Cretan Dancing at Village Party (Part 2)

They did so well! This is the first time that the newly formed dancing troup performed in public. They are all local children. I hope we see lots more of them.

Cretan Village Party 2011 (Part 1)

This is part one of the little film I made at the Vrahassi evening of dance, which was organized by the village council. It was a wonderful evening of food, wine and dance (and Mark's birthday) which was made even better under the light of the full moon. The ladies of the village had made traditional dishes, such as fava, tzatziki, meat dishes, and chips (and of course, there was Mark's birthday cake). It goes without saying that the debut of the Vrahassi dancing troup was a great hit. They did soooooooooo well. Credit must also go to the organizers who coached them and encouraged them to perform with such professionalism.

The next village event will be the anual fiest organized by the football club. That is on or about the 26 July (look out for notices).

I shall have the second little video up and running very soon.

Jane x

HAPPY TIMES/SAD TIMES

Friends dropped in unexpectedly on my birthday morning. It started the day well.

David bought me a Kindle. Now I can see for myself what Tears looks like as an e-book.

Two very special friends came all the way from England to celebrate with me. It was a week of fun!

We did not go on the boat but we had a perfect view from Thalassinos Kosmos restaurant, on the harbour in Sissi, where the party continued.

And then something really sad happened. Abe Glenholmes lost his life to leukeimia. We are a small ex-pat community in Vrahassi, all of us growing older together. We gathered at the small church in the cemetry to say our last farewells to this quiet man, who had enjoyed his life in the sunshine. Now we must support Elain, who will, I am sure, feel so lost. Our deepest sympathy goes to her and her family, who took care of Abe in his hour of need.

Κλήδονας | Μοχός 2011

This is a yearly event in many villages. Maybe next year I will be able to attend. Anyway, I had a great Friday night with visitors from our home town in England. I caught up on all the gossip, births, deaths etc. and spent a very pleasant evening in Koutoulafari near Xersonissos. Of course it has taken me two days to get over the late night and the alcohol. It did not stop me having a 3 hour cello practice today though. Zumba on Tuesday should sort out the extra calories that I took on board. It actually threw a shower in Vrahassi today, but generally speaking it is quite warm.

So, it's time for bed, nearly 11 o'clock. Mosquito on my VDU so I'm off. Bye for now.
Love Jane x

Xania with Jane and Tears from the Sun

Our very brief trip to Xania a few weeks ago. It's a bit of a different day to today, when I am in the middle of tidying up our front garden, up to my neck in compost. Still it is time to get out garden furniture out and the umbrella up. I do believe that the countdown has started to my birthday celebrations, and as tonight is the solstice, then a spot of dancing naked around our geraniums might be a good idea.

I had a lovely lunch in Sissi, yesterday, with my friend Jayne. It was lovely to be able to sit by the sea, relaxe and catch up on the latest. I was sorry to hear that June of Geoff and June, is poorly and that Joe of Gail and Joe Printing, had had a heart bypass operation. Get well soon, both of you!

I am off to Zumba dancing class this afternoon, then a quick visit to the supermarket, cello practice tonight, and that's my day. Have a good one yourselves!

Love Jane x

Greek Government June 2011

Well, it is not every day that a new government gets sworn in. I just happened to be having my chicken sandwich when it came on the box. Let's hope that these good men in black will be able to sort the country out. Anyway it is Friday, and I've got that Friday feeling. David and I are going out on the town tonight, so we shall hear the reaction on the street. That is if there is anybody on the street in Vrahassi.

Did you see the total eclipse of the moon? It was awesome. Very inspirational.

The weather is still on the cool side for June. No worries I can work much better in these temperatures.

Have a good weekend everyone. To Barbara and Lorrain, see you very soon. To Barbara and Stuart, see you even sooner, and to Manolis my Greek teacher, θα σε δω αυριο!

Byeeeeeeeee!
Jane x

Φεγγαρακι μου λαμπρο

As it is the full moon tomorrow, and my Greek teacher has sent me this video, I thought I would share it with everyone. I didn't know that the Greek children had their very own Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

Thanks for adding a link to your blog Eva. 'The more the merrier' as they say.

I missed my Zumba class today because I was busy writing. Just had it to do. It has been a busy few days, frist Greek class, then a quartet practice, yesterday I did a bit of busking in a street with no people (got it a bit wrong there), so today I just had to do some work.

The cooler temperatures for this time of year suite me very well, I did promise myself an aircondition unit for this summer but looks like we may manage without one. We have got mosquitoes in the mountains though, so need the zapper.

Only a few weeks now to August when the family are coming over. I wish it was all of them but if all goes to plan we will see them all this year, one way or another.

Well, have a happy full moon everyone. Not too much howling!
Love Jane x