June 2013 - Saturday 1st - It's officially the first day of Summer. A little overcast, but enough blue sky to give us the hint. Yesterday however, it was mostly blue skies, albeit a little windy.
Last night, Yefuri in Platrithia had a little jazz corner going with some 'live' music from Adrian Lunney (UK) helped out by Demetri (local) who seemed to be reading charts from an iphone. Oh the wonders of modern life.
Also at Yefuri is an art exhibition by Henrietta Stuart. Landscapes and Seascapes. Her paintings are oil on canvas, some inspired by Ithaca and some of the smaller pieces are oil on board with gold leaf. Beautiful pieces. I was very impressed.
Henrietta Stuart Exhibition is on from now until 23rd June, so get along. If you would like Henrietta to be there while you look, please ask Andy to give her a call and she will be happy to speak with you about her works.
Landscapes and Seascapes exhibition is on at Yefuri from Tuesday each week until the 23rd June. Meet the Artist and drinks is on Friday 7th June 6pm. All welcome.
Monday 3rd - So you go to bed on Saturday, planning your Sunday only to have it halted before it even starts with a power out that lasted over 10 hours. What to do? Well, first thing is find someone with a gas stove or generator, then sit around waiting for something to happen. Ithaki's water primarily runs with a pump, so no electricity, no running water. It's back to washing dishes in a bucket.
With no running water, you can do all the dry chores, and if it wasn't a chilly day with some rain, you'd be out at the bayside enjoying your free time, but no...
It wasn't a great day for photographs either. Headed toward Afales, then Lefki, then Anoghi, where it was so comfortable sitting in the warmth of the car, that I fell asleep for an hour.
The electricity came back on at around 5.30pm, so it was back to work. Now there really aren't enough hours in the day.
Tuesday 4th - We do have a change on the horizon again later today, but yesterday started off very clear and blue. Monday, as is usual, is the day most northerns head down south to do their chores, but as through winter, Vathy was very quiet around the square.
There were yachts in the harbour and apartments are rented, but still you would never know it by looking around.
I was struck by a couple who, in their campervan, had set up right infront of the Mentor Hotel on the main street of Vathy, with a breakfast table and 2 deck chairs, admiring the view after sleeping in their van. Personally, I found this quite offensive, as you wouldn't be able to do this in any other western main street in the world, yet this couple had no problem making a dig at me because I dared to look questioningly at them. A little respect.
Left - Don't know why this political propaganda has taken the spotlight in the village square, but someone thinks we ought to see it.
When you come to Ithaca, you probably don't think about Asian food, but if you do feel like a little change from the mediterrarean fare, then Chez Manu along the bay road of Vathy, is the place for you. The only Asian food on the island.
Later in the afternoon, the sky began to get cloudy again, but the light was beautiful.
Left - Views from Stavros, just under Aghia Barbara where Papoulaki is celebrated annually. The view is more expansive than I've captured here.
I'm still getting lots of emails in regard to ferry timetables. I'm sorry I can't help more than I am, but I can only give the information that's available. Have updated the Ionis ferry timtable on How to Get there, but the company has only given a timtable which goes to 20 June. If you're booking your holiday and need to know beyond that date, it's best to contact Ionian Ferries direct to get the information from them.
Wednesday 5th - Mostly sunny today, although some heavy clouds are moving over the island now and then.
Below Left - Lefki in the middle of Ithaca. Many love staying in this area on ithaki because of the unbeatable duo, mountains and sea.
Above and Left - Piso Aetos. For those coming to Ithaca for the first time, this is the port at which the ferry will get you to disembark for Ithaki. There's not much here, but once the port is fully fitted and renewed, hopefully there will be a warmer welcome for visitors and not just the pristine waters and the view.
Above and Left - The port of Piso Aetos, going ahead with works that had, in the past, been on and off for a few years now.
Thursday 7th - Another warm summer's day. As is usual, the wind does flare up a bit in the afternoon during June, but it's not cold or wild as in the Aegean at times.
Lots of new faces in the streets and around the cafes. It's Summer.
Above, Left and Below - Kioni Bayside.
Left - Henrietta Stuart, artist exihibiting at Yefuri over the next couple of weeks. You can meet her and discuss and view her paintings over a glass of complimentary wine, tomorrow afternoon at 6pm at Yefuri Restaurant in Platrithia.
Above - Ithaca Exclusive Book Launch. On Saturday 15th of June there is also a presentation of Lena Manta's book, 'Me Lene Danta" (They call me Danta) She will read excerpts from this book and autograph copies at 7.30pm at Asterida Villa's in Stavros with cocktails afterwards. If you've been to the bar at Asterida Villa's (which is always open to the public whether you stay there or not) you will know it has a stunning view over Polis Bay.
Saturday 8th - A few clouds rolling over, but mostly mild again today.
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A Collection of ithacagreece.com photographs
made into virtual postcards for you to send
to your friends and loved ones.
Nothing can replace a real postcard
but this is a good second place when you
want the card to arrive before you do.
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mobile/cell phone. Covering many
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