Apokoronas Our Home

Well yesterday was the royal wedding. What did the Greek people make of it? Well it certainly stirred debate about the monarchy and also about nepotism in Greek politics. The ladies though were far more interested in the dress and were able to even tell me how much the wedding ring cost! There were lots of parties across the island - many people just deciding it was a good excuse for a get together! This morning was our regular fortnightly meeting to discuss council issues. This week we threw it open and it was good to see some new faces in Plaka.There was a report from the first meeting of the new Animal welfare working party . See the website for more information about it. During this time the village council, some, mostly, young people and one of the village reps were cleaning the picnic area and the church in the rock at Kalamitsi Amigdali. This was followed by wine and "mezes" there are plans for a May Day celebration  tomorrow! Back home it was time for some work on...

St Georges day is celebrated the same day as the UK - with one difference. If the day (April 23rd) falls in Holy Week, the celebration is delayed until Easter Monday.  So on Easter Monday morning we set off early for the church of St George at Argyromouri. When we arrived there were already a lot of villagers there and a table groaning under the weight of meat, cheese pies etc. Most years there is also a cauldron bubbling cooking meat and pilafi and sheep being put into a pen for blessing by the priest. This year due to the death of a villager only in her 40's a few days before, the celebration is muted.  The priest arrived and the service began, first with communion. ( It was noted that the communion wine seemed to be extra strong this year) The villagers continued to arrive. Some having been first to the other church of St George at Karydi monastery  - some were going there later - We planned a visit to the churchyard in St George at Kalamitsi in the afternoon. The p...

Holy Week. "Megali Evthomada" is the biggest festival of the Greek church - more so than Christmas. this year it was rudely interrupted by a council meeting! In fact the leader of the opposition, Mr Koukianakis, actually complained about it at the start of the meeting- the answer was "Tough! Non of us like it but it has to be done and can't wait" The meeting started at 7pm and continued till about 1.20 am! The draft plan for public works expenditure was approved, so at least work can begin!  Back to Holy week. Holy Thursday is the day for painting eggs. Traditionally red, but can be found in all colours. Good Friday the girls and women gather flowers to decorate the "bier" in the church and in the evening a service is held where the bier is carried around the village and the churchyard is blessed. It is lovely to see all the village people together lighting candles at the graves and it is also a social occasion. Tonight ( Saturday) the churches have m...

Interesting week, the new cultural association"Friends of Plaka and Almyrida" is beginning to get members.Open to all. click here Meeting re a Battle of Crete celebration due to take place May 14th - the meeting included the base commander from Souda Bay so that was very exciting - trying to get everyone in the same place at the same time - not so exciting! this morning was out regular fortnightly meeting of people actively interested in taking part and finding out about what is happening politically in the area. The new issue of the newsletter "The Bridge - Gefyra" is also out   Newsletter April - well done all those who made it happen and dared the lion's ( yes plural) dens and interviewed the leader of the opposition and of the communist party. It was the first meeting of the community council - on which I have a seat - on Thursday evening, very interesting and productive. Easter is creeping up and the bells in the local church are ringing at all times of th...

No! No! I haven't abandoned the blog -the days are whizzing by so fast! Drama rehearsals, university essay, work and council stuff all clamoring for attention - not to mention having to clean the house and other domestic duties!  Tomorrow is a meeting for people in Plaka and Thursday is a meeting about "Battle of Crete" events in the morning and the first Community council meeting in the evening. We have the fortnightly meeting of council supporters on Saturday and the tabletop sale down in Georgioupolis on Sunday so not much respite at the weekend either - still it's fun and interesting. Last week Brian and Andrew had a civil ceremony and I am hoping that they will send some photos and a newsy letter soon. What else? Oh yes I changed my hair colour and have a touch or dark red now for a change. It is always difficult when trying out a new hairdresser, mine having closed her salon and moved to Chania. A few queries re properties, I hope it picks up a little. Easte...

Well I am allowed to break the silence today and let all their friends know that Brian Saunders and Andrew Stewart- Sutton ( of "A Place on Crete" fame,) were married in a civil ceremony on Friday April 1st ( trust them to choose that day!!) We wish them all the best and look forward to seeing the photos. A small victory today after helping to get the water back on for several families who had been without for two weeks.  I also discussed the situation of some people pushing for their road to be tarmaced with the person in charge of allocation money for such works. He worked out that to do their road would cost more than double the whole allowance for their old council area! on the plus side though he may be able to get them on the list for a concrete road. Rehearsals are beginning for Alan Ayckbourns's "Confusions" which we will present during Vamos Arts Week on May. Lots of fun! Brian and Andrew

First I must apologise  for the lack of blogs over the last couple of months. Now I'm back and hope to do better! So what has been happening? Spring is here and the weather is improving - with a few blips! We had the "Gadaffi Wind" along with some rain last week so everything is covered in mud. We hear the planes going over to Lybia above us and and earthquake last week. Well the council has been busy getting everything sorted out. Six going into one with no transition phase means a lot of work to do. committees to dismantle and rebuild, budgets to plan and everyday work to do! We are beginning to see the results of the work along the seafront - cleaning of beaches, clearing of roads and the rubbish collection is better organised. The first large cruise ship "Mariner of the seas" arrived at Souda. Other than work I have completed another term ( and essay) of my on line diploma with Hull University and I have found myself in the local Drama group with rehearsals ...