THE PASSAGE TO ITHACA
On setting out to discover our ancestral past, we eagerly covet the stories that can lead us there. The ancestral house, or its ruins, becomes the touchstone from which an understanding of our heritage can begin. In Passage to Ithaca the past finds a voice through the exploration of the island's surnames and their origins. In the process it sheds light on the formation of Ithacan society from the Middle Ages to the mid 20th century. A history of intermittent arrival and settlement, following major political and natural upheavals, has shaped a community with a distinct identity. The author's extensive use of primary sources from the archives and oral tradition, provides material that will prove indispensable to any Ithacan family historian. Email here to purchase: ithakibook@gmail.com
“Passage to Ithaca” by George Paxinos, reviewed by Peter Kanges
Mr Paxinos has spared neither time nor effort to research thoroughly the movement of people into Ithaca and through Ithaca, the journey of names and nicknames and, indirectly, the ensuing customs and culture. Information from hundreds of documents, topped-up by personal field work and oral tradition, has helped add to the mosaic of what makes Ithacans today. The complex blending of immigrations, transits and emigrations over several centuries and all the knowledge, customs and amalgam of experiences that people carried with them has added to their flexible and adaptable nature and soul. This changing kaleidoscope has been influenced by Ithaca’s geopolitical position and by the many foreign powers that have occupied or held ownership of the island. A scholarly piece of work which is structuring and adding to what is known or believed about Ithaca and her people. There should be a copy of this book in every Ithacan household, both in Greece and overseas. Although the subjects covered are complex, Mr Paxinos has used a language which keeps readers interested and helps them relate the text to their own knowledge and family history. Peter Kangis
October 2013 - Sunday 13th - October has definitely been a strange month so far. Not only weather-wise, but also tourism wise. Suprisingly, there have been quite a few visitors through October, many more than what had been expected through another economic crisis year. Although, quite a few businesses have closed their doors for the season, there are those who have carried on, despite the off-season drop in business, to note that the month has actually been quite good for them.
Tuesday 15th - Already half way through October and the weather is really fine. Fine enough for swimming.
We have had some strange skies this past month however. Yesterday, the sky came down to say hello, sweeping very low over the northern island.
Left - Exoghi disappears as the cloud descends on Stavros.
News has it again that the Eptanisos ferry will take over the Ithaca - Patras route. We've heard it so many times now, I'll believe it when I see it.
It's that time of the year again, when it's great to get out and about the villages and their little lanes. A great time for walking.
Although today started out quite overcast, by lunchtime, the sun was shining again and the skies are blue.
Below - A little while ago I let you know about George Paxinos' book 'The Passage to Ithaca'. We now have more information for you and a link from which you can purchase this book if you're interested. I know that many of you have roots on the island, and that many of you have sent me emails enquiring about your roots. This may be a great reference point for you to start with in your search for your family tree or your history.
For future reference, you can access this information from History and Myth, Facts and Culture and Festivals pages on ithacagreece.com
Thursday 17th - It's been a miserable couple of days, although today, there are patches of sunshine and much, much clearer views. Heavy winds did much to clear the atmosphere overnight. Still heavy gusts of wind today too.
With news that the Eptanisos ferry will again be taking over the Ithaca - Sami - Partras route on the 30 December 2013, (hands up who's happy about that. ME) no one has any news which ferry (if any) will be doing the route after the Ionian ferries finish their stretch at the end of October. I can't believe that we will be left without a ferry for 2 months, but it would be good to keep the population of Ithaca in the loop, thereby dispelling the confusion and the misinformation that is gossip.
Unfortunately the last update on the travel agents site was 21 August. Please enlighten us.
Saturday 19th - The weather has fined up again, hopefully we'll have a little more of this for a while yet.
Left - Minimata Beach in the south of Ithaca.
Left - Illias, originally from Stavros, now in London, is one local who has done very well for himself. This once Ithacan dj is now stage sound person to some of the big pop bands.
Sunday 20th - October is rushing through, but luckily, despite some very stormy weather this month, we've also had blue skies and warm weather too. Yesterday was especially nice. Warm enough to go swimming, as it is also, today.
Left - Strange streaking in the sky.
Above and Below Left - Theofilos and Nikos celebrate their 9th birthday in Kioni yesterday. As usual, Jenny and Yiorgos from Spavento Bar in Kioni, invited family, friends and community members to join in the celebration of the twins birthday. Lots of food, drink and of course, cake.
Another great day to be out and about on the island. If you are here or coming here, you may like to know that Libretto restaraunt in Vathy will open for the winter season on the 25th October, opening 3 nights per week. They were a popular summer dining experience and will no doubt be so this winter also.
Rementzo restaurant in Frikes is now only open on the weekend and nights. They will be closing their doors for the season at the end of the month or early November.
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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
ithacagreece.com now has an app for your
mobile/cell phone. Covering many
platforms. To download through your
Mob/Cell Click on Icon Above.
