

  Dinosauria opened this week through to October/November on the Greek Island of Crete, and brings together a well balanced exhibition that will thrill children of all ages and inform and delight adults at the same time. 

  Situated at the National Exhibition Centre at Gouves, Heraklion near to the CretAquarium and spread over 2,500 square feet of space it is an educational exhibit that will take you back to the heart of the prehistoric period.

  However you have to be prepared for ther sheer size of the animals on display, with clever work to re-create the past. All the signage is thoughtfully displaced in four languages

 The life size exhibts move and roar their sounds in a realistic manner. You will certainly be surprised by the actual size of the beasts. We have all seen then depicted on television screen as well as in the movies, but nothing prepares you for reality.

  The exhition cleverly uses sensors so the models all start to move as you approach them, and the staff are very informative and helpful making the whole experience memorable for all the right reasons.

  There is  a 5D cinema experience, the first in Greece to complete the well thought out show, as well as a large car-park, refreshments and souvenirs making it al all-round educational and entertaining experience.

  The exhibition is open daily from 9am through to 8.pm. Admission is €8.50 for adults €6.50 for children, under fours are free. Group admission is €5

.

Now that's unusual!

DESPITE the official clamp down on smoking, which seems to be totally igmored in every taverna and pratically every eating establishment we have been in since the ban was introduced, here is something totally unexpected from a recent report.

  Up until a short while ago, Skotino in the prefecture of Heraklion here on Crete was known mainly for the cave that lent its name to the village, yet recently people have been talking about it for an entirely different reason following a report in local media which revealed that none of the village’s 70 residents smokes, making Skotino something of an exception in Greece.
  However, the residents did not decide to give up smoking as a result of the country’s anti-smoking campaign launched a few years back, as abstinence from tobacco in the village, according to the report, dates back at least 20 years. The “habit” of not smoking has since spread from one generation to the next, with the grandchildren of the oldest residents, now adults themselves, stating that they are all nonsmokers. What’s more, as a result of clean lungs, unpolluted air and the famous Cretan diet, the residents of Skotino tend to live to a ripe old age.
  Skotino is an oddity in Greece, a country where a smoking ban for certain areas introduced a few years ago has been systematically flouted by individuals and businesses alike. Maybe, though, Skotino shows us that something is slowly changing in the Greek psyche.

There is always time for a party!!

AS SURE as night follows day you can be certain that going out with a group of Greeks will end in a party of one kind. It was just that yesterday with a trip towards the southern shores of Crete with a excursion organised by a cultural/church group from the village.

  The signs were there as soon as the coach pulled up to meet us in Pano Hersonissos, when we spotted one of the party carrying an accordion.

  First stop was to the new Amazonas Animal Park just outside Neapoli. Set high in the hills above the town with stunning views, it's mainly a sanctuary for exotic birds. It's well laid out on steep paths with well presented cages for parrots and macaws. It's not really animals, although there are goats and a donkey, and they need to widen their horizons to a greater audience.

  Ierapetra was new call sitting the the sun to taken in the delights of a beach side coffee and the fortress, before Miros a pretty village on the coast and eventually a splendid and cheap lunch high in the hills of Pano Symi before setting off for the area around Viannos, scenes of much war activity and eventually back to the village.

  Lunch was where the party was. We had already had music and signing on the coach, but, as soon as lunch was under way out came the accordion again, more signing and then group dancing, it was a splendid way to spend the afternoon.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
 

Anyone for cake or fish or animals?

VILLAGE life can be fun, especially when things are unexpected. Over the years we have been here we have witnessed many changes, but one thing is remarkable as a village, and that is the variety of goods and items that are brought here for sale, almost certainly a throw-back to life in Greek villages many years ago.

  We have grown accustomed to the cheeseman, the fishman, the family who come around with a van jam packed with household items and the handcart laden with clothing, as well as chickens and rabbits.

  Today there was something totally new, and perhaps a reflection on the financial situation in the country. People are looking for new ways to generate income, and we were stopped in our tracks by two women holding large aluminium cases in which were cakes and other sticky goodness to tempt the palate. They included balaclava (layers of phylo pastry packed with nuts and honey), as well as other traditional pastries, including the custard pie so popular here. There was too much for us we explained, and the women moved off to try their luck in the tavernas, and even the bakeries!!

  They eventually got back into their car and drove off, having made several sales,, making way for the fish trucks from the harbour and then individuals selling anything from DVD's to socks and even jackets. Never a dull moment,

On your marks - get set

IF HARD work means a successful tourist season, then the owners of the establishments in our square deserve a good time.

  The first flurry of tourists have started to trickle into the village and they will see than while three tavernas are up and running, the others are not far behind in their efforts to have everything ready for the season.

  One building has been successfully turned around from the Dutch couple who thought it a good idea to go for the Dutch market - in a really Greek village! That was never going to be a success, the owners are now a Greek family and they have been tearing out the old and replacing it with new kitchens and setting up lighting and painting a decorating.

   One other taverna has had a new rood and interior and all the others have been refreshed. It's also been good to see the two kafeneion's also working their magic in preparation for the tourists - we hope that their efforts will be rewarded with a good season.

When natural history is alive.

SPEAK to most people about visiting a Natural History Museum and their eyes will glaze over as they remember perhaps an earlier school trip. However the new breed of museums are far from dusty, fusty places and the Natural History Museum of Crete, on the coast road oiut of Heraklion delves into the past and bring the visitor right up to date.

  The Museum of Crete is a department of the Faculty of Science of the University of Crete (UoC). 

NHMC pursues interest in:

 a. Basic and applied research for the protection of the natural environment (geodiversity, biodiversity, endemic and rare forms of life) of Greece and Eastern Mediterranean area all contained in some excellent exhibits on three floors.

b. Management and conservation of the natural environment, geological heritage and ecosystems. NHMC is the scientific advisor of the European and Global UNESCO nominated Psiloritis geopark. NHMC has complete databases on the Cretan and Aegean natural environment and a rich digital and printed photo archive.

c. Development of botanical, zoological, geological and paleontological collections.

d. Public awareness and sensitiveness, school education and lifelong learning on environmental issues (interactive programs and workshops for schools, children, youth, and families and training seminars, conferences and lectures for general public). 

  Basically it's a real working museum that is certainly worth the effort to get to see. There is a large car park opposite rather than street parking and expect a visit to last more than an hour - especially if you have children. Every exhibit, with the exception of the Living area, is without glass and the displays really come to life because of this.

     Children will love the Earthquake simulator and will have to hold on tight as they feel the earth move, they will be well shaken before going off to see the Living area exhibits. A cafe will be coming soon and with friendly and informative staff it was a really pleasurable visit.

Marmite - Love it or hate it!

ALTHOUGH we have now been on the island for almost nine years, there are still some elements of life in the UK that we miss, mainly in the food market. There are certain items which, until recently, have been impossible to source locally.

  However in recent years more items are now coming to the market, it's still not like walking into an English supermarket, but delights such as Brown Sauce, Ribena, Marmite and even English tea are appearing on the shelves.

  There is now a English Warehouse in Agios Nicholoas less than 20 minutes from us, which as the name suggests, specialises in all things English, and they have all the delights including Hot-X buns, English cheese, Easter Eggs and even English bread, although we are more than happy with the Greek offerings from our bakery in the village.

  As the warehouse also have a web-site and links through Facebook, we can keep in touch for when certain items are brought in, and we have a shopping trip, not just to them but also to Lidl which is just another 400 metres away,

Apokories - it's all good clean fun!

APOKORIES  is three weeks before Lent, and on the first day of Lent there is Clean Monday (Kathari Deftera)- putting it simply another reason to have food and celebrate. The three organisations who have arranged this here in the village in the past had not enough money and had not raised money for this event, which is a great shame, so it was not held.

   For us the answer was simple - a short ride to the seaside village of Sissi, which was the first area that we came to on holiday many years ago.

  Here the tradition is alive and very well, it matters not who or where you are from you can enjoy the hospitality of the village and of the region - completely free. There is music down by the harbour front as well, so this year we went with some English friends, and settled by the waters edge. The event is very well organised and you go to the food area, grab a tray and your plates are filled. There is Fassouladia, a hot bean soup served with traditional flatbread. The plates were then filled with Fava (mashed split beans) Taramosalata (Fish roes), olives, traditional vegtables and then halva (sweet sesame) further down the line you take wine, beers, softdrinks and water and everything was free.

  Music, BBQ foods and then Loukomades (sweet dough) deep fried and served with honey were placed on every table, even if the people there were up dancing to the excellent music.

  

A new beginning

NEIGHBOURS Dimitri and Monica kindly invited us to the baptism of their son, also called Dimitri, another great experience. First to our local church for the official ceremony. Here the Godmother takes on special meanings and plays a great part of the ceremony. The child is bathed in the font into which is placed water and blessed olive oil. 

  Only when this is done is he dressed in special clothes for the day. It was all going well until the water part, and the youngster made sure that everybody when he was not too happy!! After all this tradition it was off to a local taverna, where guests were well fed and watered as they say. Most of the group invited were Romanians, so the music and dancing were different. Every guest at the church were handed little mementos, the family choosing a naval theme for the whole event. At the reception were specially made table decorations in the form of boats and there were special pins for everybody to wear.

  We thought as we left late that was the end of the events, but the next day the family called us when  it is traditional for the child to be bathed by the Godmother. Further food came out for all there, and even a BBQ later in the afternoon, as further friends called to add their best wishes,

Another day in the mountains

WE obtain a great deal of joy from going out on excursions with our Senior Citizens group (KAPI) Although we generally know where we are going, there are always surprises along the way. The trip this week was to Apladiana, high in the mountains, but with a coffee stop at one of our favourite villages, Fodele, birthplace of painter El Greco.
  Turning off the main highway it was straight into twisting turning rods, further and further upwards, before we eventually arrived at the taverna. We could simply not find it ourselves, no signs, no houses and no other signs of life, although it could comfortably seat 300 or even more.
   We were promised music in the form of a trio who played through the meal into late afternoon, but nothing stopped for the meal, which included rice pilaff  and lamb - then pork from the rotating grill and potatoes.
  The dancing went on through the afternoon, we went off to see the ostriches they bred, hence the feather in Pat's hair on our return.

Time for a traditional celebration!!

IT seems only a matter of weeks since the last celebration, but today was the start of Apokaries (Carnival) time in Greece, and of course there was a celebration with food and, wine and dancing - but at 10.00am!
Our senior citizens organisation (KAPI) informed us of the event in their headquarters in Hersonissoss, and off we went, not really knowing what to expect. On arrival we could smell the souvlaki (meat on wooden sticks) being cooked, and there was enough for all and a few more. Salad, bread and wine followed by cakes, and then the music and dancing started.
 It seemed to us that anybody passing could join in, which they did and it was another example of socialising and hospitality, as friends re-united. Now there are celebrations and festivities throughout the country. Apokaries is three weeks before Lent, and on the first day of Lent their is Clean Monday (Kathari Deftera) Hopefully there will be further celebrations in the village, which was not help for financial reasons last year, if it is still not happening we shall go down the coast a short ride to Sissi, which always has the event.
On this date families gather at the beach to fly kites and prepare for the forthcoming Easter period.
We have also been signed up for a day-trip next week to an area called Apladiana towards the eastern side of the island. Just to make sure there is food included in our trip - oh and some music!!

Anything you need?

LIVING in Greece over the last couple of years has certainly changed. We live in a traditional village where the traditions are still maintained, however things always change.

  When we first arrived it was usual to see a  van stop and sell fresh fish every day. Nowadays because of the financial situation we have two or even three come around. Then it was not unusual to find another van packed with household items of pots and pans. These days it's a bigger van, and it really is like stepping into a mobile shop.

  What has really changed are the continual flow of individuals who come around with a couple of carrier bags, from which they will pull perhaps socks or paper tissues, or even cans of fruit from a supermarket, but for a few cents more of course.. Another comes around with DVD's and CD disks, and of course there are the vans with local cheeses always happy for you to have a taste. Now we have people who walk aroiund with a young child in tow, visiting every shop or taverna for a hand-out, usually money or even they will be given bread or cakes.

  In the bigger towns and city of Heraklion almost every main junction there will be people to wash the windscreen or they come of the window with plastic cup in hand for change. Even at the supermarkets, they will be there, clutching a child or offering to take the trolley back for you, claiming the money for saving you the trouble!

Try a little bartering!

THERE  is growing a new movement here in Greece - bartering, Yes the very same method used for centuries by people with little or no money. If you have a service or a trade why not offer them in exchange for something that you need. More and more people are harking back to older days a dozen eggs for say some cheese or bread. Or a service for a car in exchange for somethinbg for the house - it's nothing new but in parts of Greece it's making a comeback due to the financial situation.

  We hear also of one Greek who now makes his living by collecting scrap metal, something that has been tackled mainly by immigrants as Greeks  who thought it was beneath them. Now he makes a steady income after being made redundant from his job of 25 plus years. There is a ready market for the service he provides and he puts food on the table.

You cannot beat the markets!

MARKETS  have always been the source of good value. Freshest possible fruit and vegetables and bargains galore. We have always loved markets, in any country we have visited over the years, and now, in Crete we have a market locally every day of the week.

  In Heraklion there are main ones of Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturday. They are the same, but not the same, they just differ mainly in size. There are always variations, and today it was time for fruit and vegetables and then a really excellent bargain. A leather bomber jacket, just the right size and style needed for just 20 euros, about 17 pounds. It was perfect, not sure where they come from but delighted with the find. The last time a shop in Heraklion was checked out, the best price was 250 euros - some difference!

What a Catastrophy!!!

Dusty our rescued cat has certainly used up at least one of his nine lives this week. He came home in the morning and made straight for the box that he sleeps in after a night out - nothing new about that, other than not going to his food. Two hours later it was a different story.

He was miaowing as loud as possible, and would not let us anywhere near him. Gradually his front leg started to swell and he was still creating a real racket - time for the vet.

  The drive to Heraklion was loud from the back seat as we made our way to the vet. When we got there we explained what we though it was. By now his leg was lifted up in obvious pain. The vet went to check and was confronted by a very angry cat. A sedative injection said the vet. he will be asleep in ten minutes - wrong - 25 minutes later he was still hissing at the vet as she examined the leg and revealed a near three inch long tear in the skin, the result of fighting. The fur was cut away dressed and antibiotic pills dispensed and we were off back home. The swelling has gone down but he has been kept inside for the time being.

Feed me, feed me!

WE have always admired the Greek hospitality, but even we were surprised the other day during an excursion to the southern area around Mires. There were three coaches packed for the trip, mainly to go to three local monasteries. The first was in the area called Plora, although our coach driver decided he knew a better route, and in fact ended up arriving 30 minutes after the other two.

  By the time we did get to this little monastery, who were celebrating their name day, the building was packed and there must have been around 100 more outside. Although it was a bright day it was a little chilly in the wind, and many, including us, we offered a seat inside where there was free coffee along with honey biscuits, fruit, nuts and sweets and holy bread in abundance. 

  As the ceremony in the church finished we moved to the exit where we all stopped and were handed large plastic bowls full of rice pilaf and a large piece of lamb, along with a bread roll and another drink. We can never understand how they can cater on such a scale, but more so how many to cater for, there is always enough. It was then to Mires for coffee before the larger monastery at Kalyviana, where there was almost biscuits for all along with drink. The hospitality also continued on the coach where no one, but two large boxes of chocolate cake and biscuits came around, together with nuts and Raki, the national firewater.

50 Years and going strong!!

YES - 50 year married this weekend, and there were some who said that it would not last more than a couple of years!!!
 We are having a small party in a local taverna inc luding food and drink with friends from the village, and I have arranged a couple of surprises for Pat the long suffering wife. By the time Saturday comes around a BIG surprise will be unveiled, so watch this space as it will be updated also.
  One surprise for her will being to see the poster that is published here. It shows photographs from the years gone bye, I designed them into into a poster and then had a local firm print then poster size and these will be adorning the walls on arrival. You cannot have a party without a cake, so that's another item ticked off the list.
  The biggest surprise should happen a day or so before, but, hopefully photos of this will be published here when it happens, fingers crossed - so watch this space as they say.

Greatest comedy sketch - ever!!!!!

This has to be the best every comedy partnership. Sharp writing and great execution. Voted the best every comedy sketch in the UK. You will remember it forever. Follow the link and enjoy.
http://youtu.be/LaO5nZIUW4I

A first for the village

FOR the first time in our village there has been a successful Christmas Bazaar. There is always one in the main village annually, but this year three local groups came together to hold their own, and should be pleased with the results - although the weather did not co-operate. Originally they had hoped to place the tables full of Christmas around the village square, but threat of rain drove them to their back-up plan - the Church Hall.  This spacious building was more than enough for the groups who had made their arrangements to be there. Of course there was food and drink, together with a great many last minute presents for those who did not have time or the inclination to go further afield for shopping.

 

 

Housing deadline extended

IN a move designed to help home owner through the current difficult times does not appear to really be enough, but at least it shows that authorities understand the dilemma that many are facing. 

  Greece will extend by another year the moratorium on home repossessions for debts up to 200,000 euros, according to legislation submitted to Parliament on Monday.

  Until the end of 2013, banks will not be able to seize the homes of customers if they are their main property - regardless of how much is owed - or if the amount owed is less than 200,000 euros.

Non-performing loans at the end of September stood at 52 billion euros, which was 22.5 percent of all loans – a rise of 7.5 percentage points from the end of 2011. More than 15 billion euros of these loans are mortgages.

  The legislative act submitted by the government also foresees individuals and businesses renting commercial properties being able to terminate their contract by paying one month’s rent to the landlord.

Where's the good news?

CHRISTMAS always seems to have an air of gloom, despite the otherwise festive period. For Greeks the gloom is  ongoing with further news confirming that the confirming that the country still has a very long way on the road to recovery.
  Greece's unemployment rate in the 3rd quarter of 2012 was 24.8 percent compared with 23.6 percent in the previous quarter, and 17.7 percent in the corresponding quarter of 2011, official statistics showed on Thursday.
The number of employed amounted to 3,739,018 persons while the number of unemployed amounted to 1,230,918, the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) said.
   The number of employed persons decreased by 1.4 percent compared with the previous quarter, and by 8.3 percent compared with the 3rd quarter of 2011.   The number of unemployed persons increased by 5.3 percent compared with the previous quarter and by 40.2 percent compared with the 3rd quarter of 2011.

A sorry software saga!!

HOW many beans make five? That's easy of course. How many e-mails to solve a simple software problem -15 and counting!!

  Earlier this year I purchased Hallmark Card Studio 2012. It's a great programme to design and print birthday cards etc. It's from a really big company and allows me to design personal cards for anyone of family and friends and  print out unique cards. After changing my main computer I re-installed the software, but there was a small problem. I uninstalled and re-installed but the problem was still there. So an email to customer services was dispatched. Ten mails later I finally got a reply from their technical division - Uninstall it Mr Williams and then re-install!!

  I mailed again, meanwhile I also had 10 offers to buy the new 2013 programme but no answer from Hallmark, they did not recognise the order number which Hallmark themselves had generated.   Eventually came a reply which was to offer their apologies for the service (sic) asking for all the details again of the problem. Now I have a list of ten people's names at Hallmark - but no solution. Suddenly came another new name offering to solve a problem which I do not have which they think I have, Another name to add to the list.

  To  date  still  waiting  for  this to be  finalised  - watch  this space .

   *   *   *

UPDATE: A voice of commonsense has solved the situation. Sherwin in Customer Services must have read all the mails that flew back and forth. A quick chat and five minutes later I was offered Card Studio 2013 for free- good result, a situation that should have been sorted weeks ago.

 
 

Up close & personal

 A GOOD friend of ours is president of a local Anatolian Union, and annually they have a big get together with a meal, wine and entertainment. This year it  was staged in Heraklion, and along with a couple of English friends we went along for the experience. There were several people there that we knew, mainly from the village, and the meal, although late (nothing unusual in that) was first class and plenty of it. There was also wine and soft drinks always on tap so you never went dry.

   These events are always very sociable and we get new acquaintances each time but  the highlight for many was the dancer as she gyrated around the area, finishing up on the tables to allow a very up close and personal experience for many. Our parting words - "see you next year"

Best donuts - every year!!

There is always something happening with our KAPI, social group here in Hersonissos, Crete. Today it was national Loukoumades (Donuts) Day and the ladies of the group were in the offices early with their flour, yeast and honey to set about making them.
  These delicious deep fried yeast balls are crisp on the outside and simply soft in the middle. Just to make them even more acceptable they drizzle them a honey/water mixture and then dust them with roasted nuts.
  Anybody passing through the area had to chance to sample them, free of charge and there were plenty of takers for this simple but delightful offering.
  It's a simple way of making sure that the communites stay in touch and nobody can resist having a plateful - or even more given the chance. (Pictured: Ladies from the KAPI prepare more plates)

A little step forward

WITH austerity the worst word to use in Greece, at least there seems a little light at the end of the financial tunnel, after a lengthy meeting this week.

  Greece received a two-year extension to its fiscal adjustment programme, but no decision was made on the disbursement of an outstanding 31.5 tranche of an EU/IMF bailout loan at Monday's Eurogroup meeting of eurozone finance ministers in Brussels.

 "Together with the Greek adjustment program the Eurogroup will further discuss (Greece's) financing needs and debt sustainability at an extraordinary meeting that will be convened on 20 November," the ministers said in a joint statement that was read out by Eurogroup president Jean-Claude Juncker at a press conference after the meeting, adding that a few more "prior actions" remained to be implemented by the Greek authorities by then.

 The Eurogroup acknowledged the considerable efforts made by the Greek citizens and welcomed the resolve of the Greek authorities to put the programme back on track, particularly after parliament's adoption of a "substantial set of reforms (omnibus bill of austerity measures) as well as a convincing budget for 2013" on November 7 and 11 respectively, Juncker said, adding that "these have received a preliminary positive assessment" by the European Commission (EC), European Central Bank (ECB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Troika of Greece's international lenders.

 He said that the ratification process for the disbursement of the next tranche by the eurozone national parliaments will begin shortly before November 20, after which the Eurogroup will convene again, possibly on November 26, either in person or by teleconference, to ascertain whether everything is in place for the final approval of the next loan tranche to Greece.

 

TOUGH TIMES AHEAD

 AS winter looms, there are more and more signs that the Greek economy still has a very long way to go. All around the major towns and cities there are for sale and to let signs up as desperate people make every effort to make ends meet, but they are finding it very tough. Here in our village, which has virtually closed down for the winter, every lamp-post is full of yellow signs which have telephone nunber on them with apartments vacant.

LOW WAGES, HIGH PRICES

  One button that a country living beyond its means has to press is marked ‘cost cutting'. Greece has done that. Wages are plunging at the behest of international creditors who are keeping the country alive on a drip-feed of aid.

  By the end of this year, the entire surge in the average cost of labour per unit of output from 2001 to 2009 will have been unwound, according to a draft European Commission paper.

  The drop in nominal unit labour costs this year alone is projected to be 8.7 percent - not surprising given that the unemployment rate is 25 percent.

But wages are only one input among many that determine prices. The most comprehensive gauge of a country's cost competitiveness is its real, or inflation-adjusted, effective exchange rate (REER) relative to its main trading partners.

  And in 2011, Greece's REER was still 18-20 percent above its 2000 level, according to Eurostat, the EU statistics agency."Of course the issue of prices concerns us. There's a problem, and we're aware of it," Athanasios Skordas, deputy minister for economic development and competitiveness, told Reuters.

Inflation is falling - it was 0.9 percent in the year to September - and economists expect it to come down further.

  But to thoroughly convert wage to price competitiveness will entail a daunting array of reforms, such as making it easier to start a business and removing barriers to competition in key markets such as energy.

Platon Monokroussos, head of financial markets research at Eurobank in Athens, said these market rigidities were one reason why falling wages had not translated into a quicker drop in inflation.

APOLOGIES ALL ROUND

Robin & Pat Williams

FIRST  we must say thank you to the regular followers of this blog, we now have more than 15,000 viewings in more than 86 countries which is fantastic.

  As some of the posts and photographs pages were getting a little old we have taken them off. Some have been refreshed and more will follow to replace them. Again thanks to you all, have a good festive season, and keep on reading our news and views from Crete and from Greece.

Weekend in Chania

THERE is so much on the island of island of Crete and we had the opportunity of exploring much of the western end and particular the Chania end at the weekend. This was not a trip organised by our senior citizen organisation, but another and exceptionally good value.

First port of call on the route to Chania was the area of Askifou, Sfakia and in particular the war museum founded by George Hatzidakis and his family following the events of 1941. Germany gained control of most of Europe and it was decided to invade Crete in the largest airborne attack ever staged.

Defending the island were some 40,000 British, Australian and New Zealand troops, as well as 10,000 unarmed troops from Greece. Some 500 Junkers planes were loaded and sent to take the island, but it was a disaster as some 90% of the first wave were destroyed. It took until the end of May before the fighting was over, but it was a mistake that Hitler never made again. The museum is a personal effort by the family and well worth the effort to see.

It was then over the mountains to the coastal area were some many troops were rescued from before returning to Chania and our hotel, and time to make personal explorations of the town. There was a surprise by the next morning, when we discovered a local market behind the hotel and there was time to explore before breakfast, and bag a few bargains.
  First point of interest today was the monastery Agia Triada, dating back of the 1600's, well preserved and maintained it was a perfect setting for photographs before going to the traditional village of Elos famous for its chestnuts. Someone in the party brought more that 20 kilos of them so they must be good!! We had a modest half kilo.
  Then it was the famous springs at Argyopolis for a cracking lunch, time to buy the famous sour dough bread at Georgeopolis some cheese at a famous maker and a break at Rethymno before returning tired and well fulfilled.

Free wine and another party!!!

 WE have been in our village of Old Hersonissos for eight years, but tonight was the first time in this period that the village had a Carnation celebration.It's an old tradition that they decided should be returned to the village, and it was a great success. Carnations are big business in this area and the growing season starts in November, hence the party. The square was blocked off. There was as much free wine as you could manage, good prices on other drinks and a steady supply of souvlaki (meat on sticks) for those who needed feeding.

  We certainly hope that this is an event that will stay in the village calendar for many years to come. It started slowly, but the Greeks always party late and, as the evening wore on so the square filled up. Live music and dancing of course and the party went on into the small hours.

When No really means NO!!

THE traditional Oxi Day (No Day) is celebrated throughout Greece in one way or another,. Because of the situation in the country at present that has brought about many changes, including demonstrations against the country, mainly by students. 

  The biggest parade here in Crete is usually at Heraklion, but we decided to give that a miss this uyear and went to enjoy the parade here in Hersonissos. It was centred around the big church, attended by council and church dignitaries, and then the parade started. Although there was no marching band, the parade assembled to packed local streets and they came in their hundreds to march through to loud music. It was great to see so many young children respecting their history, with many of them  in national costume.

Another big investment for Crete

THINGS must be picking up in the Greek economy, despite recent problems, when the Minoan Group announced that they are planning a new leisure investment of 250m Euros, and it will centre around the area of Lasithi, and by this we mean near to the proposed new airport.

  Minoan Group Plc’s operations in Greece currently centre on the development and subsequent operation of what they plan to be a new landmark for tourism in Greece. The project will include a number of small to medium sized hotels of extremely high standards, both in terms of the service offered and environmental credentials.

  It is the Group’s intention that the development and operation of the Project will be undertaken with financial and other partners of substance. These partners will include Hotel Operators who are capable of enhancing the Group’s vision of a very high quality, environmentally impeccable tourist destination with long term sustainability built in to the design and operating procedures.

  The site for the Project is the Cavo Sidero peninsula, a spectacular location extending into the Mediterranean from the North Eastern coast of Crete in the prefecture of Lasithi. The site, in the locality of Itanos, will be held on a long lease granted by the Ecclesiastical Foundation, Panagia Akrotiriani and comprises 25,000 stremmata (over 6,000 acres). It has 28 kilometres of coastline, numerous secluded bays and inlets as well as an interior with rolling hills where herbs such as thyme and marjoram are part of the natural vegetation.

  With a built footprint of less than 0.5% of the site the Project aims to preserve the landscape and leave more than 90% in its natural state and create conditions for the regeneration of vegetation.

  The history of Itanos began 5.000 years ago and the broader area is rich in archeological sites. These include ancient palaces and towns, including the partially submerged ruins of Itanos itself. Together with old tales and traditions they form a unique cultural heritage. .

In the North East of the area they have designed a project to blend in with and complement the landscape. It will be a new destination for Crete and Greece.

   The construction cost of the new project is estimated over 250 m. Euro and will be undertaken through one or more Joint Ventures with appropriate partners.

Not the reception expected?

WHAT did the German Chancellor expect when she deemed it right to visit Greece this week. If she expected flag waving - he got it, but it was Nazi flags that were waved. If she expected a warm reception she got it  from more than 50,000 in Athens, chanting slogans against her.

  There were more than 7,000 police on the streets and more in reserve, when, despite a ban of publish gatherings the Greeks turned out, mainly without violence, to pent their anger over the draconian measure that have been forced upon them.

  Police, who mounted a large security operation, stopped and searched 217 people while 24 were arrested and charged for a range of offenses. Some of those detained were stopped ahead of the rally in preventive checks while others are believed to have been involved in attacks on police who warded off youths hurling stones by firing tear gas. A couple of the detainees are believed to be linked to urban guerrilla groups Revolutionary Struggle and Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire, Kathimerini understands. Lawyers of suspected members of Revolutionary Struggle, currently on trial at Korydallos high-security prison, reportedly complained that some of their witnesses could not make it to court as they were detained by police in central Athens. Conspiracy claimed responsibility for parcel bombs sent to several EU leaders, including Angela Merkel, in 2010.

  The Greek prime minister got endorsements from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European finance chiefs as well as signals that the country’s next aid payment was in the offing.

  International inspectors known as the troika are due back in Athens this week after a pause that provided Samaras’s three- party with backing to continue efforts to carve out 13.5 billion euros ($17.4 billion) of new budget cuts.

Not the images we want to see

THE leaders of Greece's power-sharing government on have agreed on most of the cost-cutting measures for the next two years, in line with demands set by the troika of foreign lenders, the chief of a junior coalition member said.

  “We reached an agreement on the main points. There are still some outstanding issues. We are going to seek for a four-year extension [of the Greek fiscal adjustment program], said Democratic Left leader Fotis Kouvelis after the meeting. Prime Minister Antonis Samaras of conservative New Democracy party was also meeting with PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos.

  Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras, who was present at the meeting of the three leaders, described the agreement as a “basis for strong negotiation” with the country's creditors.

  Stournaras said the proposed measures will first have to be approved by the troika envoys, expected in Athens during the weekend, before they are voted upon in Parliament. The cuts are essential if Greece is to continue receiving funds from international emergency loans.

  The meeting came a day after tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of the capital in protest at the anticipated cuts.  It was not clear whether a new leaders' meeting will take place.

Tens of thousands of protestors shouting "enough is enough" took part in trade union rallies and marches organised in central Athens on Wednesday, as part of a 24-hour nationwide strike in protest against a new package of austerity measures.

  The main protest was called by the General Confederation of Greek Labour (GSEE) and the civil servants' union federation ADEDY. Pame, the Communist Party-backed trade union, organised its own protest.

  Estimates of the size of protest marches varied greatly between organisers and police, with the former claiming over 100,000 took part and the latter estimating participation to have been in the region of 50,000.

  The march went as far as Syntagma Square, where a delegation from the trade unions presented a resolution outlining the demands of Wednesday's nationwide general strike to parliament. There were more clashes with police by a small group, who threw petrol bombs at the police, and these were the images shown on tv around the world. While the majority of the rally was peaceful, and one can understand their reasons for the really, the clashes were mainly at the end of the day, but nonetheless  pictures that nobody wants to see.

 

We take to the hills

QUESTION: What has 24 wheels and carries nearly 200 excitable Greeks? ANSWER: Four buses.

We have often tried to remember virtually the first trip around the island that we made with our Elderly persons group - the KAPI, which took in some glorious caves and stunning scenery. Well, this week we found out on our latest trip.

  The caves in fact were the Sfentoni caves of Zoniana, high up in the Psiloritis  mountain range. In the seven years since our first visit the authorities have really smarted up the place with coloured lights to enhance the viewing pleasure. We were collected by the super coach at 8.00am and later joined the other three from various areas around up. First it was to the historic Anogia village, not an easy task on roads originally made for donkey transport, and just wide enough for coaches to carefully pass by. A brief stop at a special museum at Potomianos where the history of the region is played out, but must say the waxwork models could do with a little updating!

  Of course a trip out with the KAPI would hardly be possible without a visit to some religious building, this time to the Monastery of Timios Stavros. Fantastic views and superb gardens, which surprisingly did not seem to interest the majority of the large group. Then it was the highlight - at least for many. Lunch!!

  Not an ordinary lunch of course. It was in the village of Throsia who specialise in cooking pork and lamb, over charcoal, either on a spit or just simply turned by hand. It's always cooked slowly and the result is juicy meat, we had been before and it was as good as previously.

  Finally we turned toward home, but noit without a short stop at another very traditional village, Fodele well know for it's connections with famous painter El Greco and specialising in macrame work, which the ladies of the village happily show you as they work with nimble fingers on intricate patters off the back of an old chair. It was nice to see that they are passing on their skills to the younger generation. In Fodele we have a friend who runs the Taverna  Domenico, who serve up local orange juice as well as specialties of the region, So it was good to catch up and share a drink before arriving back in Old Hersonissos.

Property tax to stay

IN a move to increase their income, the Greek government are to continue with the very unpopular property tax,a move that will certainly increase pressure on the whole country.

  The government has decided that the special property tax introduced in 2011 will be tagged on to electricity bills again this year after all, according to Public Power Corporation (PPC) officials.

  After repeated meetings and the realization that the Finance Ministry will be unable to collect the sum of 2.2 billion euros corresponding to the emergency tax, the government resorted to the more secure but painful solution of collecting the tax through PPC, despite earlier indications that this would not be the case this year.

Up until yesterday the Finance Ministry had said that it was looking for the best way to collect the so-called special extraordinary tax for all properties connected to the power grid, though officials at the power company suggested that the decision had already been made.   In fact, PPC said that it had been asked to include the tax in all bills issued as of July 23, but the company countered that it did not have the time to issue bills with the tax before the end of the month. Unlike last year, when the tax was paid in two installments, this year’s tax will be paid in five installments, with the last two to due in 2013.   Everybody is being hit, and that includes us of course, but some will be hard pressed to pay up again. With jobs still at a premium, people are really being hurt by the austerity measures. Their argument is simple, if we have no work how do we not only pay the bills, but how do we feed are families?

 

Greece: Incredible Crete

 Incredible Crete   (This is the link)

 Wish you were here? Click the link for a great look at the island of Crete. We have high temperatures and a great life style. NOW is the time to visit.........
 http://www.promote-greece.com/2012/07/incredible-crete.html

A day in the west

HAD A great trip by coach to the west of the Island today. Had a chance to visit Arkadi Museum, the amazing church built into the rocks at Patsos, then it was timein the very tourist area of Rethymno before a extra treat, stopping on the way home to Fodele, birthplace of the great El Greco.

  Arkadi has great history  stretching back to the wars with the Turks, when, rather than surrender, the patriotic Greeks blew themselves up. The building where that happened has never been re-built, in tribute to their history.