The Ionian May 2010

The Ionian English Language Magazine For The Ionian Please recycle: give to a friend or neighbour when finished.

May 2010 Volume 1. Issue 3 COMPLIMENTARY/∆ΩΡΕΑΝ

Going For Gold In The Ionian The Home of Odysseus Mamma Mia! Lakka The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com Greek καφενείο May Day Festival Children’s Corner Ionian Gallery

1 ‘Not Skin Deep’ Events Calendar

AKTIO MARINE YACHTS HAUL-OUT, STORAGE AND LAUNCHING REPAIRING—BUILDING—CHARTERING

Nick & John Dimopoulos AKTIO—PREVEZA—GREECE TEL: (0030) 26820 61305 FAX: (0030) 26820 61306 VHF CHANNEL: 09 P.O. BOX 42 AKTIO MARINE 48 100 PREVEZA, GREECE 2

www.aktio-marine.gr

The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com aktiomar@hol.gr

The Ionian

Contents 4

CONTACT The Ionian

Publisher: Managing Editor: Deputy Editor: Consultant Editor: Ithaca Editor: Layout: Advertising: Printing: Distribution: Subscriptions:

The Ionian News Community news from you about the Ionian.

By email: admin@theionian.com Via our website: www.theionian.com By mail: s.v. Eidos c/o Aktio Marine, P.O. Box 42; Preveza, 48100 By phone: (0030) 69486 46764 By fax to: Barbara Molin c/o (0030) 26820 61306

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The Ionian Community Calendar The Greek καφενείο ‘May Day Festival,’ by Christos Sideris, also Greek potato salad recipe and some useful phrases.

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Beauty and Health ’Not Skin Deep’ by Anne Ruffles.

Justin Smith Barbara Molin Cathy King Isha Peralta Ester van Zuylen Barbara Molin Barbara Molin Tipografeo, Preveza Barbara Molin Barbara Molin

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Ionian Destinations: Ithaca ‘The Home of Odysseus,’ by Ester van Zuylen.

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Through The Porthole ‘Going For Gold In The Ionian’ Interview with a cruising family by Cathy King.

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Children’s Corner ‘I Love Pico Club,’ by Tiger Sturdgess

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The Ionian encourages relevant letters, news items, photographs, and manuscripts.

Please include high resolution digital images with your typed articles. Include a short bio (50 words), a head shot, your name and full postal address as well as email and telephone number. The editor reserves the right to shorten or modify any material submitted.

The Ionian reserves the right to re-use any submission in any edition, format or medium. We cannot take responsibility for manuscripts or photographs sent in. For more information request writers’ guidelines or check our website: www.theionian.com

Ionian Destinations: Paxi ’Mamma Mia Lakka,’ by Cathy King

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Ionian Gallery Ionian Business Services Business Directory and Classifieds The Last Word Is Yours

Editorial As a visitor, I enjoyed exploring other countries and yes, I did go to the tourist places such as Fisgardo and even bought souvenirs and post cards.

Then again, sometimes when I was tired, lost and confused (don’t laugh) or someone was rude to me, I would wonder what I was doing spending all this money for a few photographs The first charter flights are due to arrive at and memories instead of investing in something Aktio/Preveza airport on May 2 and so offisolid and stable like land or a house. cially the tourist season is here. We hope for a Benefits and drawbacks - we make the bumper crop of visitors this summer! Welcome choice. to the Ionian.

To follow this theme of travel and nostalgia In Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, where for home, we have a story about a famous I lived for a long time, we had car stickers that Greek tourist, Odysseus. In ‘Odysseus’ Home,’ said, “Keep B.C. green—bring money Ester van Zuylen writes about our fascination (Canadian dollars were at that time green). I with this perhaps real, perhaps mythical characloved living there because Victoria’s main inter. come was dependent on tourism, so the city But why leave Penelope back home, as Odyswas clean, full of flowers, nice shops and resseus did, when you can take your whole family taurants.

AND your home on your travels? In ‘Going On the other hand, after the annual invasion, For Gold In The Ionian,’ Cathy King interwe the locals also loved it when the city was views Pete, Helen and their daughter, Tiger ours again and there was less traffic.

The tourists are coming, the tourists are coming, everyone, quick—open the doors!

Sturdgess who love living aboard their cruising sailboat.

We also have a Children’s Corner this month written by Tiger, in which she tells us about learning to sail with the Pico Club in Vliho Bay. ‘Mamma Mia! Lakka,’ by Cathy King describes a slice of life in a small community on Paxoi Island.

In the Greek καφενείο, Christos Sideris writes about May Day Celebrations and we give you a recipe for Greek potato salad to take on your May Day picnic.

With warmer weather, we finally take off our winter coats and so in ‘Not Skin Deep,’ nutritionist Anne Ruffles tells us how to look ten years younger, by taking care of our skin from the inside.

Also, check out the Community Calendar for things to do in May and the Ionian News for some recent photos.

Let the season begin! Γεια σου, ~~_/) Barbara Molin

Cover Photo: View from Aktio Marine © Barbara Molin—To purchase any of the photos in The Ionian, please contact the Editorial Department.

PHOTO CONTEST:

Send in your best photos of the Ionian. Twelve winning images will feature in The Ionian 2011 Calendar. Subject: People, Nature and Landscape of the Ionian. Sorry, digital images only. One per email. Please check photographers’ guidelines at: www.theionian.com. The best photos will feature on our website and the winning entries will be published in The Ionian as well as the calendar. Deadline for entries: October 31, 2010. Send your entries to: photocontest@theionian.com. Please read the rules below.

Contest Rules: 1. No purchase necessary. All competitions are open to readers aged 18 or over, except employees and their families of The Ionian, it's printers and any other company associated with the competitions. 3 All prizes must be accepted as offered. 4. There can be no alternative awards, cash or otherwise. In the event of a competition prize not being available, we reserve the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value. 5. All prize details and prices are correct at the time of going to press. 6. Proof of postage cannot be accepted as proof of delivery. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost, delayed or damaged in the post. 7. No correspondence can be entered into and no entry returned. 8. Any number of entries will be accepted, provided each is in a separate email. 9. The decision of the Editor is final. 10. Winners will be notified by post by way of an official letter from us, after the closing date, and the results of the competitions will be published in a future issue. 11. Entry implies acceptance of these rules. 12. While every effort is made to ensure all prize details are correct at the time of going to press, we cannot be held responsible for incorrect prize details supplied by sponsors. 13. Winners must be prepared to co-operate with publicity arising as a result of winning the competition. 14. Winners will be the senders of the first correct entries drawn after the closing date.

Publisher/Editor: ©Barbara Molin; barbara.molin@theionian.com; Telephone: 69486 46764; Tax no: 148426549.The Ionian is published monthly. Published on the last day before each month, approx. Complimentary magazine: Publication is for informational purposes only. Although The Ionian has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions it may contain.

The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com

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The Ionian News Send your news stories and photos to editor@theionian.com Easter Celebrations

L.A.W.S. (Lefkas Animal Welfare Society) raised about €450 at the table and jumble sale held at the Vliho Yacht Club on April 10.

E.S.C.O.L. (English Speaking Christians of Lefkada) from January 19 to March 31, raised over €1,500 for the Haiti charity project.

Vonitsa Agios Yiorgos Feast The feast celebrates the killing of the dragon by St. George riding on a horse. Saint George is the patron of shepherds and celebrations are organised in many towns and villages. At the church of Agios Yiorgos near Vonitsa, the horsemen first circle the church at great speed.

Anneke Nikkels, Frank Hordijk and Cathy King celebrating Easter the Greek Orthodox way—with lit candles at midnight. L. King

The horsemen then receive the priest’s blessing in the form of bread.

Easter celebrations with traditional lamb on a spit. View over Lefkas town. Photo: B. Molin Easter Sailing Rally ‘The Curry Cup’ held on April 5, was a great success with plenty of entries and a decent wind. The race was split into two – racing and cruising class and these are the results: Cruising class 1st: Mara Moja 2nd: White Rose 3rd: Sea Tern Racing class 1st: Leona 2nd: Slippery When Wet 3rd: Tourag The race was sponsored by Vliho Yacht Club.

And finally, they ride to Vonitsa town and down the main street to receive glasses of ouzo from the bars and homes owned by men named Yiorgos. The horsemen then smash the empty glasses on the pavement. This year, the celebration took place on April 23.

Photos: B. Molin

The Ionian Calendar Please submit your community events to: calendar@theionian.com or call: 69486 46764.

Tuesdays - morning street market May in Vonitsa.

1 May Day Festival On this day everyone leaves the city for the Scrabble Club forming in Lefkas country. Have a picnic and gather town. Call Liz: 69461 59883 if you wildflowers to make into wreaths are interested in playing. to decorate your home or boat. On Second Time Around—Second Lefkada Island, the tradition is to Hand Clothing Swap & Shop: go out on the eve of May Day to 69461 59883 for information. cut a branch of the May tree and hang this on your front door, car The Lefkas Amateur Dramatic Society is looking for male actors. or donkey for good luck during the year.

Call Liz Parker 69461 59883 for 1 Model Speedboat Championmore details. ships will be held in Vliho Bay.

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Call Vliho Yacht Club for more information: 26450 29282.

2 First charter flights arrive at Aktio/Preveza airport.

2 English Christian Church Service: Lefkas Marina old sea plane office, 19:15. Call E.S.C.O.L. 69366 47160 for more information.

6 Pickles, Pies and Preserves Sale in Lefkada. More information: Jackie at 69366 47160.

9 The Ionian 2010 Writers’ Retreat and Workshop organizing team meeting: Please call Barbara

at: 69486 46764 for information.

21 Celebration of the Valoritia, on Lefkada, which commemorates the death of the Lefkadian poet Aristotelis Valoritis. There is usually traditional dancing on the seafront of Nidri.

23 Ascension Day (Analipseos) The tradition is that you should have your first swim of the year on this day in order to rid yourself of your sins and purify your soul.

The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com

The Ionian καφενείο Greek May Day Festival

by Christos Sideris May 1 (Πρωτοµαγιά=pro-to-ma-yiá) is a special day for Greece with a double meaning. On the one hand, it is a state holiday known as May Day Festival and Labour Day. Left-wing parties in Greece refer to it as a "strike" instead, organizing commemorative marches throughout the country in order to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers.

On the other hand, Πρωτοµαγιά is also celebrated as the most important day of spring in which nature and flowers have a special meaning!

The celebration of nature and flowers in this period of the year has an ancient Greek origin. In the modern Greece, on this day everyone leaves the city for the country to enjoy a picnic with friends and relatives. To

the picnic activities belong: eating all the typical Greek specialities, listening to Greek traditional music, dancing a lot and collecting beautiful wildflowers to make into wreaths! The wreath has a long tradition and it symbolizes the good relationship between people and nature as well as the start of spring.

The purpose of making flowers into a wreath is to decorate the house or boat by hanging it on the main entrance. People believe that it brings health, fortune, peace and happiness to the people who live there! So… make beautiful wreaths and enjoy Πρωτοµαγιά in Greece!!!

Christos Sideris is a language teacher with a Masters Degree in German. He also speaks English, Spanish, Dutch and French. He is from Preveza, but has also lived in Thessaloniki ,Germany and Belgium. He is an avid motorcyclist..

Easy Greek Recipe

IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME!

Potato salad- πατατοσαλάτα—patatosalata

Greek word you already know: Πικνικ — Piknik — Picnic

1 kilo potatoes, boiled and sliced when cold.

1/2 cup olive oil 1 large lemon (juiced) or 1/4 cup of vinegar 2 small red onions, sliced thinly or chopped 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced.

200 grams salami or other spicy sausage, sliced 50 grams feta cheese, broken up in small pieces (optional) Fresh parsley, oregano, salt, pepper.

Fry the onions, garlic, sausage and potato slices in olive oil then place all the ingredients in a large salad bowl. Season, toss and enjoy on your picnic. Serves 6.

Άνοιξη Ζεστός Ήλιος Μάιος Ηµέρα Λουλούδι Μουσική Χορός Φίλος/φίλη Οικογένεια Πατέρας Μητέρα

A-nik-si Ze-stos Ι-li-os Μa-i-os i-me-ra Lu-lu-thi Mu-si-ki Kho-ros Fi-los/fi-li (m/f) I-ko-ye-ni-a Pa-te-ras Mi-te-ra

Spring Warm Sun May Day Flower Music Dancing Friend Family Father Mother

Health and Beauty Not Skin Deep

by Ann Ruffles There is no doubt about it: your skin reflects your health and “you are what you eat.”

Skin is constantly renewing itself and is very sensitive to diet. Research has shown that free radicals cause 80% of the skin’s ageing process. Anti-oxidants that counteract free radicals can help nourish the skin. Commonly known anti-oxidants are Vitamins A, C, E and minerals selenium and zinc.

Vitamin C is found naturally in the skin and is needed for the formation of collagen and elastin which keep the skin strong and supple.

Vitamin C strengthens the capillaries, improves circulation, strengthens the immune system and fights infections. As a powerful anti-oxidant, vitamin C also detoxifies pollutants, helps make anti-stress hormones and protects against cancer and heart disease.

Vitamins A and E and the mineral selenium work in a partnership to protect the tissues from free radical damage and the effect of U.V. light, which causes the skin to thin and become less elastic.

Vitamin A boosts the immune system and protects against infections and many forms of cancer. It is also essential for night vision.

Vitamin E protects against cell damage including cancer. It helps the body use oxygen, preventing blood clots, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. It improves wound healing and fertility and is very good for the skin.

Selenium has good anti-oxidant properties. It reduces inflammation, stimulates the immune system to fight infections, promotes a healthy heart and helps vitamin E’s action.

Zinc is essential for growth, healing and hormones. The mineral aids bone and teeth formation, keeps hair healthy and is essential for keeping up energy levels.

The table below lists some foods that contain

anti-oxidants. Make a list of the foods you would like to eat from each section, and don’t be afraid to try new ones! You’ll find many of them are plentiful in Greece. Including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet is the first step to a healthy looking skin and a healthy image for spring from the inside out.

Ann Ruffles has 30 years experience teaching Home Economics and Food Technology in the U.K. She has a passion for nutrition.

These foods are good sources of anti-oxidants Vitamin C

Vitamin A

Vitamin E

Selenium

Zinc

peppers, watercress, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, lemons, kiwi, peas, melons, oranges, grapefruit, limes and tomatoes.

carrots, watercress, cabbage, squash, melon, pumpkin, tomatoes, broccoli, apricots, tangerines.

olive oil, sunflower seeds, peanuts, sesame seeds beans, peas, wheat germ, tuna, sardines.

tuna, oysters, molasses, mushrooms, cabbage, courgettes, cod, chicken and beef liver.

oysters, ginger root, lamb, dry split peas, haddock, green peas, shrimps, Brazil nuts, egg yolks, whole wheat grain, rye, oats, peanuts and almonds.

The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com

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The Ionian Destination: Ithaca The Home of Odysseus

ruins of Troy, in what is now Turkey. He also

by Ester Van Zuylen came to Ithaca twice, but died before he could finish The Iliad and the Odyssey, by the poet Homer, are the accepted starting points of artis- his research. tic literature in Greece and Europe. They are From that time on there based on stories that have been passed down has been great interest in orally through the centuries and were finally Ithaca. Archaeologists, written down around 750 B.C. or about the time classicists and treasure that the Greek alphabet was invented. hunters have all been The Iliad gives an account of the Trojan war, searching for Mycenaean a defining moment in the history of the people remains (named after the we now know as Greeks, because it was the ruins of the great site of first time they came together as one people with Mycenae, 1500-1100 BC). a common purpose.

Odysseus was considered This unification, whether the king of one of it was a myth or not, gave these powerful the later Greeks a sense of Mycenaean states.

Ruins at Homer’s school national and cultural idenIt is debatable tity, concentrated in the whether or not Homer's poems are This earthquake was the biggest disaster in values, ethics and narrative based on actual people, places and Ithaca's modern history. It destroyed the results of Homer's poems. events — research among scholars of collective inspiration, artistic genius and The Odyssey is the story continues to this day. However, since labour accumulated through many generations of the homecoming of one of antiquity Ithaca has been identified as and between 1940 and 1971 the population of the great heroes of Troy, the home of Odysseus and the inhabiIthaca was reduced by a half.

Odysseus. Odysseus is not tants of Ithaca happily embrace this Tourism is now the major breadwinner for famous for his great strength belief and can still relate to the story. many inhabitants of Ithaca and the residents are or bravery, but for his ability Ever since the first archaeologists and very proud of their island. Most of them, espeto deceive and trick. adventurers came to search for traces cially those who have been away, are well The anger of the gods has delayed his home- of the past, The Ithacans have given their chil- aware of how unique it is. coming for many years, but finally after ten dren Homeric names, because they were very In summer the many visitors, Greek as well years he is allowed to go home. proud that their island was featured in the very as foreign, make the island a lively place. Many Most of those ten years he has been living on first works of literature.

Why would a human being, if offered the an island with the goddess Kalypso. He is ofIn the 19th century fered a choice: he may live with Kalypso and when transport by sea chance to be a god, still choose to be mortal? be immortal like the gods, or he may return to flourished, sailing his wife and country and be mortal like the rest ships carried goods return for the summer from as far of us. between the Mediterraaway as South Africa and Australia, He chooses to return, and much of the rest of nean and the Black Sea. and some still have their old family the work is about the nature of being a mortal Love of the sea and homes here. human being. navigation became Ithaca today is an interesting mix of people. Some have never left the The word 'odyssey' has become synonymous island, but most have travelled and studied abroad. Some have returned with the journey each person makes in life. after a working life abroad. There Why would a human being, if offered the rooted in the hearts and are people from Albania, escaping chance to be a god, still choose to be mortal? minds of the Ithacans, the poverty in their own country and The longing for home and family is the reason passing from father to prepared to work hard. There are for his choice and this theme is still very recog- son, from one generaforeigners, mostly from European nisable to modern man. tion to the next. countries, buying second homes and These stories were believed to have been A large part of the some have settled here permamere legends, until an amateur archaeologist population became Homeric spring-Kalamos nently. All of them make Ithaca a named Heinrich Schliemann astonished the merchants and seamen, special place. world in the 19th century by digging up the leaving their homes to travel the far corners of Ithaca is now an island that has known glory the world while their families stayed and wealth, but consents to live modestly and behind. simply.

Every man identified with Odysseus, and every woman with Penelope and Ester van Zuylen is an artist the word 'odyssey' has become synwho has been living on onymous with the journey each person Ithaca with her husband for makes in life. the past six years. She runs In fact, the word 'nostos', longing for guided tours on the island, home, is also associated with this Hoone of which is “Homer’s meric journey, and the word 'nostalgia' Walk.” is derived from it. Nostalgia is what www.islandwalks.com many migrants experienced when they left Ithaca for economic reasons after All images by the author. Ester’s photo by Rien Post. the Second World War, and after the earthquake of 1953.

Stranded boat near Frikes

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The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com

Through The Porthole Going For Gold In The Ionian with the Sturdgess family Interviewed by Cathy King It isn’t every day you meet a child living onboard a long term cruising boat. Let me introduce you to nine year old Tiger, who lives on a Nicholson 38 Alexina of Shoreham with her parents Peter and Helen Sturdgess.

As Tiger makes us a cup of tea, she reveals that Alexina means ‘defender’ in Latin – a fact she’s just discovered while learning about Roman names.

Tiger came straight from hospital at two weeks old to live afloat. Then home was a 40 foot 35 ton Cornish lugger. “We found the maintenance on an old wooden boat and looking after a baby too much. We couldn’t do it and go sailing as well,” says Helen. A new boat had to take account of Tiger’s needs. That meant a separate cabin for her, and a safe and secure cockpit. “It had to be pretty too,” adds Peter. As it turned out, the decision was made for them. Tiger, then aged 2, scrambled into the corner of Alexina of Shoreham’s saloon and refused to budge. They bought the boat.

They originally planned to circumnavigate the UK, then go cruising in the Mediterranean.

When it came to it, they decided to forget the UK part of the plan and to ‘head south and go where it’s warm,’ believing you might as well

‘get the gold before you search for silver.’ They have not regretted it for a moment.

They’ve gone as far east as you can go in the Med - to Syria, Lebanon (where Tiger went to MacDonalds for the first and only time in her life), and Egypt.

Wherever they go, Tiger’s education comes first. Helen gives her home schooling based on the UK curriculum five days a week.

Tiger is almost fluent in French, she knows more than most of us about classical history, she writes poetry, and she is proficient at using the VHF, once volunteering with Helen to be net controller on an active net for live-aboards.

Peter and Helen network with other boats with children, so Tiger isn’t short of friends of her own age. For the last three years, they’ve cruised with a buddy boat with her special friends Juliette and Danielle onboard.

They’ve seen a lot of the Med, but the Ionian is their favourite cruising ground. Peter thinks there’s nothing more beautiful than the Meganisi channel. “It’s a world class view.” Helen loves the fact that the islands are so green. Tiger says, “there are good walks, nice nature - I really love nature! There’s always something to do. The seas are warm, you can swim a lot. I like the Pico club in Vliho as I’m learning how to sail.”

Before I leave, I ask Tiger what she thinks it would be like to live in a house on land. She looks puzzled. “I don’t know, it must be very strange. It’s nice to be in a boat because you don’t stay in the same place all the time.”

This year they plan to head west - to Sicily,

Malta and Tunisia. They may decide to cross the Atlantic to the Caribbean next winter. We wish them fair winds, and if you see them, be sure to say hello!

Read the Sturdgess family blog at: http://sites.google.com/site/alexinaofshoreham/home

Writer Cathy King is cruising the Greek Islands with her husband Leighton onboard their Saltram 40, Makarma.

Her first novel is due to be published later this year.

Story photos provided by the Sturdgess family.

Photo of Cathy King by Leighton King.

Children’s Corner I love Pico Club

The lessons are on water and on land. They start at 12 o'clock and go on to 2. We start sailing (if we go out) around 12:15 and come off the water about 1:45pm. One day it was raining and we had a day of games. We played Pictionary, board games and many more. I loved it.

I hope that you liked my report on Pico Club and I am sure Debbie, my instructor, would love it if you joined. You can tell your friends about it too.

by Tiger Sturdgess It was last September that I found out about Pico Club. We were at anchor in Vliho Bay on Lefkada Island, when I heard screams and shouts from over the water. Little boats, plain with coloured sails, were zooming about.

Every boat had one person on board. Later, my friend Chloe told me it was Pico Club.

I decided to join and asked mum and dad if I could. They said yes. We went to see how to join and the instructor said that I needed to do some special lessons so that I could get into the club. After one lesson I could join. In my lesson I learnt that the boat has a kicking strap that holds the boom down. It was fun.

My instructor's name is Debbie and she is

loud and friendly. She will repeat things again when you do not understand. One day I went out in bad weather and got very wet and then she organised a hot shower for me. She is very kind.

The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com

Tiger Sturdgess, aged 9 is cruising aboard sailing yacht Alexina of Shoreham with her parents.

Photos provided by the Sturdgess family.

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The Ionian Gallery

The images on these pages are from some of the most beautiful places in the Ionian I have been fortunate to visit.

If you are a local artist or your subject is the Ionian, we welcome you to submit your art to The Ionian Gallery.

Please email your CV with a sample of your work, or send a website link to gallery@theionian.com. ŠBarbara Molin

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The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com

Ionian Destinations: Paxi Mamma Mia! Lakka

bour entrance looks north towards Corfu,

by Cathy King eight miles away. The harbour is picture postA cockerel crows somewhere on the hill card pretty – everything above us when we squeeze in among the anyou imagine a Greek chored boats to drop our hook in the sand of island village should Lakka harbour on Paxi. The wake-up call tells look like. There’s a waus the night is coming to an end and we have terfront quay with small made a safe landfall in the Ionian after a three fishing caiques and sailday passage from Sicily in our sailing boat ing boats moored bowsMakarma. The dawn breeze carries with it the to. A number of tavernas scent of pine trees, which we first smelled cluster along the quay, some way from land. their shady terraces lookIt is already mid morning by the time we ing invitingly cool. wake and re-emerge into the cockpit to take in We can’t resist staying our surroundings. Almost immediately a din- in Lakka to see the wedghy comes alongside carrying a woman who ding, even though we are introduces herself as Anna from a neighbour- not invited. On the morning yacht. She wants to know if we know the ing of the big day the anticipation mounts and order of the decorative flags that you use to guests start to gather outside the Harbour dress a boat overall – “because you look like Lights taverna. On the terrace upstairs, a little the sort of people who might.” boy is running up and down shouting excitedly, ‘my mummy’s getting married today!’ The colourful flags and pennants on Anna and Phil’s boat moored on the quay flutter in the breeze in the correct Admiralty sequence, making us feel as if we’ve made a small contribution to the celebrations.

Then the wedding party appears. The bride, who is tall and graceful, poses for the cameras with her husband-to-be and their two young sons. Then the family lead their guests up the narrow winding steps to the little white church overlooking the harbour. When the double doors of the church swing shut for the ceremony, the village returns to its usual sleepy self.

So far, so like “Mamma Mia!” Paxi is not Skopelos, the island where the film was shot, but it has all the same ingredients. The pretty white church, the narrow streets, the harbourside tavernas that overlook the clear water of the Mediterranean. Meryl Streep isn’t here of course, and there’s no sign of Pierce Brosnan, but given his singing, that’s probably no bad thing.

I suspect many visitors come to the Ionian hoping that a little I go down below to see if we still have a of the life-affirming copy of Reeds nautical almanac, which will magic of “Mamma Mia!” have the answer to her question. We’re pleased to think her assessment of us is right – rubs off on them. If our first experience of the we have one, and the almanac tells her what Ionian was anything to she wants to know.

Anna and her husband Phil (with Nelson, the go by, then they won’t be disappointed. Since that dog onboard) intend to deck out their elegant wedding day, we’ve ketch with flags to celebrate the marriage of realised it was not a onetheir friends, who are the English owners of off. We’ve got a special Harbour Lights - one of the local tavernas. feel-good factor from We’ve not been here a day and we’re thrown many of the islands into the preparations for a wedding- it’s as if we’ve visited – from new we’ve stepped into a scene from the movie, friends, from breathtak“Mamma Mia”! ing views, from unexLakka is on the northern tip of Paxi, the pected hospitality. But smallest of the main Ionian islands. The harThe Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com

Lakka has a special place in our hearts, and we will return there again and again. As the Abba song goes, “How can I resist you?”

Cathy and Leighton King left Plymouth, U.K. in 2006 to cruise Atlantic Spain and Morocco.

Since 2009, they’ve been cruising in the Mediterranean. They are now near Preveza in the Ionian onboard their Saltram 40, Makarma.

Photos provided by Leighton King and Barbara Molin

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The Ionian Business Services To advertise: Tel: 69486 46764; Email advertising@theionian.com. Please submit your ad by the 15th of each month.

BOB PHELPS

Europcar

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YOU RENT A LOT MORE THAN A CAR

YACHT ELECTRICS Check-up / modifications / repairs

email: yacht.electrics@gmail.com Lefkada / mobile: 69385 69143 Island Walks organizes guided tours on Ithaca in spring and autumn. For details, program and information, see www.islandwalks.com Also available are craft and painting workshops.

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The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com

The Ionian Business Services To advertise: Tel: 69486 46764; Email advertising@theionian.com. Please submit your ad by the 15th of each month.

CALL 68486 46764 TO ADVERTISE Deadline 15th of every month

FOSTER AND PERMANENT HOMES NEEDED URGENTLY FOR STRAY DOGS. PLEASE CALL LEFKAS ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (L.A.W.S.) IF YOU CAN HELP: 69785 10671.

The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com

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The Ionian Business Services To advertise: Tel: 69486 46764; Email advertising@theionian.com. Please submit your ad by the 15th of each month.

Nanotechnology – the technology of the 21st Century Air pollution, UV rays and dirt all take their toll on your yacht, especially here in the Mediterranean, causing it to deteriorate faster and so lose its value. Gelcoat can oxidize and turn yellow, sails can turn gray over time and many surfaces above and below the deck can become weathered and scratched.

A new liquid nanotechnology can help protect all the surfaces on your boat against damage from environmental conditions. Through selforganizing anti adhesion components, the ‘nanos’ form an invisible barrier similar to glass. If a microscopic layer of nano, particles is applied, everything is easier to keep clean because most major contaminants are repelled. Washing with fresh water alone will keep treated surfaces clean.

Nanoshopgr is the first company in the Ionian to specialize in this liquid nanotechnology. Our products will protect and seal yacht surfaces of many kinds. They are biodegradable, easy to use and long lasting. Time and money can be saved because cleaning agents become almost redundant.

A nano coating can last from one up to several years. Nanoshopgr products are optimized for various surfaces and their material characteristics (e.g. for GRP, Glass, Ceramics, Stone, Concrete, Plaster/Finery, Masonry, Natural Stones, Textiles, TFT/Plasma/LCD screens, all kinds of INOX, Car Paint, Light Metal Rims, PVC, Wood, etc ).

What can Nanotechnology do for your yacht?

Your Boat Outside: • Nanosealer protects gelcoat from oxidation and Yellow Veil, avoiding the need for polishing or cleaning with toxic acids.

• Nanosealer makes it easy to remove brown spots from stainless steel.

After sealing with Nano "Steel-Protec", the spots never come back.

• Over the years, sails turn grey as a result of air pollution and sand from the Sahara in the rain. You can clean Nanotreated sails easily using fresh water avoiding the expense of professional cleaning.

• Nanotreated wood and fabrics become water repellent.

Inside The Cabin • Nanoprotection on furniture and appliances will avoid damage from cooking and smoking.

• Nanotreated fabrics are protected from staining by red wine or coffee.

• Nanotreated Ceramic and plastic surfaces will repel dirt.

There are even more advantages with nano coatings and when used once you will never want to be without it!

For further Information contact:

KAYRATIS TRAVEL Tourism and tour operator JENNY NOTA EL. Vanizelou & Salaminos 1 PREVEZA Tel-fax: 2682301077 Mob: 6930800603—6949225729 Email:karyatistravel@hotmail.com www.4uthesite.gr

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS CALL: 69486 46764 TO ADVERTISE 12

The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com

BOOKSHOP

NEWS

SUSAN AVERIES

STAND NEWSAGENT STATIONERY

Nidri Lefkada Tel/Fax: 2645 029192 Email: nstand@hol.gr

SUPER MARKET Dimitrios Galanos Ethnikis Antistasis 47 (Shopping Street)

PREVEZA Tel: 26820 28431 The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com

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The Ionian Services Directory To advertise: Tel: 69486 46764; Email advertising@theionian.com. Please submit your ad by the 15th of each month.

Metronix: Lefkada 26450 29488 Nydri Marine 26450 92496 Paleros Yacht Services: Lefkada 2645 029117 Phelps Bob, Carpenter: Lefkada 69328 77813 Philippas G. Surveyor: Lefkada 26450 26765 Preveza Chandlery 26820 29548 Preveza Marine Boat Yard: Aktio 26820 24305 Preveza Yacht Services: 26820 60940 Pytheas Group: Patras 26930 72102 SKD Yacht Services: 69738 82340 Steel Design: Vonitsa 69777 58583 Todd H. Surveyor: Vliho 26450 95184 Vliho Yacht Club: Vliho 26450 29282 Yacht Paint: 69461 55579 Yacht Repairs 69448 87777 Williams & Smithells: Lefkada 26450 25795 OTHER SERVICES Art Club: Ligia, Lefkada 26450 71959

BOAT SERVICES Antares Boat Repair: Preveza 69778 16268 Aktio Marine Boat Yard: Aktio 26820 61305 Argolis Yachts: Aktio 26820 21197 Canvas and Upholstery: Lefkada 26450 25535 Cleopatra Marina: Aktio 26820 23015 Contract Yacht Services: Lefkada 26450 24490 CYS Marine Store: Lefkada 26450 24446 Dive Line: Nidri: 69472 56091 Fay Marine: Surveyor: +44 077 15 102090 Gheco Boat Covers: Vliho 26450 95184 IGR: Nidri 26450 92601 Ionian Boat Assistance: Nidri 26450 93020 Ionian Mare Service: Lefkas 26450 23593 Ionian Yacht Surplus: Port Vliho 26450 95669 King Leighton: Electrician 69773 81365 Lefkas Diving Center: Lefkada 26450 72105 Marine Point: Lefkada 26450 23340

Europcar: Lefkada 26450 23581 Ionian Blue Hotel: Nikiana 26450 29029 Ionian Dreams Villa Rentals: 26450 71979 Kaixis Taverna: Preveza 694 789 9404 Karyatis Travel: Preveza 26823 01077 News Shop: Nidri 26450 29192 O Kontos Taverna: Aktio 26820 22510 Photo Net: Lefkas 26450 25005 Print Shop: Preveza 26820 89837 Santas Motorbike Rentals: Lefkada 26450 25250 Technoshop: Lefkada 26450 25885 Tipografeio: Preveza 26820 22439 Typo Center: Lefkada 26450 23805 Veterinary Surgery: Lefkada 26450 22888

Classifieds WANTED

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

We’re looking for a small (2.3-3h.p.) outboard, 2 or 4 stroke, normal shaft. Good working order. Contact Leighton on: 69773 81365.

EIDOS IS FOR SALE I have swallowed the anchor and am staying in the Ionian. So, Eidos is for sale. She is an East Orient 32, designed by Ted Brewer and built in 1980 in Taiwan (lots of teak). Located in Aktio Marine. Barbara: 69486 46764. More information at: www.seagypsysailing.com/boat.html

ARE YOU SERIOUS about maintaining good HEALTH? Then take a look at our exclusive range of Aloe Vera Health and Skincare Products Forever Living Products and its affiliates are the world leaders in the production of Aloe Vera our products contain 100% stabilised Aloe Vera Gel More info at: www.myflpbiz.com/foreverlivingproducts

OFFICE WANTED The Ionian needs a small (20-30 sq. m.) office in Lefkas area. Barbara: 69486 46764.

SINGER SEWING MACHINE 110 volts €50. Hard bottom inflatable dinghy - needs TLC -offers. Violin 80€, Pentax K1000 SLR camera and lens, Sight Reduction Tables, Cruising guides, charts, books. Barbara: 69486 46764.

FOR SALE CQR ANCHOR 20kg. €100.

POSSIBLY CAN DELIVER TEL 0030 69886 24761 s.y. ZEFKA (PREVEZA MARINE IN AKTIO)

The Last Word Is Yours We welcome your comments, letters and emails. Please write, not exceeding 250 words to: editor@theionian.com . (Letters may be edited) We need more copies, at least 500 and wider distribution. Also, more photos, more news related to new companies and new things to do such as hiking, rafting, and kayaking.

Vicky Bradley, Vliho Yacht Club Ed: Thank you for your input, Vicky. Working on more copies and wider distribution. And for the rest—please everyone: send me your news, events for the calendar, and photos.

An excellent idea! Perhaps you should start up a Facebook group or a mail subscription service to go with the electronic version of the magazine.

How about a section to help people coordinate transport of goods and people especially to and from the UK. A reprint of the latest bus timetables around the Ionian would be a good idea too.

Ian Molesworth ( s.y. Cariad ) Ed: Thanks, Ian. We now have a Facebook group and if you would like to subscribe to The Ionian, send an email to: subscrip-

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tions@www.theionian.com. But why not just download the issue you want from the website?

Regarding the transport of goods and people, perhaps you would like to take out an ad to organize this? The bus timetable reprint for the whole Ionian? I wonder how many pages that would be? Let me think on that…

viving.

The sandfly is most active from May until October, and appears at dusk until after dawn.

If your dog sleeps outside, provide protected and clean sleeping quarters off the ground, or keep the dog inside at night.

“Scalibor “(or similar) collars can be bought from a vet, (not the same as flea and tick colA reminder for all dog owners: lars!). They last for about 4 months, so it is best Now that the weather is warming up, rememto provide a new one half way through the sumber to put a Kala-azar collar on your dog ! mer.

Leishmaniasis, also known as Kala-azar is a The collars are not a 100% guarantee against protozoic infection, carried by a sandfly. It is becoming infected, but they certainly help to endemic in Mediterranean countries. deter the sandfly and largely reduce the chance Leishmaniasis attacks the immune system; of infection. There is also a spray which can be stray dogs and well-cared for dogs alike are used every evening, but remembering to do it is vulnerable, but not cats. problem, and … dogs hate sprays!

Symptoms vary – often the dog looks old suddenly, nails grow long, they lose weight, start to have a musty smell, hair loss, discharge Take care of your dog …. Put on a Kala-azar collar! from eyes and nose, scabs appear etc. It is imLefkas Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) portant to see a vet as soon as you notice any www.lawslefkada.gr unusual symptoms, as the sooner treatment is started, the more chance your dog has of surThe Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com

PANOS TAVERNA o ΚΟΝΤΟΣ INTERNATIONAL SAILORS’ HOME

Panos Maris Proprietor/Chef

Tel: (26820)22510 Aktio Beach—near Aktio Boatyards OPEN EVERY DAY FOR BREAKFAST AT 9 a.m.

The Ionian Favourite

The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com

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Set Sail to

Ionian Blue HOTEL Bungalows and Spa Resort

feel the blue

NIKIANA, 311 00, LEFKADA, GREECE Tel: (+30) 26450 29029 Fax: (+30) 26450 29149 E-mail: info@ionianblue.gr 16

www.ionianblue.gr The Ionian / May 2010 www.theionian.com