the CHANIA POST
December 2015 - January 2016, Issue No. 30
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TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS RECIPES from CRETE
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READ ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Crete remains safe and balances Scandinavians with other nationalities
24 Hour Guarded Parking
Car Wash
The Pendulum Of Our Universal Clock
The characteristics of tourists coming to Chania was the key finding of a survey by the Business Economics & Management Faculty of MAICh (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania) and the Technical University of Chania, presented on Monday evening. p. 8
Linguistic origins of the terminology for animals, trees, fruits & vegetables Crash course in Greek and Latin
p.10
How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Greece? Ierapetra in Top 5 Retirement Cities in Greece
If you’ve ever vacationed in the Greek islands, you may have found it hard to leave. What if you didn’t have to? p.10
What are we as humanity? Do we as intelligent life forms serve some universal purpose or is our existence something of chance in a chaotic cosmos? If there is order in this universe, to what is our evolution as a species, races and civilizations attributed? p. 3
PUBLIC BUS SERVICE is the Best Affordable Way to Travel to Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and to all Southwestern Crete
Hope is...
...When
www.gelamou.gr... only the good news !!!
a child is born. The lyrics from the well known christmas song “When A Child Is Born” certainly carry a wonderful message. Especially at this time where so much suffering, violence and anger can be found at so many places around the globe - freedom, peace and happiness should not only be empty phrases but they should be all around us, certainly not only at Christmas-time. May people understand,
CHANIA POST
seas learn to love and The winds of change appreciate the true whisper in the trees values of life instead And the walls of of fighting or worse. doubt crumble Here are the the lyrtossed and torn ics of a song that is Elpida “Hope” Katsarakis This comes to pass, not just for christ- by NEA TV Journalist when a child is born mas but for life... A ray of hope flickers in the A rosy hue settles all around You got the feel, you’re on sky A tiny star lights up way up solid ground For a spell or two no one high All across the land dawns a seems forlorn This comes to pass, when a brand new morn This comes to pass when a child is born And all of this happens, bechild is born A silent wish sails the seven cause the world is waiting.
Waiting for one child; Blackwhite-yellow, no one knows... But a child that will grow up and turn tears to laughter, Hate to love, war to peace and everyone to everyone’s neighbor, And misery and suffering will be words to be forgotten forever. It’s all a dream and illusion now, It must come true sometime soon somehow, All across the land dawns a brand new morn, This comes to pass when a child is born.
Your local free paper by FTP Publications 73, El. Venizelou str., Chania, 73100 Tel. +30 6977 295075 Owner/Publisher: FTP Publlications Web: http://www.chaniapost.eu E-mail: info@chaniapost.eu FB: http://www.facebook.com/chaniapost Twitter: @chaniapost Editors: Pandelis Giaitsis, Elpida “Hope” Katsarakis, Pandelis Spiridakis, Petros Chatzistavros, Giannis Kriaras, Nicos Lazakis, Miltiades Markatos, Giannis Venetakis, Giannis Xamonakis, Petros Marinakis, Antonia Tsakirakis., Giorgos Atsalakis, Stavros Tsihlis, Manolis Karpadakis, Katerina Polizou. Advertising: Chania Post, 73, El. Venizelou str., Chania Tel. +30 6977295075 DTP: FTP Publications Printed in:
Photo of the month... by Pavlos Mpouzis
CHANIA POST... on the go Android Mac OS ECO friendly paper - Please recycle When you finish reading... give it to a friend Find CHANIA POST at the following points: CHANIA Municipal Market, Airport, Public Bus Central Station, Old Harbour, Municipal Tourist Information Desk PLATANIAS Central Square Infokiosk, Botanical Park KISSAMOS Gramvousa and Balos boats, Elafonissi, Falassarna KANDANOS-SELINO Paleochora Info Desk, Sougia, Kandanos SFAKIA Hora Sfakion Infokiosk, Loutro, Agia Roumeli, ANENDYK boats APOKORONAS Georgioupoli, Kavros, Vamos, Kalyves, Vrysses Also in Chania taxis, Limnoupolis Water Park and in selected cafes, businesses and shops throughout Chania Prefecture.
Hey
Live @ Love @ Laugh
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editorial
christmasers , it’ s our time once again …For Feeling light , free and awesome ! Christmas in deep by Pandelis Spiridakis gelamou.gr Greek crisis fully reminds the wise words of Kazantazakis ΄΄People are not saved , they are the ones that save !΄΄ Got it …? Ok ΡΕ guys Christmas time is lights , happiness , happy melodies and finally and sooooooo much of dirty lauphing
, couphing and cretan – beauty –winter – warming!!! Yeeees , the girl in the foto : Mihaella Fotiadi from Ierapetra of Crete …Simply you give me fever, the good one! STAR HELLAS 2015 is from Ierapetra , Crete and there is more about it… In the meantime , while we are bla bla doing our stuff writing , talking and making our – let’s get together right now, oh yeah – Mixaella stands these days in Las Vegas wearing the Greek National Costume …Big Goal : ΜIS UNIVERSE Contest! And she really reminded me of small
but so …cosy Greece : in a such awkward situation , but always willing to go for it , jump and laugh and feel the festival vibration. Such a Cretan DNA! She is living her dream , repeating the so greek expression ΄΄ I’ m not going there just for the experience , I want to have it all΄΄ When you ask her if she keeps something for good luck , she gets so enthusiastic saying : ΄΄My smile , because smilimg , you influence things in a positive way! Everything goes better΄΄ BLOODY BINGOOOOO Mixaella! And the whole story started from her father, he is the one that she ‘ll call first to tell the news , if things go well. She believes and the taek won do practice taught her what to expect! That’s the point . That’s the TRUE CHRISTMAS STORY! Giving our Best Greek Shot , we Bang the best way the rock falling. This way , we change theory, lifestyle and guts! It’s the crazy Greek guy’s courage, the humorous Crete mind and the expectations that wake you up, even in BROKE CHRISTMAS… but not broke wills . BIG CASE and big Bang Change! So True Stories, Sexy Girls and Crazy Minds shows the way above and we make it Happen… in the last second , we Bang the
best way the rock not falling and within the worst predictions we get in the Best Worlds Edition…Crazy Minds Happens all The Time! But Crazy Lifes Happen All the Christmas? Dream People …It’s Blowing Amazing HAPPY DREAMING CHRISTMAS … Pantelis from Rethimno Akuna …
The Pendulum Of Our Universal Clock
ern World with the ethical grounds on multifaceted thought of itself? which to sustain mass industry, shifting At this point one might cynically ask: society from a Theo-centric one into ‘All that sounds fine, but if each of our one that consumed what the industry lives is an infinitesimal explosion of produced – a consumer society. cosmic thought, what about those who The drastic ‘cosmogonical’ changes don’t think and do not function intelbrought on by the technological leaps ligently?’ One equally cynical answer of industry marked the end of the third could be: ‘Such creatures may also serve swing and initiated the fourth. The a purpose; that is, to produce greater ex1990’s spearheaded the current towards plosions amongst those who do think, globalization, which meant the rapid pretty much the same way that maon decline of national economies and the nure nourishes a flower for more news click r birth of a “global village” in an econom- to bloom.’ Einstein is a t.g os ep http://cret ic sense, but not without social con- novel example of a thinksequences, as national identities were er who was prompted by also targeted by a system that thrives the hoi polloi to say: “There are two in a homogenized, consumer-oriented infinities – the infinity of the universe mindset. Today’s culminating turmoil and the infinity of human idiocy.” This in the Middle East and the demograph- echoes Anaxagoras (5th century BC), ic changes that have ensued from mass who referred to the creative force of the migrations are but the birth pains of universe as ‘The Nous’ (The Mind) and observed that “The Mind has a share this change. As observers and initiators of this in all creatures, but only few creatures fourth ‘pendulum swing’, our gen- have a share in The Mind.” (Aristotle, eration is plotting the course that On the Soul - 404, b1) will shape the fate of things to come. As protagonists of this fourth penduWhether this will be for the better or lum swing, therefore, let us consider for the worse solely depends on our ap- the former three swings, which transproach. Assessing the aforementioned ferred the notion of divinity from the three swings may enable us to answer caverns to the surface, and from there our existential questions, along with to the heavens. Our metaphorical penanother very significant one: Why have dulum may very well have moved the we developed to the point of network- hour hands of our own cosmic clock ing all the civilizations of our planet full cycle to the time of maturity. This (e.g. Internet) in the way a brain net- means that the intelligentsia amongst works itself via neurons to think collec- humanity may form this swing to be tively? Why have we reached the point that of self-knowledge and the wisdom of immediate access to current events that the divine is not to be found outthrough satellite media and communi- side ourselves, but within us. For we cations? If we assume that there is uni- comprise an integral part of cosmic imversal order, is there a possibility that petus, intelligence and consciousness in the universe needs thinking creatures the wake of a universe that evolves as it like us to provide itself with a sense imagines itself. of its own consciousness? How else THE PENDULUM could it know of its own existence if not through intelligent life forms? Millennia are recorded in the Cosmic PenStatisticians render it possible that dulum swing, there may be at least 100.000 civi- Propelling human fate and all the changes it lizations developing in our galaxy may bring. alone! This would certainly vindiOn shifting its momentum for another cate Rene Descartes when he said: “I fateful run, think, therefore, I am.” Is it possible It strikes a blow onto the past and shapes that the universe “is” because we are what is to come. its “thoughts”? The last stroke brought untimely death to Our very lives and each planet the Archaic Age; hosting intelligent life forms that Rome and Athens both succumbed engulfed eventually network their world to in Christian rage. achieve collective thought may very Midway through its former swing a pious well be miniscule explosions of cosera grew, mic thought giving the universe a Its founding fathers unaware of what was to sense of consciousness pretty much ensue. the same way our own brain generA twentieth century man am I who’s ates innumerable electronic charges chanced to witness bear per millisecond to function. This To a pendulum stroke’s ordaining end and likelihood is further supported if we wonder what may fare. consider that in universal time the As I into the future look, I shudder in birth and death of a solar system dismay: does not exceed a fraction of a cos- What lies beyond this cosmic turn and what mic second. Could this be our role will come our way? then? That is to say, to collectively mature to the extent of understand(Excerpt from my book “The Hoplite” 1990 ) ing the universe so as to offer it a
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humanity? Do we as intelligent life forms serve some universal purpose or is our existence of by Panagiotis Terpandros something Zachariou chance in a chaotic cosmos? If there is order in this universe, to what is our evolution as a species, races and civilizations attributed? These are questions that torment many a thinking person, especially as of late, for as we traverse the first half of the 21st century, we can all attest to the acceleration of changes both socially and geopolitically in our “globalized” new world order. Perhaps an allegorically retrospective look at our ever-changing world may shed some light as to where we are headed and what our purpose is in the universe. Let us imaginatively liken the course of human history as it has unraveled in Western Civilization (since the west’s cultural and environmental repercussions have predominantly affected the globe) to that of a pendulum swinging from a colossal, universal clock. Let us further imagine that the trajectory of each swing represents a two thousand–year segment of this course. The beginning of a swing marks the birth of an era, the middle marks its bloom and the end its death, whilst the directional shift of the swing signifies the birth of a new order and so on. Thus far, the propelling force of our metaphorical pendulum has been man’s desire for affinity with the divine. The various interpretations of what commands the universe have always reflected the spirit of each era. From a Hellenocentric viewpoint, we can enumerate at least three era-ordaining swings of this epoch-recording pendulum: The First Age was marked by terrestrial worship. Caves and chasms functioned as shelter, as well as places of adoration. Sacrificial holes in the ground discovered in the Greek regions of Elateia, Thessaly and Crete are indicative of a time when humans attributed the origins of everything to the entrails of Mother Earth. Snakes were considered as part of her divinity (e.g. the Cretan
snake goddess) and were worshiped as symbols of healing, rebirth and immortality, probably due to their shedding of old skin for new one. The caduceus staff (Greek kyrekeion) depicting intertwined snakes, which today is the universal insignia of the medical profession, is a remnant of that era. The Second Age was to transfer the divine to the surface of the planet, with man as the focus point. Of great symbolic significance, marking the death of the terrestrial age, was Apollo slaying the serpent Python, son of Earth; hence the god’s epithet: ‘Pythian Apollo.’ So culturally traumatic was the shift that the god had to be purified from the kill by serving a three year term in exile from the region where he was later to establish the Oracle of Delphi. The subject of serpent and monster killing is beloved throughout world lore, since it suggests the emancipation of humankind from the terrestrial forces. In Greece, the subject reoccurs when Heracles kills the serpent-headed Lernaean Hydra, when Belerophonte does away with the Chimera and when Perseus slays the snake-haired Medusa. Icons of horse-mounted Saint George slaying the reptile-like dragon still echo that gone-by era to this day. Although Mother Earth’s forests and mountains still held an allure of mystery for the ancients, now anthropomorphic forces like those of the Greek Pantheon reigned over the elements. Further attesting to this was the victory of the Olympians over the children of the Earth, the Titans, whom the former incarcerated in her depths – Tartarus. This interaction between man and nature thrived during the Archaic Age of Greece when our metaphorical pendulum was traversing the middle of its course. The spirit of the era was sung philosophically, poetically and artistically during the Classical Age, but the end of its course was marked by the expansion of the Roman Empire, when humans began to treat nature with a sense of impunity, literally ‘plundering’ it for fun. Forests were decimated to build fortresses and siege engines, while animals provided amusement in arenas. The third turn of the pendulum was spurred by the advent of Christianity, whose era transported the divine to the Heavens. The establishment of monotheism put an end to the earthly nature of godliness. Since Nature had been stripped of her mysteries, people began to seek spiritual salvation in churches. Natural locales like springs and forests were no longer considered as Sanctuaries for worship. The domes of churches emanating the heavenly origin of God had replaced them. The Middle Ages marked the culmination of this pendulum swing, while the industrial revolution its demise. The maxim so fervently embraced by the protestant mentality, “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves,” supplied the West-
news & articles
What are we as
“I think, therefore, I am” - Rene Descartes
Latest update of the Greek Economy (part 1) A. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
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Strong GDP growth performance in H1 2015, despite the prevailing political uncertainty, on the back of growing private consumption and a new record year in tourism. Economic activity grew by 0.6% y-o-y (seasonally adjusted) in Q1 2015 and by 1.6% y-o-y in Q2 2005. The bank holiday and the capital controls imposed in July 2015, as well as the implementation of new fiscal austerity measures are expected to wipe out the recovery dynamics recorded in H2 on for more news click 2014 and H1 2015. http://cretepost.gr However, the higher-than-expected real GDP growth at 1.6% y-o-y in Q2 2015 signals a GDP decline between -1.3% and -1.6% for the year as a whole. Political turmoil was mirrored in the dramatic declines in Consumer and Business Confidence in July and August 2015. Since Monday, 21st September, Greece has new government with a fresh mandate to implement the economic adjustment program. The election outcome ends a long period of political uncertainty setting the conditions for a full and efficient implementation of the recently agreed new bailout as the great majority of the new Parliament is supporting the new
by Stavros Tsihlis Insurance & Investment Advisor
services are expected to register a big fall over the following quarters due to the pronounced contraction in domestic demand, the imposition of capital controls and lower oil prices. Moreover, a series of factors could contribute to the faster turnaround of GDP to positive figures in the medium term. In particular, these include: • Timely adoption of measures to offset the negative effects of capital controls on the import and export activity. • Participation in the ECB’s QE programme. • Frontloaded mobilisation of the EU funding to support domestic investment and job creation. The EU funding spans over the 2014- 2020 period and consists of €20 billion from the European Structural and Investment Funds and €15 billion for direct payments to farmers and support measures for agricultural markets. For the faster and frontloaded mobilisation of EU funds, the European Parliament supported the proposal of the European Commission for (a) the increase of the pre-financing rate by 7 percentage points in 2015 and 2016 for the 2014-2020 funding, making available an additional€1 billion upfront and (b) the increase of the EU co-financing rates to 100% for the 20072013 programmes and the early release of the last 5% of the remaining EU payments normally retained until the pro-
grammes’ closure. This translates to €500 million of additional liquidity and saving of approximately €2 billion for the Greek budget. • Implementation of structural reforms in areas where progress has lagged, mostly regarding the acceleration of product and service market liberalisation, as well as, addressing the weaknesses of the social security system. • Further privatisations of state owned companies. • Launch of discussions regarding a debt relief agreement, most probably in the form of debt reprofiling involving maturity extension and lower interest rates, following the first review on the implementation of the new programme. • The expansion in the use of electronic payment methods as a result of the capital controls could contribute to combating tax evasion. • Agreed relaxation of fiscal targets and renewed focus on fiscal discipline to facilitate allocation of funds into an expansionary mode. • New Programme lending for Government’s arrears clearance. • Greece exhibited the most significant reductions in the Unit Labor Cost (ULC) among all countries in the EU in recent years, a clear reflection of the magnitude of the labor market reforms. The internal devaluation of 18.6% in Q4 2014 vs. Q4 2009, led to complete reversal of competiveness loss from 2000 until 2009.
Travel insurance becomes popular after Paris attacks
Large
insurance firms have indicated an increased demand for travel insurance policies in the wake of the terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris earlier this
month. While in the Greek insurance market the turnover of these plans is extremely limited, market executives indicate that those who travel around the world, either for personal or professional reasons are much more concerned today because the terrorist threat is now admittedly transferred in the developed world countries. Many Greek citizens who happened to be in the City of Light these days have faced serious problems, particularly with canceled flights and delays. The financial impact would have been much less noticeable had they signed up for a
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reform agenda. These developments were also reflected in the rebound of Economic Sentiment in September 2015. The frontloaded fiscal adjustment program marks a policy regime switch which may lead to milder fiscal multipliers. The new agreement entails significant downward revision of the General Government primary balance targets for 2015-2018, allowing milder fiscal consolidation. Changes in insolvency law and judicial framework will help opening NPL servicing market to facilitate clean-up of banking sector loan books. On the positive side, there are three facts suggesting that the GDP decline in 2015 may be milder than initially expected in July 2015 (European Commission forecasts at that time ranging between -2% and -4%). In particular: • The tourism sector remains Greece’s most valuable comparative advantage. According to the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE), Greece is expected to register another record year in tourism in 2015, as tourist visitors will reach 26.7 million. • Lower energy prices and deflation still have favourable effects on household income and may limit the decline of private consumption in the following quarters. • Net exports are expected to support growth in 2015. Imports of goods and
by Prof. George S. Atsalakis
travel insurance plan. It is worth noting that especially for countries outside Europe, travel insurance is mandatory for issuing visas for the Schengen countries. This cover therefore becomes even more relevant, as it provides financial security and peace of mind in case of any unexpected events, such as terrorist attacks, riots etc. There are several insurance policies covering a range of costs due to terrorist attacks, such as expenses for the forced extension of a stay in a foreign destination. These can be: 1) Flight cancellations, delays - Many passengers suffer in cases like these either by losing important travel documents or paying from their personal budget for hotels or accommodation expenses. 2) Hospital expenses in case of injury – Medical bills could reach a signifi-
cant amount in a foreign country where the traveler is not covered by the local health system. The Paris attacks have been classified by the entire political world as “terrorist acts”, so if an insurance plan offers coverage in case of terrorist attacks this will apply to someone who happened to be in Paris earlier this month. These unfortunate events may urge
travelers to recognize the importance of travel insurance and understand that it’s a necessity as flight cancellations, delays and general unexpected expenses may occur while abroad. It is also a surprisingly low-cost insurance option, worthwhile signing up by anyone planning to travel. Insurancedaily.gr
Valid until January 7
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It has become a bit of a habit in the
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last few years. As the festive season approaches I arrange to meet with an by Giannis Xamonakis old friend, who by some strange twist apokoronasnews.gr of fate has also chosen to relocate in Chania, to catch up on gossip and talk about the old days over a beer or two. This year, taking advantage of the exceptionally mild weather we arranged to meet in a sea front café in the old harbour. The place was still busy but with the tourist season well over you could still find a quiet sunny corner in most of the harbour cafés. When I went to town to meet him at the agreed venue, I saw him sitting at an outside table, coat on and absorbed in an old copy of “The Journal of Psychiatry”, the sort of thing he likes to read to remind himself of his former profession. “That looks like a real page turner” I joked. “What is it about?”. And half an hour later, when he finished explaining, I had learnt that there is a rare dissociative disorder called Ganser on for more news click Syndrome, discovered http://cretepost.gr by a Herr Ganser no less. Persons afflicted by this disorder tend to give wrong answers to questions, suffer memory loss and are losing touch with reality. “Is that a disorder?” I muttered through the explanation, but my friend did not hear me, or dismissed my question as mere flippancy on my part, and went on. Apparently, a common name for Ganser is prison psychosis, because the syndrome occurs most frequently in prison inmates, where it may represent an attempt to gain leniency from prison or court officials. Which is, I guess a fancy way of stating what every inmate knows to be true: “everyone in here is innocent”. But it would appear there could be another manifestation of this condition. After yet another week of listening to politicians denying that they said what they said before the elections , giving irrelevant answers to questions they were asked and claiming that it was not their fault – it was the other lot - I started to think that maybe Ganser is not so rare after all. Or, that there may be a more common variant of the disorder which afflicts only politicians – perhaps to be named
Just another Christmas story
political psychosis? Anyway, whatever the politicians’ mental condition, political discourse in this era of the third memorandum, concentrates once again on the successes of the new radical government imposing more taxes and more spending cuts. It is of course part of what the lenders have named ‘necessary reforms’, while at the same time there is no sign of any of the real reforms needed in this country, reforms that will root out corruption and bureaucracy, and policies that will create new jobs. But nothing unsusual there. “What are you doing for Christmas?” I asked my friend as we were parting. He was going back to England for a few weeks to see the grandchildren and family and do Chrismassy things there. “I might take them to see a Christmas play – they are old enough now” he said more to himself, as if he had a new idea about keeping the grandchildren occupied. And as it is Christmas, we can afford to dip into some seasonal tradition of our own. Imagine this: Just as the clock strikes midnight, a vision of a former Greek prime minister appears. (This is ok, it is a nightmare). It is Saturday night, and the announcement is that the country will abandon the euro currency and return to the drachma. We are transported to Monday morning. Instead of business as usual, lines of angry Greeks form at the shuttered doors
of the country’s banks, trying to get at their frozen deposits. The drachma’s value plummets more than 60 percent against the euro, and prices soar at the few shops willing to open. Soon, the country’s international credit lines are cut after Greece, as part of the prime minister’s move, defaults on its debt. By Thursday there are goods shortages, fuel is rationed and the military is sent in to keep order. And then you wake up, in the present. Thank goodness it was only a dream of what things might have been like if the government had not saved us. And you look around at the hardship and unemployment and poverty but you still thank your lucky stars. But then, the following night, just as the clock strikes midnight, another vision appears of a another prime minister, a new one, preceded by the rattling of chains and the sound of heavy steel doors shutting and being locked. Outside, gray coated security staff of the financial crimes police are roaming the dimly lit streets looking for signs of financial activity to tax. Further down the road a group of self employed artisans are led into Finance ministry van that will take them to the newly build detention centre for financial crimes. The reign of financial terror has made thousands of people homeless and led millions of people to debt servitude. Labour camps have been created to enable the homeless debt slaves to work their debts off over a period of 10 years.
The only thriving businesses around are the Popular Entertainment Centres owned by Euronet and branches of People’s Bank SA that stay open late to receive payments of tax instalments. In this part of town, unlike in The Nation Protector’s quarters , stores are poorly stocked and there are only community food stores. But everybody expresses their satisfaction with the country’s economy and polls show a 90% public support for staying in the Euro at any cost. The vision once again fades and you return to reality terrified, trying to shake off the memory of the vision. And thankfully, the future of the Reign of Financial Terror was only a nightmare due to an excessive consumption of cheese. What a relief. But the harsh reality is still the same with no hope for improvement in the foreseeable future. If only our leaders –and not only the Greek ones – did not suffer from political Ganser syndrome, then perhaps a visitation of this sort would be enough to make them realise the errors of their ways and bring back some of the Christmas spirit into the world. But in their effort to avoid the vision of prime ministers past, new ones will very likely dismiss any hideous visions of the future. And to change that would take a lot more of serious, all year round haunting. Happy Christmas
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Crete remains safe and balances Scandinavians with other nationalities
T he
characteristics of tourists coming to Chania was the key finding of a survey by the Business Economics & Management Faculty of MAICh (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania) and the Technical University of Chania, presented on Monday evening. According to the survey, tourists coming to Chania have more money than average, are more educated than average, they are householders and -despite all inclusive servicesthey spend money on ck cli for shopping or eatws for more ne r t.g ing. os ep http://cret Most of them choose a hotel in Platanias and Agia Marina to stay. Also, on top of arrivals are the Scandinavians, while Germans seem to have an upward trend. The survey was conducted in Chania Airport, from May to October 2015, with 4,000 questionnaires.
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Priority to safety Security is one of the main reasons that tourists opting for holidays in Chania and generally Crete, according to the survey. The question of safety was first raised in this year’s survey and received 75% positive responses, highlighting security as a key criterion for the selection of the destination. Natural beauty and climate, as expected, plays principal role on the choice of destination, with 97%. Local cuisine with 79% and value for money with 77% are the other main reasons for choosing Chania and Western Crete, according to the
survey. Archaeological sites follow with 39% and only 21% of tourists mention fun among other reasons for choosing the area. Very high satisfaction for services Satisfaction for the service level (behavior of people, restaurants / taverns, cafes, transportation, airport) was very high reaching 95%. For all these reasons, 93% of visitors stated their desire to come back to West Crete for vacations. Complaints are the same as in previous years: roads, marking and cleaning streets, beaches and squares. “The results of our research are filled with optimism. We have a visitor profile that is enviable. Where we lag behind, for another year, is infrastructure, but it seems that if we try, we can turn the city of Chania into a worldwide destination, just as it deserves,” said the president of the Hotel Association, Manolis Giannoulis, commenting on the survey’s results.
Other interesting findings of the survey ** For the first time non-Scandinavian tourists tend to outnumber Scandinavians, who have dominated Western Crete tourism for years. With continuous growth in the last 5 years by 176% overall, non-Scandinavians had this year share a 48.7% share of total arrivals, compared with 51.3% of the Scandinavians. What causes this shift in balance? According to MAICh director George Baourakis,”low-cost airlines have given a tremendous boost to
tourism in Chania, mainly in relation to to non-citizens of Nordic countries” . University of Crete Assistant Professor George Atsalakis noted: “In recent years, we have lost 23 % from the Eurozone traffic but offset arrivals from other countries such as Russia, Israel and Poland. We also see that China enters the market very strongly.” Of non-Scandinavians, 91% comes in Chania with Ryanair. Germans showed an increase by 26% this year. Swedes, however, still rank first regarding origin of nationality (156,000 visitors), constituting 16.6% of total arrivals, followed by Norwegians with 15.6%, Danes with 12.8%, Brits with 11.2% and Germans with 7.9% Western Crete tourists profile: ** The majority are aged between 25 - 54 years. Most have revisited the area. They have high education and income, since three out of four are universities and colleges graduates and six out of ten declare annual income exceeding 45,000 euros. spending during the nine days that they staying on average in Western Crete they spend 390 euros per capita, excluding expenditure on air tickets and accommodation costs. ** The majority of tourists (60%) are public and private employees. More than half of them (55%) reside in Platanias and Agia Marina areas, 66% choose hotels (74% of them 3 and 4 stars) 26% apartments and studios and 30% choose package in-
clusive all. Most of their bookings (72%) are made through a travel agent and on line. Value for money ** The majority considers prices from normal to cheap compared to other European destinations and the price/ quality of the offered services and products is judged as better. ** Many tourists (52%) use buses for their movements, while 49.5% also hire cars and 34,5% use taxis for the various tours. ** Their interest in local products focuses on local wine by 54%, olive oil by 49.3% and fresh orange juice by 47.5%. At nights, they frequent their favourite taverns and cafes, and only a few spend money on clubbing. Popular destinations ** The most popular destination for tourists in Western Crete is Elafonisi followed by Museums, Balos, Falasarna, Samaria Gorge, Sougia and the area of Aptera. The most popular destinations, outside Chania, are Knossos and Phaistos in Heraklion. The survey concludes by noting that coastal tourism and seasonality are the dominant features of the market in Western Crete. The growth of value added in the sector is yet to be achieved and combined with coastal erosion and climate change directly threaten this “model”. The enrichment of tourism services, differentiation and individualization of “product” are the only way now for the region to advance.
Linguistic origins of the terminology for animals, trees, fruits & vegetables Crash course in Greek and Latin
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on for more news click r http://cretepost.g
Heat pump: The most economical way of heating and cooling a home
The
essential time for renewables, utilizing the best use of the energy that is inexhaustible and free in the environment throughout the year
was 2oC. So the heat pump with the external unit gets air of 10oC removes this amount of heat and rejected again in an atmosphere having a temperature
sions -Independent system of heating and cooling and domestic hot water production
that will give the best solution and maximum energy savings according to the needs of your house you can visit our website: www.mazanakis.gr, send us
even the most desperate days of the year, the most economical way of heating and cooling a home, for the production of domestic hot water and heating of the pool is heat pumps. The term refers to the heat pump units, which using auxiliary electricity, get heat on external air spaces and carry him through space. They work like pumps that draw heat from the outside air, by sending it inside. For example in winter when outdoor temperature is 10oC, the air has more heat than if the outside temperature
of 2oC. Then with this energy offered FREE by the environment may heat up the water, which in turn warms the houses via standard heating systems, such as floor heating system, panel radiators but also with use of indoor units, fan coils, where in this case we can have and cooling from the same bodies. Heat pump can also be combined with a Solar Thermal System for more energy savings. The advantages of Heat Pump are: -Reduction of fuel -Reduction of carbon dioxide emis-
-Suitable for new construction and renovation projects, it can be used even with existing boiler. -Meets the design requirements for renewable energy -Cooling Mode According to all the above our company guarantees the comfort of heating, cooling and domestic hot water, with the most economical and environmentally friendly way to heat pumps of the eponymous products of HITACHI and GREE. For more information or for a study
an email in info@mazanakis.gr or visit us in Nerokourou 8 Street – Kalikas, Phone number: 2821095860 Mazanakis Odysseus & CO 8, Nerokourou str. 73300 Chania Tel./Fax: (+30) 28210 95860 e-mail: info@mazanakis.gr Web: www.mazanakis.gr
Life feels at the moment like a box
of jigsaw pieces but the picture is missing. There is so much happening with terrorist worries, lack of money as austerity bites even more here in Greece and migrants literally washing up on European shores.
So what is the picture for all the pieces? For Christians or those not sure, Christmas can be a time for rediscovering the general picture that can help us put the jigsaw together. The Christmas story provides a pattern a frame to understand all the other things that go on. It can be a way of understanding my own mystery and why I am here on this planet. So where can we see the picture?
St Thomas Church is as usual putting on some events that can help over this Christmas. There is a service of nine lessons and carols at Almyrida Beach Hotel on 20th December at 7:00 pm. It is fairly traditional but the familiarity with the old story can help us to see fresh meanings for our jigsaw. On 24th December at 11:30 pm at the Midnight Mass in St Thomas Church Kefalas there will also be the blessing of the crib. The next day 25th there will be a service of Holy Communion with carols at 11:00 am. Each of these services will present the age old amazing story of Christmas. A story that says human beings have a special purpose, that the universe has at its very heart a loving creator.
So that is the picture, but it needs a lot of work for each of us to find the right pieces, and begin to fit them together. It will need some work to find out where we fit in too. Its a personal journey of discovery and sometimes we can only find a piece when something happens in life, whether its sad like an illness or joyful in the birth of a baby. We look forward to having you join us at St Thomas at any time and especially over the Christmas period. Happy Christmas and all good wishes for 2016 from us all at St Thomas. Revd Canon Philip Lambert, Anglican Chaplain, Crete. www.theanglicanchurchincrete.co.uk
Tour Agents and Airlines Bet on Greece for 2016. Crete is a top destination
Crete is the 3rd preferred destination for European tourists Heraklion -and Crete in general- is the 3rd preferred destination for European tourists in 2016, while Greece (as a country) comes in 2nd place. Data is the result of a survey by the Polish Association of Tourist Agents (PZOT). The survey was held from November 29 to December 6 and it refers to bookings from TUI, Rainbow Tours and Neckermann. It has to be mentioned that data refers to early bookings and, according to Thomas Cook and TUI, tourists will be interested in booking their summer holidays on Crete, after Christmas.
Detur: New direct flights from Sweden to Chania Scandinavian tour operator Detur
Ryanair Adds Five New Routes from Athens Next year, Ryanair will launch five new
routes from Athens in late-March and also increase flight frequency on three domestic routes. As announced by the airline’s commercial director David O’Brien during a recent press conference, Ryanair will launch new routes from the Greek capital to Mykonos (five per week), Corfu (three per week), Malta (three per week), Bucharest (one daily) and Bologna (four per week) as part of its summer 2016 Athens flight schedule. The launch of the low-cost carrier’s Athens flight schedule for next year also sees extra flights from Athens to Thessaloniki (from six to seven per day), Rhodes (from one to two per day) and Santorini (from two to three daily). In total, Ryanair will operate 19 routes from Athens International Airport (AIA), including the already announced routes from Athens to Berlin (one daily) and Dublin (three per week). The routes will operate from Ryanair’s Athens base via five aircraft. According to the airline, the summer schedule is expected to deliver 3.4 million passengers per year and support 2,550 on-site jobs. According to Mr O’Brien, Ryanair expects to transfer to Greece some six million passengers through four bases and 103 routes in 2016. He underlined that the airline’s aim is to gradually fly 10 million passengers to Greece. Mr. O’Brien also noted that the company’s “rapid growth proposals” to the government — to launch more flights to Greece in exchange for cheaper air-
port fees — are still available. FTI: Stable prices for holiday packages to Greece and of course Crete on After a preselection in for more news click r t.g os October, FTI pubep http://cret lished its main catalog for Greece and Cyprus. The delay, is due to the Greek VAT increase, which obstructed pricing for a long time. Yet, flexible contracts and successful renegotiations in recent weeks offset the general rise in prices for the most part, said Packages Chief Sven Schikarsky adding that two months ago, that would not have been possible. The 338-page catalog features 800 hotels to choose from, 300 houses, various excursions and six round trips. from March until October 2016 mainly in Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, and Halkidiki but also Attica region and Peloponnese that are included again. In Corfu, FTI cooperates for the first time with the Mayor Group, which manages four holiday houses on the island. In Crete, four and a half star Kiani Beach resort in the north is booked exclusively at FTI while smaller properties are also available, including the Aris Hotel in Peloponnese’s Tolo. From next season, Labranda brand is launched in the market and four-star Hotel Kalyves Beach Hotel in Crete offers all-inclusive catering. In total, 100 hotels up to four-star level and 46 new hotels are bookable in Greece and Cyprus.
Wedding tourism: Greece 12% more economical for the British in 2016 F or ten years MarryAbroad.co.uk has been flying the flag for overseas weddings, as often offering couples far more cost-effective ceremonies, than getting married in the UK.
With the average UK wedding costing couples £20,000, getting hitched in another country can work out a fraction of the price and often provides guests a more glamorous and memorable occasion.
MarryAbroad furthermore says couples who take advantage of fluctuating exchange rates can save even more on wedding costs, by choosing their country wisely. For example, the site suggests certain destinations are 23% better value in 2015 to 2014, due to fluctuations in exchange rates, year on year. Best bargain packages MarryAbroad recently partnered with company FairFX, which offers couples a free international payment service, as a safe and simple way to send money abroad. MarryAbroad’s best bargain overseas wedding packages, which take advantage of better exchange rates, year on year includes and the wedding tourism specialists report the
following:
“Greece – 12% cheaper this year” A ceremony in 2016 in Santorini, for just €1800, approx. £1272. Planners Santo Weddings’ package for two in Santorini includes assistance with the legal paperwork, arranging a Registrar and witnesses, Town Hall Fees, a professional photographer, 80-100 digital photographs, a bouquet for the bride and groom’s boutonniere, wedding cake, bottle of champagne, decoration, music, ceremony coordination and transport. Spending euros this year will see you getting 12% more for your money compared to this time last year where you got €1.26 for each Pound compared to €1.41 this year.*
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launches direct charter flights to Chania from three Swedish cities, Göteborg, Norrköping and Ängelholm, next summer. Flights from Gothenburg and Stockholm will be conducted by Air Primera charter company Air Primera, which collaborates with the tour operator while the other two cities will be served by Aegean Airlines. “In 2013, we started the program for Crete, we see a growing interest among Swedish tourists, which is why we expand the program next summer to Chania and Rethymnon “said Staffan Jansson, Sales Director Detur in Sweden.
is still going strong as a destination of choice according to forecasts for the new year with tour operators boosting their package deals and air carriers launching new flights and adding more seats to their Greece-bound itineraries. According to tourism insiders, the geopolitics of the region are bound to drive tourist flows to Greece. Indicatively, German tour operator TUI is expanding its package deals to Greece by 30 percent, forging deals with new partners. At the same time, Thomas Cook is also adding new accommodation facilities to its list of partners, and tour operator Apollo,working with the Scandinavian market, is also boosting its Greece package holidays by 20 percent. Airlines meanwhile, including Ryanair, British Airways, Lufthansa, easyJet and Aegean, are ready to handle an growing number of passengers in 2016 by increasing the number of seats on offer as well as the number of destinations. Indicatively, Aegean will be offering a total of 16.2 million seats – up by 1.1 million compared to last year – adding 14 new destinations and six new countries in 2016, thus connecting Athens with 101 destinations worldwide. British Airways, to be covering 10 destinations in Greece, will be offering direct links from London to Kalamata and Chania in 2016,and bolstering its flights to Santorini and Corfu.
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Greece
Christmas Jigsaw
by David Capon
Evolutionary Defence
As I mentioned in the last issue of
the Chania Post, evolutionary ecology is an interesting branch of ecology. One area where evolution is most obvious for both animals and plants is in the changes made by species to avoid predation. In other words, improvements in defensive systems are important in the continuance of the species. The adaptaon ck cli ws ne e or tions made by many m for r t.g os ep et cr plants are all around :// http us but not necessarily recognized or thought of as defensive systems. Some of these adaptations have become very important to humankind. Other interesting evolutionary adaptations are concerned with the disposal of seeds. Plants are the basis of life on this planet, converting solar energy to food for herbivores, which become the food for carnivores. Large herbivores are a problem but insects also have a huge effect on plants.
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There are two plants in gardens on Crete that show different defence mechanisms. The first is bougainvillea. Because of the spines on the branches this is often planted to provide hedging. All gardeners will know how painful these barbs are. These give protection against large herbivores (e.g. sheep and goats). But the thorns are not the only defence that bougainvillea has. The leaves are leathery and tough and, on the whole, impenetrable to insects and snails. The other plant often found in gardens is the highly poisonous oleander. Oleander has been planted along the highway to keep goats and sheep away from the cars. Both these plants are showy and have evolved systems to protect themselves. Another very poisonous plant that is found in many gardens is the Castor oil plant (ricin being the naturally occurring lethal compound).
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Out in our countryside there are many variations on these two defence systems. There are many species of spurge (Eupphorbia) on the island. One of the prettiest is the tree spurge that is found regularly throughout our area. It is now seen as a large bright green, circular plant but will become a vivid orange during spring. The stems of spurges contain a sap that is an irritant and to more sensitive people the sap can cause severe rashes. Therefore this plant does not appear on the menu of many animals. The sea squill is one of the first flowers of late summer. Its flowering stem has many flowers but the plant shows no leaves at that time. Often you can find a small field of these and they look like sentinel soldiers. The large bulb is poisonous and when the large leaves appear they are leathery, difficult to pierce and presumably not very palatable. The toxins created by plants have been used and developed to produce many different medicines and there is no doubt that plants in tropical rainforests that are becoming extinct may have compounds that could be a cure for many diseases. But the poisons have also been used for murderous intent. One fine example is the use by ancient Greeks of the toxin coniine from the hemlock plant to kill the philosopher Socrates.
Well camouflaged Praying mantis on Stinking aster eating a Painted lady butterfly
There are many plants (such as Spiny burnet) that have spines and barbs as defensive mechanisms. These plants, left alone by goats and sheep, are also refuges for other plants and especially orchids. There are also trees that use the same system of protection (e.g. oaks and hawthorn).
Plants have evolved many systems to scatter their seeds. The two that are probably best well known are dandelion and salsify with the heads of many seeds that can be blown quite large distances. Coconuts by the sea can be transported thousand of miles before arriving at a new land. Here, as many pet owners will know, plants have another ‘annoying’ system. The seeds of some plants are thorny or prickly. As an animal walks by the seeds attach themselves to the fur (trouser legs) etc. Eventually they either drop off or are pulled off at a distance from the parent plant. If plants have a difficult life trying to survive, insects have a similar problem. They find themselves on the menu of other insects, reptiles and amphibians, birds and mammals as well as trying to survive climate change. There is no doubt that you will know one main defence mechanism; that of the sting of bees and wasps but evolutionary processes have created some surprises. Camouflage is one protective mechanism used but is also used as a means of predation. One of the best examples on the island is the Praying mantis. With their, usually, green colouring and shape they look like leaves to both prey and predators. It is a very efficient method. Another type of camouflage is used by caterpillars of hawk moths. They have evolved colouring on their rears. If threatened they raise their backs and expose a couple of large ‘eyes’ which is often enough to startle preda-
tors.
Some insects use the plants on which they feed to create their own poisons or irritants. However, there is no point in being poisonous or distasteful unless your potential predators know you are not fit to eat. Aposematism is the word used to describe how insects use colouring to warn potential predators. Birds soon recognize certain colour patterns and avoid the insects – a fine example of this is the cinnabar moth, whose caterpillar is also aposematic. Other palatable insects have evolved the same colour patterns mimicking and hiding behind the disguise.
hearing is also found in many locusts, crickets and lacewings). The response to the spike by the moth may result in changes of speed, direction or even a cessation of flight. It seems that the sensitivity of the hearing is such that they can detect a bat at least at 20 to 30m away.
Co-evolution , for example where an insect and a plant evolve together, is intriguing. A good example is of certain species of acacia tree in the wild in their native surroundings. They provide certain ant species with extra-floral nectar and protein rich growths on the leaves as well hollow thorns in which the ants live. In return the ants fiercely attack any potential herbivores. This symbiotic relationship benefits both the tree and the ants but how did this start and then evolve?
This is quite a relatively large distance, as it seems that a bat cannot detect even a large moth more than 5m away. The evasive reaction taken by moths with this ability seems to be dependent on the calculated distance of the bat when first noticed. If the bat appears to be some distance away a change of flight direction will take the moth away from the calls and provide safety. Calls of high intensity indicate the proximity of a bat and the reactions are more dramatic. These evasive actions may be a powered dive, a downward spiral flight or a loop followed by a vertical dive that may eventually take the moth into protective vegetation. Tiger moths are aposematic but the colouring is useless at night. They emit ultrasonic clicks if they encounter bats at night. Tests show that bats abort the attack when confronted by the clicks.
Generally, most people consider that butterflies fly during the day and moths at night. This is not entirely correct but butterflies with their bright colours are very visible in flight during the day. Many moth species overcame this problem by flying at night but insectivorous bats evolved to take advantage of this available food. Their methods of hunting using echo-location required the moths to develop some intricate defence systems. Because of tympanic organs (ears, but not in the sense of human ears) on many species of moth they have evolved ultrasonic hearing. The organs are able to pass spikes to the central nervous system. (Ultrasonic
Evolution springs up many surprises but evolutionary timescales are large. In mid-November I was leading an art workshop when a hedgehog walked into the garage forecourt across the road. I went across the road, stroked the hedgehog so it curled up and placed it back in a safer area. It is going to be a very long time before natural selection provides the hedgehog species with fear of asphalt and cars. By that time, at the rate Man is moving, there will be no roads, no Nature and no hedgehogs. But Nature throws up many surprises and the defence systems of plants and insects must be in amongst the biggest surprises.
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS RECIPES from CRETE
On Crete, there are traditional recipes made and served over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season. You may also enjoy those recipes at other times of year as well, but in December and January, they come together to create a fabulous collection of tastes and textures.
Christmas recipes from Crete
Xerotigana For the dough: 6 - 8 cups of all-purpose flour 2/3 cup of freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice 2/3 cup of olive oil 1 cup + 2 tablespoons of water ---------For the syrup: 1 cup of sugar 1 cup of honey 1 cup of water 1 stick of cinnamon ---------For the topping: 1/4 cup of toasted sesame seeds 1/4 cup of finely chopped walnuts 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon ---------olive oil for frying greekfood.about.com
Combine 6 cups of flour and all re-
maining dough ingredients in a large bowl or plastic tub and knead well for at least 5 minutes. Add more flour as needed to make a smooth firm dough. Let rest for 30 minutes. While the dough is resting, make the syrup.
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Bring all syrup ingredients to a boil in a large saucepan and boil for 15 minutes.
pieces, about the size of your fist. Roll out each piece of dough using the highest (thinnest) setting on a pasta machine or with a floured rolling pin, into a long strip, about 30-36 inches long and 5 inches wide, sprinkling with flour if needed to keep it dry. Cut lengthwise into strips 1 inch wide using a fluted pastry wheel. Each piece of rolled-out dough should make 5 long strips.
Turn the heat to the lowest possible setting to keep it hot without boiling.
Loop the long strip of dough loosely around two fingers, then three, then all four, continuing to make a loose spiral shape.
Divide the dough into equal-sized
Drop into 2 inches of hot oil.
The dough is so thin that it will puff as it fries and will tend to uncurl. Place the tines of a fork in the center of the spiral and turn to keep the spiral shape. When lightly golden on all sides, remove from the oil with a slotted spoon or spatula. Let excess oil drip off and drain on paper towels. Do not stack the spirals. Place one spiral at a time in the steaming hot syrup (increase heat if necessary) for 5-6 seconds on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and
Christmas or New Year’s Eve Dinner? Place your orders as soon as possible or visit our two butcher shops... MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
place on a serving platter. Combine walnuts and cinnamon. Sprinkle with a little of the walnut and cinnamon mixture, followed by the sesame seeds. Layer spirals on top, sprinkling each with the toppings. Tip: How much to sprinkle? At least a good sized pinch on each spiral... of the walnut/cinnamon mixture and of the sesame seeds. Yield: About 60 large spirals Note: The long strips can be cut in half to make smaller spirals, and they can be cut in narrower strips (6 to a rolled out piece of dough) to make more as well.
For the dough: 1/2 cup of olive oil 1/2 cup of sugar 1/2 cup of unflavored strained yogurt 2 eggs, beaten with a fork 1 teaspoon of baking powder 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour 1/4 cup of brandy ---------FOR THE FILLING 1 2/3 pounds of fresh soft myzithra cheese (or mascarpone or ricotta) 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons of sugar 1 egg yolk 1 teaspoon of grated orange peel 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour 1 egg, beaten (for glaze) ---------TOPPINGS ground cinnamon (for baked pastries) confectioner’s sugar or honey (for fried pastries)
sweet cheese pastries use a rolled dough instead of thin phyllo sheets. Depending on how they are folded (see below), they can be baked or fried. They are holiday tradition on the Greek island of Crete, but eaten at other times as well because they’re so delicious! These call for the fresh soft variety of myzithra (not the aged salty type) cheese, and if you can’t find it, try Italian mascarpone or ricotta.
begins to stiffen, adding the brandy to soften the dough as needed. -Knead the dough in the bowl for approximately 10 minutes until smooth, and set aside to rest.
Prepare the dough
To bake
In a large bowl: -Whisk the dry ingredients together (sugar, baking powder, flour). -Add the oil, mixing with a spoon or hands. -Stir in the strained yogurt and eggs and mix with spoon until the dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
Prepare the filling In a separate bowl, mix the cheese, cinnamon, sugar, egg yolk, orange peel, and flour together until well blended.
Make the pastry On a floured surface with a rolling pin, roll a piece of dough out to a thickness
of about 1/8th of an inch. Using a 3-4 inch cutter or saucer as a guide, cut out circles. (Alternatively, take a piece of dough the size of an unshelled walnut and roll it out to a circle about 3-4 inches across.) Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture into the center of the circle and spread out close to the edges. Raise the rim of the dough up around the cheese and, with wet fingers, pinch the edges to pull the dough in around the cheese, leaving the center open so the cheese shows. Repeat using all the dough and filling. Place the kalitsounia on the baking sheet and brush lightly with beaten egg to glaze. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 20 minutes until lightly browned (see photo). Sprinkle lightly
with cinnamon.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet. Kalitsounia will keep well, covered, in the refrigerator. To fry
Place a teaspoonful of cheese mix into the center of the circle, fold the circle over into a half-moon shape. With wet fingers, crimp the edges to close securely. Preheat 1 cup of olive oil over medium heat and fry until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar or drizzle with honey. Yield: 30-36 pieces
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These
Christmas recipes from Crete
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Christmas recipes from Crete
Koulourakia 1/2 cup of lukewarm water 1 envelope of dry yeast (1 3/4 teaspoons) 1 cup of olive oil 3/4 cup of sugar 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice 2 tablespoons of brandy 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon of ground cloves about 6 cups of all purpose flour 1/4 pound (3/4 cup) white untoasted sesame seeds
These
wreath-shaped yeast sesame cookie rings are made once a year in certain areas of the Greek island of Crete: at Christmas. The cookies are made with the traditional Christmas tastes of cinnamon, cloves, and orange, and they contain no dairy products or eggs. Sprinkle yeast into the warm water and stir to dissolve. In a non-metal mixing bowl, stir together olive oil and sugar to combine well. Stir in orange juice, brandy, cin-
Beat for several minutes on medium-high to combine. Slowly beat in 4 cups of flour. When the flour is mixed in, add more until the dough is stiff. Start kneading with hands (in the bowl). Knead for 10-15 minutes, until the dough is malleable and doesn’t split,
adding more flour if needed. The dough will be oily. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a piece of dough the size of an unshelled walnut (about a handful) and squeeze it in your fist to form a dense ball. Roll out into a cigar shape (fatter in the middle, tapered at the ends), about 6 inches long. Form into a ring shape with about a 1/2
inch hole in the center (see photo for guidance) and dip one side in sesame seeds. Place on cookie sheet with the sesame seed side up. Bake on nonstick or very lightly oiled cookie sheets at 350°F (175°C) for 1520 minutes, until they turn a nice deep gold color. Cool completely before serving. Yield: about 4 dozen sesame cookie rings
Kourabiedes 1 teaspoon of baking soda 1/3 cup of brandy (or orange juice) 3 egg whites 1 egg yolk 3 cups of unsalted butter (about 6 1/4 sticks), softened 1 1/3 cups + 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon 1 1/2 pounds of unsalted toasted almonds, chopped in large pieces 12 1/2 cups (approximately) of all-purpose flour (about 3 1/2 pounds) 2 or more pounds of confectioner’s sugar for topping
Kourabiedes are celebration cookies: they are prepared at Christmas, baptisms, and weddings. This recipe for these shortbread-type cookies is packed with toasted almonds, includes the taste of cinnamon, and calls for the traditional coating of lots of confectioner’s sugar. Dissolve the baking soda in the brandy. Beat the eggs whites and yolk together. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, oil, and 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar until white and light. Beat in eggs, brandy with baking soda, cinnamon, and chopped almonds. Stir in flour and use hands to combine. Knead for 20 minutes.
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namon, cloves, and warm water (with yeast).
The dough will be fairly dry and dense. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a fistful of dough and squeeze 8 times to soften. Shape into balls and flatten slightly to a height of about 1/2 inch and 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. The dough can also be patted to a height of 1/2 inch and cut with a cookie cutter.
topping with confectioner’s sugar. Sprinkle one or more serving platters with confectioner’s sugar. Place one layer of cookies on the platter (carefully, using a spatula) and dust with sugar. (Place sugar in a strainer and tap or shake over the cookies.)
The cookies may split slightly on top.
Place another layer on top of the first, and sprinkle with the sugar, continuing to no more than three layers on each plate or platter. Be generous with the confectioner’s sugar!
Allow cookies to cool completely before
Yield: 60-80 cookies
Place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until a pale golden color.
Variation: To avoid using alcohol, use orange juice instead of brandy. Smaller cookies: A great idea for gifts, kourabiethes can also be made in bitesized cookies (boukies in Greek, say: book-YES) and given in batches of 6, 12, or other number of your choice. To store: Kourabiedes will keep for several months if stored in airtight containers. Make sure there’s a dusting of powdered sugar on the bottom of the container, then layer cookies as above, each layer with a covering of sugar. Wait one day after baking to cover with an airtight lid.
Melomakarona
If
you were pressed to name one Greek cookie that reminds you of Christmas, this would be it. This is an oil-based cookie recipe that produces moist cake-like cookies flavored with orange and brandy that are bathed in a sweet honey syrup and topped with chopped walnuts. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, using your fingers, combine the orange zest with the sugar – rubbing the grains as if you were playing with sand to release the orange oils into the sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the oil with the orange sugar until well mixed. In a separate bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder, baking soda and
salt. Add the orange juice and brandy to mixer and mix well. Slowly incorporate the flour cup by cup until the mixture forms a dough that is not too loose but not quite firm either. It will be dense and wet but not sticky. Once the flour is incorporated fully stop mixing. To roll cookies, pinch a portion of dough off about the size of a walnut. Shape in your palms into a smooth oblong shape, almost like a small egg. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Shape and roll cookies until the sheet is filled. Press the tines of a large fork in a cross-
hatch pattern in the center of each cookie. This will flatten them slightly in the center. The cookies should resemble lightly flattened ovals when they go in the oven. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 25 – 30 minutes until lightly browned. (The cookies will darken when submerged in syrup.) While the cookies are baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, and lemon rind. Bring the mixture to a boil then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the cinnamon, cloves, and lemon rind and stir in lemon juice.
Christopsomo 7g (0.25oz) beer yeast 3-4 cups hot water 2 ½ kilos (5.5lbs) flour used for bread (approx. 20 cups) 3 cups plus 1tsp sugar 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 cup fresh orange juice 1 tsp mastic crystals 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 1 tbsp ground coriander 1 tbsp ground fennel seeds 4 walnuts, in their shell 1 large egg, slightly beaten with 2 tbsp water 1 ½ cup sesame seeds mixed with ¼ cup sugar
Make
the starter: In a large bowl dissolve the yeast in 1 cup hot water and add 1 cup flour. Mix well, cover the bowl, allowing the yeast to rise for an hour. Add 1 cup sugar, ½ cup oil, the orange juice and 1 cup flour. Mix with a wooden spoon, add more flour if necessary in order to make a soft dough. Knead until smooth. Let sit covered in a warm place until doubled in bulk, it approx. 2 hours. Using a pestle and mortar grind the mastic crystals with 1 tsp sugar. In an-
other bowl, large enough to fit all the remaining ingredients, mix the rest of the flour, 2 cups sugar and the spices. Create a well in the middle and place the starter there. Start kneading, working progressively and adding the rest of the water in doses until you get a firm yet smooth dough. Continue kneading, either by hand on a floured surface, or in a mixer with a dough hook (you might need to divide the dough mass to fit inside the mixer bowl). Knead til smooth, about 10-12 minutes. Add flour as needed to achieve the desired
silky, nonsticky texture. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and leave to rise, about 2 hours, until doubled in bulk. You can also divide the dough and knead two or four pieces separately, leaving them, if desired in the same oiled bowl in separate ones. Once the dough has risen, punch it down again gently. Depending on whether you’ve kept one big piece or four smaller ones, divide so that there are eight equal balls all together. Shape
Place the ground walnuts in a shallow plate or bowl next to the stove top. When the cookies come out of the oven and while they are still very warm, carefully float the cookies in the syrup and allow the cookies to absorb syrup on both sides.
Using a fork or small spatula, remove the cookie from the syrup and place on a platter or plate. Press ground walnuts lightly into the tops of the cookies (syrup will help it adhere) and sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon. Do not refrigerate Melomakarona as they will harden. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
these into ropes about 20 cm / 8 inches long. Take two per loaf and shape into a cross, pressing to secure in the middle. Let rest in oiled pans, covered with a kitchen towel, until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour or so. Press a whole walnut into the middle and bake in a preheated oven at 200ºC / 390ºF. Brush with an egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake til golden, about 40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and serve. Wrapped well in cling film, the breads will last for about a week. Or, wrap well and freeze.
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For the syrup: 1 cup honey 1 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups water 1 cinnamon stick 3-4 whole cloves 1-2-inch piece lemon rind 1 tsp. lemon juice
Christmas recipes from Crete
For the cookies: 1 cup olive oil 1 cup vegetable oil 3/4 cup sugar Zest of one orange 3/4 cup orange juice 1/4 cup brandy 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda Pinch of salt 7 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup walnuts, ground coarsely Ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Turmeric... One of the most popular spices
Turmeric is the most popular spice
leave for 10 minutes.
in India and in the northeastern region of Asia.
Chop the mint leaves and stir them into the couscous with the juice of half a lemon.
It is a spice with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Toast the hazelnuts in a large dry non stick frying pan on a medium – high heat, removing and crushing in a pestle and mortar once lightly golden.
It is very effective in rheumatoid arthritis and can be added either in food or in your tea.
Put the frying pan to a high heat now and cook the chicken for 4 minutes on each side and add the black pepper.
Turmeric has a high percentage in iron, which allows the blood to transport oxygen more efficiently, it also contains manganese which keeps our bones stΙrong and healthy. Turmeric is the base of the curry and because of it the yellow color. We will share with you a very nice recipe of turmeric given to us by the most popular English chef Jamie Oliver. TURMERIC CHICKEN
Reheat the spinach baby if needed.
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a bowl by adding the oregano leaves, after we pick and chop them, a pinch of sea salt and black pepper and the 2 tablespoons of oil.
Blanch the spinach baby in a large pan of boiled water, until just tender enough to eat but still vibrant in color, then drain, reversing the water.
Serve the chicken with the couscous, peppers, baby spinach and yoghurt scattered with the hazelnuts and a lemon touch on the side.
Toss the chicken in the marinade and leave aside.
In a bowl cover the couscous with boiling water and put a plate on the top and
BON APPETIT
It is not a difficult recipe and it could be ready in 30 minutes.
We will start by making a marinade in
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-200 g baby spinach -150 g wholewheat couscous -15 g fresh mint -1 lemon -1 tablespoon blanched hazelnuts -2 large roasted and peeled red peppers in brine -2 tablespoon of natural yoghurt - hot chilli sauce -2 sprigs of fresh Oregon or 1 teaspoon of dried Oregon -1 teaspoon of turmeric -2x120 skinless free range chicken breasts -1 teaspoon of sea salt -1 teaspoon of black pepper -2 tablespoon of oil
Cretan gastronomy
Let’s start with our ingredients:
How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Greece? Ierapetra in Top 5 Retirement Cities in Greece
If you’ve ever vacationed in the Greek
islands, you may have found it hard to leave. What if you didn’t have to? Retirees will discover that it costs less to live in Greece than in most places in the United States – or in Europe. As in the U.S., some parts of Greece are cheaper than others, and some are more appealing. Obviously, you’ll need to do your research before making a move. Greece’s current financial crisis might give you pause. Howon ever, the massive ausfor more news click terity cuts levied on http://cretepost.gr Greek citizens generally have less effect on foreigners who live in Greece. The country’s political instability, strikes and unemployment are causing property values to fall, so in some ways this is a good time to invest. (But putting your hard-earned retirement savings in a Greek bank isn’t advised; better to use a large international bank instead.) Retirees can get a residence permit for Greece by providing proof that they have an independent income of at least 2,000 euros per month. (In late November 2015, the exchange rate was one euro to US$1.06, so that’s approximately $2,120.) The average monthly U.S. Social Security benefit in 2015 was $1,335. While that alone probably wouldn’t be enough to live in Greece, you can survive comfortably by adding $700 or so from your retirement savings. And if you’re married, chances are your spouse will also be getting a Social Security check.
news & articles
Doing Your Fact-Finding Two good research sites for retirees are Numbeo.com and Expatistan.com, which list current prices for various necessities in places around the world, such as the average amounts paid for rent, utilities, groceries and the like. (These crowdsourced sites also let you compare the cost of living between various cities.) InternationalLiving.com is another helpful source for researching places to retire. Greece’s mild year-round climate means you won’t be paying for any highpriced down parkas. However, you will need to factor in the cost of healthcare. Medical care in Greece is excellent and relatively inexpensive compared to the United States. But you’ll need to pay for private health insurance, as you won’t be covered by the Greek social security system. Your best bet would be to ex-
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A
tend the coverage you currently have in the U.S. (See Is My Health Insurance Good Abroad? and Top 10 Travel Health Insurance Companies.) Here are three scenarios to consider for retirement in Greece, depending on your budget: average, cost-conscious or high roller. Middle of the Road Many first-time visitors to Greece start by touring Athens, then head to the beaches elsewhere on the mainland or on the islands. If you’re a city person, you might choose to live in Athens, or at least on the city’s outskirts. (Despite tourist attractions like the Parthenon, the city center can be noisy, crowded and polluted.) Living in or close to Athens also gives you ready access to medical care and makes it easier to get to an airport for vacations and flights back to the U.S. to visit family. A one-bedroom apartment on the outskirts of Athens will cost you about $290 a month (all figures taken from Numbeo.com). Factor in basic utilities – electricity, heating, water and garbage pickup – which adds about $160/month (the average for a 915-square-foot apartment). The indispensable Internet connection? Another $21 a month. Groceries are well priced in Greece – fresh fruit and vegetables, breads and cheeses, olive oil and wine are all locally produced and excellent. But of course you may not want to cook for yourself all the time. Eating out is one of the pleasures of this country, and a great way to connect with others in your community. Restaurants throughout Greece are good and reasonably priced. If you’ve been able to provide evidence of the required income of $2,120 per month, you should be in good shape here. Besides the housing costs mentioned above, which total $470/month, you might spend $300 on groceries, $25 on transportation and $150 on monthly household expenses. That leaves you about $1,175 for health insurance and other medical costs, plus dining out, entertainment and travel – and enough left over to deal with emergencies. Budget-Conscious The Peloponnese peninsula, southwest of Athens, offers some less expensive options for retiring in Athens, while keeping you close to good healthcare options and overseas flights. The city of Kalamata (yes, like the ol-
ive), with a population of about 54,000, has an attractive old town, museums, decent restaurants and beaches nearby. Getting here is easy: There’s an airport, and it’s about a four-and-a-half hour bus ride from Athens. A one-bedroom apartment on the outskirts of Kalamata will cost you about $260/month; utilities and Internet will bring the total to $460/month. Groceries cost about 10% less than what you’d pay in Athens, and restaurants are more reasonable (but, of course, fewer in number). A monthly income of about $1,800 should be enough to enjoy your retirement in Kalamata. For High Rollers If lively nightlife and fancy restaurants appeal to you, consider an island in one of Greece’s more heavily touristed areas, such as the Cyclades. Mykonos is famous for its luxury hotels, high-end restaurants and glamorous shops and nightclubs. You can reach the island by air or by ferry from the port of Piraeus. If you choose to retire on Mykonos, you’ll get a revolving cast of characters from the constant stream of vacationers. Expect to pay more for a one-bedroom apartment: about $350/month, or as much as $500 for the same space in the center of town (Chora, say). Add in $100 for basic utilities and $19 for Internet. And while dinner at an inexpensive taverna in Athens costs about $11, the same meal will be $24 on Mykonos. One thing to bear in mind: The large tourism infrastructure on Mykonos keeps the money pouring in, so this destination isn’t suffering as much from the fiscal crisis as other parts of Greece. You’ll probably need a monthly income of about $3,000 to live here, especially if you want to avail yourself of all the island has to offer – short of maxing out your credit card at the Louis Vuitton store. Note: Not every Greek island has equal appeal. Recently, for instance, thousands of refugees have been arriving on Lesvos from Turkey, with little infrastructure to support them. Be sure to do your research before choosing any retirement destination. (See Plan Your Retirement Abroad.) The Bottom Line Greece is known for having one of the lowest costs of living in the European
Union – generally 30% less than many other European countries, according to Expatinfodesk.com. The climate is welcoming, the beaches are superb, and it’s a short flight away from dozens of other world-class tourist destinations (Rome, anyone?). You’ll need to research your options fully, but you’ll find a huge range of places for retiring in Greece. Ierapetra in Top 5 Retirement Cities in Greece Greece is a great place for a vacation, with its sunny skies, warm beaches, sparkling waters and charming traditional villages. Those attributes also make it a great place to retire in – especially since the cost of living in Greece is 30% lower than almost anywhere else in Europe. As a retiree you’ll need a residence permit to live in Greece, which you can obtain by providing proof that you have an independent income of at least 2,000 euros per month. (In late November 2015, the exchange rate was one euro to US$1.06, so that’s approximately $2,120.) While you’re researching where to live in Greece, be sure to consult Numbeo. com and Expatistan.com. These crowdsourced websites list current average prices for basic necessities in cities around the world, such as rents, utilities, groceries and transportation. (The sites also let you compare the cost of living in different cities.) InternationalLiving.com is another good source for researching places to retire. Your final choice should depend not just on your finances, but also on your personal preferences and interests. The five places listed here will appeal to a range of tastes. Best for Warm Weather Europe’s warmest city is Ierapetra (pronounced yeh-RAH-peh-tra), on the southeast coast of Crete. Yearly temperatures average 68°F and the sun shines 3,000 hours per year. Thanks to the mild climate, Ierapetra is a busy tourist center with a restaurant-lined waterfront. The sprawling island of Crete has a multitude of attractions, both cultural and scenic. Bonus: According to Numbeo.com, rents are typically lower in Ierapetra than in any other city it lists. Win-win. www.investopedia.com
Swingers Dating Club comes to Crete again in 2016
sexy Grecian playground, where one of the most prominent male Olympian gods, Zeus roamed while making passionate love to at least nine different goddesses in ancient times! This event provides you with absolutely the perfect lifestyle vacation at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe! The all-inclusive concept at this sexy 5 star resort, where Greek hospitality is key, is fantastic! This is the place to be for a true after Summer delight on the island of Crete! Soak up the charming atmosphere of a laid-back beach town decked out with a nice selection of cafe’s, taverna’s and shops within walking distance. Being the largest island off the coast of Greece, located in the southern side of the Aegean Sea, Crete is truly an exquisite destination where you can discover Minoan palaces, Vene-
tian towns, Medieval castles, Ottoman mosques and Byzantine monasteries from past civilizations. If you haven’t been to Crete before, imagine the most beautiful coast line ever, with both rocky and sandy beaches, mountains in the background and scents of orange blossom and jasmine, plus about 350 like-minded adventurous people just like yourself holding a glass of iced raki ready to party! Yiamas! Tip: Read the reviews on our Swing Break Event 2015 for first impressions!!! (www.sdc.com)
vidually adjustable), telephone, stereo music, Satellite TV, refrigerator, balcony or terrace.
Accommodations Superior Room – € 1299 per person/ per room (based on double occupancy) Description: These comfortable and stylish rooms have bath or shower / WC, hairdryer, air conditioning (indi-
Amenities • All inclusive soft drinks, beers, house wines, regular spirits and cocktails • Breakfast, lunch, dinner-buffet, snacks • Air Conditioning
Junior-Suite – € 2149 per person/per room (based on double occupancy) Description: These comfortable and stylish rooms have bath or shower / WC, hairdryer, air conditioning (individually adjustable), telephone, stereo music, Satellite TV, refrigerator, safety box, balcony or terrace. In addition, a separate living – sleeping area, tea – and coffee machine.
• • • •
Daily room cleaning Complimentary use of Wellness area (excl. massages, treatments) Safe Hair dryer
Facilities • Free Wi-Fi (reception best in lobby!) • Beautiful full service Spa • Heated inside Spa pool, outside pool, sauna and steam room • Fully equipped State of the Art Gym • Night Club • Playroom • 24 hours hotel security • Gorgeous rooftop A la Carte restaurant (not included) • Beach across the street, rental chairs (appr. 6 Euros) available. • Room Service (extra charge)
How to Cut Curves in Wood
My favorite part about working with
wood is how I can cut it, sand it, and work it to look just like I want it to without much hassle. As long as I’ve got the right saw blade, I’m set. But there are times when I want to cut a design that is just a little more complicated than I am used to. Fortunately, there are a lot of different types of saws and blades that can make quick work of intricate curves and angles—even circles. Consider which of these tools would work best for your project. Coping saw
You can buy a router trammel (jig) kit from your local hardware and supply store (some even allow you to cut both circles and ellipses), or you can build a basic one yourself using a scrap piece of hardboard. For other types of curves, angles, and patterns, consider the following cutting tools. Scroll Saw
intricate curved lines and patterns. The blade moves in an up and down motion. Their blades are similar to the fret saw blade, but scroll saws are able to cut faster due to the motorized cutting action. Like a coping saw or fret saw, the blade can be removed and inserted through a pre-drilled hole for internal cuts. Scroll saws are great for cutting fine and intricate curves and angles into wood. Be very careful when using these saws. Always practice safety and caution.
A scroll saw is similar in many ways to a fret saw, except that it’s motorized (in some areas the two names are used interchangeably). A scroll saw uses a narrow blade to cut
Band Saw
Jig Saw Jig saws use a motorized reciprocating blade to cut curves.
A fret saw is very similar to a coping saw, but fret saws are designed to handle even tighter curves, angles, and more delicate projects. For very small and intricate woodworking projects, a fret saw is probably your best bet. Router Trammel (Jig) A router trammel is a jig that connects your router to the medium being cut in a way that provides precise guidance while cutting a circle or ellipse. A router trammel converts your rout-
To avoid this, don’t try and force the blade through the cut. Instead, always make sure you’re using a sharp blade, and let the saw do the work. Of course, many jig saws also allow for you to cut a beveled edge on purpose, but take time to really practice before attempting to cut difficult angles and curves.
They are great for quickly cutting curves into wood along a drawn line. Jig saw blades can bend with pressure, thus causing your cut to be angled instead of square.
A band saw is a continuous blade (a loop) that is driven by wheels and a motor. It can be used to cut many different kinds of material, including wood. Many jobs that can be done with a scroll saw can also be done with a band saw, given that you’ve got the right blade. One major difference is that a band saw’s blade is a continuous loop, which precludes “threading” the blade for internal cuts. Band saws are okay for cutting curves into wood, especially when they have a thinner blade mounted. However, they’re very hazardous if used incorrectly, so always practice safe operating procedures.
p. 23
Hand fret saw
er into a circle cutting powerhouse. It involves using a piece of wood (or metal) as a pivot arm that connects a pivot point on one end to your router on the other. It’s a similar principle to using a compass to draw a circle.
do it yourself
A coping saw is a hand saw with a narrow blade stretched across a U or G-shaped frame. It’s most often used for cutting fine external shapes and interior cutouts for small DIY projects. Carpenters also use them frequently for molding cuts. A hand coping saw is a great way to handle small projects without having to rely on power tools. The blade can even be removed from the saw and threaded through a hole in the wood. This allows easy access to intricate angles and curves in the center of wood when you don’t want to have to cut through the outer edges.
This is the new Archaeological Museum of Chania
The new building of the Archaeological Museum of Chania
in Halepa neighborhood opened for first time on Sunday, December 13. The Ministry of Culture, Mr. Aristidis Baltas launched the first exhibition, entitled “The Archaeological Museum of Chania: From 19th to the 21st century”. As Mr. Baltas said, “the operation of the new museum has an enormous importance for the city of Chania”.
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Official opening of the ancient theatre of Aptera
Official opening of the ancient the-
atre of Aptera, Chania, by the Minister of Culture, Mr. Aristidis Baltas. Mr. Baltas was very impressed by the works for the emergence of the ancient theatre and he promised that the funding will continue. The Theater of ancient Aptera is located on the south wall of the ancient city, near the southeastern entrance. Its current form belongs to the Roman phase and emerged after the radical alteration of the earlier Hellenistic theater. The seats were repositioned in a created base, while the scene was replaced by a Roman one, more imposing. In the later years it was built a limekiln in the centre, which altered the construction of
the theater. The manufacturers had integrated architectural parts of the theater, while the limestone benches were the raw material for the manufacture of lime. The diameter of the trough (54.68 m) was corresponding to 26 rows of seats. Today only 43 seats and part of the central scale are conserved. There are also revealed 13 lowest levels of foundation because of the newer interventions of leveling for field crops. The scene is formed by three large niches, corresponded to three doors, while at east and west of the proscenium were formed the backstage. Today there have been performed works of maintenance and enhancement by the Archaeological Service.
Free Wi-Fi at 19 major archaeological sites and museums around Greece, including three on Crete
A proposal by Greek telecom compa-
p. 24
culture
ny Cosmote to provide free Wi-Fi at 19 major archaeological sites and museums around Greece was approved by the Central Archaeological Council (CAC), Greece’s highest advisory body on the country’s cultural heritage. This means that Cosmote will undertake the design and studies for the development of the infrastructure network, the installation and construction costs, as well as the supervision of operation and maintenance. The company will prepare an on-site study which will be submitted for approval to the Ministry of Culture. Archaeological sites included as part of the project: – Akrotiri, Santorini – Delos – Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, Rhodes – Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens – National Archaeological Museum – Acropolis – Ancient Olympia – Archaeological Museum of Herak-
lion – Acropolis of Lindos – Knossos – Delphi – Epidaurus – Sounion – Acrpolis of Mycenae – Spinalonga island, Crete – Royal Tombs of Aigai, Vergina – Dodona – Ancient Corinth – Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki The initiative has been welcomed by locals. “It is a humanitarian issue to have this internet connection on Delos,” said Dimitris Athanasoulis, a member of the Council and head of the Ephorate in Cyclades. He described the initaitive as “excellent and valuable”, especially for the site of Delos “were even telephone communication is insufficient”. The project will be tried first at Akrotiri, Delos, the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights in Rhodes and the Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens, while the company didn’t exclude the possibility of expanding the sponsorship to more than these 19 sites.
“An unplanned voyage” (by Niall Finn) A 40-minute morning run Before the Cretan summer sun Had risen past the point it made Refreshing spots of cooling shade Would take me downhill to the bay At Almiritha when the day Was just astir as shutters rose On shops, tavernas; some of those Were still, however, firmly closed, While as for tourists, they all dozed To get their strength up for a day Of sun and sand and food and play. Which left the empty beach to me And, more importantly, the sea. A shallow bay but rather wide: One day I swam it side to side. No waves, the water crystal clear From where I started at the pier. I’d guess the depth at twice my height But in the limpid, emerald light You saw each tiny pebble and The rippled patterns in the sand. A swim to savour and enjoy But then I passed an orange buoy. “I wonder what that’s fastened to?” The weirdest sight came into view. Exhaust pipe, chassis, wheels – a car – Part buried in the sand; how far You couldn’t tell, nor guess how long It had been where cars don’t belong. I then swam on and reached the shore, Determined now to learn some more.
That very day I later heard Just how this “shipwreck” had occurred. A storm of rain, a sudden flood Of river water, stones and mud, Had swept parked cars to stormy seas; The car I’d seen was one of these. *************** ELAstic (by Niall Finn) “Ela” is a curious word That here in Greece is often heard. It’s not the length of it that’s strange But more its wide semantic range. Depending on the tone and pitch It scratches every verbal itch. It’s “Hallo” to your kith and kin To strangers “Hi there, please come in” Or, uttered in a friendly tone, Your first word as you take the phone. When children aren’t being good as gold Then “Ela” means “Do as you’re told!” Or - if drawn out and spoken slow Apportions blame, “I told you so!” It’s also how some drivers say “Would you please move, you’re in my way!” Though somehow at a traffic light It sounds a smidgeon less polite. Not “Let me through, if you don’t mind” But “Have you left your brains behind?”
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Alcohol advice for parents this Christmas During the festive party season man-
aging the combination of young people and alcohol can be tricky, which by Miltiades Markatos is why we’d like to offer some advice. Pneumonologist Christmas can be a time when there is more alcohol around; children may see family members drinking more than at other times in the year or want to try some alcohol themselves. An alcohol free childhood is the healthiest and best option but explaining this to your child can be difficult. At this time of year it’s important that parents try to minimise the impact alcohol can have on children. Nearly half of 10-14 year olds say they have seen their parents drunk. This makes the festive period a particularly important time as past studies have revealed that there is a clear link between parents’ drinking and their kids’ relationship with alcohol. for more health news There are clear merclick on http://cretepost.gr its to setting and enforcing collective ground rules for young people when it comes to alcohol at Christmas. It’s important for them to know you’ll always support them but that there are consequences for breaking the rules you’ve agreed. While you might have set ground
rules within your own home, friends and extended family members may not be aware of these when planning their Christmas parties. It’s therefore a good idea to agree a set of alcohol-related ground rules in advance. Making a call to the party host to discuss the issue, even if they’re a friend or family member, may seem a little awkward. However, many parents discover their concerns are shared with others at the party. If that’s the case, they’re likely to be relieved that someone thought to broach the issue and decide on some ground rules. Along with the potential festive increase in alcohol consumption your children may ask more questions about alcohol. Typical questions might include, “what does alcohol taste like?” or “can I try a sip of your drink?” Providing clear and open answers can help earn your child’s trust, even if the overall message is that they aren’t allowed to try any alcohol. For example, some parents choose to describe the taste of alcohol by likening it to sour or bitter tastes they’ve experienced in the past. It’s also worth mentioning that young people’s taste buds change as they grow older, and that’s why alcohol tastes better for adults than
it does for children. If you choose to say ‘no’ to letting your child try an alcoholic drink, there are ways to help them understand why. It might be helpful, for example, to point out that their body is still developing and that alcohol can damage a developing body. European countries have clear laws regarding young people and alcohol. If you are under 18 it is illegal to buy alcohol or have someone else, like a parent, buy it for you. But there’s more to helping your child develop sensible attitudes to alcohol than just helping them understand the law regarding underage drinking. If your child asks you to take alcohol to a party, it’s important that you’re able to communicate the risks without putting them off talking to you about alcohol in the future. It’s not unusual for teenagers to ask to take alcohol to a Christmas party. It is also common for parents to feel uncomfortable about this idea. If this is the case for you then, as a parent, you should feel confident in making it clear that it is unacceptable. There are ways you can respond to such a request without making your child feel like you don’t understand. These include suggesting that your child takes
a soft drink instead, so they don’t turn up empty-handed. You could also arm them with responses they can use to deflect any peer pressure to drink or get drunk at the party. While the list of risks children face through drinking alcohol is long, if you discover your child has drunk alcohol without your permission during the Christmas period, the key to a successful response is not to over-react. As a parent, the most important thing is to keep the lines of communication with your children open, and to do this there needs to be a certain level of mutual understanding. If your child has been drinking, they’re not likely to be in the best state of mind to take in the information you want to give them about what’s happened. Take a deep breath and inform them that you’ll be talking about what’s happened tomorrow. At a time when you’re both feeling calm, invite you child to talk through whatever led them to drink alcohol. Listen to their story and don’t be afraid to tell them how you’re feeling. Next, gently reiterate the potential harms to young people of consuming alcohol. Finally, go over the ground rules and consequences you’ve agreed.
Cretan IAMA herbal supplement available at pharmacies
health & nutrition
his research team have developed an oil extract consisting of dittany or Erontas (Origanum dictamnus), thyme and sage, which are widely known for their beneficial impact on the human body.
T he
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food supplement with immune strengthening properties, that was created by researchers at the University of Crete in Greece, consisting of three popular Cre-
Their research, which has been ongoing for around 15 years was originally mentioned in the Lancet medical journal in 1999.
tan aromatic herbs, was released on the market last week under the name of CRETAN IAMA. The supplement in capsule form is produced in Greece by the Swiss
Galenica and is available at pharmacies as a food supplement. Professor of Medicine at the University of Crete Christos Lionis and
A life changing visit to our pharmacy can make you change the way you see life and put your body and mind in harmony. Have you ever visited a pharmacy to taste health? A different pharmacy in the centre of the old town of Chania is waiting to share with you secrets of well being and longevity. Taste the biolo gical honey, the royal jelly, tea from plants carefully chosen in therapeutic recipes, high concentration and purity juices of pomegranate, cranberry, aloe. Orthomolecular nutrition with suggestions on detox programs and a carefully selected range of supplements, vitamins an gluten free products from all over the world. In the same premises you can find a live homeopathic lab with 6.000 homeopathic remedies in stock and the ability to produce any kind of homeopathic form i.e. pills, granules, solutions etc Evangelia Sakka is the pharmacist in charge who has created that special pharmacy and will be happy to introduce you to that fantastic world but also suggest whatever will be more settable for you. Our philosophy doesn’t stop on food and supplements but we want you to think of your mind and body as well. That’s why we have created next to our pharmacy the Green Care SPA. A SPA that helps to uplift your mind and body with biological face an body treatments, reflexology, reiky, su jok and moxa treatment, Bach flower remedies, homeopathy sessions, bowtech as well as nail therapies. We are waiting for you to restart your life at Daskalogianni 43 - 45, SAKKA Pharmacy www.my-pharmacy.gr / www.greencarespa.gr
In a recent article entitled “Reporting effectiveness of an extract of three traditional Cretan herbs on upper respiratory tract infection: results from a double-blind randomized controlled trial,” that was published in the International Journal of Ethnopharmacology this year, Professor Lionis and his team bolstered the effects of the aforementioned herbs and expanded their effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections, such as the common cold and the flu.
Look the way you feel... and feel good
This was the challenge set by laurence vallier, ower of “RIVE GAUCHE BEAUTY”.Our clients get amazing results on slimming, cellulite and loose skin as well as in the orerall sculpting of their body. I ‘ve seen a dramatic reduction in adipose tissue, diminished cel-
lulite dimpling, along with skin firming and redensification LPG for men, because they worth it too. They are encouraged to take lpg body-sculpting treatments each week. I would say that LGP machines are a must have for a nice physique and they’re also essential to being spa ‘s financial success.
Most clients come on a reqular basis. Generally they will come to us with a problem area and will look acourse. After they are happy, they only return for maintenance, with is either onee every two weeks or monthly the lpg technique for me, and many women is most definitely a natural and gentle way to promote youthfulness.
Not only does it deliver such wonderful results, but it enhances weel being the key to it ‘s success is three-fold. Firstly, years of study by the professors and doctors in optimizing the protocols.Secondly the passion and dellication of the therapist is essential. 100% natural and 100% effective,
Result With lipomassage,in 6 sessions, your silhouette is reshape, in 12session even the most stubborn fat is released, and with endermolift, in 8 weeks,wrinkles are rednces by up to 43%. Your face is replumped, your features redefined yours kim reden-
MOVEMENT IS LIFE! LPG MECHANO-stimulation: INDUCED BY A MATURAL PHENOMENON! The soins techniques LPG range is designed to effects of the endermololift and lipomassage sessions. The products have been specially developed to optimize lpg ‘s slimming and anti aging results. The techical prow- for more health news ess of the products click on http://cretepost.gr comes from a selection of active ingrendients that have been scientifically tested and are present in
sified ecological conssciousness in everywhere andbeauty is no exception. As the popularity of liposuction and facelifts decreases, the demand for less-agressive techniques, specifically those that respect tissue integrity, are on the rise LPG mechano-stimulation fits is naturally with this new trend a sit offers both effective and non-aggressive care.
strong concentrations, combinend with textures that have been carefully studied to preserve the pleasure aspect coptimal absorption, non-greasy texture, fresh floral and fruity perfume. A success witch shows no signs of showing. These products are proving very successfull,increasing the demand for endermologie sessions for the face and body and vice versa.
lpg’s ultimate skin stimulation technique awakens the natural slimming and anti-aging processes of your body (accelerating fat release and collagen production) without agression.
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present you LPG what is the LPG endermospa consept could change the life of a traditional beautician?
“It ‘s a natural and gentle way to promote youthfulness”
health & nutrition
F rom our classic beauty salon,we
Which Christmas foods should I avoid giving my dog?
C hristmas is a great time of year
and should be fun for all the family, dogs included. Many of us are already aware of some of the potential toxic foods our dogs can come across and take steps to avoid them. However, the festive period is one where we often introduce all manner of exciting items into the house that we don’t normally have. Some of these things can be potentially harmful to our dogs and it’s worth knowing some of the common pitfalls.
by Giannis Venetakis Zoo Technician
Common Christmas food dangers for dogs Grapes Exactly why and how these are poisonous to dogs is unknown and the exact volume needed to cause symptoms is difficult to predict. Some dogs will eat one or two grapes click s for more pets new and become seriously on http://cretepost.eu ill but others can eat many of them without apparent signs. The only way to be safe is to keep them out of reach of your dog.
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pets & vets
Christmas Pudding, Christmas Cake and Mince Pies These Christmas fancies are bad for dogs for a number of reasons: Firstly - they are jam-packed full of current raisins and sultanas. These are all a variation on the ‘grape’ and as such have the same serious health risks. It is common for them to ingest far more ‘grapes’ in this form than they would fresh grapes because there are so many packed into these cakes and they are smaller. Secondly - they are full of fat, suet etc which can often give them severe stomach troubles, vomiting etc but also, more worryingly high fat meals are one of the high risk factors leading to pancreatitis. This can be a very serious and costly disease to treat. Thirdly – they are usually laced
with large amounts of alcohol which can cause many of the symptoms of intoxication seen in people. Chocolate coins and other choccy decorations Most people are aware of the dangers for dogs from eating chocolate and take steps to avoid leaving any near their dogs. However, it is not uncommon for people to forget about the chocolate coins or decorations and leave them in an irresistible location. As well as the dangers of the chocolate the actual wrapping foil can be problematic as they work through the gut system. Bones At this time of year we often cook far more meat joints than usual and this normally results in many more bones lying about. Once cooked all bones become brittle and splinter easily. This can lead to larger fragments
getting ‘stuck’ causing obstructions but also smaller pieces can cause gut irritation and perforation or even just difficulty toileting. Most people avoid the initial pitfall of your dog ‘borrowing the bones off the work surface’ only to get caught out later on by putting the deliciously tasty smelling carcass/bone into the bin where is gets raided in the night. Make sure you dispose of the string from any meat joints as this can be a tempting toy for your dogs and could be harmful if ingested. The best thing is to take it straight outside into a sealed bin. N.B. Birds (turkey/chicken/goose) are all hollow boned animals and as such these bones will splinter either raw or cooked and so must never be given to your dog under any circumstances. Macadamia nuts Within 12 hours of ingestion macadamia nuts can cause dogs to experience weakness, depression,
tremors, vomiting and hyperthermia (increased body temperature). These symptoms tend to last for approximately 12 to 48 hours, and as with all the other food groups mentioned if you suspect your dog has consumed macadamia nuts note the possible quantity consumed and contact your vet. Alcohol We tend to use much more alcohol in our cooking at this time of year and so even normal titbits can be potentially problematic over the Christmas period. As it is for people, alcohol is also intoxicating for dogs and can cause similar unpleasant side effects. If your dog does get into mischief and consumes any of these things then the first thing to do is contact your local vet for advice. Often the quicker treatment is sought the easier and more successful the treatment. www.vets-now.com
The December flower is Narcissus or Poinsettia
as the most popular flower in Germany. An ancient Chinese legend states a poor but good man was blessed with gold and wealth as a result of the flower and it has become a symbol of Chinese New Year simply because is blooms in early spring. It is a symbol of beautiful eyes in Persian literature. As Greek mythology hints that the narcissus was symbolic with death
and loss, Cancer Societies around the world have adopted the daffodil as a symbol of hope. Wounds were treated with a paste made with narcissus and wheat flour in traditional Japanese medicine and ancient Romans used the narcissus root to disperse “whatever has collected in the body.” Legends and myths aside, the narcissus word comes from ‘narke’, which is Greek for ‘numbness’ or ‘stupor,’
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fodil, is a bulbous plant with tall linear leaves with bright yellow or white flowers and is said to symbolize sweetness and is native to the Mediterranean with some species in Asia to China. In Greek mythology the story of Narcissus explains the origin of the word narcissism. Narcissus was a young hunter who was best known for his attractiveness. Nemesis noticed how proud Narcissus was of the things he did for those who adored him and lured Narcissus to a pool. The reflection of his beauty was too much to for him to take and Narcissus could not pull himself away and in an attempt to get a better look, he fell in and drowned. Narcissism is defined as a fixation with oneself. A second Greek myth tells of Persephone being led to her death by the god Hades while picking a narcissus flower. The flower is considered a symbol of vanity in the West and a symbol of wealth and good fortune in the East. It is also the national flower of the Kurdish culture and symbolizes the Newroz, or New Year and is known
and Pliny wrote that the narcotic properties of the plant gave it its name ‘vapkaw narkao’ translating to ‘I grow numb’ from the Greek. The flower is native to the Mediterranean with species found in central Asia and China with the most common species found throughout North America arriving from Europe. Early colonists introduced them and they traveled across the continent with early for more news click on http://cretepost.gr settlers. The flower is cultivated in Holland, Great Britain, the Isles of Sicily and Channel Islands. The alkaloid poison lycorine is contained in all species of narcissus with it primarily located in the bulb, however, the leaves are also toxic. Since the bulbs are often confused with onions, there have been some accidental poisonings. Vomiting and muscular cramps are the common results of ingesting narcissus. In additional to becoming a highly recognized symbol of hope promoted by various cancer societies, the language of flowers also extends to the narcissus. The message connected to this flower is “You’re The Only One.”
plants and gardening
Narcissus, also known as the daf-
Rich Double Chocolate Cake with Liquid Fruit Centre
by Marilou - Chief executive chef at Marilou Cupcakes and more - info@marilous.gr
• •
prep time 20min total time 35min
INGREDIENTS •
1 Tbsp (15 mL) butter (to use with ramekins) • 1 ½ tsp (7 mL) flour (to use with ramekins) • 1 ½ tsp (7 mL) cocoa (to use with ramekins) • 1 ½ tsp (7 mL) sugar (to use with ramekins) • 2 eggs • ⅓ cup (75 mL) sugar • ½ tsp (2 mL) vanilla • 2 Tbsp (30 mL) milk • ⅓ cup (75 mL) flour • ⅓ cup (75 mL) chopped dark or semi-sweet on ck cli ws ne e chocolate or m for • ¼ cup (50 mL) unhttp://cretepost.gr salted butter • 4 tsp (20 mL) whipping cream (35%) • 1 oz (30 g) white chocolate • 2 Tbsp (30 mL) cream cheese, softened • 2 Tbsp (30 mL) your choice of chopped fruit (Bing cherries, pineapple, peaches, pears, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc.) PREPARATION 1. Use 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter to butter 4 medium-sized ramekins or muffin
pans. Stir together 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) flour, 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) cocoa and 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) sugar, and use to flour ramekins. 2. Beat eggs with 1/3 cup (75 mL) sugar and vanilla. Stir in milk, then 1/3 cup (75 mL) flour. Melt chocolate and 1/4 cup (50 mL) butter in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of gently simmering water or
in microwave oven. Stir melted chocolate into egg mixture. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 3. In microwave oven or a small saucepan, heat cream until steam starts to form. Add white chocolate and stir well until melted. Stir in cream cheese and fruit. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Divide half the batter evenly among prepared ramekins. Shape the white chocolate mixture into 4 balls and place 1 ball over batter in each ramekin. Cover with remaining batter. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. 5. Preheat oven to (190°C). Bake on centre rack for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from ramekins and serve warm.
Traditional Choirosfagia and Cretan Christmas Foods
by George Portokalakis (*)
food & wine
B efore the turkey, poultry was imported in Greece. Each region of Greece had its own food for Christmas time. Some dishes with pork, and others with duck, goose, wild boar, or rooster. In the Cretan Christmas table, pork was mainly used and this was due to the Choirosfagia (sacrificial pork). The butchering of faltered pig, brought up with particular care from households of Cretan and Greek rural areas, was certainly the most generalized custom in Greek cooking, with roots from the antiquity.
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A tradition that remains alive until today The Choirosfagia, an old ceremony that still thrives in many parts of Greece for Christmas table, comes from ancient Greek delivery of Saturnalia. To praise the “God of Sun” Apollo – Mithras, they sacrificed pigs which they consumed as well. The 12 day holiday, from Christmas until Epiphany is, by chance, the same time when pagans celebrated the winter solstice. With the predominance of Christianity, the predominant pagan celebrations and practices were in some way adopted and adapted into Christian traditions as well. The majority of the population were either farmers, shepherds, or lived by the land that their Roman lord provided in exchange of an annual wage or tax fee. There were of course merchants, fishermen, and other urban classes but all of them shared the same religious beliefs. Cretan Christmas, a season of abundance In religious celebrations, the pig
of Christmas served as a bountiful meal that filled the table of each family. For reasons of familial economy, households of rural populations that had space, tended piglets until the time before Christmas where they are slaughtered. The season of abundance was always Christmas time in Crete. Each year, the pig of the family offered quantities of meat that was impossible to be consumed during the days of Christmas and for this reason they should find ways to preserve the meat for later.
The pig of Christmas that sustains throughout the year When they slaughtered a big animal they knew that they could not consume the entire animal. The pig is not only an opportunity for big holiday meals but it is meat that will survive for the entire year. Because the goods were not in excess, the people have found ways to preserve the entire animal or parts of the animal for future use in both food and other basic commodities. The skin for example, was used in Central Greece to make shoes, “gourounotsaroucha,” as it is called in Thessaly. The experience of centuries was necessary in order to accomplish it. From the years of Hippocrates people used methods as preservation in vinegar, wine, fat, salt, and honey as it is written in ancient texts of the Greek literacy. Traditional ways of preserving meat in Crete Because they had to preserve the carcass, they learnt to use preservation methods with salting, spicing, smoking, and acidification. Products that were made from these processes were: sausage, apaki, tsil-
ladia or pichti, Glina and Syglina, Tsigarides, and the roasted pork which was certainly one of the basic dishes in the festive tables - affixing the needs of the family of Cretan countryside. The communities always worried about the sufficiency of food. To preserve meats the first ever used method was dehydration. They leave the meat under the heat of the sun or the coolness of the air until it dries out perfectly. In the course, salt is added before hanging it for drying. Smoking meat is also widely done on the island of Crete. After initially salting the meat, they put it in vinegar for a certain number of days before beginning the process of smoking.
Cretan foods that last Apaki, is one of the most important traditional foods of Crete. It is prepared from dorsal muscles of the pig. They do not contain fat. Dorsal muscles removed with attention, salted, sprinkled with pepper, oregano, thyme, and other herbs and then is put in vinegar (according to how much vinegar you want to add) for 3 - 5 days. Then placing it in a fireplace to be smoked by aromatic plants and herbs. Sausages of Crete undergo roughly the same process with Apaki but they usually use meat with fat from around the stomach, sprinkled with salt, spices and herbs, then they put it in vinegar. When the process was finished they cut it in small pieces. Then they used these pieces with spices and herbs to fill the intestine of the animal which had been washed and cleaned carefully. Then it is smoked by the fire with aromatic plants and herbs. Glina, the lard of pig, is produced in
2 ways. First one is to cut in small pieces and boil it with just water. The fat melts and goes up to the surface. When this gets cold is ready to put it in a plate or to store it for the future. The second way is to place the pieces in a baking pan and is placed in the oven to cook. The fat melts and it is collected after it has cooled. More food produced from preservation methods Other preserved foods include Syglina and Tsigarides, pieces of salted roasted brown pork (the Tsigarides are pieces of skin that had been fried) preserved in Glina. Another favorite is the Tzeladia (known today as tsilladia or pichti) and Choiromeri (Gammon - salted, dried, and smoked). Saltitsounia and Mpoulntounia (sausages stuffed with the blood of the animal) eventually stopped being produced as the Orthodox Church intervened, considering this habit as pagan. Sausages, Apaki, and Apochtia were the most chosen foods. Rich Foods! The pork, regardless of the Choirosfagia, is a favored meat and is cooked also regularly. With gentle and soft taste and intense smell, it can be combined with all kinds of spice, aromatics, vegetables, and legumes. For 2 millennia, meat has played a significant part in the life of the ancient Greeks, especially during religious feasts. www.bookculinaryvacations.com (*) Giorgos Portokalakis is the author of Cretan Food and Nutrition. This article has been republished and edited by permission. Giorgos or George, owns Porto Club Travel Services and is a partner of BookCulinaryVacations.com.
Greek Mountaineering Club of Chania
Try something different in Chania during the winter
Greek Mountaineering Federation -which was called Central Council at that time- in the late 1931. Today, the Greek Mountaineering Federation includes approximately 80 Clubs from all over the country. The Mountaineering Club of Chania has offered many people the opportunity to discover the most beautiful mountainous, flat and coastal landscapes in the prefecture of Chania as well as a lot of magnificent areas in other parts of Crete; The Club has promoted tourism on Crete. The public came to know the Samaria gorge and the area around it largely through the excursions that the Mountaineering Club of Chania organized. During the first excursions at the gorge, the walk would start from Lakki and it would finish at the same point, lasting more than 20 hours. These two-day, leisurely excursions were a lot of fun. The Mountaineering Club of Chania (MCH) had been organising these excursions until 1965. Successive administrations of
the creation of the Samaria National Park, submitting repeated reports and memoranda. Today, MCH is actively involved in the effort for the conservation and extension of the Park as well as in the effort for the rescue of the Cretan wild goat. Lafonisi, Fragokastello, Grambousa, Falassarna have been only a few of the «discovery» expeditions of the Mountaineering Club of Chania at a time when cars had not yet become part of our everyday life. The gorges of Trypiti, Kladou-Domata, Eligia, Aradaina, Saint Irene, Nimbrou and many other gorges of unique beauty are favorite destinations of regularly organised hikes by teams of the MCH. • The speleological team was founded in 1955. Since then, it has been organising significant expeditions to a lot of caves in the prefecture of Chania, under the guidance of Mr. Antonis Plymakis, head of the team. In 1997, 1.500 caves were recorded and the records were given to the Prefecture of Chania. • The children’s team, the youngest part
Greek Mountaineering Club of Chania Tzanakaki 90 str, 73134 Chania Crete Tel:+30 2821044647, Fax:+30 2821054903 email: eoshania@otenet.gr http://www.eoshanion.gr/en
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Mountaineering Association -that was the first name of the Greek Mountaineering Club- was founded on 28th of September 1930. Members of the Mountaineering Club of Athens were returning from a mountaineering expedition in Northern Greece when they met the then Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos at the railway station. They approached him to greet him and pay their respect to him. They mentioned that they were going to set out for the mountains on Crete in the following days. Venizelos was enthusiastic over the idea. He sent a telegraph to the then General Governor of Crete and minister Mr. Katehakis asking him to help the climbers in every possible way. Venizelos wished that climbers from Chania could participate in the ascent on the White Mountains. Indeed, a few enthusiastic mountaineers from Hania participated in that ascent, and later founded the Hania branch of the Greek Mountaineering Association. The Chania branch was one from
sports & leisure
A team of the Greek Mountaineering Club of Hania crossing the White Mountains The Chania branch of the Greek the ten branches that constituted the the MCH struggled for many years for
of the Club, was founded in 1980. The MCH organises excursions for children once a month, as well as twice a year to children’s camps at the MCH shelters. More than 350 children have learned how to ski during the educational excursions every winter at the ski centres of Central Greece. Mr. Houliopoulos, the chairman of the MCH, was the one to come up with this idea and he has been leading the excursions himself. • The renewed climbing team has a special place in the activities of the MCH. Its members constitute the core of the rescue team of the for more sports news Club. The MCH rescue click on http://cretepost. gr team has answered the calls for help of the authorities of Chania many times when one or more of our fellowmen were in danger on the White Mountains or elsewhere. A lot of people have expressed their appreciation and thanks, acknowledging the unselfish help that this team has offered on many occasions. • Despite the fact that there are no skiing facilities in Chania, skiing is quite widespread. The MCH plans skiing excursions on a regular basis at the ski centres of Velouhi and Parnassos. In the last seven years, there have also been skiing excursions to famous ski centres abroad (Borovits, Mprasov, Innsbruck etc) every February. • Moreover, the MCH includes a Mountain Bicycle Group, which frequently organises tours of the mountainous areas of the prefecture of Chania, as well as a Canoe River Crossing Group, which has recently crossed the seasonal rivers of Chania. • The MCH publishes its quarterly programme of excursions and events and the annual magazine «MADARES» with mountaineering activities and with news and photographs of the activities of the Club. Both booklets are distributed to the members and the friends of the MCH free of charge.