INFORMATION FROM THE COUNCIL OFFICE OF VRAHASSI

These three anouncements can be found in the window of the Council Office at Vrahassi. Just click on the image for a magnified view. (I particularly like the suggestion on the flue information poster which tells you to wipe your nose on your sleeve if you don't have a hanky, well, that's my take on it).

NEW LOOK HERAKLION

Heraklion these days is a joy. Pedestrianized streets, lovely cafe-bars, a delightful harbour and a wonderful mix of past and present. Of course we visited on a Sunday when the shops were closed. Just as well really but window shopping was fun and cost nothing.

ARCHAEOLOGIST DR OLGA KRZYSZKOWSKA TALKS ABOUT MINOAN SEALS

What a busy day yesterday. First my Beginner's Greek class in Kritsa, then shopping at the BRITISH SHOP for those little treats (a can of dandilion and burdock, ready mix pastry, pickled onions etc) and then back to Kritsa for my cello lesson. All good stuff. By the time I got home it was 5 p.m. time for a beer at the cafeneo with David before unloading the car and getting ready to return to Agios Nikolaos to attend the talk given by Olga Krzyszkowska on the facinating subject of Minoan Seals. Olga teaches Aegean and Greek Archaeology at Birkbeck College FCE and is General Editor of British School at Athens Supplementary Volumes and Studies. Another great day in Crete!

LADIES LUNCH IN SISSI

First a surprise at Hassan's Coffee Bar. My ex-customers the 'Tesco' crowd who are holidaying in Sissi. Then a girly chat over a glass of wine and salad at Apostoli's place on the harbour. Sissi, still as beautiful as ever, still a home for the ducks and still one of my favourite places.

'SAKIS' IN HERAKLION

Wow! What a fabulous evening we had on Sunday at the Stadium in Heraklion. After a week of listening to Mozart's string quartets trying to follow the cello part, 'Sakis Live' was just what I needed. It was loud, it was rock, it was raw energy and brilliant entertainment. I've watched Sakis grow up and become a star and it was great to be part of the action on Sunday night. The back up singers and dancers were wonderful and the band, well it rivalled the Stones, Guns and Roses, even Queen in parts. Sometimes you just gotta 'ROCK'!

INTERESTING ICONS IN VRAHASSI

This little church is the church of St Savas (Agios Savas). It is situated in the forecourt of the big church of Agia Sofia Pnevmatos. I was lucky enough to find it open when I passed by and took these pictures of the inside with its many interesting icons. St Savas apparently saw the face of Jesus in his wine goblet. I'm just repeating the story I was told!

Another wonderful sight was this pomegranate tree heavily laden with wonderful ripe fruit.

SEPTEMBER HYBERNATION IN VRAHASSI

I'm still here but I've had a vicious soar throat and now I'm three packets of tissues down. The torrential rain didn't help, Vrahassi was just pouring with water on Saturday, real wellie weather. I did venture out but got extremely wet. There you go. Anyway because of the weather I did manage to do some art homework without feeling too guilty for not watering flowers and hanging washing out. The result, I know, is a bit scary. A fantasy sqirrel, a cat with a short tail and Neddy the donkey. Back to faces next week and that's VERY SCARY.

WHAT IS EM UP TO TODAY!

While the rain came down, Emmy helped me out with my computer work. Her new glasses make her look very grown up. School starts next week so life will be a little easier for 'Yaya'.

NEW VENUE FOR GREEK CLASSES IN VRAHASSI.

A big 'Thank you' to Dimitri, the Chairman of Vrahassi Cultural Committe for allowing me to hold my Tuesday Greek class in the old school. This is a much better learning environment. My class is for beginners. I did ask the Mayor if the Council would provide a room, however he said not. I supported the fight against the Government, I know that my voice was a very small, insignificant voice but it was in favour of keeping a Council for Vrahassi, Sissi and Milatos. Never mind, there are always alternatives.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT VRAHASSI?

Take a look at the site 'Localyte' on the right. All you do is type in your question and an answer will be provided by myself or other members of the team. It is an interesting site. Maybe you will be travelling to another country and want to know something about it from a person on the ground. Use 'Localyte'. Give it a go and see what you think.

It was just one party after another, I think I'll start a Vrahassi 'Hello' mag. Ross Daly, Kenny Kortez, the group Daylight Fading, The Beverly Sisters (lookalike) and the travelling Accordian Players. Wow, Gliterati or wot!

Last night I had a glass of wine with friends in Milatos by the sea before heading back to Vrahassi.

SEPTEMBER SCENES AROUND VRAHASSI

Rural life in Vrahassi!

A new wall and a very nice wall!

The flags were out but I'm not sure why!

NOW THIS IS A 'CRETAN NIGHT'!

It is just a matter of getting the right people together!

Here are the Mayor of Vrahassi's in laws enjoying the birthday party of Elizabeth Winters O.B.E. in Exo Lakonia, last night. Of course there was lots of food, plenty of dancing and fantastic live music. Mr Ross Daly who was a guest along with his partner Kelly Thoma treated us all to a taste of their wonderful music making and together with local musicians they entertained well into the small hours.