A genuine Kri Kri family

ANY day out with our senior group KAPI usually means a short visit to a church ior monastery, but this week was a little different, we were actually able to see Kri Kri. Kri-Kri is the common name of the Cretan feral goat (Capra aegagrus ssp. cretica) which is the largest wild mammal on the island. Its grandeur, its bravery, its ability to observe without being noticed, its speed and its impressive horns are the features that were loved by the locals and made it a symbol of Crete and the untamed Cretan spirit.

 It lives mainly on the White Mountains and its local name is "Agrimi" (GR: Αγρίμι = the wild one) for the male and "Sanada" (GR: Σανάδα) for the female. Recent years, young kri-kris have approached the old village of Samaria, where they are fed by the park rangers and can be seen by the visitors. Kri-kris and goats are close genetically, as the hybridization that exists between them show. Kri-kri's size however is a good deal larger than that of a goat. The young kid was skittish of course, but was lured to the fence with some grass for a photo chance.

We saw them in a taverna high up in the hills during a  day trip to the west of the island, when the staff pointed them out to us, as they are rather special. They had a whole family in a perfect setting. We had seen images of them and even stuffed ones in the natural history museum, but it was nice to see them up close and personal.

  Our day out included the village of Vrisses, where they sell their famous yoghurt and then to Georgeopoulis, famous for their traditional bread. Needless to say we came home with bags of both, whoever the two coachload of KAPI members actually cleared the bakery out, which was some going as they produce over 1,000 loaves every day.  Some of the locals had to make do with a wait, only 15 minutes to get to the next batch.

Listen, enjoy - let's eat!

THERE is always something to enjoy here on the island, Tonight it was another music night, this time with our senior citizens organisation KAPI. Held at their headquarters in Hersonissos, the choir came up with some new material under the direction of their new choir master.
  They had hardly finished when there was a big rush (as usual for the food) Members had been asked to bring dishes along to add that already, and there was a great deal.
It ranged from moussaka to souvlaki, and a whole range of other special dishes, Despite some filling plates to overflowing there was enough to feed all, there was also a great range of drinks, and then it was down to the dancing until late at night.

Great cast - great song

The 10th anniversary concert for Les Miserables. They brought 17 Valjean stars from around the world to end the concert - something really special. Copy and paste in browser to listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpDbvlAI_A0&feature=share

Hitting the right notes

THERE is one thing about living in a traditional Crete village - there is always something of interest happening.
  During the summer months in particular there are a variety of events, from cultural to things for the children, and first up 
it was an open air concert by the local Cultural Choir. Staged in the small platia behind the old church, chairs were laid out and the well rehearsed choir performed for over an hour. They featured popular Greek music mainly and had the local audience thrilled by their good voices.
  There are a great number of events to attend, all free, during the summer months. The local council produce a small brochure listing all the upcoming events. We shall have a translation done to make sure we will not miss out during the summer.