TIME WARP IN VRAHASSI!

This lovely old woman was explaining that she had a bad heart, and it was difficult living in Vrahassi because it meant that she had to travel to Neapolis for her prescription. She told me that she was 82 years old but 83 the next day. She has no electicity in her house, mains water only to a tap in the yard, and no toilet (I presume a bucket swilled down the grate just outside her front door, does the trick). Even so, she has retained her independence, is a regular churgh goer, and looks after herself. She bemoaned the fact that most of her Greek neighbours of a similar age have left the street, and that her lovely English neighbours could not speak Greek. I know they are taking lessons, but unfortunatley they may have trouble understanding the Cretan dialect of this Vrahasotis.

ELECTION DAY IN VRAHASSI

Meet Yanni and Alexandra Souladaki who are very prominent politicians of the PASOK party (this is equivelent to English Labour Party). I met them both yesterday and immediatedly warmed to them. They are very professional. Alexandra Souladaki is hoping for a place on the new Council of Agio Nikolaos, representing Vrahassi - I wish her well. Of course I must say I was swayed a little when I found out that Alexandra lists poetry as one of her creative pastimes.

Voting took place in the Doctor's surgery above Plateia cafeneion, for the local election, and in the Council offices for the Government election.

Vrahassi was extremely busy all day. I was told today that it was 4.30 a.m. before all the votes had been counted. As far as I can understand (and I may have got it wrong) but I think Michaelis Petselakis and George Fthanakis (Taxi Driver) were elected. There seems to be some confusion about whether or not Alexandra Souladakis has made it and there may be a re-count or a re-vote on that one. I will try to find out more later.

Meanwhile will you please read my next post concerning FREE GREEK LESSONS.

Thanks, Jane x

ELECTIONS FOR THE CENTRAL COUNCIL OF AGIOS NIKOLAOS

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE IN THE LOCAL/EUROPEAN ELECTIONS?

IF YOU ARE THEN PLEASE MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH

According to the new law of Kallikratis, Vrahassi/Sissi/Milatos will belong to the new Town Hall of Agios Nikolaos as from 1st January 2011. The Mayor of this council will be Dimitris Kounenakis. Representatives for the Vrahassi area will be voted in at the elections which are to take place on November 7 2010.

The candidates for the central town council are as follows:
1. Alexandra Souladaki - Assistant architect
2. George Datseris - Doctor
3. George Neratzakis - D.E.I. staff

The candidates for the local council of Vrahassi/Sissi/Milatos are:
1. Michalis Petsalakis - Seaman/Farmer
2. George Fthenakis - Taxi driver/owner
3. Maria Lebidaki - Owner of 'Traditional House' museum
4. Daterina Androulaki - Taverna owner, Milatos

So, out with the old and in with the new. I look forward to seeing you all on voting day. I know who I shall be voting for, do you?

(I was very kindly handed this information for my blog by Michalis Petsalakis, who also included a very kind note, directed at ex-pats, which read: 'We consider you equall members of our society and we hope with your vote and assistance to win a better future for our area.')

Jane x

TRADITIONAL CRETAN TAVERNA

Kalo Mina everyone!

Sometimes it is good to get out of Vrahassi and try somewhere different to eat. The Athiboles (Cretan for 'memories') taverna in Latsida, is literally ten minutes drive from our house. Their menu offers fresh produce, local meats, Cretan appetisers and a hospitable environment.
True to their word, together with our half litre of wine we were treated to three little dishes as appetisers: olives, tomatoes and hot meat in delicious gravy. It was no more than a tablespoonful, but it took the edge off our hunger while we waited for our main meal to arrive. It is a pity that this tradition seems to be disappearing in Vrahassi, I realize that there are economic reasons, or is it that computer games are more important than customers? Whatever, the little taverna just down the road is a delightful place to eat - and they serve delicious icecream too. Our meal, without icecream, cost us 15 euro: meat, chips, a very fresh, crisp salad and half a litre of wine. Excellent value, lovely surroundings and happy memories. Thank you Manolis and Sophia.

CHEESE MAKING IN VRAHASSI

Traditional wooden utensils for cheese making.

And we all got chance to stir the milk!

What a good way to start off 'Janes Vrahassi' again. My little Greek conversation class was invited to watch Lefteris making his cheese. We all had a splendid time and learned so much too. Thank you Lefteris!

It's a lovely sunny day in Vrahassi today and the winds have died down.