MY FRIEND NIGEL 'ANGELO' OF KRITSA

OK, we haven't been friends long but we hit it off straight away. This is Nigel the sculptor who has his workshop in Kritsa. Gillian, my cello teacher introduced me to him and together with John, her husband, David and I were treated to a tour of his shop and an explanation of 'work in progress'. The horse's head that Nigel is working on at the moment is a commissioned work made from a block the very best marble but it is in good hands. Nigel's work has won several awards not least this year's Touch Festival in Agios Nikolaos. Below is a selection of his best pieces. The last picture on this page shows Nigel's other 'work in progress' which is number 10 of the 'Stations of the Cross' which has been commissioned by the Abbot of a Monastery in the south of England.

'OXI' DAY - WHEN GREECE SAID 'NO' ITALY.

I just missed the service around the statue of Konstantinos Sfakianakis, the villagers were singing the national anthem as I came down the hill. However I managed a few shots as they were dispersing.

Today is a Bank Holiday in Greece to commemorate the day that 'Metaxa' Prime Minister of Greece refused to bend to Mussolini's request for Italian troops to pass through Greece after conquering Albania. Mussolini ignored the refusal, marched into Greece and thus started a bloody war between Italy and Greece bringing Greece into the 2nd World War. After a few days of very heavy fighting the Italians were repulsed back into Albania by the Greek army. Not wanting to see Mussolini defeated, Hitler then came to his aid and invaded Greece.

As you can see it was a bit of a rainy morning but as I spent the morning in Agios Nikolaos (bright and sunny) I missed getting wet.

BROKEN DOWN BOB-CAT IN VRAHASSI

When David saw the black fumes coming out of the exhaust he said 'please don't break down at the front door.' But no sooner were the words off his lips than 'STOP' it did. We did manage to get some of the rubble away though. Yeah!

Do you remember 'Jane's Soiree' evenings? They were very popular. Creative talent joined together for an evening to share, poetry, music, song, and here we see the chairman of the Vrahassi Cultural Committee treating us to a rendering of Mandinathes, the traditional Cretan rhyming couplets. Dimitri has paved the way to integration between the Cretan people and the growing English community. He should be applauded but instead has been heavily criticized. Well, I for one, say 'Bravo' Dimitri!

SHOP LOCALLY!

This is how we shop in Vrahassi. Yep it's relaxed, yep it's in the centre of the village and yep we love it.

And there are two mini markets to choose from with fresh veggies, a TV so you don't miss the weather girl and always a courteous smile.

SWEETEST DAY!

Well I never knew that! The day is nearly over and I almost missed the fact that it is Sweetest Day Read the article and see how it all began. Fancy I've covered all these years without Sweetest Day in my life. Better route out the chocolate!

PLEASE LOOK IN MY OTHER BLOG FOR TODAY'S POST.

Oh dear, I've just posted today's pictures in the wrong blog. Please click on:

Jane's Vrahassi Information Board for today's pictures. Sorry about the inconvenience.
Jane x

VISITORS TO VRAHASSI FROM ATHENS

This blog is especially for you K. Manolis. It was a pleasure to meet you and your family on Saturday, thank you for your kind words and for being a fan of my blog. I have included this marvelous picture of one of the proud fathers of Vrahassi because a) I think you resemble him and b) I think he would be horrified if he saw the sad state of some of the old houses that are being left to fall down. This house is on the top road and only recently has lost its front wall, I do hope someone will save it. It is possible that the owners of these properties are multiple and in distant countries, America or Australia for instance, and I do appreciate that in these cases nothing can be done by the families. Anyway, I look forward to seeing you next time you are in Vrahassi, all the best with your house renovations.

SAD NEWS IN VRAHASSI

I was really saddened to hear that the death in a road accident in Malia a few days ago was that of a young woman, the sister of Maria who is married to Manolis the son of Eleni and Yianni of the 'Platanos' taverna in Vrahassi. Maria and Manoli run the 'Paradosiako' taverna in Sissi. Maria's sister also helped out in the taverna. I am sure that many of you reading this will be saddened by the news. My condolences to the whole family.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

What a great start to the day, a basket full of fresh veggies straight out of my neighbour's garden. I snapped her enquiring about the music stand in front of the fire, she didn't understand it. Anyway we had an early, 8a.m. cuppa (early for me anyway) and she was gone by 9. My day started in a bit of a hurry to muster but it started well. Computer work done, Cello practice done, Greek homework done and now to walk my beautiful hound on to the hill before sitting down with a good book. Oh by the way I have discovered a new Radio Station, it is called Writer'sFM if you are interested in that sort of thing I can recommend that you take a look and tune in. Happy Friday all!

GRIFFON VULTURES AT SELINARI

To read my article on the Griffon Vultures of Selinari please take a look at my web site.

Click here to access: http://www.anavlohos.com/

GOATS BY THE SEA!

I really like the sound of chinkling bells! As I was taking the coastal road to Milatos from Sissi I came across this herd of goats. Thought you might like to share the scene!

ENJOYING WONDERFUL SEPTEMBER WEATHER!

Together with our friends from England, David and I have spent another wonderful week in Crete. We have wined and dined, visited the Di Vinci exhibition at Gouves, tripped off to Mochlos, and fitted in Jayne's 50th birthday party at Apano Sissi. My Valentino has been neglected for the first time but I did manage to go to Russel's art class. Oh and Jane's Calender Men Calender has been produced as a laugh for my friends. We hope to catch up on all the gossip at Cosmos Bar in the village tonight and tomorrow another birthday party. THEN next week it is back to routine and some hard work.