Above - Gypsies back on our rock for the Summer rush. Everyone hopes to make a pretty penny at this time of year. Here they are singing and playing for their bread and butter (oops, I mean olive oil) Below - A gypsy truck puts up camp near the northern Ithaki football ground. Behind a bush and tree barely conceals their heavily laden truck from view.

August is Festival month. We've had a few here and there over the past month, but this month it's the BIG Sotiros Festival in Stavros which goes over 2 nights, 5th and 6th of August, then the Anoghi festival and to conclude the summer festivals, the Platrithia Festival, which is a huge event every year. Keep your eye on the event Calendar for all the dates.

Sunday 2nd - If you're up to some music tonight, then make your way to School in Frikes (you can't miss it, chairs are already set up) where Daniela Tabernig (vocalist) and Spyros Koutsouvelis (pianist) will take you on a musical journey with the old Greek songs of Astor Piazzola. It promises to be a very special night in an open but secluded setting.

Below Left - I have it on good authority that the Erika Bullseye is a great way to entertain your guests at your next party. Friends and foes unite in a common distraction. Enjoy.

Monday 3rd - Above - Nikos from The Gods takes pity on boy with handbag and leads him to salvation at the Orange Bar where all is forgiven over a shot of vodka. Below - Beautiful piano and voice performance last night at the Frikes Primary School where Spyros Koutsouvelis and Daniela Tabernig put on a great performance.

Tuesday 4th - The new road from Frikes gives another great view of Ithaki. In the past, this area of Marmaka was only seen by herders, trekkers or by people on boats, now anyone can drive around to Marmaka if they're not too scared of the loose stones and rubble on the newly cut road. Many, many years ago, when tourism first came to ithaki, Club Med set up a little thing at Marmaka, but all signs of it are now gone of course. In picture left, the village way across the water is Raxi just outside of Kioni, the Lefkada ferry is on its way into Frikes and yachts drop their anchors to keep a good position overnight. Marmaka is accessible from Frikes and Afales.

Wednesday 5th - Night views around the bayside. Warm nights and cool evening breezes that give a little respite from the days' heat. Lots of people, some new to Ithaki, many return visitors or living abroad locals and their children. Almost everyone wearing an ear to ear smile.

August also equals a little too much alcohol, a little flirting while the cat is away and mornings sleeping off the night before. The sun, the summer heat and the warm nights at the bar can make people forget who they are, or remember just how much Ithaca brings out ones' spirit. Ithaki brings out the artist, the musician, the poet, but also the networker who is always aware of a good opportunity, of which there are plenty in Summer.

Thursday 6th - Yesterday, on the first day of Sotiros, clouds were beginning to head in over the island, making one wonder that the distant predictions of rain may be a possibility, but the clouds had little impact on Ithakis Summer weather and no impact at all on the Stavros Panighiri. As every year, the Stavros Square was layered with lots of people wanting to be part of this 2 day street party.