Apokoronas Our Home

As you explore the villages of Apokoronas you will be aware of the beautiful arches still standing proud in many ruined buildings. It would be a pity if all of these once functional archways were allowed to fall down or be destroyed for development.  Entrances Room dividers Some still with the cross beams in place Stone doorways Arches within arches, now being taken over by nature Arch over an upstairs fireplace, Room dividing arch. Window looking over the countryside. Arched doorways

Yesterday was the annual ceremony of cutting the Vassilopita in the village of Fres arranged by the syllogos "The Virgin of the two rocks" "Η Παναγία των δύο βράχων". ( We apologize for the darkness of some of the photo's but we did not want to use flash during the ceremony) On the way to the church we passed the building  where the women's syllogos meets. The Ceremony was held in the church  The priests greet Bishop Damaskinios of Kydonia and Apokoronas and the service begi ns.   A priest takes a sneaky picture on his iPhone! After the service there were speeches from members of the community and acknowledgments of those who together with the syllogos,  had helped socially and culturally.  Certificates and plaques were awarded to Αγια Σοφια ( Agia Sofia ) Χ ειρα   βοηθειας ( Ηelping Hands ) and Kirsten Mus. Cretificate were also handed to students of the village. On behalf of the syllogos K. Βουλ

There is a lot of work going on in all the villages at the moment. Some by the local authorities and some private renovations. In these difficult times it is interesting to see how the builders cope when money is tight, without compromising on the build itself. Here is an interesting bit of recycling. What is that? You may ask A closer look shows that renovation of the top floor needed a rubbish shute The solution was to take an old wardrobe, take to the top and bottom and attach it to the balcony. Job done! Underneath is the pile of rubble - and a stairway to nowhere!

                            Welcome to Rethymnon - This handsome Goat is at the roundabout! What is it doing there? Rethymnon is gearing up for carnival! Further down in the town you will find a rather slinky lady drinking a cocktail and a giant pineapple on the roadside and in the car park a rather beautiful sorts car  I called into a lovely shop which sold fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, pulses, dried cod, herrings, paximadi of all sorts of flavours, Bread and groceries I bought some paximadis made from carob. Very tasty! On the way back I stopped in Georgioupolis - where the concrete for the large fountain is now ready In the hole for the smaller of the two fountains there is rainwater and the ubiquitous  frappe cup floating in it. ( and probably a croissant wrapper too!) On the side of the square are concrete structures. I think they are for flower beds.

 As well as the major works going ahead in Georgioupolis the other villages have not been forgotten, there are other smaller renovations going on and plans for larger works in Kalyves.                                Here a lorry is delivering stones and soil to Kokkino Horio Flower beds and seating areas are being put in. Soil and rubble waiting for removal The old basketball court should be a pleasant place to relax this summer whilst enjoying the mountains and the sea views.

Even in these difficult times the villages of Crete continue with their traditional celebrations. Yesterday I went to the cutting of the "Vassilopitta" ( New Year's Cake) at Exopoli. We could see the lights on the church and the village hall from a long distance away The church was looking bright In the courtyard the barbecue was fired up and ready to go. In a side room the experts were cooking the pilaffi ( rice cooked with the juices of the boiled lamb) Mr Marikakis, the president of the "Syllogos" says a few words before cutting the cake. The villagers gathered together. The shepherds had donated a sheep, a farmer a pig, the ladies of the village donated spinach pies, macaroni with cheese and mushrooms and "Spetsofai" and of course a lot of local wine! The young people of the village helped to serve the food. Argyro and Joanna had  a special mention  for all of their hard work The cake was