Jane's VrahassiJane's VrahassiVrahassi, a mountain village in the East of Crete whose inhabitants claim that both Turk and German invaders were kept out. Jane Sharp, an English woman who was not kept out, writes a daily account of her life in Vrahassi. Articles
ATTEMPTED ROBBERY IN VRAHASSI
2007-11-23 09:56:00 It was late last night - I had closed the lights ready to leave the bar and was just watching the end of Batman the Beginning when... there was a noise outside, the sound of a vehicle. I looked out and blow me if some chap wasn't raiding my fridge and about to make of with an armful of booze. It's a small village and of course I knew the young chap on the bike. I knocked on the window and shouted 'Hey, what the hell are you doing!' The culprit put the bottles back in the fridge strait away, climbed aboard the back of the small motorbike and made off in the direction of Neapolis. I spent the next half hour emptying the fridge and taking the stock into the bar. So, there you go Vrahassi may not be Zoniana but it has up and coming thieves. More About: Robbery , Temp
EL GRECO IN NEAPOLIS
2007-11-22 11:15:00 What a wonderful little cinema is the one in Neapolis. David and I were greeted back by the staff who I am sure are looking forward to a successful season. The closure of the cinema last year was a shame and I hope that this year supporters will keep the place open.The film 'El Greco ' was, for me, fantastic. It was artistically shot with costumes and set colouring mimicking those marvelous creations which El Greco managed to produce. Of course there was poetic license in the story line but that only added to the entertainment. The music by 'Vangelis' was stirring, unworldly and at times sinister, and, was that Lunovikos I glimpsed at the beginning of the film, it was certainly him singing. The casting was just right and if El Greco really did look like that then he would have had women falling at his feet (not to mention Cardinals). My knowledge of the paintings which were produced by both El Greco and Titian has been improved as since then I have genned up on their works, but w...
SUN - DAY!
2007-11-18 09:43:00 It is 5.30 p.m. and I have just said goodbye to the last of my Sunday lunch diners. Phew! The washing up is done and I've a small window before any evening visitors.It really has been a none-stop couple of days but HOORAY! Its my DAY OFF tomorrow. And what am I going to do? I'm going to climb Anavlohos with some friends and take a look at the Archaeological site. Then tomorrow evening (after a wonderful bubble bath) David and I shall go to the cinema in Neapolis, which has just re-opened, and have an evening out together.But for now, let me catch up with the news a little. Of course, the word on everyone's lips is 'Zoniana' but in between all of that there is a little other news. Sofia and Nikos seem to be back at the cafeneon in the centre of Vrahassi together with Yannis and Angela - that can only be good. The holes which were created outside my bar in an attempt to find a lost water pipe, have been filled in with chippings (no tarmac yet but certainly an improvement). There ...
STILL HERE FOLKS!
2007-11-17 16:47:00 Hi everyone, I'm still here though rushing again. I thought I would have had a few minutes today to catch up on the news but it's been one thing after another, same yesterday (what a day that was) and the day before. I've Greek homework to do as well. I have a customer waiting as I write so I may have to stop any minute. The curry is in the pot for tonight, mexican fish cakes in the freezer for another time and the beef is in the fridge ready for the oven tomorrow. OK, give me a few minutes...It's coming up 6 p.m. and dark in Vrahassi. We have had a good day though, warmish sunshine and blue sky. Had the weigh in this morning and I haven't lost an ounce - buggar! Not surprising really because I've nibbled my way through the week. Chocolate, energy food and I lovvvvvve it.
6 WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS
2007-11-11 09:58:00 BOOK EARLY FOR CHRISTMASOnly 6 weeks to go and it will be Christmas , and the Revolution Bar will be lighting up Vrahassi for the festive season. Last year we did the 'spit roast pig' thing and it was a huge success. This year we don't have the same facilities but we shall be 'partying on' starting with Christmas Eve and hot, succulent turkey sarnies plus a few other goodies to help the bevvy along. So, here is my Christmas Programme:Lead up to Christmas : The Revolution Bar will be available to take bookings for private parties, works dinners, etc. Ring me to discuss your event. Jane: 6945 872 472CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY: Bar open from 11 a.m. We shall party on with music, dancing and entertainment into the evening. Hot turkey sandwiches and a cold buffet will be served all day.CHRISTMAS DAY: Bar open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for drinks only. Come and meet your friends over a glass of Bucks Fizz to start your Christmas.BOXING DAY: Bar open from 11 a.m. till late. Succulent roast pork ... More About: Weeks
ZONIANA!
2007-11-11 09:55:00 There are plenty of newspaper reports about the happenings at Zoniana but if you haven't caught up then take a look at H Kathemerini (in English) where you will find a full report.
SNAKES ALIVE!
2007-11-10 14:39:00 What the...! Last night as I was going home I had a close encounter with a snake which was making its way across the street just up the slope from the centre of Vrahassi. At first it looked like a long worm but on closer inspection I realized that it was a snake. It was just dark gray in colour, a bit like the tarmac, and about 30 or 40 cms long. I suppose it could have been a baby snake or a small species. It wasn't very fat, about the width of a thin marker pen and it slithered its way to the edge of the street where it settled in a clump of weeds.Does anyone know what sort of snake this could have been. I have looked on Google but not come up with anything.Thanks for your help with Vrahassi names, Ilia.Now, I must tell you that yesterday the bar was buzzing with people all afternoon and after the Greek class I was able to make a few mezedes for my customers while David very kindly helped out as barman. My little fishes that I had bought fresh yesterday morning were a great succe... More About: Snakes , Alive
IT'S A WATER WORK PROBLEM!
2007-11-09 10:34:00 WRITTEN YESTERDAY And now George arrives to supervise. The water men and their compressor are tearing the road up in search ‘some sort of problem’. Apparently the pipe that connects one tank with another has a burst and water is not filling up one tank. The water men have plenty of advice. As you see they are right outside my office. The first hole in front of the bar entrance, the second a little way up the street and now ‘drrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrr…drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr outside my window. It is 12.15, I have been to Neapolis to do the shopping and have come back to this. George will sort them out. There is quite a lot of shouting going on, no-one can agree where the pipe is in the road. Hole number three is abandoned, must be coffee time. The old truck that sounds like a helicopter passes by just to add to the chaotic sound in the street. Will we see hole number four today? Where will it be? That was yesterday. The water men did not come back, the holes in ... More About: Work , Water , Problem
THE MINISTER COMES TO VRAHASSI
2007-11-06 10:56:00 (Sorry for the delay in comment here only my Internet was out of action for a while)Well, as you can see the Minister , Mr Yioannis Plakiotakis (hope I have that right) was entertained by members of the new Council of Vrahassi, the Koinotita. On the left of the Minister is Mr Michaelis Kiriakakis and on the right, Mrs Ismina Ierapetritakis. Also in the group were the Mayor, Mr George Sfirakis and Mr George Diplarakis.As far as I can make out the purpose of the Minister's visit was to thank the people of Vrahassi for their votes in the recent election.On a personal note I would like to wish Mr Plakiotakis every success in his position in the Government. I am not a Greek citizen but this is my home and the improvements that the New Democrat Party have already made have not gone unnoticed by the British community in Crete. More About: Hass
ACTION FRIDAY PART 11 - THE SAINT
2007-11-03 17:36:00 You never know who is going to drop in to Vrahassi. Kriti TV Quiz Show host, Kostas alias 'The Saint ', arrived in a flurry together with his camera crew. They set up the 'Red Chair' (shades of shepherd mastermind) in the middle of Vrahassi and it was only a few minutes before the show began. My Greek Class was in full flow at the time and they were invited to stand behind the contestants as 'the audience'. It was all good fun. Unfortunately, George Kivernitis did not win the pot of 1000 euros but he certainly answered a few awkward questions correctly. Well done Yiorgos! And commiserations to Yiorgos, Lefteris' father in law, who did not make it to the 'red chair'. Both good sports. It was all very exciting for a Friday afternoon in Vrahassi.(Yes of course I got a plug for the bar and managed to thrust a copy of my poetry book 'The Vrahassians' into the palm of the lovely Kostas before he left).And 'the English did not escape interrogation!While villagers watched with gl... More About: Action , Part
ACTION FRIDAY
2007-11-02 09:32:00 It's all go this morning. Whilst David unloads a delivery of wood the 'retired' of Vrahassi watch on. Shutters have been fitted to the new Council office cum Doctor's surgery, and the sun is shining. I am just about to prepare the lesson for my Greek class at 2 today (new people welcome, all levels) and have to report that the Demos Class in Ag Nik was good I am sure that I can polish a few edges and improve my vocabulary. So just to let locals know, the bar will be closed between 4 and 6 every day except Friday . I open in the mornings at 11 and I am closed every Monday, all day. I hope this doesn't inconvenience anyone. More About: Action
GHOSTS AND GOULS IN VRAHASSI
2007-11-01 12:23:00 LIFE IS A CABERET OF FUN! This must have been a first for Vrahassi. Our Halloween Night was a great success, and after a few drinks in the bar we took to the streets to visit the other watering holes of the village. Of course we had a drink in them all and wobbled back to base for spooky chicken.It is the 1st November so Kalo Mina to everyone. The weather is very muggy, it is back to sleeveless tops and no socks. I'm a bit boozy headed today but I'm getting through my jobs. Just to wash up now and then get ready to go to Ag Nik for Greek Class at 4 p.m.My regular Thursday class at the bar has been changed to Friday. Same time, 2 - 4 newcomers welcome. Just turn up if you fancy improving your 'Greek talk'. More About: Ghosts , Hosts , Hass
CAFENEIO SURVEY/MONDAY JAUNT
2007-11-01 12:13:00 This week we were in Malia, the old town. There we found a good plate of liver and cabbage to soak up the metaxa which we had imbibed at Lithos cafeneion. And guess who we bumped into there, none other than Maria who used to run Lefteris place in Vrahassi. We were made most welcome and enjoyed catching up with what was going on in her life. (The dart board we found in a back street, watched over carefully by a little doggy - is Vrahassi ready for one? A dart board that is). Where will our survey take us next? Find out next Monday . More About: Survey
WHOOOOOOOH SPOOKY MOVIE 2
2007-10-31 15:09:00 Lydia and I have just finished decorating the bar for tonight's party. It's great, just the food to prepare now. Thanks Yvonne for sending all that spooky geer, the skeleton is my favourite and the flashing door cover. Vrahassi is so quiet I doubt that anyone has seen the weird decor and don't know what Little legs will make of it when he arrives tonight. Anyway, I am getting in the mood with scary music and bat noises. Ooooooooooooooooooh! Oooooooooooooooooh! Watch this space for SCARY CRETAN MOVIE 2.Who was it said, it helps to be a little Crazy?Got to go now and DRESS TO KILL...IT'S H A L L O W E E EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE N! I hope your's will be as spooky as mine:Baa, Baa, Black Crete(ans),Have you any Ghoul,Yes Sir, Yes Sir, three bars full,One for the Shepherds and one for the Lame,And one for the woman who drives us all insane.Happy Halloween to all souls! More About: Movie , Spooky
REAL ESTATE
2007-10-30 11:33:00 I have just had the pleasure of meeting Mr Lambros Klatsias who runs Melissa Properties, a real estate business based at Agia Varvara nr Sisi. He called into the Revolution Bar for a coffee with a client and whilst chatting he informed me of his building work. New villas going up which are Architect designed, and from the sound of things, super properties and at the right price. There are so many people coming to live in Crete now, and they are not the Hippie brigade who start Cretan life, as I did, in a tent. The sophisticated buyer of today demands high standards and Melissa Properties appears to offer just that. To find out for yourself, take a look at Mr Lambros' site.http://www.melissa-properties.com/Bu t, if you prefer a humble dwelling in the most Cretan village of all i.e. Vrahassi, then look at:http://cretehouseshop.blogspot.com/ for people on a more modest budget.Whichever type of property you are looking for I shall be happy to show you around when you come house hunting ... More About: Estate , Real Estate , Real
SCARY VRAHASSI
2007-10-30 08:24:00 I am looking forward to tomorrow's Halloween Party. Lydia and I will be decorating the bar and getting ready for a spooky night of fun. This will be a first for Vrahassi and I am not quite sure what the locals will make of it. Anyway we shall see.If you would like to come and join us we shall be open till late (at least the bewitching our). Bring your pointy hat, warts and all.Meanwhile I have to clean the bar. Once that is done I can report on yesterday's day off. So, more later... More About: Scary , Hass
SAD SUNDAY!
2007-10-28 16:35:00 I have just come back from the funeral of Marianne, a fellow member of the Rainbow Choir who sadly died last week. The service was very moving and the choir sang a couple of pieces, Ave Verum and Peace like a river. It was so difficult to hold back the tears but we sang OK (I think). Marianne was only 55 and it really brings it home to you how brief this life is. I'm back in the office now just in time for darkness to settle on Vrahassi.Day off tomorrow and George and I have an appointment to visit Maria who used to run Lefteris Cafeneon in Vrahassi. Then we are going out for dinner with our friends Gavin and Rosemarie. So, I'd better open the bar now, and get ready to feed everyone.I had a super lie in this morning with the clocks going back last night.Bye for now... More About: Sunday
OOOPS!
2007-10-28 16:14:00 Oh dear, I thought with the parade and everything in Ag Nik that it was that day. Sorry, sorry, sorry, of course, OCHI DAY was today 28th October and the other day was just a practice. And to prove it hear are some pics.
PHOTO'S OF WEEK BEG. 22ND OCTOBER
2007-10-26 13:51:00 Somebody is moving into Vrahassi. Another of Little Legs' favourite cafeneia somewhere in the wilds above Heraklion. Storms and high winds bring down trees on road to Vrahassi.Work continues on the Mayor's new office.And... the postman has been given instructions to erect the post boxes. There were plenty of people around to tell him exactly where to put them!26 October - OCHI DAY parade in Agios Nikoloas. More About: Week
I'M BACK!
2007-10-26 12:44:00 It hasn't been an easy few days but I've finally got my jobs done and can sit and relax for 5 minutes. So, what can I tell you in 5 mins.First of all Monday - Monday I went to Heraklion, the mission, to see Violetta, the young girl who was taken in to an orphanage there. When we arrived she was at school so we (that is Little Legs and I) left a box of chocolates and our best wishes. I was sorry not to see her and we shall try again in a couple of weeks' time. Then the heavens opened and there was an absolute deluge right over Heraklion. The roads very quickly became flooded as I drove towards Carrefour. It was a quick shopping trip and then a hot chocolate whilst waiting for the rain to ease a little. We headed out to Skalani (where I used to teach English) for a jug of wine and mezedes. Welcome to the real world George - we were charged for the little plates of food about 2 euro a plate. It has been a hard battle persuading George that food cannot be given away, even so I do kno... More About: Back
NEWS LATER TODAY
2007-10-26 08:26:00 I promise to update today - just had every minute filled over last few days, now have to dash toAg Nik. More About: News , Today
WE LOST!
2007-10-21 22:46:00 Oops! England lost the match to South Africa and we lost our Nova signal (only ten minutes to go before the end). What a blow, it must have been due to the thunderstorm and heavy rain. Anyway, we got to see most of the game so things were not so bad.I woke up this morning to voices from next door. Good grief! We have neighbours. People have moved in to the house next to us, the one we call the Titanic because it has a corner of the house that looks like a side view of the bows of a ship. I haven't met them yet but they seem to be Greek, or maybe Bulgarian.It is 11.30 p.m. and I have just closed the bar. George and I watched the Sunday film 'Poseidon' which I thought was good but not quite as tear jerking as the old version with Shelley Winters. I have one or two things to sort out for tomorrow and then it is back home and hopefully a good night's sleep. I am meeting George at 9 a.m. to go to Heraklion to see Violetta (the young girl from the village who is in an orphanage). We s... More About: Lost
RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL
2007-10-20 09:34:00 COME AND JOIN US AT THE REVOLUTION BAR TONIGHT FOR THE RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL ENGLAND v SOUTH AFRICA (commentary in English)9 p.m. START. More About: World Cup , World , Final , Rugby , Rugby World Cup
GREEK LESSON
2007-10-19 11:05:00 It was a strange Greek Lesson today - Papa Nikos called in at the office on his way to the cemetery, he was going to officiate at the funeral service of Mr Dennis Pollington who lived at Apano Sissi and who sadly died of a heart attack a few days ago. Anyway, I thought it only right that I should go, A to see if I could be of any help to Mrs Pollington and B as representative for the English community on the Council. I am so glad that I went. Funerals can be beautiful things if you look at them in the right light. Mr Pollington was obviously loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Following a short, Orthodox service, Julie, his daughter, spoke some wonderful words before the coffin was carried to the grave. There, a very dignified burial ceremony was performed and Mr Pollington was laid to rest, God bless him. My heart went out to Carol who had lost her partner, but she was surrounded by friends who I am sure will look after her.Meanwhile, back at the ranch, my Greek c...
BLACK OUT
2007-10-17 15:08:00 Sometimes it is good to have a candle lit bar! Last night there was a blackout when something went wrong with the electricity supply at Stalis. We were in darkness for about half an hour, no light, no television, it was great, very romantic with only the crescent moon above the Lassithiotika Mountains casting a soft light over the olive groves.Thanks for your message (there can be only one) telling me that both your father and grandfather attended the old school which I photographed recently. I am very interested in the history of Vrahassi and would love to know the name of your grandfather who was at one time 'Mayor' of Vrahassi. What do you think to the idea of restoring the old school and perhaps making it into a visitor center of some sort with information about Anavlohos and the Village of Vrahassi through the ages? George says that is impossible, I don't like the word 'impossible', so it could be a future project. There could be a gallery for old photographs etc. and the ... More About: Black
RUGBY AND FOOTBALL!
2007-10-16 11:58:00 ANNOUNCEMENT...DON'T MISSWEDNESDAY 17th OCTOBER6 P.M. - Come and watch football with us at the Revolution Bar Vrahassi.SATURDAY 20th OCTOBER9 P.M. - Rugby Cup Final - England v South AfricaWHAT'S IN THE POT?Tonight, Tuesday - ChiliWednesday - ChickenThursday - LambFriday - FishSaturday - CurrySunday - StifadoJoin us any night except MONDAY (my day off).Raki and Meze served throughout the day from 11 a.m.That's my little ad of the day folks, see you soon,Jane x More About: Football
WATER BILL PAYMENT
2007-10-16 08:31:00 Yesterday was my day off folks, whoopee, yeehah! I LOVE MONDAYS! And what did I do? Well, first of all I cleaned up the bar after Sunday night. Then I caught up with a few blog pics and answered my mail. After that it was down to the council offices to pay my water bills. I say bills as I have house water, land water, and bar water. The total was about 30 euros so it didn't break the bank. If you haven't paid your water bill (there are no bills issued yet so you just have to go and pay and they cross you off the list - and I should add that there are quite a few Brits who have not paid yet) then simply go to the office where the old school in Vrahassi was, and pay. It may be that your meter has not been read or you may not even be on the list but come on, we are British, so own up.Anyway after that I went (or should I say we as Littlelegs likes his Monday off too) down to Neapolis to pay my mobile phone bill and to buy David a new one as over the past few months he has struggled w... More About: Water , Payment , Bill
VILLAGE WALK 0CTOBER
2007-10-15 10:09:00 The old school, Vrahassi, with a date 1912 over the door. Now a total ruin, who will come and save this wonderful old building. More About: Village , Walk , Villa
A BUSY OCTOBER
2007-10-15 09:41:00 A week of visitors and a busy cafe bar. On our walk around the village we met Georgos who kindly posed for a shot with us on the road up to 'Platanos' the very famous, and I stress famous restaurant in Vrahassi. In the middle of the summer the Queen of Jordan and her entourage came here to eat. Of course, local people have known for years that Elaine and Yannis produce the best food in the area, and probably the bast stifado in the world. I have a soft spot for the place because it is where David and I found our house and made the deal to buy it. Then Ray arrived of Hidden Crete, I had to leave George to entertain him because I was dead on my feet and needed to get some sleep before the evening session. When Lorraine and Barbara suddenly appeared at my window, I was shocked to tears. I haven't seen them for 4 years and had no idea that they were coming. They stayed in Sissi and we had lots of laughs learning about what had happened in their lives since we last saw them. In betwee... More About: October , Busy
SERVICE WITH A SMILE
More articles from this author:2007-10-15 09:35:00 I only popped in for petrol but got the full works at a garage just outside Ag Nik. Thanks for checking my oil chaps. More About: Service , Smile 1, 2, 3, 4 |
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