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
FOOTBALL AND MORE FOOTBALL!
2008-04-24 10:58:00 Just to let you know that Chelsea will be playing Manchester on Saturday at 3.00 ish so come to the bar if you want to join our supporters and have a good afternoon.Friday night the Easter procession with the 'epitaphios' (the coffin of Jesus Christ) will commence after the church service which begins about 7.30 to 9.30. There will be a lot of noise, fire crackers etc to accompany the procession, personally I stay indoors where it is safer and will watch the proceedings from the bar, join me if you wish.Saturday night is Easter Night and the church service will begin about 11 and the festivities will begin at 12 midnight with the candlelight processesion and a bonfire to burn an effagy of Judas. The tradition of trying to get the lighted candle home before it goes out will take place and once safely home families will join in the traditional eating of the Easter soup, 'magiritsa' made of offal. I have to confess that I am usually tucked up in bed when all this is going on (call ... More About: Football
HOLY WEEK
2008-04-22 18:18:00 The village is certainly livening up with visitors returning for Easter (and longer). It is so good to see familiar faces again, Greek, Dutch, English - welcome back to Vrahassi, Ben, Ina, Panayiotis, Else and all.Now this week is going to be noisy what with the bangers that go off in the lead up to Easter and all the activity in the run up to the celebration so I am expecting to have to jump (more than once) when firecrackers are thrown in the street. I can't say I like them but tradition is tradition.On Easter Sunday George and I and as many friends as would like to join us are going to have a street party with the traditional spit roasting of a lamb (or two). So anyone out there please take this as our invitation to come to Vrahassi and share the Easter Celebration with us.St George's Day will be celebrated on the Monday after Easter Sunday and of course George will be handing out cakes for his name day - after the bash on Sunday we shall not be repeating the barbie but will be... More About: Week , Holy
THE BOYS AT 'ΕΠΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΗ' !
2008-04-22 18:07:00 Whilst all this male flesh was whooping it up (till 3 in the morning actually) in George's cafeneo, the young ladies of the village were parading the streets never venturing inside. Cafeneos are still a male domain. More About: Boys , The Boys
FAMILIES AT JANE GUEVARA'S!
2008-04-22 18:03:00 How wonderful it was to have all little children and their mums and dads relaxing in the warm evening last night. This is the next Vrahassi generation in the making. What lovely neighbours to have! More About: Families , Jane
CARRY ON WALKING!
2008-04-20 15:23:00 Hello George and Margart all the way from Scotland to holiday in Crete. They had found my www.Anavlohos.com site and rang me to fix a morning's walk. We took the old path to Neapolis, stopped at a little church on the way and when we got there enjoyed a cool beer at the Driros cafebar before returning to Vrahassi for a table full of traditional cretan food and wine. It was a great day to spend the day. More About: Walking , Carry
NEW RESIDENTS OF VRAHASSI
2008-04-20 13:22:00 Pete and Sindy were nowhere to be seen as their container was slowly emptied, they were busy at the house trying to fit it all into a space not much bigger than the box it had come in. I'm sure it will take a few weeks to unpack. Anyway, welcome to Vrahassi you two, the skies are blue and you will have all summer to settle in. The unloading of the container did provide 6 hours of uninterrupted entertainment for the cafeneo crowd.
FIRE, FIRE!
2008-04-14 16:11:00 HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAVIN - We'll have a photo later while drinking to your good health down in Latsida at your birthday do. It has been quite a day, first George and his mates were all set at 9.30 to meet the container full of Sindy and Pete's (the people buying our house) furniture, which isn't arriving until tomorrow and then the fire engine turned up in the village. The first thing we knew about it was when Littlelegs ran across the square to scan the mountain side. He didn't lose any time in ringing the Fire Brigade who promptly came and put out the fire. Not a lot of damage done the three Firemen, George, George and George returned to the village for a coffee in the comfort zone of Jane Guevara's. I couldn't miss the opportunity of a photo shoot.
OPEN COUNCIL MEETING IN VRAHASSI
2008-04-13 16:21:00 Last night I attended the Council Meeting which was held in the Old School building next to the big church. I went with George, Gavin and Rosemarie and we sat quite near the front. We listened to the Mayor give account of the progress that had been made over the two years' of office and what the programme of action was for the future. Such things as a new water system for the area known as Pirgos and attention to the water supply to Vrahassi, also work would begin on a biological waste disposal system for Vrahassi. Work which is being carried out in Sissi should be finished in time for the tourist season (not long to go) and more roads in the area are to be tarmacked. The Mayor outlined the problems too, such things as having to wait for official papers (permissions) from Heraklion and Athens and he commented on the sheer volume of tasks which the Council was well aware of. He asked that residents be patient and that work would be carried out, such things as street lighting and rub... More About: Open
ONE WEEK TO EASTER
2008-04-13 16:03:00 Now that's what I call a good weekend. Lots of Greek people under the pergola enjoying my 'comfort zone'. The very hot weather continues today and it has been a lazy afternoon, except for the cake making and the drawer assembly. David has been busy putting together a set of drawers which I bought as flat-pack in Liddle's. Now it is 5 p.m. and football is at 6 followed by a few dinners (late Roast beef and Yorkshire Pud). We have the lights on outside at night now and can eat out in the warm of the evening, great. They say it will cool off next week but who knows? More About: Easter , Week
WALKING WEATHER
2008-04-09 15:16:00 Is it the biggest Giant Orchid in the world?What a brilliant day we had yesterday. We were a party of 5 and we headed off towards the Monastery of St George. Because there were so many wild flowers to take note of our pace was slow so I decided to change the route and take my flower spotters to my secret location where I know there are several different types of orchid. Sure enough we found some lovely specimens. The Giant Orchid which we came across was apparently the biggest one that had been seen by my happy holidaymakers and that made my day. Later we relaxed in the 'Comfort Zone' with a welcome drink and a few mezedes. More About: Weather , Walking
AND THE MUSIC PLAYED ON!
2008-04-04 19:20:00 This is what George wanted and he's happy (well he was) ten minutes later there was a flaming row between the company about who should pay, ah well, there you go, I'm off to sip wine in the 'Comfort Zone'. But the music playes on and the young set seem to be having a good time. More About: Music , The Music
GRAND NATIONAL
2008-04-04 09:54:00 SATURDAY (TOMORROW) IS 'GRAND NATIONAL DAY' AND WE (THAT IS MARK OF MARK AND LYDIA AND I) ARE GETTING TOGETHER TO HOLD A SWEEP STAKE FOR THE EVENT WHICH WILL BE SHOWN IN THE BAR AT 5 O'CLOCK OR THERE ABOUTS. COME EARLY TO GET A SEAT AND TO JOIN IN THE SWEEP, YOU JUST MIGHT BE LUCKY! TICKETS ON SALE TODAY FROM THE BAR, 1 EURO EACH.I shall be making some home made goodies to nosh and the bar will be stocked. It's going to be another 'fun day' I haven't watched the Grand National for years. For sports events my big tele is a hit every time and I am so glad that I invested in it. If only I had room for a bigger cooker but never mind I can still produce the necessary.Sunday Lunch this Sunday as usual to book give me a ring: 6945 872 472(PLEASE NOTE - IF YOU HAVE SEEN MY AD IN THE 'CHRONICLES' UNFORTUNATELY THEY HAVE GOT MY PHONE NUMBER WRONG BUT IT WILL BE CORRECTED NEXT MONTH)I am still drying out bags and boxes of stuff that got wet through when the torrential rain penetrated ... More About: Grand National
I JUST LOVE 'DOWN HILL'
2008-04-01 19:25:00 Great, I'm back from my weekly walk and feeling good. The scales are down a fraction and David is taking me out tonight for a drink down in Sissi where Roger and Jill have just opened their bar for the season (Hemingway's on the harbour). It has great affection for David and I because way back in 1992 when we first discovered Sissi, the then 'Harbour Lights Bar' run by Maria and Bill was our favourite haunt.The walk to Neapolis was very good exercise and I intend to do it every week so whoever would like to join me please do (no charge). All you will need is a small amount of money for a drink when you get there and a share of the taxi fare back to Vrahassi. It is down hill all the way and a very pleasant walk through the olive groves.George is busy again tonight - good on him!David and I moved in to the room above the bar yesterday with distinct shades of the Lake District. Anyone who knew us there will know that we ran a small guest house and to maximise on the number of guest... More About: Love , Hill
ΕΚΔΡΟΜΗ!
2008-03-24 12:43:00 Yesterday quite a large number of villagers tripped off to Irapetra for a day by the sea. They all looked happy on their return about six last night carrying bags of cakes and souvenirs of their day out. Meawhile Littlelegs was churning out souvlaki by the dozen and I was in the 'comfort zone' watching CHELSEA WIN ARSENAL - Whoop whoop! This morning we have had a steady flow of customers to both bars and now there is a bit of a lull so I am going to clean my windows after yesterday's sand storm. So, that's all for now, have a good day.(Oh and by the way, it is Lydia's name day on Thursday and we are going to have a bit of a get together in the evening so do pop in and wish her 'kronia polla' if you get the time).And... tomorrow is Independence Day and a Bank Holiday.
ST PATRICK'S NIGHT PICTURES
2008-03-24 12:30:00 Irish stew and plenty of fun! More About: Pictures , Night
IT'S A BLESSING!
2008-03-24 11:57:00 All went well at the official opening of "Η Επανασταση" the name we have given to Bar Number 2. It simply means 'Revolution' so now we have 'Revolution Bar' (the English version) and 'Revolution Bar' (the Greek version). Though the bars have two totally separate identities, number one being a 'Comfort Zone' with soft furnishings, and number two being a Greek Cafeneon, cheap and cheerful (George at the helm), both share the mountain edge pergola for al fresco food and drink. George has his take away or eat in souvlaki and I my coffee and cake, tea and scones or raki and wine with whatever comes. At last George and the Dragon are living a peaceful, symbiotic life in the sunshine. Do come and visit us if you are within a hundred miles of Vrahassi. (The team looks good doesn't it, in Che Guevara tee shirts?)Papa Nikos and Papa Georgos performed the 'Blessing ' for which we are very grateful and the shop got off to a very good start.
LATSIDA - HOUSE INFO
2008-03-22 08:31:00 I have just heard that there are two houses for sale in Latsida. Pictures will follow next week but if you are house hunting these are really fantastic renovations. Cottage style in an old Cretan way, one with an arch the other an old wine press.Please ask me if you would like furthe info.Tel:6945 872472 More About: House , Info
TONIGHT, TONIGHT, LIVE MUSIC!
2008-03-22 08:29:00 I've just heard that a friend will bring his guitar and entertain us tonight at the GRAND OPENING OF BAR NUMBER 2.In the meantime we've a hell of a day in front of us to get the place ready for the blessing at 6.30.Looking forward to seeing everyone. Bye for now. More About: Music , Live Music , Live , Tonight
SOUTH WINDS AND MIND PROBLEMS!
2008-03-20 17:52:00 The wind is from the south and it has blown all day like a warm jetstreem bringing a cloud of sand from Africa. The problem is with this wind it seems to get inside your head and you just want it to go away.Well, that's my excuse anyway. I suppose my thick head could just be due to the amount of wine that I consumed yesterday (but we'll not go there). Shame really because the day started out really healthily with a banana and a walk to Neapolis. But then we had lunch (Gilly and Vanessa) and of course a glass of wine (or maybe 2) and feeling jolly when we returned to Vrahassi we joined Littlelegs and one or two others on the mountain edge to sample Lefteris own, very potent, sort of white, wine. (Big mistake!).Of course I didn't sleep too good last night and suffered today, but I have been working and now it is almost time to make tea and hopefully watch a good film. George has been painting the bar and I have been trying to clean everything in site. David has been plumbing in the... More About: Mind , Problems , South , Winds
DON'T MISS THE GRAND OPENING OF BAR NO 2
2008-03-19 08:58:00 YOU ARE ALL INVITED TO THE OPENING OF BAR NUMBER 2 - GEORGE'S PLACE ON SATURDAY 22 MARCH AT 6.30 P.M. WHEN PAPA GEORGOS AND PAPA NIKOS WILL PERFORM A BLESSING.HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE. THAT IS VRAHASSI CENTRE, THE REVOLUTION BAR 2.LOVE JANE X More About: Opening , Miss , Grand , The Grand
JUDGEMENT SUNDAY
2008-03-19 08:25:00 SUNDAY BIG FOOTBALL DAY AT JANE GUEVARA'S VRAHASSIMANCHESTER UNITED v LIVERPOOL KICK OFF 3.30 P.M.FOLLOWED BYCHELSEA v ARSENAL KICK OFF 6 P.M.COME AND SUPPORT YOUR TEAM - OR JUST COME AND JOIN IN THE FUN!FOOD AND DRINK IN PLENTIFUL SUPPLY!See you there. More About: Sunday , Judgement
BUSY WEEKEND!
2008-03-16 17:51:00 Sorry folks but I have had a very busy weekend and not a minute to update the blog. Such is life! It is now nearly 7 p.m. Sunday and the kitchen is full of pots after Sunday lunch. George, after a hard day in the fields is in Bar No 2, paint brush in hand as I write, in our run up to opening on Saturday. That is this coming Saturday the 22nd March. Don't miss our opening night it will be a laugh. Put it in your diary now - SATURDAY OPENING OF THE NEW REVOLUTION BAR, Vrahassi. Anytime from 2 p.m. onwards.ALSO - FOR ANYONE INTERESTED I shall be walking to Neapolis from Vrahassi through the olive groves on WEDNESDAY 19 starting from the statue at 10 a.m. No charge, just come along for the exercise. We shall bus back from Neapolis.AND DON'T MISS TOMORROW'S ST PATRICK NIGHT CELEBRATION WITH IRISH MUSIC AND IRISH STEW IN OUR NEW, 'COMFORT ZONE'. COME AND JOIN US. WHY COOK WHEN YOU COULD FEAST THE NIGHT AWAY. SPECIAL McGuevara's cocktail - and watch the Leprechauns leap.And now I've... More About: Weekend , Busy
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE AND NOT A DROP TO DRINK!
2008-03-11 09:33:00 As I write the 'water men' are busy digging up the road and connecting my new bar to the mains. It will be all systems go just as soon as water is flowing from the tap. Unfortunately we may have to switch it off because we need a new tank on the roof (or at least a 'floater' according to George). So, at least we are one step nearer.It is a 'water day' because David is also fitting a bath into our house ready for the new people who will arrive in a couple of weeks'. More About: Drink , Water , Drop
TREE TIME!
2008-03-05 16:10:00 Most of the Eucalyptus trees in the area have been cut right down, Vrahassi no exception. More About: Time , Tree
WINDOW 'PAIN'!
2008-03-04 15:25:00 Now it may be that the person who cut the pane of glass got it wrong, or, it may be that the person who measured the frame that the glass was to go into got it wrong. Either way, it was wrong. When I got back from my walk yesterday the pane of glass which George had taken great trouble to have transported from Ag Nik, was propped up inside the bar. "Problem" said the George. Oh no, what now thought I. The glass was too big. So whose fault is that? And what are you going to do about it George? Guessing from the broken corner I gathered that George had tried to cut the glass himself. Oh dear - time to reach for the happy pills! I'll let you know what happens but nothing has happened so far today as this morning Georgie Baby was overseeing the chopping down of the big eucalyptus tree by the rubbish bins. More About: Pain , Window
CHRISTMAS BRING AND BUY SALE
2007-11-30 11:37:00 DON'T FORGET THAT TOMORROW IS THE CHRISTMAS BRING AND BUY SALE at the bar in Vrahassi from 11 a.m.We have a Christmas cake and a Christmas Pudding to raffle and lots of other home made produce and gifts. All proceeds are to go towards the 'Flowers of Crete' fund. So, hope to see you tomorrow.Also, a mention that Mark and Lydia will be trekking across the olive groves to the Monastery of St George on Sunday so if anyone wishes to join them then be at the Statue at 10.30 a.m. When they return Sunday Lunch will be served; Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pud.Now I'm off to get ready for Greek class and prepare for a busy weekend. Have a good weekend yourselves, and remember: "Always look on the bright side of life." Ta Ta! More About: Sale
VRAHASSI - THE NEXT GENERATION
2007-11-30 10:39:00 Poppy just called in with a message for Manos in Scotland: "Hello Manos". What a cuty little Poppy Kiriakakis is. Send me a picture Manos and I will put it on the blog with a message for Poppy. My e-mail is: janesharp_creta@hotmail.com More About: Generation , The Next Generation
JUST FOR THE RECORD
2007-11-30 10:39:00 I am trying to write this blog as a statement of social history, so that in future times people can look back and get a picture of Vrahassi from 'the street' as it were, and because of this I want to be as honest as possible without hurting anyone and without any political standpoint. I have nothing to gain from this record only the satisfaction that I am writing history (with a few pictures thrown in). I have had no financial support from anyone except my husband, David who suffers my long working days and commitment to the task that I have set.I want to make it known that I am not against Vrahassi council or any member of it, and that if I have written anything which has upset them (I refer to my entry of August) then I reiterate, no such intention was ever meant.Apparently there are murmurings about my writing; comments which are quite hurtful. So I am publicly asking here that all you good people who continue to read my blog, if you are Greek speakers, to either comment on the... More About: Record , Cord , The Record
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN VRAHASSI
More articles from this author:2007-11-27 08:51:00 Well done Vrahassi Council! The village has Christmas lights flashing and flickering from lamp posts from one end to the other. I won't have to light up the town this year the new Council is ahead of me. I am presuming that the Council are responsible. It is certainly a first for Vrahassi in the 13 years that I have been here. I wonder what the Village Committee will do this year, we usually have a crib set up in the center of the village, last year I noticed that bits were missing, the baby Jesus I think, so hopefully we shall have a full set of players this year.Anyway, the lights have made me feel very Christmas-y and I shall be getting my tree out soon and decorating the bar. Speaking of lights, I have just had a ginormous electricity bill. For 10 months I have paid very little as the bill was estimated and now comes the day of reckoning. I must say, my pocket is hurting and I am going around switching as much off as I can to avoid the same thing happening again, (unfortunately... More About: Lights , Christmas Lights 1, 2, 3, 4 |
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