It appears that Greece's government (which by the way was installed without a majority vote) has declared that Ithaca, as other small islands will be without ambulances. Drivers have been suspended for one month until something can be figured out for them, rumours are that most will be fired. When you read that the EU and Troika are doing what's best to bring Greece out of the economic crisis, it makes you wonder what that means exactly, considering that the population of Greece is not just under financial stresses, but now health stresses too. In the past couple of years we have seen the ferry service decline, our local offices disappear, education seriously effected and now our health services. The banks may be saved, but who saves the people? I heard Samaras (Greece's prime minister, who by the way was in the party that catapulted the country into financial ruin in the first place, although not alone, both major parties which are now in coalition together, have done their share of destruction) giving a speech in which he went on and on about Democracy. I thought it ludicrous considering Greece is far from a democracy these past years. The pinnacle of a democracy is a majority voted government which abides by the credo of it's constitution. Neither of which, Greece has. Don't listen to economists who say Greece is in repair. They are talking banks and euros, not human lives. I am now stepping off the soap box for the rest of the season... maybe.
Above - Lefki at sunset.
April 2014 - Tuesday 1st - Starting off the month with a national ferry strike (yesterday and today) isn't the best way to begin, and although April 1st is April Fool's day in the rest of the world, it isn't the same here. No fooling. There is a ferry strike.
We do have some exceptional weather though. There won't be alot of rain again between now and October. The sky is opened up to expose the blue. Having said that, there is a rumour of a storm front coming in around the 5-6.
Friday 4th - Looks like the change in weather is at our door step. Quite a bit cooler again and ever greying skies.
Rementzo restaurant in Frikes opened this week, I believe daily from now on, and of course Yefuri restaurant in Platrithia is open every Saturday evening for dinner.
Many more businesses are opening their doors again as we approach Greek Easter. Soon the island will be fresh with new and every changing faces again.
Saturday 5th - After yesterday's grey skies, I thought for sure we'd have rain and storms today, but no, it's been mostly sunny and quite mild again. A close to perfect Spring day.
Monday 7th - Typical Spring weather now, sometimes sunny, sometimes not. The sure sign of Spring is that the northern bayside businesses are gearing up for the summer, most are open now, and of course the bees and bugs.
Left - Road between Lahos and Frikes.
Left - Rigos, delivering fish has the cats following him wherever he goes.
Wednesday 9th - It's really warming up quite nicely now. Beautiful Spring weather that's putting a spring in our stride.
If you like theatre, then you can't miss Ithaki's theatre group performance this weekend. It's a comedy and we all know what a great job the company does, it will be an enjoyable night. Tickets on sale at the door of the Cultural Center.
If you have only ever been to Ithaki in the summer months, you'll not have seen the roadsides blossoming with wildflowers as they are right now.
Ithaca is getting ready for the season, there's cleaning and painting going on all over the place.
Spring is great, but it also brings the bugs. The writing is on the wall.
The kids aren't afraid of a little chill. When the weather is this great, it's off with the shoes and into the water.
As I've mentioned before, the election campaigns are in motion. Today my husband agreed to stand with Spiros Bouas who is running for Mayor. When Demetri was asked, we took quite a long time to ponder what it would mean, but eventually decided that Mr. Bouas is a good man, his ideas are for the locals and his vision for tourism and the business of the island is something that we agree with him on. For those of you who know Demetri, you know he's one of the good guys, he is honest and feels about Ithaca as I do (I can't vote unfortunately, although I do pay tax. I am considered an alien) Alien or not, Demetri and I have done our best to promote Ithaca's beauty and culture in an authentic way, believing strongly in the community, so I'm giving my thumbs up to him and hope some of you will be able to support him. There has never been a voice in the Council for Ithacans who have come here from abroad. It may well be something that could benefit many. I can make a 100% guarantee that Demetri will NOT be lining his own pockets. If we were interested in money, we'd have moved back to Australia years ago. I should also state that Demetri is not affiliated with any of the political parties.
Having said that, there are many good candidates standing for this election. Naming just one because some of you may also know him, is Lucas Anagnostatos from Nostos Hotel. A young man I personally admire a great deal. Lucas is standing with Mr. Stantitsas. Everyone is aware of our small communities problems and needs. Ideas vary as they should, but I will not be favoring one party over another and will happily plug anyone else on this website if they have something to put forward as long as it's not something that goes against the grain for me.
It's no secret that I'm not keen on resorts and Emirs and whoever else has a big carrot in the guise of a dollar sign to flaunt. (And I'll probably get some dirty looks in the street for stating it) I came to ithaca because of the people, the lifestyle and the beauty, not for what mykonos or Zakynthos has. I believe what we need firstly is a life for the people who actually live here. Health facilities, education and transportation which is our lifeline. Build up the island for local jobs so children don't have to leave if they don't actually want to. We need tourism, it is the island's main industry, but a tourism that will not trample down what is precious about Ithaca. You all know why you come here year after year. It's the same reason I live here.
Happy voting! BUT not before Easter. Easter is BIGGER than elections any day.
Thursday 10th - The temperatures are really warming up now. Nearly time to pack away the winter clothes and jackets and bring out the sandals.
Apparently some foreign groups have had their rights to vote revoked by a law that was just passed. Albanians for one, who have up until now been able to vote, are now no longer eligible to vote even if they have residency and lived here for many, many years. Sounds like the government doesn't want to take any chances to get voted out. Take the underclasses out of the voting picture and they won't be able to show their disdain through the ballot. Democracy was such a good ideal (sorry a little sarcasm). Obviously, as communism, it worked well on paper, but not in practice. I would urge all Ithacans to vote, especially if you are discouraged, because without your vote, the ones you don't want in power will get in again. You can't have change without changing.
Friday 11th - It started out quite pleasant and sunny, and it's sunny again late afternoon, but inbetween we quite a bit of wind and rain. It's Sprin, it's bound to happen.
The Forkis Theatre group are most likely having their last dress rehearsal tonight, because tomorrow night starts the Theatre season for Ithaca with their performance of Aristosefanis. A Greek Comedy. You'll need to book for this performance, luckily you will have a few dates to choose from.
Next week, the island will begin to buzz a little again as many will start to return to Ithaca from the Mainland for the Easter celebrations.
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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.
ithacagreece.com Mobile/Cellphone App
ithacagreece.com now has an app for your
mobile/cell phone. Covering many
platforms. To download through your
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