Prix, so please everyone, slow down, drive on the right side of the road and be considerate. Sometimes it seems there are more cars than people. We have been lucky so far with no fatalities on the island, but with increasing traffic, it's only a matter of time. Please drive safe.
This week, I've seen two seperate people flick their lit cigarette butts from their car windows. Are they crazy?!!!!! Ithaki is a tinderbox in Summer. Last years' fire at Aetos was caused by an irresponsible flicker. I got out of the car myself and stood on the bloody things, but in future I will also chase these people down. Ok, I may sound a little anal at this stage, but having experienced a few fires on the island, it can be frightening how quickly a fire spreads through olive groves. It's like an oil fire, unstoppable, especially on an island with water difficulties. By the time water planes arrive from Kefalonia and Patra, there is already much damage caused to our beautiful island.
A webcam in Kioni. Click here
Thu 20 July - It seems that in Frikes, the movie stars, both Greek and International and Political figures choose to eat and be entertained at Penelope Restaurant (Steve's Place) The Penelope family have had visits from David Soul, Greek celebrities from The Dream Show and the Embassies of the world respresented in Greece. Stathis says, he and David Soul are now good friends and no wonder, Stathi is one of the great characters that make Frikes what it is.
Kioni Panighiri Tonight. Be there and in the Square for the big outdoor Festival for St. Illias. To park near the village, be early because the likelyhood you'll be walking down from Raxi is very possible if you turn up late. Enjoy yourselves with the locals over some great food, traditional music and dancing til dawn.
Sun 23 July - As every Summer, descendants of Greek immigrants to Australia, South Africa and the USA, flood back to this little island in the Ionian. July and August is like a big Reunion party. Visitors to the island often note that they have never wittnessed the tight community of Ithaca anywhere else in the world. This phenomenon is something special on Ithaca. Adults now, first came to Ithaca as young children with their parents, who now they bring their own children and so it continues. A community that meets for a few weeks each Summer, grows up together and reunites each year on this small rock.
Before we all get too excited about the water supply in Lefki, the Council still needs to connect it to all the properties of the village. At this point in time, there is only about 8 cub m to be shared around. Not much. Let's hope the council pipes it quickly so that the Lefki community can also stop the 'Water worry' each Summer.
While everyone thinks it quite strange for mobile phones to be ringing in Kioni, (Only those connected with Cosmote) there may not be time to get used to it, as the small tower at Lykoudi may be coming down due to community opposition.
Tue 25 July - Since midday, the north island has been in communication darkness, since a tardy truck driver severed a major phone line in Stavros, leaving the entire north island without telecommunication. And guess who? Yes, the same tardy truck driver who severed a major electrical wire last year, only 1 day after the 5 day black out was resolved, leaving most of Ithaca without electricity for another day. It's now past 6pm and still no phones. No phone means no internet, thus the delay in loading anything new up today. The driver must unfortunately remain nameless, although the locals, whether they know him or not, have already christened him with the appropriate name starting with 'M'
Wed 26 July - Still no phone. If ever the power or the phones go out, you want to wish that Vathy is suffering the same, so that the problem gets attended to quickly. Unfortunately it's only the north island Kioni to Lefki that is without a phone line, thus we are approaching 24 hours without landline communication. We are also without ADSL. Yes, folks, Vathy has it, but Stavros will not have it. Unfair? You bet. Anything we can do? NO. My prediction for winter is that those who barely use the internet will be connected all day and those who need it and use it daily (me for instance) will be dialing in without getting a line, as every Winter or rainy day. ADSL in Vathy, definitely gives the captial of Ithaki a 21st century advantage. Am I jealous? Yes, I really am.
In the evenings, the main strip in Vathy, just after the Council Building towards the end of the town Square, is now closed off to through traffic. Follow the arrows to be directed through the detour if you |
