March 2013 - Friday 1st - We had a couple of gorgeous days, but today it's back to the basic grey. It's also quite chilly again, although not chilly enough for any snow on the mountains across from us. There is the smell and sound of Spring in the air however. Feels nice.
As we say in Greece 'KALO MINA' (Wishing you a good month)
Monday 4th - The blue sky won the battle over the grey today so like most other Ithacans, walking was a great way to enjoy it. We headed to Afales, ready to collect some of those lovely stones off the beach, but to our surprise, the steps leading to the beach had been heaved and howed out of the ground from some rough weather. I couldn't quite work out how it happened exactly. The steps were lifted up, tossed sideways and then returned somewhat. 1/4 of the way down is there a complete break. Looked a little unsafe so I didn't get to the bottom. Mud everywhere.
Wednesday 6th - Tomorrow there'll be grilling all over the island as Greece celebrates Tsiknopempti (Burnt Thursday). The last big meat eat up day before Lent. The Council will also be putting on the grill at the KAPI in Vathy, as will many of the shops around the island. No one will go hungry tomorrow.
On Friday in the north of the island at the Community Hall in Stavros, there'll be the childrens pre-Easter party. It's been an annual event over the past few years and is popular, not just for the kids, but for all who want to socialize a little on Sundays.
Thursday 7th - Ithacans head big celebrations planned for Burnt Thursday. A big 'let's eat meat' day before Lent, and although the weather had less than that in store with rain all day, it didn't stop the celebrations from going ahead. Let no man come between man and his souvlaki.
Left - In Vathy the bbq was planned for the village square, but with non stop rain, the grill headed to the nearest undercover area from which the revellers enjoyed Burnt Thursday.
For more pics of Burnt Thursday in Vathy and in Kioni CLICK HERE or on photograph Left.
Signs of the upcoming Vathy carnival are already prominent along the bayside and village square of Vathy.
Tonight there is also a big party at the Mentor Hotel beginning at 9.30pm, so if you're on the island, get along. Lots of dancing.
Tomorrow, the northern Ithaki children are having their party at the Stavros Community Hall with face painting and other activities, food and drink of course and dancing for those who are interested. It starts at 5.30pm with a 2 euro entrance fee.
On the 9th March, the Spring Cinema is also starting it's program on Saturdays and Sundays. The Cinema is in Vathy. For the adult session which begins at 8.30pm, it's Anna Karenina with Jude Law.
Pre-Carnival Party
Saturday 9th - At the end of another quite bleak day yesterday, the Stavros Primary School community exploded the late afternoon with wild colours and fun for the children's pre-carnival party held at the Stavros Community Hall. A magnificent turn out too. Children and adults dressing up the Stavros Hall in a carnival kind of way.
For more photographs and a little fun, CLICK HERE or on photograph Left.
Sunday 10th - Pre-Carnival parties continue around the island. Last night the high school had its pre-carnival dance and on the 14th, the Primary School Children from the south will have their pre-carnival dance at the Cultural center in Vathy. Entry 3 euro.
The Ithaki Theatre Group, Forkynas, will also be having their big bash for the pre-carnival celebrations on Saturday 16th at the Mentor Hotel. Always great music, costumes and alot of fun.
Although yesterday was mostly Sunny, Friday was pretty miserable until it was time for the sun to go down. It seems we just don't know what we're going to get from one day to the next at the moment. Ithacans seem anxious for sunny Springtime to be here in ernest, not just teasing us now and then.
Had some of this ready to upload last night, but the ADSL wasn't co-operating, so now it's an even bigger update with some pics from today.
Monday 11th - Another mostly fine day today. Temperatures have been going up, so it's a pleasure to be outside again.
This week around Ithaki, everyone is getting ready for Carnival time. There are costumes to be made, floats to get ready and dances to perfect.
Vathy has been buzzing this week with the annual Treasure hunt which takes participants around the southern isle as they seek the pot of gold. The Treasure Hunt usually goes on for 1 week.
News on the grapevine has it that a young man attempting to bring some marijuana to Ithaca from Patras, stupidly left the bag of dope on one of the ferry sofas. The crew discovered the drugs and swiftly handed them to the captain. The owner of the bag returned to his seat looking for the drugs, when they weren't there, he enquired at the refreshments bar, after which ensued a chase and finally capture of the unfortunate foreigner who will be prosecuted in Kefalonia.
While the rich emirate nationals are buying up islands in Greece, Greeks will soon be selling hamburgers to the emirates with the Greek Bluefield Burger chain securing rights.
It seems there's a big European media push that Greece has overcome it's crisis, noting that the summer tourist season will be very successful. Hopefully it will be, but people need to know that the crisis does not only show on spreadsheets, but in the eyes of the people, who have been beaten with a bankers stick and the long arm of corrupt governments and zealous union and TOIKA heads for too long. It will take more than some good publicity about Greece to bring the people back to the good natured and easy going race that Greeks have always been known for. 400 - 500 euro per month wages, will keep the majority in a crisis of their own, regardless of what the bankers statements say.
An Emir can buy a few islands for 8 million, and that's the real benefit of the economic crisis. Greece for bargain basement prices. In some parts of London you can't buy a house for that amount. I hope the Emir doesn't get special treatment on top of the special price, because there are a few million people in Greece that deserve some special treatment first.
From tomorrow, everyone traveling by ferry to and from Ithaca (and elsewhere) will need to have their car papers and passport or taftotitas for a check. Ithacan travel agent is recommending to get your tickets early as there won't be enough time with the future checks to get your tickets at the last minute. Considering Greek ferries are like the local bus service, this feels a little over the top. Where else do you need to show your identifying documents to take your local transport, Israel I think for one...
Tuesday 12th - On Thursday 14th at Mylos Creperie, you can head along for a wild trashy 60's party with lots of trashy music, including Greek songs from the 60's.
A typical Spring weather day today. Thunder showers and then sunshine on and off. Perfect weather for blossoming wild flowers.
Below Left - A photograph taken by Lee in Vathy from this weeks Treasure Hunt which took participants into the crevices of the island, high and low. What a great way to spend a week in Spring on Ithaca.
Wednesday 13th - We're ripping through March. Boy how quickly time gets away from us. There's alot going on, especially this week.
The summer season isn't that far away now, just Easter to get through and before we know it, it will be upon us, taxing us, exciting us, keeping us up til the early hours of the morning, tiring us, enriching us and depleting us.
Left is the program for incoming Cruisers this Season. This will no doubt give Vathy a big boost as long as the people on board actually get off. If you're an enterprising northerner, I'd get a little mini van happening to show some of these guests around the north of the island too.
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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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