February 2013 - Monday 4th - Last night Xarilaos Tsigonias, Ithaki's Dance Group from Perahori celebrated the start of 2013 with the cutting of the Pita. A traditional way to bring in the New Year around Greece. The Dance Group had 2 Pitas (Cake/Pie), one for the adult dancers and one for the children dancers.
Besides the Pita, there was also lots of cakes and refreshment for all who attended late afternoon at the KAPI in Vathy. For more pics CLICK HERE or on photograph Left.
Above - Mum's Mina and Viki (from Mylos Creperie in Vathy) enjoying their young children at KAPI yesterday.
Last week's 48 hour strike by the Sailors has now been extended for a second time, taking the next possible return to work, on Wednesday. Sailors striking means NO ferries anywhere in Greece. No ferries means no supplies getting to the island, and no one able to get off. Let's hope there are no medical needs, although I'm sure we'd find a strike breaker somewhere were we in desperate need. Ferries traveling between Greece and Italy with non-Greeek crews are uneffected.
The grapevine has it there are quite a few people trying to find their way to the island, stranded in Patras or Astakos, searching out strike breaking boats to venture under the radar to return them home.
With further taxes and greater austerity measures, we'll see more strikes and protests. Every day you hear another story of how someone is earning 450 euro per month and expected to live and pay bills. It's just impossible. No one can do that here. Explain to me how this makes sense. Tossing people into poverty allows the tax department to collect taxes from who exactly???
Monday 4th - For most of island Greece it was bad news that the ferry strike would extend now until Wednesday, and with rumours that it could even go longer, some turned heaven and earth to find a way back to the island. And as if there was magic, some actually did manage to get back to Ithaki despite the ferry strike.
Left - A happy couple reunite after a lengthy hold over on the mainland.
As electricity and oil heating bills go through the roof, wood fires seem to be keeping many warm during these winter months. Olive wood is a good burn.
Tuesday 5th - What a gorgeous day it was today. Warm sunshine and plenty of it. A great day to get out, take some pics, a walk with friends or anything else that is condusive to being in the winter sunshine. We headed up to Exoghi this morning. Not a soul around, but plenty of cats and great views.
Unfortunately for us islanders, the ferry strike continues indefinitely. There will be a 24 hour break for supplies to be ferried to all the islands (I hope that includes this island), but then it's back to 'stop work'. Ferries are our life-line. Without them we are stranded and left without the every day things we usually take for granted.
Thursday 7th - Storms and rain summed up today. Heavy skies began to roll over late yesterday afternoon with lots of rain overnight.
With almost a week without a ferry service, no supplies coming in, many from the north headed down to the south for mail, and yes, Ithaca you have mail.
Left - Apostolata views toward the Mainland as bad weather begins to roll over Ithaca.
Left - Forkys Bay had muddy water pouring off the road into the bay, stirring up a surprising aqua.
Despite the rain this morning, there were still quite a few souls out and about in Vathy, having coffee under the Cafe canopy.
Pigeons made use of the village square to have their baths, not deterred at all by the rain.
Karamela Cafe has become a great winter and summer hangout. With an open fireplace inside, where else can you get so cosy next to the rain.
When it rains on Ithaca, it's an adventure to try to avoid the lakes that build on the roads. It's a good feeling when you know a certain part of the road isn't afflicted by dips that collect enough rain to take a swim in.
Saturday 9th - Another rainy night and mostly rainy and stormy day today, but there was a little sunshine and blue sky in the morning. Almond trees exploding in blossoms with this Spring-like weather combo.
Left - View to Lefkada over northern Ithaki. While I took this photo, I thought I was just taking the rain in the distance, but once transfered onto my pc, the defracting colours from the rain were very clear.
Above - First year High School students in Vathy are having an art exhibition in the hall. Entrance is free. I got this a little too late to get down there, but wish the students a great attendance.
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made into virtual postcards for you to send
to your friends and loved ones.
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but this is a good second place when you
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