What's New On Ithaca Greece
March 2020
Sunday 1st
No Carnival today, but you can look over the carnivals from seasons past by clicking here
Note that Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday) has also been cancelled due to the Corona Virus. (There are NO cases on Ithaca incase you're wondering). Not sure about the church services, although I would hope that if congregating in public places on mass incurs a 3000 euro fine and is considered a criminal offence, punishable by law, that the church may also be restricted, but you never know. Metro transport, ferries, airlines and trains have not been restricted, as that would mean big losses for businesses. I guess it's ok to risk a life for money, just not for some joy. We are talking about Ithaca, not Athens or New York. Ithaca is under more threat from fires this coming summer than from a curious illness. Please don't send me hate mail. This is my opinion. If you don't like it you are always welcome to go with your own. I believe we are still allowed that.
Tuesday 3rd - Spring has definitely sprung on Ithaca. Everything is blooming and the fields are lush.
As municipal Kathara Deftera celebrations were cancelled, it was up to families and friends to organize a day of celebration.
Thursday 5th - It's pretty quiet around the island right now.
Friday 6th - First week of March is done. Let's hope the world cures itself of it's ills before Easter or at least Summer.
Sunday 8th - It's generally very quiet around the island, but the weather is warming up a bit as we head toward Easter. Meanwhile we still have the beauty of Ithaca wherever we look, even when the skies come down to visit. Below - Between Anoghi and Kathara.
Above - The Beach Managers office at Polis Beach looks a little lonely and sad at this time of year, but it won't be long before Taki is back with his umbrellas and banana lounges.
Below - Frikes Bayside. Sometimes in winter, the winds build up to such a frenzy during a storm, that it can rip up benches and poles buried in concrete.
Wednesday 11th - A little more rain, alot more sun and the fear of Covid 19 throwing a wet blanket over hope for the season. It's almost like a plot from a futuristic novel, where the government developes a virus to save the bulging older generation, the once upon a time 'baby boomers', from bancrupting countries by collecting on their pensions. The pharmaceutical companies had already planted the seeds with the toxic medications the elderly are put on due to side effects of all the medications they took throughout their lives, making their immune systems rife for Covid 19 to kill them off. The government saves it's coffers and are free to corrupt another day.
Meanwhile, below, we have purple flowers with yellow centers. Beautiful.
Above - Aetos bay. Below - Kefalonia Strait with rain over Astakos in the distance.
Thursday 12th - While panic and fear overtake our world we should all be practicing healthy habits and if this Corona scare does anything, it should allow people to stay home when they are sick without loss of wages. That's really the first line of defence against any illness. Capitalism should insert some healthy loopholes so the world doesn't turn to manure. Here is a link to track the progress Corona Virus Tracker Database
Meanwhile, Ithaca remains quite a bit more reserved at this time of year as opposed to other times, but somethings remain. Ithaki's peaceful beauty, especially during Spring.
Above - This lovely old building stands vacant while we wait for the owners to make it safe after the last earthquake damage. It would be nice to see this as a local store again. I think everyone on Ithaca has fond memories of Ag. Sarantas store.
Sunday 15th - While the Corona Virus takes over our lives and thoughts, and the fear of it takes over our peace of mind, it's hard to imagine how the world will return to how it was prior. A new normal is being formulated out of necessity. I wish you all the energy to survive it. Take care of yourselves and loved ones because the measures undertaken by most of Europe are not to stop you from getting the virus, but to hold it off so that the medical system can cope with the numbers. Eventually we'll all be looking it in the face. Let's just hope by the time that happens, nothing too ugly will be looking back.
One thing is for sure, although people are self quarrantining around Greece, including Ithaki, the views are out in the open and can still be enjoyed.
Wednesday 18th - All still good here on Ithaca, but with mass exodus from Athens, things could change. People should stay put for now. Covid19 has such a lengthy onset, you just never know. If you haven't heard, you might like to know the medical advice is not to take anti inflammatory drugs for this illness. It apparently makes it worse. Stick to paracetimol IF you need something. I'm not a doctor, so check this information with you healthcare provider. Take care out there!
March 2020
Spring time on Ithaca Greece
Sunday 1st
Spring is here! ... We hope.
Tuesday 3rd - Before the weather is due to change again, we have had some brilliant Spring days already. Warm sunshine.
Thursday 5th - Calm bay in Vathy this March day.
Friday 6th
Sunday 8th - Below - A well photographed door in the mountain village of Exoghi.
Wednesday 11th
Thursday 12th
Above - View across Raxi in the north of Ithaca Greece.
Sunday 15th - As predictions take the impact of the Corona virus well into 2020, 6 months to 1 year, it will hit hard around the world and on Ithaca of course, as tourism is the mainstay of everyone's living, whether directly or indirectly. I hope our small community will survive it. It's going to be more challenging than the 10 years of Austerity.
Wednesday 18th
