Cretan Vista Site News Achive April 2010

Cretanvista Site News & Reviews - April 2010 Issue 86

No links to sites with adult content accepted.

APRIL WEATHER ..... Sometimes good enough to convince that summer really has arrived, but fickle enough to turn the tables in an instant, bringing back wind, cloud and even dusty rain storms...

  Current Chania Webcam             Current Cretan Weather Link
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                      And the walls began to rise further...

The walls rose rapidly until at last (next picture) they had reached the level of the first floor, the Venetian arch had
been restored and reinforcing steel laid. We were ready
for the first floor concrete laying.
Place cursor on/off image

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Astratigos Village Life.... Getting some.. VIII
(Continued from March - Previous click here).

At the end the last episode...
....The room floor sloped from back to front and one corner diagonally to another by around 5^o. To keep PJ, or anyone else in bed would demand some clever leveling - or a very thick rope!!...

All work was now, however, proceeding at a pace. PJ's new bed was leveled with a variety of wedges and being of Cretan design was as rigid as any NHS bed-boarded mattress - not very comfy but good for bad backs! Pam and I set up camp in the larger of the two rooms in the old house and things looked much rosier than they had for a very long time. We had developed a work, eat, sleep routine that ran like a lumpy clock, but it ran and was getting smoother...

As the walls went up so the scaffolding came down. Came down the hill that is, from our agents house, where it had been already used in the renovation of his own house. Seemed sensible to agree to the loan in the first place since the scaffolding would have been thoroughly tested before we had to stand on it. Though who took the first 'fall' in the arrangement was a matter of which way one looked at it - up or down. We had done a fair bit of 'advance' purchasing on our agent's advice in order to avoid future cost increases. That he should have first use seemed appropriate since the method was saving money! The only question was for whom....

In one case - a pre-purchase of an extra-long ladder must have saved a packet - our agent using the ladder for a number of months at his own house to reach his third storey - and then refunding the full cost when it became the case that it was no longer needed at ours. We didn't lose a drachma!

The walls meanwhile, continued to rise until we were at the level of the first floor - which was to be a mezzanine floor covering only around 40% of the floor area of the new front-house. The remainder would be up and open to the wooden ceiling that we were to install - giving the impression of impressive height from what would be our lounge/dining room and also saving on the taxes due as the open area was not counted for building tax purposes. We thought that very reasonable - if it doesn't exist you don't get taxed on it. Yet more savings. If we carried on like this we would be making yet more money by not having things...

The architectural design, however, created the next problem. It transpired that because of the width of the room the originally planned wooden beams were out the as yet non-existent window. The original beams were to be (literally) round tree trunks - as were to be the roofing beams of the open ceiling. Very traditional. Unfortunately our agent was no longer able to obtain timber supplies of the correct dimensions which were straight enough for the job. We fell back on steel (RSJ) girders.

Perhaps, in that case, we proposed, we might just as well have a concrete first floor. Since we would have to lay a new concrete balcony at the same level it would be very much faster, less complicated and ultimately cheaper. The steel RSJ's would certainly be strong enough. That idea had to be dropped when the architect apparently said that it was not the RSJ's, but the walls upon which they sat which would not bear the extra loading that the weight of concrete involved would impose. Ok, we would put in the new wooden floor when the time came. The RSJ's went in.

In the event the floor was created as a sandwich on top of the RSJ's re-using much timber (props and shuttering) which we already owned. Vastly stronger and less costly to create in any event. And vastly more presentable...

And then we were there! First floor level. RSJ's delivered, rust-proofed and lifted into position. The old Venetian arch outside the old kitchen (half pulled down against our instructions and dumped in the garden before our arrival) and vestibule doorways - one original one Venetian rebuilt, plus walls, were in place. The wooden shuttering was laid as needed and the reinforcing (rebar) steel delivered. We were nearly ready.

But nearly ready never seemed quite enough on this job. PJ pointed out that the architects plans showed main and smaller balconies as one, joined an overhang corner from side to back. Our agent had apparently not read the plan correctly - we were having two separate balconies. We proposed a quarter circle overhang. He could not see how a round corner was possible - the vertical side pieces of the box into which the concrete would be poured could only join at right angles!

Well, that was before PJ borrowed his power saw to cut an upright out of marine plywood, cross-cut it almost through, curved and then fitted it into a perfect quarter-circle. A couple of days fitting and tying the steel into the desired pattern (criss-crossed squares) with steel wire and we really were ready for the concrete to be delivered and poured now...

Astratigos Village Life.... Getting some.. Is condensed from the book 'Pamela's House' - in current preparation... Continued next month...

In the News Reviews...
Muslim cultural center targeted...
By an explosive device which detonated, causing little damage and no injuries. The centre is used as a mosque...
                                    (item 5) Link to Story.

And in a controversial move...
It is reported that Justice minister Haris Kastanidis has signed a decree paving the way to exonerating convicts so that they are able to obtain public sector employment - forbidden to convicts. One reprieved convict will apparently serve in Rethymno, Crete...
                                                Link to Story.

Whilst Cretan police in Chania...
Detained a 54 year old man whose home lies close to a 3.5 Kg stash of cannabis. The man is believed to be a dealer...
                                    (item 4) Link to Story.

And police at Atsalirio...
Near Iraklio, caught two men red-handed in the act of breaking into a local church. The men, both in their early 20's, are suspected of breaking into at least two other churches in order to steal cash from collection boxes...
                                    (item 7) Link to Story.

Plus the best way to get on TV...
At least in the eyes of a group of Iraklion protesters, is to burst into a TV news studio during a broadcast. They were protesting about the arrest of suspected members of a terrorist group and government austerity measures...
                                    (item 5) Link to Story.

Very sadly...
After living for 80 years, a woman in Gangales village in Iraklio was killed instantly by a maneuvering crane...
                                    (item 7) Link to Story.

But life goes on for others...
Although there seems every likelihood that it will be behind bars for a while for the six suspected members of a robbery gang arrested on Crete...
                                    (item 6) Link to Story.

And likewise...
That will probably be the fate of a five man gang - three of whom were in the act of attempting to rob an Iraklio supermarket when they were thwarted by an off-duty police officer. They escaped in a car in which two accomplices were waiting...
                                    (item 6) Link to Story.

Plus, if police catch the perpetrator/s...
Of the recent firebomb attack on the Emboriki Bank in Chania the prisons may soon be even fuller...
                                    (item 5) Link to Story.

And of course we musn't forget Easter...
So recently past again this year. And at least one unusual place to celebrate Easter which not many people must consider are the monasteries of Meteora, near Kalambaka in Northern Greece...
                                                 Link to Story.

Editorial note: You might just be tempted to seek this experience - before you do have a look at some of these Google images before you decide. You really do need a head for heights and a little stamina for a lot of steps....
                                               Link to images.

Easter was better...
On the roads this year - with casualties down by nearly 20% - but the figures still show 38 deaths between March 26th and April 6th - Easter Monday...                                 Link to Story.

But back on Crete...
At least three people were killed and four injured in firework-related incidents. A later televised report said that the figures were four dead and six hospitalized...
                                                Link to Story.

And Finally - Facebook and Religion...
Do not seem to have a very harmonious relationship. Roman Catholics are discouraged by the Pope from using social networking websites. Now Archbishop Irenaios of Crete has issued a circular to Greek Orthodox priests to be cautious about posting messages - or setting up a profile on Facebook.

The archbishop reportedly said that the message 'was a precautionary measure so that our priests do not get involved in matters the extent of which they do not fully comprehend.'

But apparently not all Greek Orthodox priests are worried about social networking...
                                                 Link to Story.

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COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
All of the material produced by Cretanvista is copyright and belongs to someone who has spent time, effort and money to produce it. We are often willing to allow the use of our material for personal (non-commercial) purposes. For example our calendar photographs can be used to reproduce the pictures for your own individual calendars, or to hang on granny's bedroom wall.

We will however, take action against anyone we discover using our materials in any mass distribution exercise, especially for financial gain, unless specifically authorized by us and we are acknowledged as the source in the reproduction.
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FREE...
Cretanvista is a free site. We accept neither cash nor gratuities and sell nothing. We don't carry paid-for advertising. But we do try to give you information which you might want to know about.

Accommodation in Astratigos - For rent/Sale again....
The first house on the left as you enter Astratigos from Afrata - a large cream and green affair sporting two apartments two balconies and a small pool at the front . Live in Astratigos maybe?

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HOLIDAY VILLAS...
Another local owner has carried out some superb traditional renovations in Astratigos and has renovated what was once his own accommodation - maybe for your holidays! Book and check availability at:-
Crete-escapes.com

In Kolimbari - right on the beach near the tavernas, is:-

The Grand Bay Beach Hotel

Visit Interdynamic's website.

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http://www.provencebeyond.com/ Well worth a visit if you are interested in France, especially the southern parts.

FERRY SERVICES.
SOUDA BAY - PIRAEUS (Chania-Athens).

ANEK LINES operate daily return sailings.
Souda     -    Piraeus
21.00Hrs         05.30Hrs
Piraeus     -    Souda
21.00Hrs         05.30Hrs

Blue Star Lines operate daily sailings between Souda and Piraeus.
Souda     -    Piraeus
23.00Hrs         06.15Hrs
Piraeus     -    Souda
14.45Hrs         22.00Hrs

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CHECK TIMETABLES WITH THE COMPANIES OR THEIR AGENTS.

WEBSITE LINKS

Moving to Crete? Get Sound Practical Advice for free..

'Notes on Greece' is a British Embassy publication which gives information on matters relating to Greece. Obtaining a copy first hand from the British Consulate in Iraklion (Heraklion) will ensure that you have the most recent edition - and professional contacts with up-to-date and wide ranging knowledge on matters relating to Crete. Contact the consulate via:-

:crete@british-consulate.gr

An e-mail copy is available as a Microsoft word file - a very fast email of very useful information.

Picture Strip: Pont/click. These photographs are links to larger versions with information from CVnewsarc1003. The information about weaving may no longer be correct. See 'A little extra news' below in the left hand column.

Anogia (Anoyia) Village

Lower Anogia (Anoyia) - woven goods

Musical Icon - Nikos Xylouris

Soft-lit mountain sunsets

Earthquake activity in April:
Although the main reports here refer to Greece, following the devastating Haiti earthquake in January, February brought a second devastation, this time to Chile (Read wikipedia Summary). March brought a third 'quake, this time with a magnitude of 6.0 Richter to the Basyurt area of eastern Turkey, killing 42 villagers and injuring at least 60 on March 8th - USGS report.

There was only one earthquake of note in Greece in April.

21 Apr: 4.3 Richter Scale, 06.19am. Zakinthos. Undersea epicentre 35km from the
            island.
                                                                                         (item 5) Link to Story.


Earthquakes are a common feature of life in Greece and it is unusual for deaths, injuries and or damage to buildings to occur.

The author of a ten year study at the National Technical University of Athens says that Greece is sitting waiting for the next major earthquake without doing anything to mitigate it's effects. (Our italics).                                                   Link to Report.

There are certain existing buildings considered to be at risk from major earthquakes. Link to story. These buildings, which include a number of schools, are being investigated with the objective of safety. Link to story. Engineers have also called upon the government to institute checks on old bridges in Greece. Link (Item6.)

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A Little Extra News....
And as usual. there are always new happenings to talk about...

April brought a new visitor and now good friend to Astratigos - Ioanna Knoop, a weaving enthusiast and proprietor of the 'Shorn Sheep' weaving and woven goods shop in Mithymna on the Island of Lesvos - about as near to the Turkish coast as one can get without reaching for your passport. Ioanna was on a mission to meet weavers and view Cretan weavings/weavers here on Crete. Attracted by our weaving pages, Pam's weavings, looms, tools et al, and also by the possibility of visiting Rokka carpets and other shops in Chania selling woven goods. She also had a strong the desire to visit the Rethymnou village of Anogia. The latter was renowned until recent times for it's operational weaving cooperative and wool mill. We were hoping to go to Anogia with her as it had been about five years since we had last been.

In Chania 'Saita' the Cretan popular art shop of Ephi Paraskevoydaki where it is still possible to buy genuine hand made Cretan carpets, weavings, laces and other art items at reasonable prices. But we really wanted to visit Rokka Carpets, a well known fountain of genuine Cretan woven good of all descriptions. And to watch the weaving and perhaps chat with Mihalis Manousakis or his wife as one or the other worked. Unfortunately for us Rokka was not open when we visited - perhaps a little early in the season - so after telephoning without success and making local enquiries we moved on to Top Xanas - the shop of Kostas Liapakis in Aggeiou Str. There was indeed a fine selection of woven carpets on sale and we received a warm welcome and generous display of the goods - including carpets from Turkey!

From there we went to the Folk Museum next to the Catholic Church just off Halidon. This is well worth a visit containing much to attract the weaver. Looms, tools, finished items and mock-ups of the inside of a genuine Cretan house and contents. The items are all genuine, but it is a museum - one can only look. The only items on sale were books. The highlight was the ongoing (live) embroidered picture making of artist Aspasia Bikaki who graciously allowed our photographing her latest (as yet unfinished) work. Interactive link. A touch of Cretan magic.

Our planned joint visit to Anogia had to be re-planned as a solo visit by Ioanna - who had to catch her flight from Iraklion on the following day. The logistics just didn't fit a return to Astratigos on the same day, so we said our personal farewells on day three. And off went Ioanna alone - armed with suitable warnings about remote villages and motor vehicles! Plus an A3 canvas print of the Lyra playing (at the time of the photograph) Yeorgios Skoulas of the Grillos Folk Museum in Anogia. O Yeorgios was apparently somewhat excited when he received the gift and sent a profuse vote of thanks via Ioanna. This had apparently become the highlight of a somewhat disappointing trip to the village for her, for she found only the remnants of the original weaving cooperative, no wool for sale, and a village of men driving black pick-ups with tinted black windscreens and windows!!

It would seem a sad fact that weaving is a dying craft on Crete - even in villages like Anogia where it was once a mainstay. However, the area is very close to the Psiloritis mountains, birthplace of Zeus. It is the also the birthplace of singer Nikos Xylouris and is the village razed by the Nazis in WWII after executing all the men they could capture. The razing was a reprisal - the villagers were believed to have been involved in the kidnapping of German General Krieppe. A hard place. But we really can recommend the barbecued lamb and the views from the Hotel Aristea are absolute magic at sunset view here.

Kalos Ithate Stin Kriti.
WB. Cretanvista. Bringing the sunshine, keeping the rain off!

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Messages.
We receive some brilliant messages - really - and they are very welcome. We will ALWAYS reply so please, if you have sent a message and not received an answer - resend the message - we either didn't get it or have somehow overlooked it. Our response time is usually within 48 hours.

Personal Information..
We have been asked in the past to help locate people. We would love to be able to assist but regret that are unable to do this.

Questions and Answers..
Quite a lot of questions are received here at Cretanvista and, as with e-mails and other forms of communication, we do our best to supply valid answers. We never respond "Off the Top of our Heads" but always research the answer - even if we already have one (things change) before passing the information on.

We provide links to appropriate alternative sources where we have them. The answers are given with the proviso that recipients are responsible for any action taken by them.
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Site Content:-

Notices.

We are still undertaking our upgrade of the site. Changes here have left some pages outdated - new houses; hotels; supermarkets; roads and all. But it all takes time; please bear with us.

Contacting Cretanvista..
We have now discontinued all direct email links. You can still reach us directly using our new Contact form, and will still receive direct replies, but if you see an email address please ignore it.

Photo Galleries...
Calendar Photo Galleries:
A new one every year for the past decade! The 2010 Calendar gallery is complete and online now.. The 2009 calendar topic was 'Wild Flowers of Crete' (after our wild flower galleries) and the result was superb! Which is why we followed up the theme in 2010. Because of our success we have already produced our 2011 wild flower calendar format (and our other themes continue). But we can reprint any issue with next year's dates - whatever year that happens to be! Have a look at the 2010 wild flowers calendar Link.

Wild Flower Gallery - Now at 288 different wild flower photographs - plus dozens in preparation - Gallery 11 is not far from uploading... We have added more reference information on redesigned pages - with more photos of each specimen to follow soon. Please note also that All flower galleries have now been successfully re-coded to eliminate a bug which affected some Firefox browser versions. All the information will remain online at Cretanvista. With the advent of ipods, Blackberry's and other gizmos it will be much easier to take Cretan vista on your field trips - and all the information that goes with it.

Wildlife Gallery - the first two pages - 48 unique photographs, including some rare specimens of the Cretan fauna. Some is quite beautiful, some a bit scary/creepy, but all now add to our wildlife page and the ornithology gallery pages. Remember that it is always worth checking where you walk or sit before you do! Start here.

Chania Photo Gallery.
Our Chania photograph galleries commenced with a presentation from Klaus Dieter Thill, whose photographs of some old buildings in the area of the Venetian Harbour show a little of what we all sometimes miss. Have a look - it's worth it. Start here.

Miniature Chapels of Crete Gallery.
Klaus-Dieter Thill - author of Minaturkapellen auf Krista, a printed photo album detailing some of those enigmatic roadside shrines of Crete, has now contributed the first page of his Chania on-line gallery.

Cretan Art and crafts - Weaving pages...
Weaving is in full swing and natural dyes are being made up and the photographs taken to add to this section. We will be adding our pages on our new looms, equipment and new projects started as soon as we can. The weaving tends to take the time right now..

Our very first nature gallery...
Contributed by Anastasios Sakoulis, whose book on Cretan wildlife Moments of Cretan Nature is also on our site as a book review. Anastasios contributed 18 pictures of birds for addition to a gallery some time ago now. We will attach these to our bird-watching pages as soon as possible.

GENERAL: There are now 20 galleries featuring aspects of Cretan life, including sunrise and sunset pictures; Souda Bay War Cemetery; the gallery of magnificent wild-life pictures by Anastasios Sakoulis; our own wildlife gallery; the wild flowers; Chania; Mhlia (Milia) traditional village; etc.. etc...

Our improvements continue. We sincerely hope that you notice little - apart from increased enjoyment and ease of use. Keep visiting - your presence is what make all worthwhile.

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	Living in Crete by Carol Palioudakis OUT NOW IN PAPERBACK! Price £9.50 GBP
	Amazon.co.uk & Selected Cretan bookstores

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UK Nursing History - Schools of Nursing
Readers who have any interest in the history of the UK nursing profession might well be interested in looking at:-

www.schoolsofnursing.co.uk

There is a main site detailing every pre-university school of nursing, the hospitals used for training and badge awarded.
A forum covering all aspects of nursing history
A 'National' nursing badge collection containing more than 2000 photographs.
Badges, nurses, hospitals et al
Web space for your own nursing related photographs.
*Membership is Free
*Membership is necessary to use the forum and photograph Gallery areas.

Related Sites - also free.
'nursingbadges
historyofhospitals

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