CHRISTMAS BRING AND BUY SALE

DON'T FORGET THAT TOMORROW IS THE CHRISTMAS BRING AND BUY SALE at the bar in Vrahassi from 11 a.m.

We have a Christmas cake and a Christmas Pudding to raffle and lots of other home made produce and gifts. All proceeds are to go towards the 'Flowers of Crete' fund. So, hope to see you tomorrow.

Also, a mention that Mark and Lydia will be trekking across the olive groves to the Monastery of St George on Sunday so if anyone wishes to join them then be at the Statue at 10.30 a.m. When they return Sunday Lunch will be served; Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pud.

Now I'm off to get ready for Greek class and prepare for a busy weekend. Have a good weekend yourselves, and remember: "Always look on the bright side of life." Ta Ta!

VRAHASSI - THE NEXT GENERATION

Poppy just called in with a message for Manos in Scotland: "Hello Manos". What a cuty little Poppy Kiriakakis is. Send me a picture Manos and I will put it on the blog with a message for Poppy. My e-mail is: janesharp_creta@hotmail.com

JUST FOR THE RECORD

I am trying to write this blog as a statement of social history, so that in future times people can look back and get a picture of Vrahassi from 'the street' as it were, and because of this I want to be as honest as possible without hurting anyone and without any political standpoint. I have nothing to gain from this record only the satisfaction that I am writing history (with a few pictures thrown in). I have had no financial support from anyone except my husband, David who suffers my long working days and commitment to the task that I have set.

I want to make it known that I am not against Vrahassi council or any member of it, and that if I have written anything which has upset them (I refer to my entry of August) then I reiterate, no such intention was ever meant.

Apparently there are murmurings about my writing; comments which are quite hurtful. So I am publicly asking here that all you good people who continue to read my blog, if you are Greek speakers, to either comment on the blog or else make contact with your friends in Vrahassi to tell them that all I want to do is write what I see happen and be able to give an opinion on it, and if that is not acceptable, then where is Democracy!

And... why is it that the hole in the road, made by the water man from the Council, right in front of my bar door is the only one not to have been mended? A friendly call to say, sorry we didn't have enough asphalt or it will be fixed next week is all it takes, I certainly don't want to hear reports of the hole not being fixed because of what I write.

LIGHTING UP VRAHASSI

And this is how it was done!

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN VRAHASSI

Well done Vrahassi Council! The village has Christmas lights flashing and flickering from lamp posts from one end to the other. I won't have to light up the town this year the new Council is ahead of me. I am presuming that the Council are responsible. It is certainly a first for Vrahassi in the 13 years that I have been here. I wonder what the Village Committee will do this year, we usually have a crib set up in the center of the village, last year I noticed that bits were missing, the baby Jesus I think, so hopefully we shall have a full set of players this year.

Anyway, the lights have made me feel very Christmas-y and I shall be getting my tree out soon and decorating the bar. Speaking of lights, I have just had a ginormous electricity bill. For 10 months I have paid very little as the bill was estimated and now comes the day of reckoning. I must say, my pocket is hurting and I am going around switching as much off as I can to avoid the same thing happening again, (unfortunately candle power will not cook Sunday Lunch or keep the freezers running).

And speaking of Sunday Lunch, the beef which I bought at Xalkiadakis (Spar) shop in Neapolis this week was absolutely delicious, OK, it was pricey at nearly 10 euro a kilo, but the cut was superb and I dare say would have made many a grilled steak if I had wanted to use it in that way. I like shopping at the Spar in Neapolis, they have a good selection of produce plus things like halogen fires, pots and pans and things for the home. Of course, Liddle's has the offers and certain things that you can only buy at Liddle's.

We missed going to the Cinema in Neapolis this week because we were invited out to dinner by some friends. We went to the Pizzeria where we are always satisfied and Sofia and George are always such pleasant hosts. So, all in all I had a very good day off because in the morning, George went with me to Ag Nik and while he was paying me electric bill, I went and did some retail therapy at the clothes shop run by the Chinese a few doors down the street. I bought a new pair of shoes for 15 euro, a pair of trousers, 15 euro and a sparkly top 8 euro (last of the big spenders, eh!). Then we found a cafeneo where George could debate the latest goings on over a glass of wine (or two) before heading back to Vrahassi where we had an appointment with the Architect who had come to measure up a house which we have sold.

I am back on the 'low alcohol' beer today, which I have discovered is very pleasant and doesn't give me a thick head. It is Greek class tonight in Ag Nik but before that I have to make the Chili con Carne for eats tonight. The weather is fine and calm, as I write aged residents of the village are walking up and down, there are a few people at the cafeneon across, a huge wagon has just passed with crane or something on the back (there are houses being built on the edge of the village) George has just passed by on his way to the olive groves which he is clearing and the Griffon Vultures are flying. I have a few mails to answer and my Greek homework to do. David has just arrived and will work at his desk (I'm not exactly sure what he does apart from his web site verybestaudiobooks.com) but he seems very busy.

So, that's me for today, I wish you all a very good day wherever you may be and hope that you are as happy as I am.

Jane x

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY IN VRAHASSI

It was late last night - I had closed the lights ready to leave the bar and was just watching the end of Batman the Beginning when... there was a noise outside, the sound of a vehicle. I looked out and blow me if some chap wasn't raiding my fridge and about to make of with an armful of booze. It's a small village and of course I knew the young chap on the bike. I knocked on the window and shouted 'Hey, what the hell are you doing!' The culprit put the bottles back in the fridge strait away, climbed aboard the back of the small motorbike and made off in the direction of Neapolis. I spent the next half hour emptying the fridge and taking the stock into the bar. So, there you go Vrahassi may not be Zoniana but it has up and coming thieves.

EL GRECO IN NEAPOLIS

What a wonderful little cinema is the one in Neapolis. David and I were greeted back by the staff who I am sure are looking forward to a successful season. The closure of the cinema last year was a shame and I hope that this year supporters will keep the place open.

The film 'El Greco' was, for me, fantastic. It was artistically shot with costumes and set colouring mimicking those marvelous creations which El Greco managed to produce. Of course there was poetic license in the story line but that only added to the entertainment. The music by 'Vangelis' was stirring, unworldly and at times sinister, and, was that Lunovikos I glimpsed at the beginning of the film, it was certainly him singing. The casting was just right and if El Greco really did look like that then he would have had women falling at his feet (not to mention Cardinals). My knowledge of the paintings which were produced by both El Greco and Titian has been improved as since then I have genned up on their works, but wonderful as they are I cannot imagine hanging any one of them in my new bedroom, which has a bare wall just crying out for a painting.

Yes... Hooray! The bedroom is finished, light plugs and all, new bed in situ, wardrobe, the lot, there is even a new (old looking) door on the en suite complete with brass sneck. The stone work that has been revealed round the door has cleaned up great and the beams are a warm wood colour. I'm very happy not to be sleeping on the roof!

Now the living room is a total mess but what do we do? The people who have put a deposit on the house got a good price because it needed work. If we do the work then the price has to go up. So it looks like we shall hold off for a couple of months and think ourselves lucky that we have such a nice bedroom.

I went to choir practise yesterday and must say the song which we have to learn in Polish is quite difficult. I haven't quite got the words right yet. Other than that the carols are coming on well.

Tonight I shall go to Ag Nik to my Greek class in an attempt to improve. Three hours tonight, so I should learn something.

I'm shooting off to do my homework now. Vrahassi is quiet, it is cold but dry. We have the gas heater in the bar at night to cosy it up. OK, more news later...

FIVE WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS

SUN - DAY!

It is 5.30 p.m. and I have just said goodbye to the last of my Sunday lunch diners. Phew! The washing up is done and I've a small window before any evening visitors.

It really has been a none-stop couple of days but HOORAY! Its my DAY OFF tomorrow. And what am I going to do? I'm going to climb Anavlohos with some friends and take a look at the Archaeological site. Then tomorrow evening (after a wonderful bubble bath) David and I shall go to the cinema in Neapolis, which has just re-opened, and have an evening out together.

But for now, let me catch up with the news a little. Of course, the word on everyone's lips is 'Zoniana' but in between all of that there is a little other news. Sofia and Nikos seem to be back at the cafeneon in the centre of Vrahassi together with Yannis and Angela - that can only be good. The holes which were created outside my bar in an attempt to find a lost water pipe, have been filled in with chippings (no tarmac yet but certainly an improvement). There were two or three Mnimosinas (remembrance services) this morning so the village was busy...

and work continues on the new Council buildings (the old school).

Whilst it may look a mess on the outside, get a load of this... our brand spanking new Council Office surely has to be one of the best places to work in Vrahassi (apart from the Revolution Bar that is). It is amazing, and efficient too. Everyone is pleasant, forms are to hand and information no trouble. This is a huge step forward for Vrahassi and I am sure that a lot of hard work has been put in behind the scenes by the Mayor and his team. Now, sorry folks, have to open the bar again, George will be hear for his Metaxa soon but just before I go I want to mention the TABLE TOP BRING AND BUY SALE SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER IN AID OF THE FLOWERS OF CRETE ORGANISATION. IT STARTS AT 11.00 and continues into the afternoon. I have to finish by 5 though so that I can prepare for the CURRY NIGHT. So I look forward to seeing you all some time next week, remember: Chile Tuesday, Chicken Wednesday, Pork and Apple Sauce Thursday, FISH FRIDAY (yes I have got the hang of fish now). Greek class Friday afternoon 2 to 4 p.m. Bye for now.................................

STILL HERE FOLKS!

Hi everyone, I'm still here though rushing again. I thought I would have had a few minutes today to catch up on the news but it's been one thing after another, same yesterday (what a day that was) and the day before. I've Greek homework to do as well. I have a customer waiting as I write so I may have to stop any minute. The curry is in the pot for tonight, mexican fish cakes in the freezer for another time and the beef is in the fridge ready for the oven tomorrow. OK, give me a few minutes...



It's coming up 6 p.m. and dark in Vrahassi. We have had a good day though, warmish sunshine and blue sky. Had the weigh in this morning and I haven't lost an ounce - buggar! Not surprising really because I've nibbled my way through the week. Chocolate, energy food and I lovvvvvve it.

6 WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS

BOOK EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS

Only 6 weeks to go and it will be Christmas, and the Revolution Bar will be lighting up Vrahassi for the festive season. Last year we did the 'spit roast pig' thing and it was a huge success. This year we don't have the same facilities but we shall be 'partying on' starting with Christmas Eve and hot, succulent turkey sarnies plus a few other goodies to help the bevvy along. So, here is my Christmas Programme:

Lead up to Christmas : The Revolution Bar will be available to take bookings for private parties, works dinners, etc. Ring me to discuss your event. Jane: 6945 872 472

CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY: Bar open from 11 a.m. We shall party on with music, dancing and entertainment into the evening. Hot turkey sandwiches and a cold buffet will be served all day.

CHRISTMAS DAY: Bar open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for drinks only. Come and meet your friends over a glass of Bucks Fizz to start your Christmas.

BOXING DAY: Bar open from 11 a.m. till late. Succulent roast pork and chips on the menu served all day.

And believe me we shall PARTY! Balloons, streamers, party games and... Father Christmas. So don't be alone, come and join in the fun in Vrahassi.
And, if you don't like parties, then just pop in and say 'Merry Christmas'.

ZONIANA!

There are plenty of newspaper reports about the happenings at Zoniana but if you haven't caught up then take a look at H Kathemerini (in English) where you will find a full report.

SNAKES ALIVE!

What the...! Last night as I was going home I had a close encounter with a snake which was making its way across the street just up the slope from the centre of Vrahassi. At first it looked like a long worm but on closer inspection I realized that it was a snake. It was just dark gray in colour, a bit like the tarmac, and about 30 or 40 cms long. I suppose it could have been a baby snake or a small species. It wasn't very fat, about the width of a thin marker pen and it slithered its way to the edge of the street where it settled in a clump of weeds.

Does anyone know what sort of snake this could have been. I have looked on Google but not come up with anything.

Thanks for your help with Vrahassi names, Ilia.

Now, I must tell you that yesterday the bar was buzzing with people all afternoon and after the Greek class I was able to make a few mezedes for my customers while David very kindly helped out as barman. My little fishes that I had bought fresh yesterday morning were a great success and faith in my cooking has been restored. Naturally I served a small plate of chips with each small plate of fish and so FRIDAY - FISH held true. Tonight we are on Tandoori Chicken, and for tomorrow I have bought a chunk of beef which I shall roast and serve with Yorkshire pudding and veg. That should give us plenty of energy for the walk on Monday.

I have to say the wind today is extremely strong and there have been some fearsome gusts that I thought were going to bring the roof off. It is dry though. I am going to do my Greek homework now before it is too late.

Oh, and don't forget to look at my House Shop from time to time for Vrahassi property. See link at side of page.

IT'S A WATER WORK PROBLEM!

WRITTEN YESTERDAY

And now George arrives to supervise. The water men and their compressor are tearing the road up in search ‘some sort of problem’. Apparently the pipe that connects one tank with another has a burst and water is not filling up one tank. The water men have plenty of advice. As you see they are right outside my office. The first hole in front of the bar entrance, the second a little way up the street and now ‘drrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr outside my window. It is 12.15, I have been to Neapolis to do the shopping and have come back to this. George will sort them out. There is quite a lot of shouting going on, no-one can agree where the pipe is in the road. Hole number three is abandoned, must be coffee time. The old truck that sounds like a helicopter passes by just to add to the chaotic sound in the street. Will we see hole number four today? Where will it be?

That was yesterday. The water men did not come back, the holes in front of my office are still awaiting attention.

This afternoon I have Greek class at the bar, new members expected so I should be busy. The bad weather of the past couple of days seems to have passed but the temperature is certainly down today, it is bright though.

FRIDAY FISH - Earlier in the week I decided to abandon Friday Fish as my efforts to fry fish last Friday were quite disastrous. However, when I saw the fish man in the street early this morning I thought I would buy a token for Friday Fish and bought a kilo of little fishes that I know I can cook. They make a lovely meze and that suits me fine. I have bought a chunk of beef to make a roast beef dinner on Sunday and later on I shall make Shepherd's Pie, it is easy and again makes a great hot nibble for cooler days. (Sack the salads!). There will be curry tonight for those who want real HOT.

I went to a slide show given by Julia on Flower's of Crete, last Monday and she has since written to me asking if I would like her to give her talk one evening in Vrahassi. We will fix a date. Our new neighbour and Archaeologist, Gavin, has also agreed to come along and give a talk and slide show on the Minoan history of the area. He is at present writing a paper on the subject.

A closer date - THIS MONDAY - whoever would like to take a walk with me be at the statue at 10 a.m. I need to try out 'foot' and feel that I am ready for a gentle stroll. So, nothing too strenuous just a walk on the old paths of Vrahassi. We can watch out for hedgerow flowers and see if we can spot anything unusual (quite possible around Vrahassi). Look forward to seeing you.

THE MINISTER COMES TO VRAHASSI

(Sorry for the delay in comment here only my Internet was out of action for a while)
Well, as you can see the Minister, Mr Yioannis Plakiotakis (hope I have that right) was entertained by members of the new Council of Vrahassi, the Koinotita. On the left of the Minister is Mr Michaelis Kiriakakis and on the right, Mrs Ismina Ierapetritakis. Also in the group were the Mayor, Mr George Sfirakis and Mr George Diplarakis.
As far as I can make out the purpose of the Minister's visit was to thank the people of Vrahassi for their votes in the recent election.
On a personal note I would like to wish Mr Plakiotakis every success in his position in the Government. I am not a Greek citizen but this is my home and the improvements that the New Democrat Party have already made have not gone unnoticed by the British community in Crete.

ACTION FRIDAY PART 11 - THE SAINT

You never know who is going to drop in to Vrahassi. Kriti TV Quiz Show host, Kostas alias 'The Saint', arrived in a flurry together with his camera crew. They set up the 'Red Chair' (shades of shepherd mastermind) in the middle of Vrahassi and it was only a few minutes before the show began. My Greek Class was in full flow at the time and they were invited to stand behind the contestants as 'the audience'. It was all good fun. Unfortunately, George Kivernitis did not win the pot of 1000 euros but he certainly answered a few awkward questions correctly. Well done Yiorgos! And commiserations to Yiorgos, Lefteris' father in law, who did not make it to the 'red chair'. Both good sports.

It was all very exciting for a Friday afternoon in Vrahassi.

(Yes of course I got a plug for the bar and managed to thrust a copy of my poetry book 'The Vrahassians' into the palm of the lovely Kostas before he left).

And 'the English did not escape interrogation!

While villagers watched with glee.

A final spin for George before the deciding question.

Thanks to the TV team for bringing a little joy to our village.

ACTION FRIDAY

It's all go this morning. Whilst David unloads a delivery of wood the 'retired' of Vrahassi watch on. Shutters have been fitted to the new Council office cum Doctor's surgery, and the sun is shining. I am just about to prepare the lesson for my Greek class at 2 today (new people welcome, all levels) and have to report that the Demos Class in Ag Nik was good I am sure that I can polish a few edges and improve my vocabulary. So just to let locals know, the bar will be closed between 4 and 6 every day except Friday. I open in the mornings at 11 and I am closed every Monday, all day. I hope this doesn't inconvenience anyone.

GHOSTS AND GOULS IN VRAHASSI

LIFE IS A CABERET OF FUN! This must have been a first for Vrahassi. Our Halloween Night was a great success, and after a few drinks in the bar we took to the streets to visit the other watering holes of the village. Of course we had a drink in them all and wobbled back to base for spooky chicken.

It is the 1st November so Kalo Mina to everyone. The weather is very muggy, it is back to sleeveless tops and no socks. I'm a bit boozy headed today but I'm getting through my jobs. Just to wash up now and then get ready to go to Ag Nik for Greek Class at 4 p.m.

My regular Thursday class at the bar has been changed to Friday. Same time, 2 - 4 newcomers welcome. Just turn up if you fancy improving your 'Greek talk'.

CAFENEIO SURVEY/MONDAY JAUNT

This week we were in Malia, the old town. There we found a good plate of liver and cabbage to soak up the metaxa which we had imbibed at Lithos cafeneion. And guess who we bumped into there, none other than Maria who used to run Lefteris place in Vrahassi. We were made most welcome and enjoyed catching up with what was going on in her life. (The dart board we found in a back street, watched over carefully by a little doggy - is Vrahassi ready for one? A dart board that is). Where will our survey take us next? Find out next Monday.