STATE OF THE COUNCIL OFFICES

Επισκέφτηκα το Koinotita στο Vrahassi. Υπήρξαν σκουπίδια παντού. Παλεψαμε 8 έτη για την ανεξαρτησία. Ελάτε σε Vrahassi! Να είστε επαγγελματικότερος.

I visited the Council offices in Vrahassi. There was rubbish everywhere. We fought 8 years for independence. Come on Vrahassi! Be more professional!

(I apologise for errors in my Greek)

The fact is, if Vrahassi council wants to be taken seriously then it must at least look efficient. A box of post boxes has been left in the street for weeks now. What is to become of it? Who is responsible, the Post Office I suppose. If it were outside my door I would want it removed. Elections are looming up and there will be people coming to Vrahassi from the mainland, how about a clean up campaign. Where is the village council in all of this? I for one would give a day to help clean up the village. After all, we who live here are responsible. If things are going to happen then there should be more communication between the Council and the people. How about a public meeting to find out what is going on. This applies to Sissi and Milatos too, but Vrahassi is the seat of the Koinotita so should have a good face. Comments welcome.

I have just been informed that the old school yard is being cleaned up ready for the elections on 16 September.

And while I'm at it... is there no register of people who live in the village? Names on the list for water bills are all wrong. I know that English names are not easy for Greek people but surely if the Council has a list of occupants then they can take names from that. This is the first water bill in such a long time if the names start wrong then they will continue to be wrong. All I can say is check and double check that the name on your bill is yours and that the number on your meter tallies.

(I think they call it a bee in the bonnet)!

BACKGAMMON

I have just bet 5 euros on Yiannis Platakis to win the afternoon game of backgammon. At the moment the stakes are 50/50. Serious stuff this you know. We seem to have a Tavoli school going every afternoon, as both players are called Yiannis it is a bit confusing. I'll let you know.

Tonight David and I are going out on a jolly with Lyds and Mark, we shall dine out Chinese style in Stalida. I've just remembered that my Turkish belly dancing costume that I bought whilst on holiday has not yet been worn, Ok, maybe not tonight but the thought has occurred to have a Turkish night (ooh how daring is that in Vrahassi). Maybe not. Anyway, a bit of belly dancing might be due come the winter.

I went to have my hair done this morning, the wonderful Colin in Sisi, very relaxing. Thanks Col. Now sweating out the afternoon whilst the guys play tavoli. Is my money safe? I'd better go and check. How a game of Tavoli can go on so long I don't know, nearly half an hour now.

Work on the office above Plateia Ouzari has come to a complete stop. There has been nothing done for three days now and it looks like the initial exuberance has waned. Thus we have yet another building site in the middle of Vrahassi.

I visited the council offices (the old school) the other day and was appalled at the state of the entrance to the offices. Obviously someone has started to tidy up the trees but there is debris all over the place and anyone going to the office will surely think they are visiting some derelict building. Come on Vrahassi, we have fought for independence let us show what we are worth. At least the face of government should look efficient.

AT MY WINDOW

Now I have to apologise, I said that this picture would be instantaneous, however somehow I got waylayed and then another day passed. Blame the sun (or the fact that I was busy showing people houses). Anyway, here are Linda and Rob all the way from Vainia near Ierapetra, at my window. Regulars at the bar, (and that cannot be bad coming all that way) these two are becoming friends of Vrahassi. Hope to see you again soon.

FIRE IN THE OLIVE GROVES

Such excitement a never late last night! We were watching a film, The Field, with Richard Harris and the 'very sexy' (wonderful actor) Sean Bean, when up the stairs runs Little Legs obviously in a panic, reached for his mobile and rang the fire brigade. Well, after last years' fiasco when fireman George kept leaving a bar full of people to have a ride in the fire engine, I was ready. "You go," I said, "no problem," and off he shot. We really should have a little helmet for him just for these occasions. Anyway, the fire was not very big and it was soon under control. For those of you who know the area, it was land known as Agios Yioannis towards the Monastery of St George. Like I say it was soon out and Little Legs returned smelling of smoke.

I went to Neapolis market this morning, bought a few supplies, picked up a couple of gyro pitas for lunch (very tasty and very fattening I'm sure) and got back to the office just in time to prepare for the Greek lesson. That went very well and the pergola on the edge of the mountain proved once again to be the best place to be on a hot, August afternoon.

Ray, thanks for your comment, I had a feeling that I knew you, don't ask me how. The group I was waiting for at the Observatory was not a Brits In Crete group, we are just friends who get together every week and once a month do something a bit different. We have 'music appreciation' afternoons, walks, vulture watching and that sort of thing. A link with your site would be great, I'll get on to it. Talk later.

Keith and Linda can't wait to see you. When do you get here. Can I put you down for the walk on Monday? Will you bring me some PG tips tea bags please?

Elsie, if you are reading this, did my mail get back to you? If not I don't have your address.

To all of you out there that think I should be writing to you, I did go to the Post Office today and buy a batch of stamps so things are looking up.

Better go now, have things to do. Ta, TA...

WATER BILLS ARE ON THE WAY

The first official water bills for residents of Vrahassi in over 8 years, are on the way. Today I saw a list of names and how much each person is owing. Some mistakes with names have been made so make sure you are not paying for someone else (especially English people) and make a correction to your name when you receive your bill. If you would like me to do this for you then just call at my office with correct spelling etc.

DON'T FORGET NEXT MONDAY THERE WILL BE A WALK TO THE MONASTERY WITH REFRESHMENTS ON RETURN. 10 A.M. START FROM THE CENTRE VRAHASSI. THE WALK IS 2 HRS THERE AND 2 HRS BACK. BRING WATER, A HAT AND CAMERA.

SHADES OF PENYGHENT

Yesterday David and I set of at about 4 p.m. to visit the Skinakas Observatory high up on Psiloritis, and I mean high up. I've climbed mountains before but always on foot, in the old Samauri I felt to be cheating. Anyway it was a lovely journey and the scenery was very beautiful if a little baron. When we arrived at the top the cloud was so low and it was so cold that we could have been on the top of Penyghent in Yorkshire. We did not stay until dark as the mountain road was very narrow and winding but we enjoyed listening to Pablo who gave us an explanation of the workings of the huge telescope. The journey from Vrahassi took us 2 and half hours. The next open day for visitors to view the observatory is in September. For the exact date visit the Skinakas web site http://www.skinakas.org.gr/

And now for a little report in Greek (corrections welcome):
Χθες ανέβηκα ένα βουνό. Ταξίδεψα με το αυτοκίνητο. Ήταν μολύ κρύο. Εξετάσαμε το τυλεσκόπιο. Δεν μείναμε μέχρι το σκοτάδι εμειδή ήμαστε πεινασμένοι και διψασμένοι. Φάγαμε σε Μαλια. Όταν φθάσαμε σε Βραχάσι, πήγαμε στο μπαρ 'REVOLUTION' για ενα ποτό. Ο Γιωργος πρόσεχε την τηλεόραση. Οι ειδήσεις για τις πυρκαγιέσ στην Ελλάδα είναι πολύ κακές. Ελπίζω ότι η κυβέρνηση θα τους βοηθήσει οι άνθρωποι.

GREEK CLASS TOMORROW - THURSDAY 2 P.M. (If you haven't done your homework then try translating the above).

TABLE TOP SALE - SATURDAY 4 - 6

AT MY WINDOW

Two more pretty girls at my window, Despina and Elaine with daddy Dimitri Ierapetritis (sorry if I have spelt it wrong). Friend Kostas Xaniadakis was just too late for the shot. They are going back to Athens today so Kalo Taxidi and I look forward to your return to Vrahassi.

ANNOUNCEMENT

SATURDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER - TABLE TOP SALE (Bring stuff and Buy stuff).
From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

DON'T FORGET THE NEXT WALK TO THE MONASTERY WILL BE ON MONDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER STARTING AT 10 A.M. AS USUAL.

It would help if I know you are coming but it is OK to just turn up on the day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GILL

And it was a very happy birthday. The venue Mama Mia's in Sissi.

Many Happy Returns of the day Gill, I hope your wish comes true. We enjoyed the little get together and another chance to see the boys, Matth and Brett. Loved the chocolate ice cream cake must get one to put in the freezer.

AUGUST LIVE MUSIC

Well, as ever, we had a brilliant night on Saturday, the best ever Live Music Night. Lydia and Mark helped out, George didn't burn any chops, and I, though it may look as though I was dancing, I wasn't - I simply stood up to hold Elainie's hand in case she fell over, (and posed for the picture at the same time). Elainie however carried on dancing when I sat down. We were honoured to have distinguished visitors from Athens amongst our guests, who I am sure, enjoyed such a beautiful evening. Kosta's lyra playing certainly got people from their seats and towards the end of the evening (the highlight of the show for me) was a rendering of Mandinathas by the legendary Γιωργος Κηβερνητακις, a natural poet who I am privileged to have been friends with for years. It was one of those spontaneous evenings that was just perfect.

HAPPY FRIDAY

The intense heat continues but life must go on. Whilst some can spend the day at the beach enjoying a dip in the sea to cool off, others (i.e. me and Little Legs) have a busy day ahead. I shall go and do the supermarket shopping, pay a few bills and get organized for tomorrow's Live Music Night. While I am doing that I'm sure Little Legs will feel obliged to entertain his customers, traditional style, a few hours of Tavoli (Backgammon) should do it.

Hi Ken, looking forward to meeting you in a couple of weeks' time. Thanks for the comment!

Well, David and I were looking at a house which we may have been interested in buying, however the goal post changed once we showed our interest. Why do Greek sellers do this, i.e. put the price up. Well, it has put us right off but nice try I suppose.

Meanwhile we shall start renovating our old property just as soon as we complete on the sale of this house. It's all exciting stuff really, planning a house from an almost blank canvass.

More later, Byeeeeeeeeeee!

AT MY WINDOW

Sunny smiles at my window from visitors Ine, Magda and Kees, who come from Holland. Just what I need to brighten up my day. Who will be at my window next, I wonder, maybe Paul McCartney who, it is rumered, is or will be coming to the island for a short holiday. Or, it could be you. Visit Vrahassi and become one of my 'window' stars.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRACEY

I hope you will get this message Tracey, I will ring as well. Many Happy Returns of the Day. Things are hectic as ever here but that's the way we like it, never a dull moment. I have just come back from the market in Neapolis, it is 10.15. David and I have an appointment with fate at 11 a.m. (more about that later). Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful birthday with lots of surprises.

It looks like we are going to have a busy night on Saturday one or two tables already booked.

Work on the Council office continues.

Check out this web site, the company is run by an acquaintance of mine who will be coming to see me in September. Maybe will bring samples if I ask nicely. (What do you think, Julie?).
www.crossgatesbioenergetics.co.uk

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GREEK CLASS AS NORMAL TOMORROW.

SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC AND DANCING - REVOLUTION BAR, VRAHASSI.

OLD OFFICE CLEAR OUT

I found this corner of an old document and kept it as a reminder of the day that the Council offices were set on fire in protest at the Government's decision to close the office and put Vrahassi under the administration of Neapolis. Residents were having none of it and they fought the Government for 8 years before the decision was reversed and Vrahassi was given it's administrative centre back. The Councilors of Vrahassi are responsible for Milatos and Sissi as well. Today the office which was fired all those years ago and blocked up ever since, has been opened and cleared out ready to make an office for the Mayor, Mr Sfirakis. It is hoped that the office will be ready in time for election day which will see an influx of people to the village - September 16. At last I hope the building will be painted and the graffiti, which looks so terrible, will be obliterated.

CATS ON THE STREET

Even the sound of two tom cats wailing at one another last night could not drown out the commotion that was going on at Plateia Ouzerie in the center of Vrahassi. A couple of very drunk farmer looking types staggered out of Lefteris' cafeneon, got into their car and promptly backed it straight into Yannis' car (from the ouzerie). All hell broke loose, there was a lot of shouting, cursing, arms thrown in the air. Of course Little Legs had to go across to try and peacemaker, to no avail. The two got into their car successfully manoeuvred a 12 point turn parked up again for a second round. This time Nikos, who was cooking food on the barbecue, strode into the road to say his piece which unfortunately took so long that his barbecued food went up in flames and that made him madder than ever.

Preferring to rescue his chops than continue shouting in the street, he went back to his barbie, the culprits fell into their motor and drove off leaving the cats still crying like babies in a great wailing stand off.

This morning there is a car parked right across the entrance to our cafe bar - some people just don't care a sh..

Papa Nikos has just popped by my window for an early morning chat, he is a bit quiet now that Maria Day has come and gone.

On my way to work I noticed that they are clearing out the old Council Office above Plateia Ouzerie, the one that the residents set fire to at the beginning of all the trouble with Neapolis. I saw a couple of burnt chairs being loaded on to a pickup truck. Maybe the place is going to be straightened up before the elections on September 16th. That should be a busy day.

And... another busy day is looming up for us on the 25 August, this Saturday. We are to have our last Life Cretan Music Night of the season. Barbecue and bar, lots of dancing, just as before. Costa and Dimitri of Sissi. (just got a visitor from London, Mike, so will write more later).

ANNOUNCEMENT

Announcing the launch of 'Jane's House Shop' http://cretehouseshop.blogspot.com. Don't forget to take a look there may be something you want to buy or there maybe something you want to sell.

BELATED BIRTHDAY PICS - GEORGE 48

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YORGO

Who says we can't have Harry Potter in Vrahassi. No, you are not seeing double, twins Math and Brett came to our Greek class cum combined birthday party for George.

Look, a medal, he deserves that at least. I'm not exactly sure what for though.

Another year older but still the same Little Legs!

NEVER ON A SUNDAY

It is 5 p.m. George has gone to bed for an hour or two, he's had a busy morning. Well, he's served at least 2 coffees and a lemonade so I mustn't expect too much of him. Anyway I am in the office because I have things to advertise, "for sale and wanted" that have come my way.

As I sit here there seems to be a problem with a car in front of Lefteris' shop. I have just been to investigate and have found out that one crazy shepherd has banged his gun into the side of the little car (looks new) and created a dint in it. The owner, who I think is Greek but from this distance cannot tell, wearing shorts (so maybe a visitor) is very irate and is prodding one of the shepherd family in the chest. They look unperturbed, I suppose it is a daily occurrence for them. All is quiet now so maybe they have offered to mend it or have put some money on the table. Come to think of it, the car looks remarkably like Lefteris' heavily pregnant woman's, he certainly looks like he doesn't give a toss. (Ooh trouble at 't mill).

Right that is enough excitement for one day I'd better get back to work.

LOOK WHO'S AT THE WINDOW

I have so many visitors these days to the window; some Greek some from far away. I only wish I had photographed them all.

Maria and her friend I have known from babies, the other three Simon and Julie from Stoke friends of David who has a holiday home in the village.

Welcome to Vrahassi, welcome to the window of http://www.anavlohos.com/

BAMIES (LADIES FINGERS OR OCHRE)

All I can say is 'Thank God' for frozen Ochre.

I have had this packet of ochre (commonly known as Ladies Fingers) in the freezer since the beginning of the year. It migrated when we left the other cafe bar but never quite made it to Jane Guevara's No 2. David hates the things and I have retired from cooking, so there they have sat, taking up space (a full freezer apparently runs more efficiently than an empty one) but really not being thrown away because I have this phylosophy of 'it might come in one day.'

And, guess what? I was right. For a week now the unused polythene packet of frozen Bamies (as the Greeks call them) has come into its own as an ice pack on 'poorly foot'. And my, does it work. I can thoroughly recommend a pack of frozen ochre for easing swollen and aching ankles. This is what you should do:

1. Slap a medium sized bag of frozen ochre onto affected part as and when required.
2. Leave on for ten minutes or so untill the packet begins to get limp and soggy.
3. Return to freezer until needed again.

My tummy was also swollen (not the black forest gateau honestly) due to the heat last week so out came the back of ochre. I lay on my back, slapped on the pack, and hey presto one cool navel.

This morning I thought I was going to, what do you call it when you burst into flames? Something to do with combustion. Anyway I reached for the iced ochre and slapped it on my forehead. OK, it is a bit painful, but what the hell better than turning into a ball of fire.

I offered to slap it on to David's back but he seemed to prefer hobbling around in pain, he said I had sadistic tendencies. That got me thinking what else I could do with a bag of frozen ladies fingers, but better not go there.

Anyway, I'm glad the (possibly out of date by now) unused veggies came in handy. Now I have used it I don't mind throwing the pack away, but not just yet. One thing is sure I will always keep a packet of ochre in the freezer, I know there must be 101 other uses I could think of if I really tried. Last on the list of course would be to cook them!

I'm off home now to watch a film that Lyds has lent me called 'BORAT' have you seen it? I'll report back later. Night, night...

THIEVES IN THE NIGHT

Hot news on the street this morning. Both Lefteris cafebar and Jannis in the middle have been burgled. They claim about 400 euros was taken from each place. The doors were broken into, windows smashed, possibly while everyone was at the celebration in Milatos for the Virgin Mary. It looks like our door was damaged a little with a crow bar or something but whoever it was could not get in, it is 11 o'clock now so maybe I am at the office a bit late to see police.

Meanwhile George has gone to the police station in Neapolis with his father because all their raki making equipment (now redundant) was nicked from their garden a couple of days ago.

So, crime hits Vrahassi - welcome to the world I suppose!

When I hear more I'll let you know.

WOT NO DOCTOR!

I am writing this blog and the clock says exactly midnight. I have just finished typing up my book ready for sending to an Agent and the last people have just left the bar. I felt so guilty at not writing anything for a couple of days that I had to give a little update.

All is well in the Vrahassi camp. George is back to his jolly self. We have had a few unexpected customers so he is happy.

I went to see the Dr in Ag Nik yesterday, I had an appointment, but he was not there. We hung around for half an hour or so but then gave up. We shall try again tomorrow.

Lyds and Mark have still not got their internet working, it's been off for about a week now.

The village continues to be busy with family and friends visiting from Athens.

It is still very hot. Foot is coming on but a long way to go to be right.

David is in terrible pain with his back. Last night he slept on the floor. He can't sit down. He won't go to the Dr. says he knows what it is, he has had it before. Sciatica (sp).

We had a good afternoon yesterday for Little Legs' birthday party and he got quite a few presents.

Better close up the shop now, David has come to take me home. More tomorrow.

I LOVE MONDAYS

Monday is so much better when you think it is Sunday! It's the bells you see, they have totally disorientated me. Not that it takes much. I am still swaying slightly from the boat - well that's my excuse anyway. And it's all this activity in Vrahassi, it's not at all normal, people all over the place from early morning to late at night. I left George to it last night when a group of young lads brought their own meat to barbecue. Of course Little Legs moved rather swiftly to get the charcoal out (well it was the first time he had moved all day) so I just let him get on with it.

August afternoons seem perfect for Tavoli (Backgammon) and it gives George something to do. Today he had to get up from his game to bottle up the fridge because the Cava delivered and for half an hour at least he worked up quite a sweat.

I have been working on 'The Book' all afternoon and just have about 30 pages to type up and it will be complete. Hoorah! Then I shall send it (or part of it) off to an Agent and see what they think. It would be so good if I could get it published, I've already started book number two.

I have so much writing to be getting on with that I have to be careful not to neglect other things, like watching the odd film here and there, reading a book, (I'm getting through The Island, Victoria Hislop) or even doing a bit of housework. I have cleaned the chip pan out today though!

Tomorrow is Little Legs Birthday. Now, while we are not having a party, I have changed the Thursday Greek Class to Tuesday (tomorrow) so we can share all those 'sweet things' that George is going to buy.

Tomorrow morning I have to go for another x-ray and tomorrow evening I have to see the Doctor in Ag Nik so it looks like a full day. David meanwhile is suffering very badly with his back but he wont go to the Doctors, he says "what can they do?" It is something that has recurred all his life, I think it sounds like Sciatica (if that's how you spell it).

My foot is certainly not as painful as it was, hallelujah!

I shall be promoting the "walking in Crete" programme again for September starting with a Monastery Walk on September 3rd. For anyone staying in the Agios Nikoloas area who is interested in history, flowers of Crete, or simply walking in the countryside, then take a look at my site www.Anavlohos.com

Well, that's it for tonight folks, it really has been a long, hot day. I'm glad now that it wasn't Sunday, because for a Monday it has been brilliant!

DREAMS DO COME TRUE!

Of we go...

I was OK once I got the butler and his lacky organised...

The baggage control reps were very jolly...

I think the caption read: "See more, do more, be more."

And from there on it was just plain sailing!

LITTLE LEGS THE MOVIE!

Just as no film seems to be complete these days without something exploding into a ball of fire, so goes it in The Wonderful World of Jane Guevara.

If you read yesterday's blog about my homecoming and the fiasco that awaited me, well... there was more. When I finally unearthed the cooker top I found that, in my absence there had been a fire. It was obvious what had happened (though Little Legs denies it), one of the rings on top of the cooker had been switched on instead of the oven. Whilst waiting for the oven to warm up, maybe even forgetting that he had switched it on, the ring (which we never use and is covered by a piece of work surface) had warmed, set fire to said work surface (which was tarred to a cinder and melted all over the top of my NEW oven) and burned whatever was on top. Its a miracle that the whole of the kitchen didn't go up in flames, so for that I suppose I should be grateful.

Meanwhile, George downed the Metaxa and sulked even more, just like a child when he is found out.

We went off to Agios Nikoloas in search of a Doctor for poorly foot. This time, success, we found a private Doctor, an Orthopedic chap, paid 40 euros and seemed to get some good advise and a further appointment for next Tuesday. I have to have yet another x-ray, but the diagnosis was confirmed as being a tendon problem. I was told that strapping it up was the worse thing (Dr number one at the hospital had strapped it up). I was told that Brufen was definitely not to be taken (prescribed by Doctor number two at the hospital one month after first visit when still in pain) I was not told to rest rather to gently exercise the foot, (after I have just spent the past three weeks with my leg up (up not over that is), to find a physiotherapist and use ice packs every hour. (oops I forgot about the ice pack this morning and of course the bar is not open as it's only ten past nine).

Well, here's hoping that Doctor number three will have the answer. He has prescribed 20 mg Tenoxicam (Tilcitin trademark), one every mid day after food, and some cream that I have to rub in twice a day, Aceclofenac (Biofenac trademark). He also recommended an orthotic insert in the shoe (which dear Brian the physio sorted me out with a few weeks ago anyway). The only difference with the new one is that it is silicone and cost 24 euros (ouch!). I was told to walk with a flat foot and not to walk on my toes (so that's my ballet dancing gone for a whollop!).

That was our work at Ag Nik done and, after stocking up at the chemist's and the supermarket we headed back to Vrahassi. David went to take Bouzouki for a walk and I headed for the kitchen to attack the grime and make tea. George, still downing the Metaxa and still sulking wouldn't have any.

I can honestly say that I did not go to bed before I had shifted a load of dirt and well and truly bleached the toilet, and it didn't take me more than an hour.

We ate tea and I hobbled home determined to start a new programme of work. So, here I am, in the office early, the village was quite busy with people at the other two cafes drinking coffee, and people doing their early morning shopping or else simply taking a morning stroll. Old Maria from up our street, well in her 80's has just shuffled by, using a stick but otherwise quite sprightly, old Maria the teacher, well in her 90's, has just passed my window on her way back home from her early morning coffee at the cafeneon, old Maria, who will probably sit on the wall overlooking the square for the rest of the day, also in her 80's, has already been down the hill to the olive groves where she has gathered kindling for her fire (which she cooks on) and steadily moved up the hill with her stick bundle on her shoulder and of loaded it onto the pile outside her front door. A lady from Bulgaria, who looks after a very old lady (pushing 100) has just passed by all smiles as ever, a very pleasant woman considering all the hard work she does. Now, Papa Yorgo is sitting at the cafeneo across the square, his morning duties done, our neighbour Yorgo is sitting under our pergola (out of luck if he wants a coffee 'cos this Yorgo is still in bed) and Yorgo Chivernitakis, before setting out to his sheep, has come to my window with a plastic bag full of fresh figs, (a sort of welcome back gesture) gratefully accepted. The street cleaner lad has rumbled his yellow bin trolley by, looking a bit like a new father with a pram and Anna, from next door has cleaned her car.

And now... I shall cream my foot, eat a yogurt and make a list of the things that I have to do today. Its 10 o'clock, George should be up soon!

More later, byeeeeeeeeeeee!

I'M BACK!

First of all let me say I have had THE most wonderful, romantic, relaxing, stomach filling, entertaining journey around the Mediterranean Islands. One week on the cruise ship OCEAN VILLAGE, and, apart from the fact that 'foot' has been very painful (in between pain killers) the experience was well worth it and a fantastic holiday.

BUT... now we are back! OK batteries are charged and expectations were high I know, why I should have expected more I can't imagine, but, the bar is an absolute tip, food is festering everywhere, the toilets are dirty, fag ends litter the outside floor around the cloth-less tables, I can only describe everywhere as 'sticky'.

It's no good George saying, you have to remember that this is Vrahassi! That's not good enough at all. There are standards and there are standards and my name is on the shop so why should I accept it all. I really am so disappointed in what I have come back to.

So, having said all that, what am I going to do about it. Well, with this foot I am a bit handicapped but I am not incapable, and, whilst I cannot heave tables about and do all the heavy cleaning, I can make a start. Believe me the place will be spick and span by tomorrow night and from now on there will be changes, there has to be. Even David will not have a drink here and that, my friends, is bad. Of course, Little Legs is now in a sulk because he doesn't like me telling him how badly run the place is. I could do but Lydia did offer several times to help out.

I will let you know about the cruise another day, when I have gathered myself together. David has gone to see how his workers have gone on in our absence so while he is doing that I will download the photos and sort out the office a bit.

There were some fantastic boats moored in Mykonos harbour yesterday, on one flash motor launch sat a man with his laptop - I could do that, I thought! I have that picture in my mind and I intend to work towards it. I certainly have come back fired up and raring to go!

Just as an aside, I am looking forward to seeing the Tesco crowd in September, if any of you are reading this, be assured Jane Guevara's Bar will be number one ace place to visit by the time you arrive. In fact, by the time I go to bed tonight. See you soon.

ALMOST READY FOR THE OFF!

That's it folks! I'm closing the office for a week. I hope to have access to a computer on the CRUISE so that I can publish a few pics. If not you will get the full 'low down' when I get back. To all of you who like a daily update, sorry, I've got some serious CRUISING to do. Meanwhile, Little Legs is looking after the bar so do pop by and say 'Hello'.

Bye bye for now,

I must go down to the sea again,
To the lonely sea and sky,
I left my vest and socks there,
I wonder if they're dry.

Spike Miligan I think!

ONLY CLASS ACTS

I'm out of action for a couple of weeks and the place is going downhill. Is this the best George could do for entertainment?

Notice the crutches, mine not Steves.

Notice the table clothes, now removed to save George the extra work.

Notice the empty chairs - there was an audience but we were all keeping well back so as to appreciate the sound. Hmm!

CRUISE COUNTDOWN

1 DAY TO GO - YEAH! Just some lables with our cabin number on to make and we're all set.

KALO MINA

This is the latest picture of Hi Tech Vrahassi.

Kalo Mina, and to all fellow Yorkshire people, HAPPY YORKSHIRE DAY!
Yes, it's a White Rose day, I'm sure I'll be able to find one somewhere. I'm off out for a girlie lunch today so I might just pop into the flower shop in Sisi.

I spoke to Mavis yesterday and she told me that at that very moment she was with John at Agios Nikoloas Hospital and that he was sitting up in bed saying he was bored. It was a bit of a scare but all seems well now. John will be home on Friday. Get Well Soon John!

I'm all but packed, my nails are polished and my eyebrows plucked, just to choose a good book or two now and I'm ready to go. Choosing a book shouldn't be difficult as I now have over 100 paperbacks on the Bring One/Take One shelf in the office. Don't be stuck for reading, you are welcome to browse the selection.