New Category on Lefkas Life

A new category...'WORK WANTED / AVAILABLE'...has been added to Lefkas Life.  You can find it on the drop-down list of 'Odds & Bobs'.
If you're looking for work or have work available and want people to know, send an email with full details to lefkaslife@gmail.com and it will be posted there for the world to see.

Just as an aside.... Since it's inception, nearly two years ago, Lefkas Life website has been visited a little over 60,000 times. Not a web sensation but I'm pleased.  The vast majority of visits have, unsurprisingly, been made from people in Greece and the UK. So, if you have anything at all to say that may be of interest or use to the ex-pat community of Lefkas write to Lefkas Life and get it out there.

ROAD TAX PAYMENT GOES ON-LINE

Owners of Greek registered vehicles can now print their 2013 road tax form using the online TAXISnet system, then use this to pay at banks, post offices or tax offices. They have to do so by the end of December.

Authorities will no longer issue road tax stickers. Instead, all data will be logged electronically.

The move is estimated to save some 80 million euros per year.

click on this link to take you to the very simple application to print out your road tax form
The pages are in Greek only.  If you can't translate it, then this is what you do.
On the page that comes up from the link, press the button (which is 'enter').  The next page that comes up is the application
In the left-hand box enter your AFM (tax number).  In the right-hand box enter your Vehicle licence plate number.
Press the left-hand button (Search)....after a moments thought some red writing comes up.... which says the search has been successful and instructing   you to press 'Print', which is the middle of the three buttons. Do this, and either print immediately or save to file on your computer for printing later.
Take the printed document to the bank and pay, anytime up to Dec 31st.  They will stamp and sign one of the discs for you to keep and retain the other for their records. (take your passport just in case you need it for identity purposes) Job complete.
The right hand button of the three, by the way, is to reset the form if you made a mistake or want to apply for another vehicle after you've done the first one.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 11/11/2012

The act of observing a Two Minute Silence began in 1919 following the Armistice at 11am on 11 November 1918 at the end of the First World War.  A pause to reflect and remember the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice

Remembrance is no longer just about those who fought in the two World Wars of the last century, but also about those involved in the many other conflicts worldwide since 1945 and those still fighting for peace and freedom now.

The life that we all enjoy is a direct result of the sacrifices they made.  Let us remember them and honour them.

NEW YACHT BROKERAGE ON LEFKAS

Set up by island residents, David Rogerson & Paula Conroy, the new brokerage trades as Ionian Yacht Sales

"Our brokers are ABYA trained professionals and are delighted to assist in making your purchase or sale a pleasure and helping with registration and VAT.

Visit our yacht brokerage office in Lefkas Town

If you are selling your boat or buying a boat we can make the whole process a pleasure."

Lefkas sales Office 

Phone: 26450 21019 / 6945 347 870
Email: sales@ionianyachtsales.com
Web: www.ionianyachtsales.com

Electricity prices to rise by up to 40%

By Chryssa Liaggou writing for Ekathimerini                                                     

The demand by Greece’s creditors for  electricity rates to reflect the full cost of production will bring about fresh rate hikes by June 2013.

The draft memorandum Athens has agreed to with the troika will spread the rise over two or three installments, with the first coming as early as January.

Based on the cost data that Public Power Corporation presented to the Regulatory Authority for Energy in August, the implementation of the measure will entail rate hikes up to 40 percent for households and businesses with low consumption and is expected to affect no fewer than 2.2 million consumers.

Sources say that the competent ministry will initially examine the possible expansion of the so-called Social Household Rates to include households with low consumption that are not covered by the criteria used today and are set for the biggest rate increase next year.

No Extra Cost for Catamarans in Lefkas Marina

A new pricing policy for catamarans in Lefkas marina according to which there is no extra charge on mooring fees in all catamaran categories! This new offer concerns bookings from 01/10/2012
Link to Marina site with details  http://www.medmarinas.com/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=203

Multiple murderer on leave from prison......!!!!!!

Report in Ekatherimini on-line newspaper

Police are looking for multiple murderer Michalis Makriyiannis after he failed to return from a prison furlough.

Makriyiannis had been given a five-day pass from Larissa Prison in central Greece but did not return to the jail.

It is the second time he has breached furlough terms. Makriyiannis went missing from Alikarnassos Prison in 2006 but was recaptured 15 months later.

Makriyiannis has received four life sentences for five murders, three attempted murders and several armed robberies.

MEGANISSI CIRCUMNAVIGATION BY CANOE

A group of friends from the South end of Lefkas recently completed a circumnavigation of Meganissi Island in canoes.  To read the account of the trip, written by Miriam Janssen, CLICK HERE

Doğuş group to buy four marinas in Greek fire sale

click below for full article of the Turkish company's plans to purchase  Gouvia, Lefkas & other marinas.
Doğuş group to buy four marinas in Greek fire sale

NEW GOVERNMENT

New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras (finally realising his personal ambition) has been sworn in as the new prime minister of Greece and will lead a coalition government comprising ND, Pasok and Democratic Left. Both the supporting parties have declined to have any of their members join the cabinet.... no doubt they expect the coalition to fail and can therefore distance themselves from Samaras and ND, blaming him for the failure. (Same old, same old).

Syriza (far left, anti memorandum) who so nearly won the election will sit in opposition, stirring the proverbial at every opportunity, praying the the coalition will collapse and portraying themselves as the next government in waiting.

All three parties of the coalition essentially support the Memorandum of Understanding that has enabled the huge bailout funds but the initial task of the new government is to try and moderate the terms of the Memorandum.... extending the time period for meeting targets and reducing the severity of many of the austerity measures..... obviously a populist move... but it may succeed, as the mood in Europe seems to be swinging towards less austerity and more measures for growth as a way out of the European crisis. All well and good but in order to create growth more money has to be made available....which means, dare I say it, more debt, at least in the short term.

It all brings to mind an advert by a UK company, purportedly helping out those people with massive debts, to take out 'A Debt-buster Loan'.... an oxymoron if ever I've heard one.

With the entire world economy based on debt...which it seems cannot be repaid and can only be sustained by more and more debt...where will it all end? I guess the simple answer is that the whole house of cards will eventually collapse and chaos will ensue. With luck, what will emerge from the ruins will be a world that accepts that it has to live within it's means and will save up to pay for what it wants and 'borrowing, loans and debts' will become dirty words. That might slow down innovation and progress....but what's the hurry?

RESULTS OF PURSUIT RACE

9 boats started the race from Nikiana in a very nice breeze.... all getting away well, thanks to the clear instructions of the race officers, David & Janet.  However, there was a rude awakening round the corner, on the way to Ag Nikolas Island in One Tree Bay.  The wind failed spectacularly allowing everyone to catch each other up.  At one stage nearly all the boats were in line abreast.  Light zephyrs enabled  some to wriggle their way ahead.... with a fair number of changes of places.  The race timed out not long after rounding the island.  The results were as follows

1st          GLORIA
2nd         IZOLA
3rd         FEAR AND LOATHING
4th         LYNCEUS
5th         DIONYSSOS
6th         KATURELA
7th         RAZZLE DAZZLE
8th         ARUNJA
9th         CASSIOPEIA

Thanks to all for taking part......... there will be more.

SECONDHAND SALE

THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED

Lizzie & Edwige have decided to organise a Secondhand Sale open to all of you who want to sell or buy secondhand clothes and toys.

It will happen at Lizzie's house in Lefkas on Wednesday, 6th June from 4pm to 8pm.

For those who have items to sell please bring them the day before (ie Tues 5th June.... 5pm to 8pm) to Lizzie's house.  Mark your items with your name and a price.  Only items that are in good condition  will be accepted and nothing should be priced over €30. 

For more information or to find out where Lizzie's House is situated please contact 

LIZZIE 6946 159 883   or    EDWIGE  6934 249 798 or EMAIL libralizgr@yahoo.co.uk

CORONATION CHICKEN

The original coronation chicken recipe, conceived by Rosemary Hume for Elizabeth II's Coronation lunch in 1953.

Serves 6 - 8

Poach two young roasting chickens with carrot, bouquet garni, salt and peppercorns in water and a little wine, as well as enough barely to cover, for about 40 minutes or until tender.

Allow to cool in the liquid. Joint the birds, removing the bones with care.

Cream of curry sauce:

Ingredients

1 tbsp oil

50g/2oz onion, finely chopped

1 dessert spoon curry powder

1 good tsp tomato purée

1 wineglass red wine

¾ wineglass water

A bay leaf

Salt, sugar, a touch of pepper

A slice or two of lemon and a squeeze of lemon juice

1-2 tbsp apricot purée 450ml/¾ pint mayonnaise

2-3 tbsp lightly whipped cream

• Heat the oil, add onion, cook gently for 3-4 minutes, add curry powder. Cook again for 1-2 minutes.

• Add purée, wine, water and bay leaf. Bring to boil, add salt, sugar to taste, pepper, and the lemon and lemon juice. Simmer with the pan uncovered for 5-10 minutes.

• Strain and cool. Add by degrees to the mayonnaise with the apricot purée to taste.

• Adjust seasoning, adding a little more lemon juice if necessary. Finish with the whipped cream. Take a small amount of sauce (enough to coat the chicken) and mix with a little extra cream and seasoning.

• Mix the chicken and the sauce together, arrange on a dish, coat with the extra sauce.

Caretaker Government Sworn In.

As none of the three parties, ND, Syriza, Pasok nor the President were able to form a workable coalition government we now face the prospect of another election.

Greece’s caretaker cabinet, which will oversee the running of the country until new elections are held on June 17, was sworn in on Thursday morning.

The names of the new cabinet, which is led by Panayiotis Pikrammenos, the former president of the Council of State, were announced at 1.30 a.m.

The government, which, at the request of the political parties will only have an administrative role, is mostly made up of university professors, former ministers and diplomats.

Economist and university professor Giorgos Zannias was given the hot seat at the Finance Ministry. He had previously served as an economic adviser to the government.

Former foreign minister Petros Molyviatis is returning to the role he held with the New Democracy government elected in 2004.

The MPs elected in the May 6 elections will also be sworn in on Thursday but Parliament is likely to be dissolved at the beginning of next week so elections can be held on June 17.

New Democracy fails to form a coalition government....now its the turn of Syriza to have a go

The leader of the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), Alexis Tsipras, is to get a shot at forming a coalition government from Tuesday after an attempt by Antonis Samaras, the leader of conservative of New Democracy which came first in the general elections, failed to bear fruit. Tsipras is to meet President Karolos Papoulias at 2 p.m. to receive his mandate to form a government. He will then approach other parties - formations “primarily” to the left of the political spectrum, he indicated yesterday - in a bid to form a left-led coalition. Party sources told Kathimerini that Tsipras’s key goal is to win round the Communist Party (KKE) and Democratic Left, a moderate, pro-Europe grouping. If this fails - which is likely as KKE has already ruled out any cooperations - Tsipras will reach out to other parties, the same sources said. He is also expected to meet with the heads of smaller leftist parties that didn’t make it into Parliament in a bid to bolster SYRIZA ahead of a possible second round of elections. Samaras effectively passed the baton to the 38-year-old leftist on Monday when he declared that his efforts to form a government had failed. “We did everything we could, but it just wasn’t possible,” Samaras said in a televised statement. According to the Constitution, the leader of the first party in general elections gets three days to form a government before the mandate passes to the runner-up and then the third party. ND sources said that Samaras returned the mandate after just a few hours as he had not wanted to waste time at such a critical moment for the nation. Earlier in the day, following a meeting with Samaras, Tsipras ruled out the formation of a national unity government with ND, reiterating that the election results showed people rejecting the politics of austerity. “We will do all we can to reach an agreement with primarily left-wing parties,” he said. His appeal elicited a cautious response from Democratic Left leader Fotis Kouvelis. “We will wait to hear a precise and clear proposal and then we will comment,” Kouvelis said after rejecting participation in a conservative-led government following talks with Samaras. Kouvelis said his party had not shifted from its pre-election position - to ensure Greece remains in the eurozone and renegotiate its debt deal.

ekathimerini.com , Monday May 7, 2012 (22:58)

The Bridge Returns

Nearly home..... just about to pass the marina

Greek Election Result ..... a state of uncertainty for the future

Greece was plunged into political uncertainty on Sunday night as national elections produced a fragmented Parliament of at least seven parties and a result that could preclude New Democracy and PASOK forming a coalition government over the next few days.

The possibility of the two parties that backed Greece’s new bailout combining their forces was undermined by a collapse in their support, particularly in the case of PASOK. The Socialists suffered a drubbing around the country and looked to have been beaten into third place by the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) with what could be PASOK’s worst ever showing at the ballot box.

The election result was also notable for the entry into Parliament of the neo-Nazi Chrysi Avgi (Golden Dawn), which in 2009 had only gained 0.29 percent of the vote and looked set to gather close to 7 percent at these elections.

With 45 percent of the vote counted last night, New Democracy was leading with 20.23 percent. It was followed by SYRIZA on 15.94 percent and PASOK on 13.92 percent. The right-wing anti-bailout Independent Greeks party, formed just a few months ago, came fourth with 10.40 percent. The Communist Party (KKE) garnered 8.36 percent, which was lower than most opinion polls had suggested. Chrysi Avgi gained 6.84 percent and the Democratic Left was the last party certain of a place in Parliament with 5.99 percent.

Two other parties, Ecologist Greens and the nationalist Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS), were close to gaining seats in the House with less than half of the votes counted.

The result means that in the best-case scenario, New Democracy, which will be awarded an extra 50 seats, and PASOK would only have a majority of a few MPs in the 300-seat Parliament. Even if they were able to agree to form a coalition, it would have weak political legitimacy in wake of an election that saw Greek voters move en masse toward parties that opposed the bailout agreed with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.

PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos and New Democracy chief Antonis Samaras both declared themselves open to the idea of forming a pro-European national unity administration that would include other parties and would seek to renegotiate the terms of the EU-IMF loan agreement.

“All Greeks have to get to know each other again,” said Venizelos, who admitted that PASOK had paid the price for carrying the burden of the crisis. “We embittered the people so we could protect the future of the nation.”

He said that the possibility of forming a national unity government with a “European orientation” regardless of parties’ positions on the bailout should be explored.

Samaras said he would seek to form a “national salvation government” to keep the country in the eurozone and pledged to “amend” Greece’s debt deal with foreign creditors in a bid to boost growth. He attributed the outcome of the elections, in which voters punished the two main parties, to “the disappointment of the Greek people for dead-end policies that have pushed them to the limits.”

However, the possibility of a third group joining such a government looked extremely slim last night.

Perhaps the best hope for Greece’s two main parties would have been Democratic Left, which maintained a clear pro-European stance during the campaign. However, party leader Fotis Kouvelis repeated his position that cooperation with New Democracy and PASOK was not in Democratic Left’s intentions. “The results show people’s frustration and anger,” he said.

A failure by PASOK and ND to form a government would leave second-placed SYRIZA, the night’s big winners, with the option of trying to form a government. Greece’s electoral law means that in case of a hung parliament, the first party has three days to form a government, followed by the second party and then the group that comes in third.

SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras, who at 38 led his party to its best election showing, ruled out the option of working with either New Democracy or PASOK and said he would try to form a coalition of parties opposed to the EU-IMF memorandum, starting with those on the left.

Tsipras said in a speech from his headquarters that the austerity policies of German Chancellor Angela Merkel “have suffered a crushing defeat.” He said he would appeal to the “forces of the left” in a bid to form a coalition to “abolish the memorandum.” “Their signatures have been undermined by the popular mandate,” he said, referring to the leaders of the outgoing coalition government.

Tsipras said his party’s showing in the elections constituted a “strong message, to Greece and to Europe, to overturn the status quo” and “a message of peaceful revolution.” ”The peoples of Europe cannot be reconciled with barbaric memorandums,” he said.

If the top three parties fail to form a coalition government, President Karolos Papoulias has the right to broker a deal to create a national unity administration. If this effort fails, Greece will have to go to new elections.

GREEK GENERAL ELECTION ON SUNDAY 6TH MAY

By Nick Malkoutzis

There is little doubt that Sunday’s elections will deal painful blows to both PASOK and New Democracy. The question, though, is whether they will be knockout blows. Most indications are that despite their declining popularity Greece’s two main parties will survive.

Since 1981, PASOK and New Democracy have only once received a combined share of the vote that is less than 79 percent. This was in the most recent national elections, in 2009. It was the fourth consecutive elections in which the two parties saw their share of the vote decline but it would take a drop of monumental proportions on Sunday to keep the Socialists and conservatives from being in a position to form a government.

Exactly what percentage of the vote they would need is not clear as it will depend on how well the parties who don’t enter Parliament fare on election day. The better they do, the easier it will be for PASOK and ND to combine their forces to get the minimum of 151 seats to form a government. In 2009, the aggregate percentage of the parties that failed to make it into Parliament was less than 5 percent. If this is repeated on Sunday, the next government needs close to 39 percent of the vote for a majority.

However, it is likely that this time the support that goes to smaller, non-parliamentary parties will be higher. Some opinion polls were putting it at close to 10 percent a few weeks ago. If this is accurate, the threshold for forming a government would be less than 37 percent.

Even taking into account the anger and disappointment felt by these two parties’ traditional supporters, PASOK and ND would have to collect less than half of the 79 percent they gathered about 2.5 years ago in order to be unable to form a government. In the current fluid political environment, it’s not impossible, though it does seem highly improbable.

Should PASOK and New Democracy pass the 151-seat mark, they will face two questions: if they can work together and if they will need a third party to join their administration and boost their numbers in Parliament.

In essence, there should be little keeping PASOK and ND from cooperating. They have both agreed to the terms of the new EU-IMF loan agreement, which has more or less decided Greece’s economic, social, health and education policies for the next few years. The task of the next government will be implementing the reforms that have been agreed.

During the campaign, PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos and ND chief Antonis Samaras have both suggested that they would like to make some changes to the terms of the loan agreement. Venizelos wants an extra year, until 2015, for Greece to meet its fiscal targets. Samaras wants to find alternative ways to find some 11.5 billion euros of cuts for 2013 and 2014 in June. If Greece’s lenders get a coalition government they are comfortable with, it seems likely that they will allow some room for manoeuvre after the elections. Beyond that, though, there are few issues that should block a PASOK-ND coalition.

One of these might be immigration. Samaras has campaigned hard on the issue and wants to repeal a law passed by PASOK in 2010 that allows second-generation immigrants to claim Greek citizenship. It may seem like a minor issue given the economic pressures bearing down on Greece but when former Prime Minister George Papandreou called Samaras last summer to propose a coalition government -- again during a period of high intensity -- the ND chief made the withdrawal of the citizenship law a precondition for talks going any further.

If this gap is bridged, then the next sticking point could be who will staff the next government. PASOK does not want Samaras to be prime minister and if the difference between the two parties in terms of vote share is small, the Socialists will feel they are owed a say in who becomes the next prime minister. Clearly, this would have to be a non-divisive figure in the Lucas Papademos mould. Foreign Minister and former European environment commissioner Stavros Dimas has been mentioned as a possible candidate.

Finance minister is another position that will be contested by the two parties if they are to govern together. They may opt for a political outsider with strong economic credentials.

Should they be able to agree on all these aspects, ND and PASOK would then have to decide whether a third party should be added to their coalition. Neither side would feel comfortable with a slim majority in Parliament. This would leave them vulnerable to capricious MPs and attacks from opposition parties who would claim a lack of political legitimacy for some measures.

Having 180 or more MPs in Parliament would allow the coalition government to pass bills through the House with a qualified majority. This would give the administration a political advantage rather than a practical one as it is rare for such a majority to be required. It applies, for instance, in the case of international treaties. Where it could come into play is in the appointment of a new president in 2015 but that is too far off to be of great concern to ND or PASOK now.

In looking for a third coalition partner, the only viable candidates seem to be the Democratic Left (DIMAR), Democratic Alliance (DISY) or the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS). There remains doubt over whether the last two will get into Parliament. In each case, the compromises that will have to be made to get a third party on board will have to be weighed against the extra seats that it could bring. The liberal DISY, led by former Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, appears the most pliable of the three parties. LAOS and DIMAR may ask for concessions with regard to the austerity measures.

Should all this prove too much for PASOK or ND, the other options for a coalition government are limited. Election law means that the leader of the first party will get three days to form a government. Then the right passes to the leader of the second party and if he fails, it goes to the third party.

The major surprise in this election would be for PASOK to be beaten to second place. The Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) and the right-wing Independent Greeks have been talking up their chances of doing so. SYRIZA, which is vying for disenchanted PASOK supporters, has a better chance of achieving this goal. But it may prove a hollow achievement.

If SYRIZA gets the chance to form a government, its options are limited. Any overtures to the Communist Party (KKE) will be rejected. The Democratic Left might be willing to listen but it is inconceivable that the two would have enough seats to form a government. SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras has suggested that he might accept support from the Independent Greeks, despite being political opposites, if there is a possibility of forming an anti-bailout front. The two parties hold similar positions on some issues relating to the loan deal but even if they are able to jump into bed together, Democratic Left is unlikely to be a willing third partner. It will probably find it much more difficult to get over its ideological differences with the Independent Greeks.

Similarly, the possibility of New Democracy forming a coalition with parties to its right seems slim. Samaras has gone out of his way to attack Independent Greeks and LAOS during this campaign, and while the taste of power can heal such wounds quickly, it is unlikely to bring these three together. The very reason for the existence of the Independent Greeks is to be in opposition, to gain power from supposedly fighting the system. So, being part of the same system would destroy the party.

There are many permutations for Sunday’s elections and the momentous changes Greece has been through over the past few years mean that uncertainty may hang over the country even after the final results are announced. However, even in this turmoil, the pillars of Greece’s political system -- New Democracy and PASOK -- are likely to remain standing. Battered but still standing. For how long? Well, that's another question.

[Kathimerini English Edition]

Ryanair flights to Patras.

Click for Ryanair website
At first glance the new Ryanair route between Stansted and Patras seems very attractive.  Certainly the prices are..... starting at around £8.99, one way.  However, I've tried very hard to find out how to get to Patras ( Araxos ) Airport by public transport from Lefkas and come up against an info black hole.
Buses from Lefkas to Patras are only twice a week.... on Fridays at 0915 and Sundays at 1715.  One could, of course take a bus to somewhere with more frequent connections to Patras and do it in two hops.
Having managed to get to Patras you then have to get to the airport which lies approximately 40km south west of the city.  Unlike Athens, which has a regular shuttle service to and from the airport, Patras does not and local bus information is difficult to obtain.  Maybe, during the summer season there will be a shuttle service.  A taxi from Patras centre to the airport is around €50.
Until someone from Lefkas has actually experienced these flights and can share the information it would seem to me that the only viable way of using them is for someone to drive you there.  A journey time of three or more hours each way and the fuel cost plus the bridge tolls make it quite a big 'ask' of any friends (and don't forget that you need the same favour on your return).
If you're a boat dweller,  you could sail down to Patras or Messalonghi and start the journey from there.  What you might have to pay for leaving the boat safely in these places is an unknown.
So, until somebody comes up with accurate info detailing how to get to and from Patras Airport I will continue to get either a cheapish last minute seat on a charter flight using Preveza,  or, not so ideally, use Easyjet through Corfu or Athens.

Destination Greece....year 1951

CLICK HERE ....or go to 'Video/Photos' to view a short cinema feature of Greece in 1951.... a time when Greece had a King, before the military junta, before any thoughts of being part of Europe. Before the respect given by the world for being the birth place of civilisation and democracy changed into a reputation of being the worst example of greed, corruption and self-interest. How times change...it's fascinating!

Benefits Census

From today's papers....
Between 30,000 and 40,000 of the estimated 240,000 recipients of welfare benefits have failed to register in a census carried out at Citizen Service Centres (KEP). The deadline, which expires today, was not met either because these individuals did not appear at all, or because they lacked the necessary supporting documentation, the health ministry revealed. The same sources noted that of the 700 people drawing a disability benefit for blindness on the island of Zakynthos, only 100 appeared before health inspection committees, of which 60 were discovered not to be blind after all.

I wonder how many of them have spent the last couple of years blaming the corrupt government officials and politicians for the present plight of Greece. 

What hope is there for Greece?

Reported in today's paper:


NOT SO FAST, PASOK/ND! On Thursday night, while the media's attention was focused on the bond-swap take-up, Pasok and New Democracy (the two main ruling parties) were trying to restructure their own debt in parliament.
During a debate on a bill on livestock breeding, the two parties colluded to insert a rider – a legal provision that has nothing to do with the law in question – into the bill that would allow both parties to restructure their own massive debts by writing off unpaid interest. The rider, which was subsequently withdrawn, was described by Democratic Alliance leader Dora Bakoyannis as  "shameful and a direct attempt at a technically legal looting of public money".

Quite incredible actions from those who got the country into the mess it's in.  These same people expect the population and the world to believe that they can really change their ways and bring Greece into recovery!

CREW WANTED

This may be of interest for those seeking a bit of an adventure ..... and costs nothing.

Hi,

Just wondered if you could place an ad on Lefkas Life for us. Keith is keen to get 'Two Easy' (catamaran, presently in Vliho Bay) under way back to the UK, probably doing a '1st leg' to the Algarve followed by '2nd leg' the rest of the way.

The aim is to get the boat back by September, where it would stand a chance of selling at the Southampton Boat show with our broker.

So far the plan is to go through the Messina Straits, perhaps Cagliari, Majorca, Gib and up to Alvor in Portugal. The trip should take around 2 weeks subject to wind, We would fund the flights and food but not beer!!! Keith wants at least 2 others, 3 may be better then the watches would be 2 on/2 off. Crew would need to provide their own oilies, we have 4 life jackets on board, also they would need their own sleeping bags and towels.

If you need any more info, email Keith & Pam Meakin at  keithandpam.twoeasy@hotmail.co.uk 

Missing our Lefkas buddies loads, house people don't mix in the same way as yotties!!!!

Love Pam XXX

BIG DISCOUNT AT MED MARINAS

Med Marinas are offering a 23% discount to anybody booking an annual berth in Gouvia, Kalamata or Lefkas if paid in full by 30th June 2012. Also, 30 days free mooring in any of the group marinas.

Details can be found on www.medmarinas.com

SUMMER FLIGHTS AT PREVEZA AIRPORT

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FLIGHTS IN AND OUT OF PREVEZA AIRPORT SUMMER 2012

GREEK FINANCIAL & POLITICAL SITUATION

     After a weekend of protests and riots around the country the Greek parliament voted 'in principle' in favour of the latest austerity measures demanded by the Eurocrats.  Over the next few days the detail of the measures will be voted on.
     For the expats in Lefkas very little upheaval and angst is noticeable..... although I'm sure the same cannot be said for the Greek population of the island.
     Two extremely good sources of bang up-to-date news in  English are
'Athens News on-line'   http://www.athensnews.gr/
'Ekatherimini on-line'  http://ekathimerini.com/

APOKRIAS and the CARNIVAL 2012

Apokrias runs, this year,  from Sunday 5^th Feb to Sunday 26^th.  It is the time in the Greek Orthodox tradition of preparation for Lent.

It begins with the opening of the book of the  Triodion (the three holy sacraments) on the first Sunday.

The second week is ‘meat week’..... the last week of eating meat until after Lent.  The highlight of this week is Tsiknonpempti or ‘Burnt Thursday’.  Traditionally this is the day when everyone grilled their meat.  In these modern times it is more usual to go to a taverna for a meat meal.

The third week is sometimes called ‘Cheese Week’, as those who adhere to the Orthodox traditions mostly eat dairy products and eggs.... no meat allowed until after Lent.  This week culminates in Tyrofagis Sunday on the final day of Apokrias (26^th Feb) which is the day when most Carnival Parades are held all over Greece.  Some parades are held on the Saturday.  Over the days preceding the carnivals many people dress up in fancy costumes and masks and of course the processions through the towns with floats, bands and much noise and frivolity are great fun to watch.... or participate in.

After the excitement of the Parades, the following day is the first day of Lent.  Kathari Deftera more usually known to us as ‘Clean Monday’ is celebrated by trips out for Lenten picnics and flying kites.  It is a Greek bank holiday.

On Lefkas there are usually two Carnival Parades.... one in Nidri on the Saturday and the other in Lefkas Town on the following day.

Two boons for ex-pats

Boon 1.         BLOGGING.

     Having a blog is a simple, efficient way to let family and friends know what's been happening in your life. Very easy to set up and once you have done so it's even easier to put your posts on.

     In a way it's an alternative to creating a 'round robin' email which, although more private, some people find a little impersonal.  Obviously the same can be done on, say, Facebook but that type of social media works best with a smallish group of friends who are willing to bat their thoughts too and fro amongst themselves at any time of the day or night.  With a blog you are not constantly bombarded with requests from complete strangers to become your 'friend'!  It's a case of 'horses for courses' I guess.

     The frequency of updating  is your choice....be it daily, weekly, monthly or just when the mood takes you.  From your reader's point of view it's probably best to settle on a regular pattern so they know when it's worth checking your blog for the latest offering.  The one thing to bear in mind is that whatever you post on your blog, the entire world has access to, so be careful not to give out too many important personal details.  Other than that you can be as creative as you like....be it with writing, photographs, videos, music and so on.  Let your imagination go and you may be surprised at the number of people, in addition to your friends and family, who are entertained enough to visit your blog regularly.  With a blog comes the ability to check how many people visit the blog, and from which part of the world they come.

     All you have to do is to sign up for a Google account (free) and start blogging.

To find out more click on the Blogger button

Check out these three local Lefkas blogs

'From Yorkshire to Greece'                         'Tortusvill'                          'Babkalindas Day'


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Boon 2.         SKYPE.

     Probably the biggest and best known internet telephony company.  What a tremendous innovation it is; allowing you, not only to make telephone calls across the world at no charge but also to see live video of each other.

     When you're settled in a land far from close family the ability to talk to and see your loved ones, with no time limit, is an absolute joy.... especially, for example, when you don't want to miss seeing your grandchildren growing up.

     Now that 3g mobile networks are pretty much Lefkas-wide, data transmission speeds are (for the most part) up to the task of using Skype. If you're lucky enough to have broadband in your home, even better.  WiFi is also great.   In order to avail yourself of this 'wonder' the person you are calling also has to have a skype account....which is free.  However, you can add some paid credit to your account which enables you to make calls to landlines and mobile phones extremely cheaply.  I put on a credit of £10 twice a year which is more than enough to call those who can't or won't put Skype on their computer.  An added bonus is that if you have to conduct telephone business with a bank or some such and you use Skype, it really doesn't matter if they play endless music or send you round the system several times as the cost to you is minimal.

                                           CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you follow this recipe exactly you will produce perfect marmalade

ORANGE MARMALADE
       (Delia Smith Recipe)

2 lb Oranges (900 g)

4 pints water (2.25 ltrs)

1 Lemon

4 lb Granulated sugar (1.8 kg), warmed

½ Teaspoon butter

               Six 1 lb (450g) jars, a 9 inch (23 cm) square of gauze, string, and three or four saucers.

               Begin by measuring the water into a preserving pan, then cut the lemon and oranges in half and squeeze the juice out of them.  Add the juice to the water and place the pips and any bits of pith that cling to the squeezer onto the square  of muslin (laid over a dish or cereal bowl first).  Now cut the orange peel into quarters with a sharp knife and then cut each quarter into thinnish shreds.  As you cut add the shreds to the water.  Any pips or spare pith you come across should go onto the muslin.  The pith contains a lot of pectin so don’t discard any and don’t worry about any pith and skin that clings to the shreds – it all gets dissolved in the boiling.

               Now tie the pips etc. up loosely in the muslin to form a little bag and tie this onto the handle of the pan so that the bag is suspended in the water.  Then bring the liquid up to simmering point and simmer gently, uncovered, for 2 hours or thereabouts, until the peel is completely soft – test a piece carefully by pressing it between your finger and thumb.  At this point pop the saucers into the freezing compartment of the fridge.

               Next remove the bag of pips and leave it to cool on a saucer.  Then pour the sugar into the pan and stir it now and then over a low heat, until all the crystals have melted (check this carefully, it’s important).  Now increase the heat to very high and squeeze the bag of pips over the pan to extract all of the sticky, jelly-like substance that contains the pectin.  As you squeeze you’ll see it ooze out.  You can do this by placing the bag between two saucers or using your hands.  Then stir or whisk it into the rest.

               As soon as the mixture reaches a really fast boil, start timing.  Then after 15 minutes spoon a little of the marmalade onto one of the cold saucers from the fridge and let it cool back in the fridge.  You can tell – when it has cooled - If you have a ‘set’ by pushing the mixture with your little finger; if it has a really crinkly skin, it is set.  If not, continue to boil the marmalade and give it the same test at about 10 minute intervals until it does set.

               After that remove the pan from the heat (if there’s a lot of scum, most of it can be dispersed by stirring in half a teaspoon of butter and the rest can be spooned off).  Leave the marmalade to settle for 20 minutes.

               In the meantime the jars (washed, rinsed and dried first) should be heated in a moderate oven for 5 minutes.  Pour the marmalade, with the aid of a funnel or a ladle, into the jars and cover with waxed discs and seal while still hot.  Label the jars when quite cold.

                                 FOR AN EASY TO PRINT VERSION CLICK HERE

YOUR OWN OLIVE OIL

If you haven't yet produced any oil from your olive trees then Click here to read the account of a group of friends on Lefkas who have done just that.


You may even be encouraged to have a go yourself.


It was a fascinating and rewarding experience with the result as pictured.


Truly delicious!