School is finishing up for Summer break. Lots of happy local kids as they look forward to daily swims and fun under the sun. For those who know Ithaca well, know too, it's one of the safest places in the world for kids and adults alike. No need to look into the shadows for anyone or anything bad that may be lurking. It's just one of the pleasures, living and holidaying on Ithaca.
June 2013 - Monday 10th - It looks like a quiet June this year. With a good start in May, it was wishful thinking that it would continue through this month too, but yes indeed, there are fewer people going out. Day Trippers boats and bus tours bring some traffic to local businesses, but once they have come and gone, Ithaki is very peaceful.
Left - The far side of Frikes Bay.
Ithaca's population continues to fear the ever laxing ferry service that connects the island to the Mainland with more talk abound with further cuts to the route. Don't despair, Summer seems taken care of, so I doubt any holidays will be spoiled, but during the winter, Ithaca may well be left floating in the Ionian if something isn't firmed up with the ferry companies.
It used to be that the local cafe was the source of much information and of course misinformation, but nowdays, it's facebook, even for the locals.
Tuesday 11th - As we head deeper into June, the days and nights are beginning to warm up just a little. Swimming becomes part of everyone's daily routine and when the sun doesn't shine, there are plenty of disappointed faces. Luckily, the sun is shining again today.
Visitors who come to Ithaki at this time of year, get to see very relaxed locals. It's still a time when it's not too busy to interact with them.
Difficult times take many back to the basics. Keeping chickens is one of the first steps. Fresh, free range eggs.
Pink and blue twilights at this time of year, colour up our early evening skies quite nicely.
Wednesday 12th - All of Greece is in shock, after the government shut down it's public tv and radio stations from one day to the next on the demand of Troika. What's particularly disturbing is that although we have all been paying for public broadcasting through our electricity bills, we have no say or impact on the decision that was made, Another sad day for democracy.
The shutting down of public radio won't impact on your holidays on Ithaki of course, but ferry timetables may, so please always check with your travel agent in regard to times and ferries. GTP.GR is a good way to check. Just put in your dates and it spits out the ok.
Above left - At the edge of Kioni.
Left - Frikes bay just before the sun goes down.
Thursday 13th - Yesterday, it looked like a change in the weather was inevitable from around midday onwards, but by dusk, the skies cleared again to reveal a vibrant sunset. There is plenty of rain falling on many parts of Greece, working its way down from the north. Whether it will reach here is yet to be seen. If it does, we can expect some heavy downpours.
Left - Quite a few yachts in Vathy yesterday, but not alot of people in the streets.
Frikes too, had many yachts sailing in for the night. Would have meant a good night for the restaurants and of course Fiorendino Bar, which has always been a popular hang-out for yachters.
Stavros had some busy periods with bus tours passing through and stopping for a look and a snack.
Friday 14th - There's not much to say. It's warming up, the skies are blue and everyone is turning on to Summer.
Left - Taxiarchis church in Platrithia, from where you get views of Afales, Kolieri and Exoghi.
Left, Above and Below - Raxi views. Still a very traditional village with a quaint general store and beautiful views across the sea.
Day trippers and yachters fill up the bay sides each afternoon.
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Send an e-Thiaki Postcard
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.
ithacagreece.com Mobile/Cellphone App
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mobile/cell phone. Covering many
platforms. To download through your
Mob/Cell Click on Icon Above.
