What's New On Ithaca Greece
June 2019
Friday 14th
The baysides are getting pretty full of flotillas and independent yachts sailing in and docking wherever they find a space. They seem to be the predominant visitors to the island at present, keeping the restaurants and cafe bars busy. Below - Vathy
Above - Frikes
Below - Stavros
Below - Kioni
Saturday 15th - From June 12 to June 22, Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior will tour Greece in the context of the Pan-European Tour of the Climate Crisis Organization and promote clean energy from renewable energy sources, instead of using fossil fuels.
The ship will be in Piraeus, Marina Zeas on June 12-13, in Argostoli Kefalonia on June 16-17, Patras on June 18-19 and Corfu on 21-22 June
As the organization's press release states, the ship comes to Greece "to support the action of local communities against hydrocarbon mines and to highlight the problem of the climate crisis we are facing. The public will be able to tour this historic ship, see a photo exhibition that shows the impact of climate change and climate protection solutions, and participate in activities for the young and the older.
Scientists warn: We have 11 years to reduce the use of fossil fuels by half and prevent irreversible climate change. We are in a state of emergency. We demand climate and energy policy that is in line with science's suggestions for keeping the global temperature at 1.5 ° C. We demand a rapid de-dependence of the economy from fossil fuels by 2040, the promotion of savings and clean energy sources and the cancellation of all hydrocarbon mining projects in the country. We urge all political forces in the country to realize the stumbling block and the new parliament that will form after the elections a direct resolution on declaring the country in a state of emergency for climate change, as already done by parliaments in other European countries. It is our right to protect our lives and our place and together we can do it! "
Sunday 16th - This is a wonderful event for all the artists around the world.
"SING IN ME, MUSE, AND THROUGH ME TELL THE STORY"
“Ulysses and the Sirens” by John William Waterhouse 1891
Ithaca is to host a new art festival and exhibition, Paint The Lyric, this September.
Is there any story more evocative than that of The Odyssey? Homer’s epic is one of the world’s oldest myths and tells of Odysseus’s torturous return to his beloved home and family. A tale which has been fascinating and inspiring artists for millennia. In fact, only last week, when the winner of this year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction was announced, we learnt that Tayari Jones’ very modern novel set in urban USA had been partly inspired by our ancient lyric.
This eternal inspiration is the simple thought at the heart of the Paint The Lyric idea. The festival is an open challenge to artists internationally to let the story move them, and respond by creating a painting in any way they choose. The best work will be gathered together in an exhibition in Vathy, Ithaca’s capital, from 13-22 September 2019. Participating artists will be invited to join the event as well as several hands-on creative sessions. And of course, enjoy the timeless beauty of Ithaca itself. It promises to be a memorable experience both for the artists and for visitors to the exhibition. Ultimately three pieces of work will be chosen by the judges as this year’s winners.
The idea emerged, as many of the best ideas do, over a late night drink between friends on the island. Michalis Reglis and Yiannis Krokos have an expanding group of popular bars and cafes there, and Aristoteli Parmijiano is a local artist. They felt that despite Ithaca being arguably the world’s most famous mythical island, more could be done to celebrate its story locally and harness its enduring inspiration. If it can spark the idea for a gritty novel a world away in Atlanta, imagine what could be created on the island at the heart of the myth itself. As Michalis explains “they say ‘a picture paints a thousand words’, well we have the words, let’s get the paintings!”
They have the blessing of the mayor Dionysios Stanitsas and the exhibition will be hosted in Vathy.
Entry to participate in the exhibition is open to all, but if you’re interested then you need to let them know soon. You can find more information at their Facebook page fb.me/paintthelyric where you can also get in touch with them.
Below - Jennie Vlass from Spavento and friend Patricia here from Australia, make a start on a mural to advertise the objection to oil exploration and drilling in the Ionian. Rementzo Restaurant Wall in Frikes is the canvas which will be painted over the next couple of days.
Above - You can't half tell that people are always so happy to return to Ithaca. Makes you feel all warm inside.
Tuesday 18th - It's Summer. It's hot. Is it any wonder there are half naked people roaming our streets? No.
Friday 21st - It's been a very hot start to the Summer, after it felt like the rains wouldn't stop at the end of May and early June, since they have, we've had the perfect hot summer days you would expect in Greece.
Below - Now it's even easier to go on walks around Ithaca. The walking map gives you clear instruction and the paths are all sign posted. If you think you'd rather solo walk than be guided, this gives you the perfect opportunity,
Saturday 22nd - Every day there are more and more visitors. Vathy is heaving at times, but then that's to be expected. It's the capital of Ithaca.
Rumour has it lots of Australian Greeks will be hitting our shores from now until August.
Above - Loutsa beach is a favourite in the south.
Above - Sunsets in Summer are intense and magnificent. This on over Afales is no exception.
June 2019
Summer on Ithaca Greece
Friday 14th
Getting pretty deep into summer temperatures now. Beautifully hot days and balmy nights.
Below - The spider looks bad, but this isn't Australia. Nothing very dangerous here.
Saturday 15th - You're wondering why I'm putting an article about oil exploration on this picturesque website? Part of the answer is in the question. How picturesque are oil rigs in our sea? That's not the main reason however, we all know how polluting oil exploration is and with tourism being THE ONLY means of making a living on Ithaca, disturbing our delicate balance could be devastating, not to mention we are in an earthquake zone where deep sea drilling can only harm us not benefit us. Local communities around Greece have joined forces with Greenpeace in this mission to NOT have oil rigs and the industry needed around them to pollute the Ionian. For one to one conversations on how it effects Ithaca in particular, you can see Jennie Vlassopoulou at Spavento Cafe in Kioni, she can put you in touch with the relevant links and organizations if you feel inclined to help. First step is always getting the word out, if nothing else, maybe you can help with that.
Sunday 16th
Tuesday 18th - Lots of buses and daytrippers landing on the island right now. Keeps the streets looking busy, but there are still quiet places to sit in which you can contemplate life.
Friday 21st - Certain times of the day it's very, very busy, especially when the yachts come in and just before they take off again, other times of the day it still feels a bit sleepy. That's going to change of course the close we get to the peak.
Saturday 22nd - Yachts Yachts and more yachts. Yachts make up a significant percentage of the summer income for the island so they are extremely important to the survival of Ithaca, but they and the larger ferries passing through the Ionian daily, do have a detrimental effect on the sea life. I remember when seeing starfish floating in the shallows of the beach were a common occurance, sea urchins too, they were attached to every rock..
Above - Ithaki's Mayor, Dionisis Stanitsas is still recovering from a serious leg injury.
