Jane's Vrahassi

SUNDAY UPDATE

2008-07-20T12:09:00.002+03:00

Hello everybody out there - it is Sunday in Vrahassi and the weather is very July Hot. It has been a busy morning because little Jack stayed with us last night and what with all the family washing, drying and ironing plus getting the meat in to roast for dinner tonight, things have seemed quite hectic.

We are having a pool day today but yesterday we went to Ag Nik where Jo and Terry got on a boat to Spinalonga and Jack came with us to the seaside at Plaka. We then had one of those 'Cretan' experiences that you can never plan for. Returning to Elounda for an ice cream we heard a voice calling 'Jane, Jane', and it was none other than a friend of ours 'Manolis' who has a butcher's shop in Elounda. 'Come for a beer,' he shouted, which of course right at that moment seemed the ideal thing to do. He walked us up the road a little to a small cafeneo type place where he introduced us to his mate, another Manolis who was an Architect. Of course we made good conversation during which time first came a plate of Manolis own home made beef burgers, then a plate of potatoes, a salad, another salad, a plate of chips and of course beer to wash it all down. Cretan hospitality at its best and so very welcome in the midst of my problems with George.

Jo and Terry had a wonderful boat trip from Agios Nicolaos (10 euro each) saying it was the best day they had had, great. They enjoyed Spinalonga, went swimming in the sea and had good food on the boat.

So, we are all ready for the off now, I hope you all have a good Sunday and thank you for all positive thought you are putting my way. Sorry but the bar will be closed today and tomorrow, Monday, Tuesday might be a bit hit and miss because Jo is going home that day but it will be business as normal on WEDNESDAY. There will be a Greek Class on Friday then we shall take a few weeks' holiday during August to regroup and push forward.

Bye for now,
Love Jane x

FRIDAY GREEK CLASS CANCELLED

2008-07-17T17:34:00.001+03:00

ANNOUNCEMENT - PLEASE TAKE NOTE

THE FRIDAY GREEK CLASS WILL NOT TAKE PLACE TOMORROW

CHURCH OF ST GEORGE - MOHOS

2008-07-16T17:00:00.003+03:00

This is an icon of Agia Paraskevi dated 17something and it is interesting to note the absence of a plate of 'eyes' in her left hand. All the ones that I have seen have shown her holding this plate. I'll try to find out if it is special. Agia Paraskevi is my favourite Saint, there are lots of things going on in the story connected with her plus the fact that when we bought our first little house in Vrahassi a very tatty icon of her was hanging on the wall. I replaced it with one a bit better and then painted my own which took pride of place on the wall. How does it go? "There are none so blind as those that cannot see". (I'm not sure I understand it either).

LATEST NEWS FROM LITTLELEGS!

2008-07-16T16:46:00.002+03:00

George is now asking for 8,000 euro or he will take me to court, what for I am not quite sure. I am trying to remain calm and think only good thoughts. This is a real test of my philosophy of life and I went into a church to light a candle for the man who is obviously suffering from some mental illness or something. I am doing my best to push the light his way. He seems to have totally forgotten that it was he who locked me out of the bar, he who brought the police on me and he who has caused me so much stress that I have now decided that I have no appetite for running the cafebar any longer. Maybe he planned it all along and was just waiting for some opportunity or maybe, just maybe he is sorry that he acted the way he did and for the sake of bravado he cannot backtrack.

Well, I do forgive him, he has to live with his own conscience and he knows the truth. Will ruining me make him happy? I think not.

POOL PARTY PICS

2008-07-14T11:09:00.012+03:00

WHAT A GREAT BIRTHDAY!

SHE WORE RED ... AND A HOOLAH HOOLAH SKIRT!

2008-07-13T21:12:00.002+03:00

Now I hate to make you wait for the Birthday Pictures but the fairy who brought me my new camera hasn't quite got round to showing me how to put them on the blog. I wont keep you in suspense too long though.

Meantime let me tell you that the Pool Party was a great hit. We had champagne and fruit and birthday cake and lots of booze and a bit of dancing and a bit of swimming and it was all such a happy, happy time.

So, A BIG 'THANK YOU' TO EVERYONE WHO TURNED UP and also to all those people who sent me a birthday wish.

To round off the evening we attended the quiz around the pool and, guess what? Our team, (my family that is) were the winners.

I've missed a couple of days because we have been so busy entertaining but tonight we are having an 'at home' night before the 'enjoying ourselves' begins again tomorrow.

Last night we were in Vrahassi, but it was like a ghost town. The night before we went to Agistri restaurant on the harbour in Sissi, it was very pleasant and the mushroom saganaki was especially good.

Tomorrow we are getting together with Lydia and Mark for a game of Triv so I hope the wind has died down by then.

I promise pictures just as soon as I've fathomed it out - believe me they tell a story.

Today we went to the Farm at Potamies where Jack and Jo went off on the donkeys while David, John and I relaxed at the bar.

When we got back to Vrahassi about 5 p.m. there was a small truck in the middle of the village full of little piglets. I think they were for sale.

Got to go now, one hungry man to feed.

THEY ARE HERE - HOORAH!

2008-07-09T10:26:00.002+03:00

Sorry there is no picture, my camera has snapped its last (I've asked the birthday fairy for a new one) but I can assure you that the arrival of my lovely daughter Jo, my grandson Jack and daddy, John, was a truly beautiful sight. We met them at the airport last night, transported the family to the Bella Vista at Agia Varvara near Sissi and after a quick settling in we all went out for dinner by the sea and a warm welcome from Manolis and Maria at the Paradosiako restaurant. Of course, we have known Manos for a very long time, he is from Vrahassi, so we felt at home. Jack is 5 and has been visiting Paradosiako since he was 9 month's old so he soon contented himself with his little colouring book and pencils (which Maria provides for all children who visit her place). We had a splendid meal, a drop of the local wine and a good old natter.

Today I have spent the morning cleaning up a bit. I have taken two more chickens out of the freezer for dinner tonight (still quite a few left over from that disastrous day when we had to cancel the Twins and the Greek Class Party) and in a minute I will go down to Sissi to have a swim with my little Jack.

And... IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW!

IT'S OVER!

2008-07-08T14:37:00.004+03:00

No, not my personal problem, the Post Box, with a whacking great dint in it where a truck walloped it one as it headed up the hill.
Actually, today it has been up ended again much to the relief of residents who were having to 'bend over' to get their post.

BIRTHDAY WEEK AND FEELING GOOD!

2008-07-05T10:11:00.002+03:00

Yes, it has come around again, my birthday is next Thursday, whoopee! I love birthdays and this one will be extra good because my daughter will be here with my grandson Jack. Now I know you will be wondering how 'life after George' is going on, well, yesterday I was invited to put my case to the office of 'worker's rights' in Ag Nik. George, if you remember (or maybe I haven't said) was trying to claim that I employed him and never paid him wages. Well, of course, that is not true as we were partners from the outset and he ran bar number 2. Anyway the outcome was no surprise, it was obvious that we had been partners and the man in charge threw out the case. I can't believe that George would be so nasty just because I asked him to clean up his act. There was a lot of shouting on his part (what's new there) but I remained calm throughout. David came with me and our Solicitor. What a carry on over sweaty socks!

I am going to Ag Nik now to meet a lady who plays violin and is looking for a pianist to play with her, have to rush so will report back later.

The cafebar looks destined to continue but today will open about 5. Once things settle down (mainly my stomach) I will get into a routine again and start making chocolate cake as usual.

Bye for now, have a good day all.

THEATRE IN VRAHASSI

2008-07-05T09:52:00.009+03:00

Oh this was just what I needed, a real belly laugh from beginning to end, a sort of Greek style Billy Conelly. I found that I understood most of it (rude as it was in parts) and that certainly helped me enjoy the show. I did feel a little sorry for the other English who I knew would be at a loss with the language but give them time. Anyway, to whoever organised the event, many thanks, and a special thank you to the mobile theatre company 'ΕΥΡΟ ΦΑΣΟΛΑΔΕΣ' for brightening up my night. If you get a chance to visit this little theatre company please do so.

GREEK CLASS GET TOGETHER!

2008-07-02T22:49:00.007+03:00

And with all those 1 euro pieces which we saved every week we had a feast of a meal. My Greek Class continues to be a success and I am looking forward to another year of progress. Thanks to the help we are being given by Ina on a Friday, those wishing to start at the beginning are invited to join my Thursday class.
Don't forget, Thursday and Friday, 2 - 4 p.m. All welcome.

OH I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE!

2008-07-02T22:40:00.002+03:00

First of all let me say that although I have decided to open the bar in the evenings only, on Thursday and Friday I shall be open for business as usual for the Greek Classes. That is 2 p.m. Tomorrow night at 9 p.m. there is a performance of a travelling theatre to take place in the car park in front of the council offices in Vrahassi. Naturally I shall be going with whoever wants to come with me.

I have had a very pleasant day today with friends down by the sea at Malia. We had a lovely swim and then went for lunch. I don't think I missed anything in Vrahassi, it has been totally silent ever since I got home.

ALL QUIET IN VRAHASSI!

2008-07-01T18:25:00.002+03:00

The bar is so quiet at the moment that I have decided that as from tomorrow I will not open until 5 p.m. evening. Temperatures are very hot and those people who can are surely at the beach of hiding away from the sun (me included). Today David and I went to Agios Nikolaos on business and managed a cooling dip before coming home, super!

Yesterday I went to see my friend for lunch in Xersonissos and I saw a job advertised which appealed to me. I went for an interview and now I am just waiting to hear. I don't think I will get the job because there are younger ladies in front of me, but we shall see. If I do get it you will be the first to know.

I feel like getting out of Vrahassi as much as possible at the moment because of all the trouble which 'you know who' has given me. I don't think I will trust another person, ever. Welcome to the real world I suppose!

Anyway, tonight is party night in Neapolis and I am looking forward to that. I have not invested in the piano which I wanted because I may need the money for the bar. Permission for the right license continues and I do believe that I am only two papers away. My architect has told me that he should have done his bit within the week.

Not long to Jo and Jack coming now and we can all be together in the sunshine.

Bar number two is officially closed so I don't have to worry about that anymore.

Tomorrow I will visit my friend Damion for an hour of playing music and maybe learning a few Cretan dance steps (slow ones), then it will be a dip in the sea and lunch at the shack. I am trying to live in the now to preserve my sanity but last night I admit to being so depressed that I wanted to leave Vrahassi altogether. Today I feel more positive, I have lived here for 14 years, this is my village now and I won't let some snake of a lying bastard push me out.

GREEK CLASS SUMMER PARTY

2008-06-29T09:44:00.002+03:00

Just to let everyone know that the Greek Class summer party will be held on Tuesday 1st July at the taverna which is on the road which leads to the prison in Neapolis. If in doubt contact me. We shall meet at 8.30. If you have not paid contributions weekly towards this do then please don't be put off, none Greek class members will be asked to pay on the night. If you do intend coming and are not a regular class member please contact me so that I have exact numbers.

Thanks, see you Tuesday if not before.

MORE WONDERFUL CUSTOMERS!

2008-06-27T13:41:00.002+03:00

Hi you two, hope the rest of your holiday went well and look forward to seeing you back at Jane Guevara's before too long.

EX SCIENCE TEACHER GETS HER LEG OVER!

2008-06-27T13:27:00.005+03:00

In Vrahassi, Richard and Barbara Thwaites who I last saw about 25 years ago. Barbara (Mrs Thwaites to me) used to be my General Science teacher at Settle High School. We had a brilliant lunch time reunion. I had offered to pick them up and bring them to Vrahassi but they wanted the thrill of coming up the mountain on a scooter (how crazy is that?) You see I'm not the only crazy Yorkshire person.

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI WROTE...

2008-06-27T12:37:00.002+03:00

LORD, MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT OF THY PEACE;

WHERE THERE IS HATRED, LET ME SOW LOVE;

WHERE THERE IS INJURY, PARDON;

WHERE THERE IS DOUBT, FAITH;

WHERE THERE IS DESPAIR, HOPE;

WHERE THERE IS DARKNESS, LIGHT;

AND WHERE THERE IS SADNESS, JOY.

There is a jazz festival in Heraklion next week!

LIFE AFTER GEORGE!

2008-06-26T22:02:00.004+03:00

And so life continues and just to prove to everyone that I am still smiling and for you all not to worry about me (thank you to everyone for your good wishes) here is a photo taken last night before we set off to a posh do in Ag Nik. As you can see I am still smiling!

UP DATE ON GOINGS ON!

2008-06-26T09:28:00.002+03:00

Well, there is nothing to report actually, Littlelegs is probably still in bed it is just after nine in the morning and I am getting ready to go to Heraklion to buy a new piano. If I have to close the shop (and that is a big if at the moment) then I may as well do something I like to do and that has always been my music.

Yesterday I made contact with a violin player (a lady who has just come to Crete from England) who is looking for a pianist to play sonatas etc with her. Sounds just up my street and will take my mind off the other problem. And it will be a vent for my emotions.

I really must push on, Greek class as normal at 2 p.m. today. Until then sorry but I will not be open till I get back from Heraklion.

Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

POLICE RAID ON VRAHASSI!

2008-06-25T00:46:00.003+03:00

And guess where they came first? You got it (and so did I) ... Jane Guevara's Revolution Bar. Now, not only had I been led to believe by George that all I had to do for my 'licence' was to wait until the Council issued it after I had submitted several papers, the Council itself had never mentioned to me (or to any of the other cafebars) that we needed a 'license' for the outside space which we rent. So, when the police descended on us this afternoon and demanded to see our licenses of course we didn't have one. Lefteris shop closed very quickly while the police were about (god knows why) a 'bag of ice' bomb was hurled into the square from the rooftops and the upshot of it is that we are all to see the Mayor in the morning to find out why we were never told that we should have a license even though we have paid for the outside space.

Now, all this could cost us dear. And at 1 euro a coffee I don't think that my coffee bar will ever make enough profit to cover the cost of it all. I don't want to throw in the towel but I have to think very rationally now.

Our lawyer this morning was very reassuring and we came home feeling much more positive. The police raid, I have to admit, turned my stomach and made me think, is it all worth it? The level of business is not enough to keep things going and I fear that I will have to close up. What a shame, Jane Guevara's Revolution Bar lit up Vrahassi for a short time and then the flame was snuffed out by a poisonous gas emitted by one George Stephanakis who I swear is out of his mind.

The one thing that does cross my mind is that if we need a special license for our outside space then all the businesses in Sissi and Milatos will also need one and what will that do to all those businesses which I dare say are already suffering from the lack of tourists this year. Only a stinking toad could have done this to his fellow villagers and if he can sleep at night I would be surprised.

It is 1 a.m. now and there is certainly no sleep in me. David is also wide awake and working in the office. Tomorrow, after seeing the Mayor I shall make a few phone calls and see how long it will be before I get my papers. I can't wait too long as I have to produce them at the police station within the month. (Or at least that is what I think the policeman said).

MENTALLY INSANE?

2008-06-23T22:04:00.002+03:00

Well, it is 10.05 and we have just had a meeting with George's brother Michaelis. What a waste of time that was. First he said that George had no problem with David just with me. Doesn't he know that the two of us go together. Then he said that he wanted 700 euros and the stock that was left in the bar, plus the money for the pane of glass which he bought as a repair when we took the bar. A few days ago it was 350 euros, which we agreed to, being about the right amount we owe him, but then he took back his demand and threatened us with more trouble. Now he is saying that I was in it with the landlord and that the landlord has paid me a sum of money to get him out of the bar (I wish that were true I could do with a bit extra cash). However when we left Lefteris' bar he had the same paranoia so that didn't go down too well. And... to top it all, he has been to see the same lawyer with whom we have an appointment tomorrow so I doubt that will now go ahead. What a snake, what a liar and many more words which ladies do not use.

Anyway, putting anger aside we (foolishly) finally thought about it and thought it best to agree to his terms - at which point the brother backed off and said it was only what he heard him say and that, as it was nothing to do with him he would leave at that point. (Cowardice obviously runs in the family).

David and I will go to see a solicitor tomorrow but it won't be the same one that our opponent has seen today. I am sure that he will ask for more money next time and where will it end? If only I weren't such a nice person I'd break his bloody kneecaps! (So much for flower power philosophy).

Please God watch over George because he's such a TWAT!

WOT NO MUSIC NIGHT?

2008-06-22T11:33:00.002+03:00

Oh dear, what a disappointment all round. The music night had to be cancelled.

David and I went to the police station yesterday morning. George was there, already shouting his head off. I offered an apology for wasting police time but the head guy was extremely rude which immediately got my back up. I spoke in Greek but there was an interpreter. "Look," I said, "all I want to know is what the law says, I have a cafe bar, it is in my name, this man has locked me out, can I enter the place, yes or no?" Spoken to as though I was being interrogated for murder, the top man said, "Where are your papers for the bar." I put the file with all my papers under his nose." Here," I said. "This is not a police matter," he replied, and the interpreter (a much more polite character altogether) told me that it was a matter for the courts and suggested I get a lawyer.

Later in the day George sent a messenger in the form of another cafe bar owner to say that he wanted money or he would claim that he worked for me and that I never paid him wages etc. We accepted, grudgingly, his terms, not wanting anything further to do with him. However, the answer we got was that he wouldn't accept that and would cause trouble for me anyway. Thank you 'Cretan friend'.

So, now we know where we stand and the further apart that is the better. Of course, I blame myself and no-one else for trying to help him in the first place. I genuinely thought that by opening the other place and by allowing it to be George's place then he would have had a bit of pride and seized the opportunity. My mistake.

Now I don't wish bad for the little man. That goes against all my philosophy of life. So I will try to just put him out of my mind all together and let natural laws take their course. The law of ten fold return always seems to work in the end.

YES IT REALLY IS THE END!

2008-06-21T07:37:00.002+03:00

(My friend is to have a brain scan today but apart from that he is going good).

Well, back to Littlelegs and the continuing dispute.

If you remember, I was locked out of my own bar. Not very convenient and food in the fridge which I needed. Greek class came and went and by late afternoon I decided that I just had to get into the place. I asked David to break the lock and replace it with another. Now the door is aluminium and that is easier said than done. Out came the big drill and soon after, out came George. He had been festering in Lefteris cafeneon and was, by now, extremely drunk. I don't really understand why he did what he did, but the next thing you know he had called the police and said that we were breaking in. Remember, all this time George had the key and would not let us in. The bar is in my name, my responsibility and George was locking me out. Now who is right? I wasn't stopping him from going into the bar. I had every right to be in there.

I apologised to the police for wasting their time but George was shouting and the result was that David was asked to stop trying to get in and we were to go down to the Police station to try to talk to the Chief of Police who would make a decision.

We duly went down to Neapolis Police Station, how embarrassing was that, but the Chief of Police was not there and we were asked to go back today at 11 a.m. Meanwhile, George still has the key and won't let go of it but he can't use it because David has part destroyed the lock. Neither of us therefore can access the bar. This is all very stupid and all because Georges stinking shoes and socks were festering in the back room.

It is very early Saturday morning and as I write this George is sitting at Lefteris' cafeneo looking across. I never want to speak to him again, he has gone one step too far this time. Calling the Police on a 'friend' (obviously I was never a friend) was the final straw. I won't stoop so low as to spit in his face but my God that is exactly what I want to do. His argument is that he will only give the key to the Landlord. The Landlord said, Jane you rented the bar from me and George is your problem. George has this idea that the Landlord owes him for repairs he did to the place, but as we were on a testy 6 month run to see if we could make the bar work, on a 6 month no rent basis I really don't think we owe the Landlord anything. It was a good opportunity and George blew it.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THE MUSIC NIGHT IS TO GO AHEAD UNDER THE PERGOLA OF THE REVOLUTION BAR a much better setting anyway. Lydia and I will run around and David has offered to help out. So now I have a busy day getting in supplies, making the food for tonight and making sure that everyone has a great time, which of course they will, this will be Jane Guevara's at it's best, you just see if it isn't!

IS IT THE END?

2008-06-21T07:33:00.001+03:00

IS IT THE END?
Now, if you really want the nitty-gritty of how a friendship can really end, read on. As you are probably aware, it is the Greek Class bash tomorrow evening and what with George wanting one thing and me wanting another, you know, will it be souvlaki or will it be chicken? And how many portions to cater for, and how many chairs to set out, and who would make the salad, and what amount of beer should we order, and all of that, things were running a bit hot, (and it was pushing 40 degrees under the pergola).But first let me go back a few days to Sunday when my landlord for Bar number 2 (the George cafeneon) rang me and complained about George sleeping in the back of the cafeneon where all his sweaty socks and shoes were stinking the place out and where he was obviously smoking and causing a fire hazard. I wanted to say, then that there was no point in continuing with the bar as it wasn't making any money, but because George was my friend, then I would have a word with him and ask him to move all the offending items (including the old settee which he was kipping down on). This I did, but George was not happy, not happy at all. Anyway a day later I had a meeting with the landlord and assured him that I would take better control and make sure that the place was cleaned out and that George would no longer sleep in the back of the shop.Then David and I went away for a couple of days for a romantic break under the full moon. It was a very relaxing trip (which I may tell you about some other time). Before we left I asked George to make sure that while we were away the kitchen area of the bar was cleaned and the back place tidied of all his clobber. And was it done when we got back? Not on your life. Grot everywhere and Saturday looming ever closer. Of course I was not a happy bunny but Lydia came to the rescue and set to with the pan scrub. Now, when I asked George to move his stuff out of the back he reared up, (drunk by this time) and slammed the door to, locked it and stormed off. Hehem!So, there I was, locked out of my own shop. I pleaded with George to let me in (I had stuff in the fridge) but no, he refused. David came and asked for the key but got the same denial. David was, in fact, very cross and thumped the table.I'M LEAVING ALL THIS FOR NOW BECAUSE A FRIEND OF MINE HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO HOSPITAL WITH A STROKE. (MORE LATER)
Posted by Jane Sharp at 6:20 PM
Monday, June 16, 2008

RUBBISH!
Oh my, I was just having a very peaceful half hour in the heat of the midday sun, bottle of water in hand, wishing I could laze in a hammock, when... shouting and creating outside George's place about... what? A bag of rubbish (a very small, plastic bag) which someone had left on the road by the bins and was spilling out across the road, a few plastic cups, that's all, rolling across the tarmac. What a to do. And while they were cursing and shouting I strolled up to the bins (all of 10 meters) and put the offending plastic bag of paper plates and paper cups, into the rubbish. What could be easier? But the debate continues as to the irresponsibility of whoever 'missed' the green rubbish bin with their rubbish.Much better, in my opinion, if we all act as responsible citizens and make up for the downfall of lesser minded ones instead of disturbing the peaceful inward breath of God's universe.
Posted by Jane Sharp at 4:47 PM
Friday, June 13, 2008

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC DAY 21 JUNE

2008-06-13T12:05:00.002+03:00

Isn't this Father's Day as well?

Anyway it is INTERNATIONAL MUSIC DAY next Saturday and as such we are celebrating in Vrahassi with Live Music performed by the Twins of Neapolis who are excellent musicians. So, come along and join members of our Greek Class who have booked their summer bash at this event. We shall also hold a raffle with several prizes and there will be plenty of opportunity to try out your Greek dancing.

Everyone is welcome to celebrate INTERNATIONAL MUSIC DAY at the Revolution Bar, Vrahassi. Tell all your friends. The fun will begin at about 9 p.m. and there will be souvlaki, salad and chips available to help the plonk along.

See you on the 21st (if not before). In the meantime please note that my little cafe bar will be closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 17, 18, & 19 June and open for business and Greek Class on Friday 20 June. George, however will be open as usual.