Cretanvista Site News & Reviews - August 2013  Issue 128

No links to sites with adult content accepted. 

JULY WEATHER..... As usual for August it  was absolute scorcher on Crete with heat-waves which averaging around 36-38⁰C.  High humidity. There were also times when it was extremely windy, bringing with them the not uncommon risk of bush fires - fortunately few affected the island....

  Current Chain Webcam             Current Cretan Weather Link

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Astratigos Village Life.... Travelers Tales.. XVIV
(Continued from June - Previous click here).
 

Onward! Into the breach! II... XVV

We made excellent time, given that the motorway from Ancona varies from excellent to variable - still the object of many road widening schemes which seem to leap-frog between very tight and very superb, smooth wide stretches for reasons known only to another!  Certainly not the straight Roman roads we have in the UK!!

But that was only as far as the Como/Chiasso interchange road leading to the Swiss border post - once a bit demanding it is now a superbly surfaced mostly four lane motorway (still in Italy) until it reaches the nasty downhill right hander, including a couple of badly-lit short tunnels, ending in the Swiss border post. An interesting drive, sometimes easy, sometimes challenging. Keeps the driver (and navigator!) awake....

Being Sunday, no lorries (excepting those deemed) essential were on the road. But there was a downside - there were a great number of Sunday motorists out - no doubt enjoying the lakes. Our destination was Hotel Forni at Airolo on the St Gotthard pass road - Immediately before the tunnel. But, there was so much traffic that kilometers away from our turn 'Edie' our sat-nav stepped in!  'Severe traffic congestion ahead' she warned - at the same time illuminating her TV style monitor with rows of traffic and underlining a more than 2 hour delay for the tunnel. That seemed very bad news - it looked like we would inching along for ever as there didn't seem any escape before our turn...

Ah well, we had fuelled up before the border - no problems there, and 'Fred' our imaginary engineer was a reassuringly smooth and automatic Honda CRV. A couple of kilometers more of inching along, watching the impatient pull onto the hard shoulder, speed past everyone in the queue, into the Gottard fuel station - and then, without pause exiting immediately - forcing their way back onto the same road - maybe gaining 800 metres, when 'Edie' interrupted again. 'Exit right in 1000metres' indicating a right turn which we could not yet see. 500 metres later we could see OK - 'Edie' was directing me up the Gottard pass! We had a serious decision to make....

Last time I had been along this route the weather had been absolutely foul approaching this turn - visibility about 300 meters - when 'Edie' had offered the same choice. I had declined without hesitation - I had never been over the pass and with that visibility I was not going to try. I had my wife, my dog and my colour television to think about,. Apart from that I was a bit of a coward... No way! We had queued the couple of hours. It felt safer at the time...

Now the weather was clear and dry - a few scattered showers but nothing to worry about. We took the diversion route - there were not many takers I noticed. It was certainly narrow in parts, with a couple of small tunnels, but within half an hour or so we were taking an extremely tight descending right turn into Forni - our destination! The hotel appeared a minute later, opposite a Swiss railway station full of soldiers and police....

We booked into the hotel. The owner's wife reversed her car out of our 'secure parking' which I could not see into at the time. When I could it turned out to be just one car space - I was surrounded by what looked like a pub cellar!  Beer kegs, valves and taps, cases of wine et al - this would do nicely - for several weeks I thought!  Across the road was the railway. Beyond that, way below, we could see the motorway, still clogged with traffic inching along.

Our overnight stay was an experience again! But since we were early a quick cuppa' and a couple of hours sleep to revive our spirits after a tiring drive and seemed in order. We entered the lift and pushed the button for the third floor. There was a faint 'thud' and a 'whirring' for a second and then the lift door opened.

We thought that there had been a malfunction - three floors per second was the stuff of Cape Canaveral! But we were definitely on floor three. I was fascinated. Instead of getting out I pressed the button for '0'. Nothing seemed to happen - but the door opened and there we were - back at the start! Press '3' - the faint 'thud', the 'whir' and we were back at floor three... It was a tardis, a time machine extraordinaire!  Last time I had experienced that much acceleration I was riding a Triumph Bonneville with serious intent!

Off to our room. A couple of hours later we were ready for the 'off' again. It wasn't long coming. "Had we had any trouble with the police or army" asked our host? "No" we told him, "has there been a problem"? If there was or had been he denied knowledge. We had seen only an isolated police car and a couple of military vehicles on the way in until the railway station - and that was now bereft of all signs of an official presence....

We sat down in the obviously 'Haut Cuisine' restaurant and gave our orders. We had just been presented with the aperitif when an obviously Swiss couple arrived at the next table. The car outside looked more like a Bentley than a Bentley - but although the female partner was absolutely immaculately made up and attired - well the top half was - she was wearing a pair of stone-washed old blue Jeans, I swear. The guy was open necked shirt and ordinary oldish looking trousers.  Ah, the super rich!

Then a very large container lorry arrived outside - pulled in by a very obvious fast moving police car which dispensed some very single-minded police officers. After searching the truck, they took a young male away, obviously under arrest, cuffs and all. The whole scene happened almost at the same speed as the lift experience had earlier...

'Bently Man' didn't seem to notice. His lady likewise. He was too engrossed at the end of the meal to notice Pam watching agog as he scrapped his knife around his plate and licked it clean, closely followed by his finger. I can't honestly say I noticed him either - his (blonde) lady had the whole of my attention as she gazed directly at me as she said 'Goodnight' in perfect English! Her jeans were a perfect fit!.....

Next stop  Metz - I could hardly wait....

But first the Gottard tunnel - seventeen kilometers underground - always worth the ride...
                                       (Continued next month)....

In the News Reviews...
Good - or bad Friday...
Depending on which side of the fence people were on when police practically blitzed and unnamed area of Crete in a large scale crack-down on crime on August 2nd.

Guns, vehicles, cannabis, black market products - 1,117 'violations', including illegal immigration, 407 people detained for questioning and 130 arrests.                                                        Link to Story.

Fingerprint link to suspected rape arrest...
As a 24-year-old Albanian man, being held in Fthiotida, northern Greece pending deportation has his fingerprints linked to Cretan rapes in 2010. The unnamed man was transferred to Chania to answer charges related to the rape of a minor....
                                               Link to Story.

The good news is that...
That 1.65 million oversea visitors entered Greece in the month ended July, compared with 1.47 million in the same month a year earlier.  
                                                Link to Story.

But the bad news for tax inspectors was...
That villagers in Archanes, Iraklio, were responsible for heckling an SDOE team who arrived at the village to issue a one-month closure order against a taverna owner. The officers were reported to have been 'coerced' into leaving the village...

It must be a difficult job...
                                                Link to Story.

Mystery bullet...
Which struck and injured a Swiss tourist had to be treated at Rethymno Hospital. The leg injury was described as non-life threatening.

The report stated that 'It was not clear where the bullet came from but Cretans often fire guns a weddings, baptisms and other special occasions.

Perhaps it was just an 'other special occasion'...
                                                Link to Story.
 
Alarm bells rung...
By the governor of Crete, Stavros Amoutakis, who is seeking funds to prop up the islands' olive oil producers. They are expecting to produce only half the annual production of 100-120 tons of oil this year to adverse growing conditions.

The governor feels that there is an 'explosive' situation developing - due to the multiple hardships producers already face.... 
                                                Link to Story.

Separate suicides...
Two unexplained suicides were reported on 13th July. One 45-year-old man had hanged himself near the site of the Archeological site at Malia.  The second, also a male, had shot himself in Mesara near Iraklio. The reasons were said to be unknown......
                                                Link to Story.
                                                     
Multiple terrorism related offenses...
Resulted in two Greek and two Turkish men being arrested and charged with multiple terrorism-related offenses. They were arrested on a speedboat reported to be transporting weapons and explosive devices.

Ballistic examination of one of the weapons - a handgun demonstrated that it had been fired by an unknown assailant who used it to firs at a butchers shop in the Vamvakopoulos area of Crete....
                                                Link to Story.

On a more optimistic note...
Tourist visitors for Russia and Turkey are expected to reach all-time highs this year - 2 million. It is hoped that Russian visitors will reach 1.2 million. Good news for Greece as the average spend of a Russian tourist is 1000 euros - more than even the Germans!

Turkish visitors are up to 800.000. It is thought that whilst they do not stay as long as the Russians, they do spend considerable amounts on wining and dining....
                                                Link to Story.

And 2014 seems likely to continue...
To be another good year for Cruise ship arrivals in Greece - helped by the current unrest in north African countries such as Egypt .....
                                                Link to Story.
                                                     
But the authorities need to protect tourists...
Visitors from unnecessary risks. As demonstrated by a rock-fall onto a road between Chania and Kissamos near tunnel at Topolia on the 18th July, which left a female tourist driver seriously injured. The rock fell down the mountainside and crashed onto the roof of the car.
                                                Link to Story.

But some campers were deemed unwelcome...
By  police who detained 11 people for camping illegally on the banks of Lake Preveli.

Four of the campers were also charged with possession of marijuana....
                                                Link to Story.
                                                     
Plus, police made over 70 arrests...
Near Tymbaki, Iraklio , following a wave of break-ins and thefts in the Mesara area...
                                                Link to Story.
And at Topolia, Kissamos...
A 45-year-old and his 19-year old son were arrested for drug possession after cannabis plants and leaves were discovered in the basement of the church of Aghios Raphail.
                                                Link to Story.
And while the defense ministry dismisses...
Claims that the US is seeking bases on Crete.
                                                Link to Story.
A Greek role is reported to have been.....
Suggested by the US in relation to the war in Syria.
                                               Link to Story.
Meanwhile..
A Skai TV journalist is reported to be facing trial for reporting on the NATO base at Souda Bay.
                                                Link to Story.
And finally...
Is this the longest Dakos in Cretan history?
                                                Link to Story.
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All of the material produced by Cretanvista is copyright and belongs to someone who has spent time, effort and money to produce it. We are often willing to allow the use of our material for personal (non-commercial) purposes. For example our calendar photographs can be used to reproduce the pictures for your own individual calendars, or to hang on granny's bedroom wall.

We will however, take action against anyone we discover using our materials in any mass distribution exercise, especially for financial gain, unless specifically authorized by us and we are acknowledged as the source in the reproduction.

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FREE...
Cretanvista is a free site.  We accept neither cash nor gratuities and sell nothing.  We don't carry paid-for advertising.  But we do try to give you information which you might want to know about.


Accommodation in Astratigos - For rent/Sale again....
The first house on the left as you enter Astratigos from Afrata - a large cream and green affair sporting two apartments two balconies and a small pool at the front .  Live in Astratigos maybe? 

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HOLIDAY VILLAS...
Another local owner has carried out some superb traditional renovations in Astratigos and has  renovated what was once his own accommodation - maybe for your holidays!


In Kolimbari - right on the beach near the tavernas, is:-

The Grand Bay Beach Hotel

Visit  Interdynamic's website.

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http://www.provencebeyond.com/ Well worth a visit if you are interested in France, especially the southern parts.

FERRY SERVICES.
SOUDA BAY - PIRAEUS (Chania-Athens).

ANEK LINES operate daily return sailings.
Souda     -    Piraeus 
21.00Hrs         05.30Hrs
Piraeus     -    Souda 
21.00Hrs         05.30Hrs


PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CHECK TIMETABLES WITH THE COMPANIES OR THEIR AGENTS.

WEBSITE LINKS

Moving to Crete? Get Sound Practical Advice for free..

'Notes on Greece' is a British Embassy publication which gives information on matters relating to Greece.  Obtaining a copy first hand from the British Consulate in Iraklion (Heraklion) will ensure that you have the most recent edition - and professional contacts with up-to-date and wide ranging knowledge on matters relating to Crete. Contact the consulate via:-

:crete@british-consulate.gr

An e-mail copy is available as a Microsoft word file - a very fast email of very useful information.

Very rarely one of our sites
becomes temporarily unavailable.
If you do find one missing
please be aware...
Make a note...

...One of our mirror sites is always available
24 hours a day 7 days a week!
Bringing the sunshine,
Keeping the rain off!

Earthquake activity:
Most recent earthquakes in Greece - LINK

There were more than 66 local earthquakes in August - Link - None of any significance: (ML4.0 & above).

Although earthquakes most certainly are a common feature of life in Greece. It is however, unusual for deaths, injuries and or damage to buildings to occur, which could lead to a false sense of security. The author of a ten year study at the National Technical University of Athens says that Greece is sitting waiting for the next major earthquake without doing anything to mitigate it's effects. (Our italics). There are certain existing buildings considered to be at risk from major earthquakes.  These buildings, which include a number of schools, are being investigated with the objective of safety. Engineers have also called upon the government to institute checks on old bridges in Greece.

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A Little Extra (Current) News - 'Nothing quite like a good moan'.... 
One of my favourite themes in this column centers around perceived injustice - especially when it appears to arise - nay, always seems to arise when an individual is apparently doing his or her level best to play by the rules and neither cheat or be cheated either by other individuals or by the system.  For system read 'government'. For other individuals read 'those who implement unjust decisions'.

And nowhere, to my mind, does there exist deeper injustice than in the economic systems and their application to the individual.

Particularly in Greece....

Almost exactly a year ago I carried the same message and said:-

'I add a link below in an effort to help dispel some of the doom and gloom which many in Greece must share, having been mentally clubbed over the head repeatedly, no - incessantly, with what seems to be a garden spade! Well, perhaps you deserve a break. Have a look at this article and related U-Tube video from 'Keep Talking Greece". A site publishing 'Greek News in English, Blog, Wit & Drama'. Link then follow the YouTube Direkt link.. (To return here just close the link on your browser)..

'But, don't ever think (however) that the economic situation in Greece  is in any way humorous - it is anything but. With employment levels in July (2013) running at 21.5% - 54.2% of which is among the young, the idea of imposing continuing and perhaps increasingly severe austerity measures appears an impossible nightmare. At least among the working population - or should the at be 'wanting to work population'? How can further austerity be imposed upon those who cannot earn? Those who have no employment'. In October 2012 the BBC said in a news Link .....

Attempting to emphasize my message I went on:-

'Is there anything more to be said? Personally, I don't think so. The time for procrastination and prevarication must by now be long gone. Either the EEC and International lenders, one, the other or both, help Greece through the crisis or they don't. As an English expatriate I cannot help but feel that, someone may be killing the goose that laid the golden egg. Like a number of my countrymen, we have brought, and continue to bring, a not inconsiderable amount of money into Greece which would otherwise not be here. The majority have also, I suspect, had to pay extra taxes - the 'solidarity' tax is but one example'.

We came to Crete (Greece) more than twenty years ago. We renovated a ruined house - perhaps £125,000including fittings and fixtures... We bought a car, perhaps another £25,000; add the maintenance and running costs of both alone and you may be looking at another £25,000 a very conservative estimate - and all money we spent here in Greece - what I call 'free money' because it was all earned and taxed in the UK. 'Free money' for Greece that is - all brought in and spent here.  It all helped our friends of course. It helped Greek employment (and taxes thereon); Goods - (and taxes thereon); Services - (and taxes thereon); and all the essentials like insurances (house/car etc) (and taxes thereon); travel - (and taxes thereon); and taxes thereon, and thereon, and on, and on, and on.........

When we added up a conservative estimate of the amount of money we have brought into Greece in those last twenty years we believe it comes to around at least £500,000.... around half a million GBPounds - probably 30% more - and the taxes thereon.  And although we do not suffer double taxation because of the reciprocal international taxation agreements (and we do not work (produce an income) in Greece, there is no escape from inbuilt taxes such as VAT - goods, services, housing etcetera - Quite a tidy proportion of our spending here ends up in the coffers of the Greek taxation authorities....

My wife argues that we would have spent the same money and paid the same taxes in the UK. A sound position to adopt.  But my own opinion is that whilst that may be so - the decision to spend at least a good proportion of it here was completely voluntary, and since we only bring money in (free money for Greece) we should not suffer for it with the imposition of extra taxes such as the solidarity tax.

That particular tax is really a form of double taxation - the only reason I have ever been given for having to pay it - and I do have to pay it - direct to the same tax office which says that I am exempt from double taxation and accepts that I do not earn money in Greece (only bring pre-taxed money) is that 'It is for Greece'....

My argument is that I am already helping Greece just by being here and bringing in 'free money" - in the same way tourists do, so why am I being taxed again? If Greece presented tourists with an income tax demand they would simply get back on the airplane......

'A number of expatriates have already left Greece, because, I believe, they are no longer happy with the economic situation here. Some would undoubtedly do so but are trapped, unable to leave because they would need to sell their homes here in order to move back to the UK - and are unable to do so. For others, the continued uncertainty about what may happen if the situation worsens causes serious anxieties. The presence alone of expatriates results in additional income for Greece, to say nothing of the effects on tourism of spreading our goodwill or, if we leave, of not doing so'....

We, like our Greek friends, need a resolution to the current crisis almost as badly as they do'.

Calm down, calm down... Listen carefully to this.... Link

(*NB: when any song finishes close You-Tube or browser-tab and you will be right back here - but be warned - you may have tears in your eyes. Enjoy!!)...

Kalos Ithate Stin Kriti.
WB. Cretanvista. Bringing the sunshine, keeping the rain off!
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Site Content Changes -  News page only this month...

Photo Galleries...
Calendar Photo Galleries:
A new one every year for the past decade! The 2013 Calendar gallery is complete and online now.. Once again the 2013 calendar topic was 'Wild Flowers of Crete' (after our wild flower galleries) and the result was superb! Which is why we followed up the theme in 2009. And every year since! Because of our success we have already produced our 2014 wild flower calendar format (not yet printed) and our other themes continue. Cretanvista probably has the widest range of calendar galleries available in Crete. But we can reprint any issue with the any year's dates - whatever year that happens to be! Have a look at the 2013 wild flowers calendar Link.

Wildlife Gallery - the first two pages - 48 unique photographs, including some rare specimens of the Cretan fauna. Some is quite beautiful, some a bit scary/creepy, but all now add to our wildlife page and the ornithology gallery pages. Remember that it is always worth checking where you walk or sit before you do! Start here.

Chania Photo Gallery.
Our Chania photograph galleries commenced with a presentation from Klaus Dieter Thill, whose photographs of some old buildings in the area of the Venetian Harbour show a little of what we all sometimes miss. Have a look - it's worth it. Start here.

Miniature Chapels of Crete Gallery.
Klaus-Dieter Thill - author of Minaturkapellen auf Krista, a printed photo album detailing some of those enigmatic roadside shrines of Crete, has now contributed the first page of his Chania on-line gallery.

Cretan Art and crafts - Weaving pages...
Weaving is in full swing and natural dyes are being made up and the photographs taken to add to this section. We will be adding our pages on our new looms, equipment and new projects started as soon as we can. The weaving tends to take the time right now..

Our very first nature gallery...
Contributed by Anastasios Sakoulis, whose book on Cretan wildlife Moments of Cretan Nature is also on our site as a book review. Anastasios contributed 18 pictures of birds for addition to a gallery some time ago now. We will attach these to our bird-watching pages as soon as possible.

GENERAL: There are now 37 galleries featuring aspects of Cretan life, including sunrise and sunset pictures; Souda Bay War Cemetery; the gallery of magnificent wild-life pictures by Anastasios Sakoulis; our own wildlife gallery; the wild flowers; Chania; Mhlia (Milia) traditional village; etc.. etc...

Our improvements continue. We sincerely hope that you notice little - apart from increased enjoyment and ease of use. Keep visiting - your presence is what makes it all worthwhile.

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The Cretan Vista Calendar Photos - Birds

We are building a specialist calendar of birds - whilst we are building our own library of Bird photographs, contributions are always welcome. They will always be acknowledged and copyright will remain your own and a free calendar is yours as soon as printed....
(Please contact us before sending pictures).
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Bird Watchers' Please Note:

The webmaster is at: Contact Form.