April2017

April 2017, Issue No. 44

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Fraport Shows Revamp Plans for the 14 ‘Gateways of Greek Tourism’

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Municipality of Platanias participated in “Mediterranean Panorama” in Stockholm The Municipality of Platanias, along with the Commercial Association of Platanias “Iardanos”, participated in the annual tourist exhibition “Mediterranean Panorama” in Stockholm.

The kiosk of Platanias represented a traditional kafenion of a village in Crete!

“Mediterranean Panorama” is a festival where we celebrate the culture, tourism and gastronomy from the Mediterranean region.

All visitors met representatives from Mediterranean countries, regions, hotels, travel agents, destinations, culture and traditional Mediterranean gastronomy.

Coral Travel: Four Greek hotels in Russia’s Top-100. All of them on Crete!

The Russian Tour Operator Coral Travel’s “Starway World Best Hotels” are awarded to the 100 best hotels as voted by the Russian tourists themselves.

The award ceremony took place in Moscow on March 14th during the MITT tourist exhibition.

In total 127.230 tourists were asked and they evaluated 6.078 hotels in 90 destinations of 36 countries. The tourists evaluated the personnel, the rooms, the food, the cleanness, services for children, the gardens, the swimming pools as well as the opportunities for sports and fun in the hotels.

The four Greek hotels are: • GRECOTEL CLUB MARINE PALACE (39th place) • IBEROSTAR CRETA PANORAMA (45) • MITSIS LAGUNA RESORT & SPA (59) • ERITA BEACH -ex. MITSIS SERITA BEACH (82)

Crete, Santorini and Rhodes in TripAdvisor’s best European destinations for 2017 The island of Crete was chosen as the 6th best tourist destination globally by the users of online travel site TripAdvisor.

The Greek island came behind some of the most popular choices in the world like, London, Paris, Rome, New York and Bali. Bali was the top pick, followed by London.

Furthermore, Crete came in 4th in the Travelers’ Choice Awards 2017 in Europe, while Santorini and Rhodes came 16th and 18th, respectively.

Crete Tourism Commissioner, Michalis Vamiedakis:

Time for Greece to Capitalize on Safety, Its Strong Point

Greek Blue Flag Beaches in World’s Top 3 PUBLIC BUS SERVICSE - KTEL

is the Best Affordable and Safe Way to Travel to Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and to all villages of Southwestern Crete

Stockholm’s going crazy with the Cretan guy from Agia Marina

Who is that guy “behind” Nikos, the owner of a taverna on the island of Skopelos? Why is Stockholm going crazy with “Mamma Mia”?

First came the musical. Then the movie. Now the party begins. But when you enter the frame there is no musical. No theatre stage. Instead, you step right into a MAMMA MIA!-world with a whole new story, and a different experience. You and your friends take over where the movie ends and MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY begins.

A tasty Mediterranean buffet is placed on your table. Glasses are being raised across the ing Arts in Italy and has since room. Everything happens on a enjoy. Kali orexi! worked at, among other things magical evening in several acts Who is Michalis KoutsogiBorås, Uppsala, Gothenburg filled with singing and dancing, and Malmö City Theatre, the daredevil stunts, Greek Gods, annakis flirty waiters, and perhaps a Zor- Michalis Koutsogiannakis was National Theatre and the Royal ba and an Ouzo or two. The rest born on November 22, 1959 Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm. is up to you. Because no eve- in Agia Marina, Chania, Crete. Since 2004 he is employed at ning is like any other. And no He is an actor, known for “The the Helsingborg City Theatre. one knows how it ends. It all de- girl with the dragon tattoo” His definitive breakthrough in pends on where ABBA’s songs (2009), “The girl who kicked the Sweden, he got the role of Mastake us! But one thing’s for sure: hoprnets” (2009) and “Det nya soud in the television series The New Country 2000, for which you can count on a Summer landet” (2000).

Koutsogiannakis came to Swehe was nominated for a Guldnight city. The temperature at Nikos Taverna is always set on den in 1979 and studied sociol- bagge Award 2001 in the catGreek high summer, regardless ogy at Stockholm University. egory of Best Actor. In 2003 he of season. Ready to make histo- During a trip in Australia, he made One prominent role as a came in contact with a Greek prisoner of Tusenbröder. ry? Opa!!

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Please theater in Sydney who gave Koutsogiannakis was in 2014 him a role in a set. He later re- assigned Evening Post’s Thalia turned to Sweden Prize for his interpretation of and then studied the role of Caligula in Albert Theatre Studies at Camus’ play of the same name the University. He and several other prominent trained at Inge- role interpretations over the mar Lind’s Institute years at the Helsingborg City for the Perform- Theatre.

CHANIA POST

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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.

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editorial

Chania photo of the month... by Stratos Solanakis

The legend of Chora Sfakion in Crete and the songs of the cicadas up the Samaria Gorge, watchIt is not often that a village

grown locally and is “farm to table.” The fish is always the fresh catch of the day. Prices, compared to what one would pay on one of the Cycladic islands, for example, are very reasonable.

Taverna Obrosgialos offers a lobster and spaghetti dinner second to none and the Lefka Ori Taverna, run by a couple and their three sons, prepares a fish soup that is worth the two and a half hour drive from Chania to Chora Sfakion.

There are number of hiking trails that begin in the village and the Lefka Ori Taverna has a list. The Imbros Gorge is nearby and ends in the village of Komitakes. It is much smaller than the Samaria and is an easier walk. This gorge has narrow passageways and is very scenic.

A lovely day can be spent taking the morning Daskalogiannis ferry to Loutro, a village where no cars are allowed, and enjoying the afternoon there. Loutro has been called “that magical place.” Or taking the ferry all the way to Agia Roumeli, where the gorge ends and simply walk around or do what I do, which is hike the gorge “the lazy way.”

I walk just part way up and the few times I have done this, I saw very few people, but I saw many kri-kri, the feral goats also called “agrimi,” and found only on the island of Crete. Their coats are light brown and dark brown rings cover their necks. Shy animals, they avoid humans, but can be seen climbing cliffs that appear to be almost vertical.

Other options are to hire a small boat docked at Hotel Xenia and have the captain take you for a trip to other villages washed by the Libyan Sea. Or, simply sit at the Hotel Delfina and enjoy the splendid view of the port.

Someday someone will come up with the solution to “No Left Turn.” Perhaps it will be you. Perhaps the solution will come to you when you step foot on that magical place called Loutro.

Perhaps it will be when you are walking slowly, “the lazy way,”

CICADAS Many myths have been told about the cicada and the most interesting are found in ancient literature. In The Iliad, for example, it is suggested that the insects shed their skins, live underground for long periods, and are then reborn as “souls.” These spirits, it is said, were once men who have undergone the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this metamorphosis, they are protected by t h e Muses and therefore for more news click on http://cre tepost.gr attain a higher level of knowledge. The key word here is “knowledge.”

I relate this information because one evening I was sitting in Hotel Delfina watching the moon beams dance on the Libyan Sea when I heard a chorus of cicadas. Their trills, at first almost muted, gradually became more urgent and incessant, as though they were trying to reveal a secret. Remembering the myths about the powers of the cicadas, I listened carefully.

Suddenly, I knew how to make the left turn a reality. I knew how to make the hikers turn left and spend their euros in Chora Sfakia rather than going directly to the buses. “Why is it that no one has thought of this before,” I mused, “it is so very obvious.” I smiled, not because I was so pleased with myself, but because I was happy with the decision I had reached. I was not going to seek the crown.

When I disembark from the ferry, I will be one of the few who choose not to board the bus for the return to Chania. Instead, I will turn left and spend time and euros in the village. I will not, however, reveal the solution to the problem to anyone.

Why? Because Chora Sfakion is a special place for the gods, Muses, and mortals such as I who treasure solitude.

Yes, I will take the secret with me, but I will think of it whenever I hear the cicadas sing.

The National Herald

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away, I see euros.” I interviewed a number of residents and learned that it has been impossible to come up with a solution. The bus companies will not change their schedules and no amount of advertising has been effective in luring tourists to stay for a night or two before returning to Chania.

Not all residents want the situation to change. One elderly woman said she treasures the peace and quiet of Chora Sfakion and thinks an invasion of tourists will ruin the village.

Many young people, on the other hand, say that because of Greece’s bleak economy they may have to seek employment outside the country. They would welcome the tourists and their euros so they can stay where they were born.

I have stayed in Chora Sfakion many times over a ten-year period when I was doing research for my novel, Labyrinthine Ways. I came for the solitude and the tranquility. My favorite time is the evening when I dine by the shore listening to the sound of the waves and the trilling of the cicadas. Taverna owners actually voted to have no music coming from their establishments so that all we hear is nature’s sweet sounds.

Chora Sfakion is so precious that a German photographer, Wolfgang Kistler, considers it “the hub of the universe,” and has taken thousands of photos.

He seldom goes elsewhere on vacation, and has gone to Sfakia for over 30 years. Kistler has an outstanding collection of photographs at wkistler.de.

There is a nice range of accommodations, from small rooms to moderately priced hotels, to the four-star Vritomartis, a “naturist” resort. My choice is Hotel Xenia with its own private beach area, an elevator, and a dock where small boats will take you on excursions.

The owner has a grill outside where he prepares the evening meal. The food offered by almost all the restaurants is

ing the kri-kri, or when you are having your evening meal by the sea . It may happen during a period of exquisite silence when you are hiking alone on a plateau and are one with nature. Your senses will be alive as never before as you surrender yourself to your pristine, unadulterated surroundings, listening to the rhythm of the waves and the calls of the cicada.

news & articles

offers a throne for a king or a queen, but there is a legend that such an offer was made several years by inhabitants of the tiny village of Chora Sfakion in Southern Crete, and that it still stands today.

Its 265 inhabitants, more or less, are not of one voice, but more on this later. The fact is that the Royal Chair is there for the taking. All one has to do is solve the problem of “No Left Turn.”

Let us set the scene: Chora Sfakion is the capital of Sfakia, one of the most rugged landscapes on Crete, the “Great Island” of Greece. It is also an area of spectacular natural, unspoiled beauty.

The capital of this paradise is so tiny that one can walk from one end of the picturesque harbor to the other in less than five minutes. Each year, however, hundreds of thousands of tourists step on the shores of Chora Sfakion, but few of them dine at its taverns or stay in its hotels.

Why have so many left their footprints, but not their euros?

The problem has everything to do with the Samaria Gorge.

The Samaria Gorge is said to be the second largest gorge in Europe (the largest, at a reported 25 kilometers, is The Gorges Du Verdon in France) and is approximately 16 kilometers long.

Tourists come from all over the world to hike this rough terrain with its stunning views and profusion of flora and fauna.

The journey usually begins and ends in Chania. Most come by bus from Chania to Omalos, where the trek down begins.

They enter the gorge by descending wooden steps called Xyloskalo and they end the hike at the village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. It is here that hikers board the Daskalogiannis ferry to Chora Sfakion, where buses await to take them back to Chania, a ride of less than two hours.

The buses run on a strict schedule, and must be boarded on time. Hence, when the ferry docks at Chora Sfakion, owners of the tavernas, shops, and hotels, woefully watch the parade of hundreds marching from the ferry to the small hill at the top of the pathway where the buses are parked. Few hikers, if any, turn left and march into the village.

A taverna owner told me he can no longer watch as the hikers disembark because, he wailed, “I do not see people marching

Crete Residents, Professionals Bet on Kastelli Airport for Tourism Growth tion of Crete-wide road links to Residents and profession-

als of Crete are placing their bets on the completion of the Kastelli Airport, which will in the process include parallel infrastructure works such as road networks thus paving the way for growth, according to findings of a recently released Crete Technical University study.

Approximately 81.3 percent participating on s click re new st.gr o m r in the survey said they o o f p /crete http:/ believe the new airport will have a positive impact on tourism to the island.

When asked which areas should be the focus of development, 40.2 percent said tourism together with the improvement of infrastructure, 32.7 percent said the primary sector, followed by 11.1 percent who said investment in renewable energy sources, 7.7 percent referred to the development of cultural and traditional elements and 5 percent said on industry, while 2.7 percent said on trade, insurance, medical and banking ser-

the airport. In the meantime, water and sanitation projects will also be required, including the transfer of the settlements located within the proposed runway.

vices.

Indicatively, 81.3 percent believe the new airport at Kastelli will have a positive impact on tourism while 84.2 percent said it will also benefit the expansion of municipalities in the wider area. A total of 83.8 percent said it would have a positive affect on business.

Meanwhile, 84.9 percent said the airport will “drive” the development of other much-needed infrastructure projects, while 50.7 percent expressed concerns over the negative environmental impact of the construction of the new airport at

Kastelli.

Initially set to be operational in 2018, the airport is expected to handle more than seven million passengers per year, becoming Greece’s second-biggest airport. The project however has repeatedly been put on the back burner. To date Chinese, French, German, Indian and Spanish groups have expressed interest in obtaining the 37year concession through joint initiatives with Greek companies. The project has been budgeted at 900 million euros, and the winning bidder will also be responsible for the construc-

Sights on Tourism Meanwhile, with regard to the island’s tourism potential, one in four respondents wants tourism to increase by more than double in the coming years.

A total of 32 percent said they want the number of tourists to double in the next decade while 30.4 percent said it was necessary to increase the number of visitors to Crete by 50 percent over the next 10 years.

With regard to tourism infrastructure on Crete, 44.5 percent said it sufficiently met the needs of visitors to the island, 12.8 percent said new hotels must be constructed to boost the tourism product, while two in 10 said small accommodation units would be better against 18.7 percent who were in favor of large hotels.

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news & articles

Fraport Shows Revamp Plans for the 14 ‘Gateways of Greek Tourism’ The Plan for “Daskalogiannis” International Airport be installed at all of the airports.

Fraport Greece released plans regarding the projects and development works for the upgrade of the facilities of the 14 Greek regional airports it will soon manage and operate. According to the company’s comprehensive plan, the upgrade works will contribute significantly to improving the overall customer travel experience at the Greek airports, while responding to the expected increase in passenger traffic.

By 2021, Fraport Greece will have invested a minimum of 330 million euros for development works at the airports.

During the 40-year concession period the company will implement additional maintenance and upgrading works, as well as capacity expansions (dependent on traffic growth) — resulting in possible total investments of some 1 billion euros (including the minimum 330 million infrastructure investment in the initial phase).

Once Fraport Greece takes over operations before the launch of the summer season, immediate actions at all airports will include general clean-up; improving lighting, marking of airside areas; upgrading sanitary facilities; enhancing services

and offering new free Internet connection (WiFi); and implementing works to improve fire safety in all the areas of the airports.

“The above projects are expected to improve the travel experience for passengers at the airports, until the major works are completed in 2021,” the company said in an announcement.

Works at the 14 “gateways of Greek tourism Fraport Greece’s major development works to be implemented during the first four years of the concession period include building five new passenger terminals — at the airports in Thessaloniki, Corfu, Kefalonia, Kos, and Mytilini (Lesvos) — and modifications at other airports.

This will result in an increase of 100,000 m2 in terminal size at

the 14 airports, reaching a combined total 300,000 m2.

The significant improvements for increasing the total capacity of the airports and the quality of services also include increasing the number of check-in counters from 213 to 297, (+23 percent), the number of security-check lanes from 44 to 84 (+47 percent), the number of departure gates from 103 to 147 (+30 percent), and the number of aircraft parking stands from 115 to 150 (+23 percent).

Refurbishment projects at the 14 airports will be implemented for all 15 runways, the existing terminals (200,000 m2 in total), sanitary facilities (10,000 m2 in total), 14 fire stations, airport apron areas, and 100 diesel generators. Baggage screening systems featuring the latest technology (inline system) will

An important element of Fraport Greece’s new era for the 14 gateways is to renew and modernize the external and internal image of the airports. “Indeed, the neat and, in some cases new, architectural designs will offer a new image at these 14 ‘gateways of Greek tourism’ – thus creating a pleasant travel experience to millions of passengers every year,” Fraport Greece said.

The following summarizes the enhancement changes that will be implemented in “Daskalogiannis” airport under Fraport Greece’s investment plan until 2021: • Rearranging the terminal’s internal utilization • Rearranging the departure gate lounge • Expanding the security control area • HBS (Hold Baggage Screening Systems) inline screening • Expanding the waste water treatment plant or connection to municipal service • Reorganizing the apron area • Refurbishing the airside pavement • 25 percent increase in the number of departure gates (from 8 to 10) • Doubling the number of security-check lanes (from 4 to 8)

Another spring and everything still the same. Well almost....

Driving down to Kalyves the

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news & articles

other day, I knew that spring had arrived. It was not beby Yannis Xamonakis apokoronasnews.gr cause of the newly arrived swallows gliding close to the road surface in front of the car looking for tasty insects.

It was not the late March date, or the bright warm sun and the clear blue sky. Nor was it the bloom on the almond and on the peach trees and on the road embankments that turned roadsides a lovely spring yellow.

No. What told me that spring had really arrived n o k was the early afternoon r s clic re new cretepost.g o m r / fo gridlock in the village of http:/ Kalyves, a harbinger of worse things to come as the weather warms up and as more visitors arrive.

Being subjected to a complete traffic standstill, with the regular bus being immobilised between parked cars on both sides of the road – hazards flashing and all –with a big line of cars whose drivers did not think far enough ahead to leave enough space for oncoming traffic piling up behind trucks and cement mixers, is part of the daily life in the tourist season which begins in spring, around Easter.

It is something the local residents have to put up with year after year. The traffic situation in several villages during the tourist season has not improved over the years, despite complaints from residents and

promises from the authorities, local associations, and the council. And I do not expect that anything will be done again this year, so is best to give up and put up with it. After all no one is in a hurry to be anywhere – save the odd ambulance that might be rushing an emergency to the hospital, but that are the chances of that?

So no need to worry. There will be no change to upset or unsettle drivers in the anythinggoes-do what-you-want traffic through the village again this year.

And it feels good in this period of uncertainty to know that there are some things that we can rely on, to give us some sense of stability and continuity in these changing times.

The return of the swallows. The traffic jam. Not forgetting the return of the big items of rubbish and the builders rubble abandoned by the dustbins as the place gets ready to accommodate and feed thousands of visitors again this year.

And I hope I am not the only one in Apokoronas who can appreciate the irony.

On the one hand the place prepares to offer the best possible conditions to the visitors with newly tiled spaces and newly glazed windows and new mattresses.

On the other, the results of that endeavour are being piled up besides the dustbins for weeks making the whole place look

like a real disorganised mess that is a definite turnoff for tourists. On the same day, on my way to another village I counted no fewer than six mattresses accompanied by building rubble of wall remains, broken tiles and glass and pieces of wood with rusty nails attached.

And thankfully no one is going to do anything to upset the balance of things. Stability. Here we go again for another year.

And as it is spring, I too go out more, revisiting places and checking out to see if anything is different this year. And wait, there is. The petrol station I have been using for years has had a facelift. And it was not even in a bad state. So what was happening? Could it be that some things have started to change?

I did not need fuel but I stopped anyway out of curiosity to find out what was the reason for the upgrade and to have a chat with the kind old man who for the last ten years has been filling my car with a smile, a kind cheerful word, and when there were not too many customers, a story from the old days or some of his wisdom.

I remember one of these stories involving his great aunt and some marauding Barbary coast pirates who apparently abducted her together some of the of goats she was looking after.

They feasted on the goats on the shore and sold the woman as a slave in Tobruk, where she

spent many years before escaping and making her way back home. A reminder that we are just two or three generations into the modern way of life, and lucky enough to need petrol stations.

Anyway, when I saw a young man standing by the pump, I started to fear the worst. Where is the old man? I asked. “He has retired quite happily” the young man answered and I felt relieved that he is in good health and he enjoys his retirement.

He deserves it after more than fifty years of serving customers and running the petrol station all by himself in all weathers, having every other Sunday off.

I am sure he will find a lot of things to keep him busy. We were talking about his roses once, I remember, when he said that one of the paradoxes in life – besides the one described earlier – was that as a man gets older he gets more patient. And referring to his roses, he observed that he now does things better. Why is that a paradox I asked? ‘Well,” he said “when a man is younger he has more time ahead of him and yet he rushes. When he gets older his time gets shorter but he takes things easy and is becoming more patient.”

And on that he turned to attend another waiting customer.

One of the small changes in life, that unlike the traffic jams and the rubble around the dustbins, I will miss.

Discerning (scoping) the connexuses (harmoi) that produce “Harmony” in our world

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news & articles

According to myth, Ares, the god of war, lay with Aphrodite,

by Panagiotis goddess Terpandros Zachariou the of love and beauty. The erotic union of male ferocity with the element of utter femininity and sensuality begot one daughter whose name was Harmony.

In a poetic way, the myth does not deviate from ck on li c r s reality, since in order to .g re new epost for mo ttp://cret h sustain Harmony in our world there must be interaction between opposites, just as two opposing weights produce balance in a set of scales. The same can be said of nature, colours, civilizations and the general make up of our seemingly chaotic world. I stress ‘seemingly’ because harmony emerges from contrast-laden chaos and the force that unifies the elements - Eros. Here one does not only appreciate the poetic wisdom behind the myths, but also the greatness of the Greek language, which is interwoven with this same wisdom. For instance, the word Harmony stems from the verb ‘ararisko’, which means connect, assemble, whilst the point of convergence or contact is referred to as harmos, hence Harmony. In a nutshell, harmony is manifested within the harmos - at the seam where opposites connect.

Such a harmonization of elements created the optimum conditions for life on planet earth. It is important that we understand the value of Harmony because as creatures of thought and sensation, beyond basic survival in our ‘harmólogized’ planet, our primary objectives are essentially happiness and prosperity. However, to achieve this we need to introduce a new concept and word that corresponds to an equally new way of life: Harmoscópesis. By harmóscopizing we ferret for points of contact, or the ‘golden mean’ between compatible opposites - the realm of the unifying force of Eros. Here again, the key word is ‘compatible’ since the harmoi (connexuses) must be flanked by opposites that produce a desired condition pretty much the way chocolate and milk produce the velvety texture and taste of milk chocolate, whereas, let’s say, the combination of vinegar and milk are two unlikely candidates favourable to any palate.

To acquire this much sought-after happiness, therefore, a per-

son’s intellectual and physical lifestyle must function within this realm provided he/she recognizes the compatibility of the elements that frame it. In other words, that which is required is incessant harmoscopizing and continual reevaluation of our ever-changing world.

Prerequisite to this is a rich historical memory with an equally rich experience of life, which in turn enriches the imagination of the harmóscopist. Fully aware of the paramount role of Memory Homer, as does Hesiod in his Theogony, invokes the Muse, daughter of the Titaness Mnemosyne (Memory) to harmonize thought and Logos (the Word), history and poetry. By the same token, the harmóscopist philosophizes through life poetically without relying on the observations of others before him, but instead endeavouring anew to give his/ her own answers to the great questions that have always preoccupied thinking human beings. The timeless universality of Hellenism owes itself to this poetic processing of Memory, which produced the singular concepts of “Harmony” and “Eros.”

These ideas flourished in Greece because the very region of Hellas comprises a unique harmos on our planet not only in a geographical sense, but also from a cultural perspective.

Geographically it lies not only at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, but also at the southernmost point that separates the European continent from Africa; and just as all the surrounding winds bestow their forces upon the Greek mainland and its islands, so it is that the diverse cultural developments of the surrounding regions impart their influence on the Greek

mind. The Greek is therefore able to dance naturally to swaying eastern tunes just as well as he can perform a more disciplined dance step of a western waltz, whilst the harmony between the two is manifested in his circular demotic dances. The harmonic quality of the region also becomes evident in the anthropocentric style of art that thrived in Greece as opposed to the teratomorphic (monster/ animal-like) styles that cropped up in the surrounding areas.

This was to be expected since, as I have already mentioned, a harmos is always under the dominating influence of Eros and what other creature on the planet is more erotic than the human being. Because it was only at this main point of convergence on the planet where the primary role of Eros was acknowledged, nowhere else on the globe did the human form achieve the substance, grace and dignity that were sung in Greek marble; for Eros had united the two souls beating in the Greek chest, that of order and discipline with that of unrestrained rapture of life, as portrayed in the figures of Apollo and Dionysus, respectively. This combination is illustrated in the serenity and harmony emanated from the faces of classical sculpture. As the central point in the scales of human culture, therefore, Greece will not only always be a reference point of the noblest human concepts, but also the ideal starting block from which to harmóscopize human civilization as a whole.

To this day, when the region in and around Greece experiences harmony-threatening oscillations, it forebodes the malignance of forces at work throughout the globe as well.

Nowadays, such reverbera-

tions are particularly felt within Greece, which is being shaken by the onslaught of an ill-conceived form of globalization.

Influences from the west, based on economic systems that cast aside all human measures, are spilling over into the harmoi of the planet diluting cultural diversity and thereby eradicating harmony. Without marginal areas between cultures, incompatible elements that would otherwise never have overlapped now converge, producing nauseating reactions throughout our world in the same way that a mixture of milk and vinegar would act in one’s viscera.

The symptoms of this predicament are evident in the ongoing Middle East conflict, terrorism, our deteriorating environment, the collapsing of traditions and the uprooting of whole populations from their regional hearths. That which is emerging is a homogenized world in which humankind will act as an oblivious mass of consumers led towards a colourless future without a past.

The content herein poses itself as a voice of resistance to this new order of things, as it is the distillation of intense harmoscópisis propelled by the same era that coined the word ‘Harmony.’

Meanwhile the Helleno-centric approach of thought manifested in this blog should not be interpreted as a fit of Greek nationalism, but rather as an effort to instill in modern societies an awareness of their state of oblivion to the true values in life. Besides, it is an accepted fact that Hellenocentricism is synonymous to anthropocentricism, as the values promoted

by Greek thought are essentially ecumenical.

Crete Tourism Commissioner, Michalis Vamiedakis:

Time for Greece to Capitalize on Safety, Its Strong Point It’s time for Greece to capi-

talize on its leading strong point – security, Michalis Vamiedakis, Crete Tourism Commissioner told the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) during the ITB Berlin.

“The good news is that we are seeing increased bookings and more reservations for the off season period like April and May, the bad news that many of these bookings have been made very early when hoteliers made extremely low offers which is bound to n o k c li take a bite out of revsc .gr re new epost for mo ttp://cret h enue,” Vamiedakis told the GTP, adding that the resultant increase in tourism due to the situation in Turkey must be taken advantage of.

“It is vital that we capitalize on the current demand for Greece, offer the finest services at competitive prices and promote the added advantage of Greece

right now, namely that it is a safe and secure destination,” Vamiedakis said, echoing the sentiments of many of his colleagues at the ITB. But he was quick to point out that stakeholders must also

“remain wise, keep their prices down and spread the word that Greece is value for money due to the safety it offers”.

“We must also aim parallel to the sea and sun concept to promote new tourism segments

like agro-tourism, health, conference and other forms of the product offering diversity and at the same time focusing on what brings in travelers.” news.gtp.gr

Electronic ticket system to be up and running in June, says transport minister Use of electronic tickets Authority regarding the barriers at metro stations and out of the state’s budget.

p. 10

news & articles

will begin on Athens public transport from June 1, Transport Minister Christos Spirtzis pledged on Monday, despite opposition from the Data Protection

personal details commuters are expected to divulge to be issued with digital travel passes.

Spirtzis also assured MPs that the installation of new ticket

ticket readers on buses and trolley buses is on track even though the equipment has come under attack from vandals, as the cost of repairing the damage does not come

Meanwhile, Aghios Ioannis and Kerameikos metro stations will be closed Wednesday so that new ticket dispensing machines can be installed.

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Do you dislike Ants?

by David Capon

T here are certain animals that create a sense of loathing or fear from many people throughout the World. I suppose the two that create the greatest phobias are snakes and arachnids (especially spiders and scorpions).

Two insects are also feared and loathed to almost the same degree: wasps and ants. on for more news click I have mentioned r http://cretepost.g before about how research is uncovering surprises in the animal kingdom such as fry (very young and small fish) communicating by sound.

Quite a lot of research has been carried out to understand the complex society of ants. I am sure you will have seen pictures or videos of leaf-cutting ants carrying their load back to the colony. A recent study in to the life of these ants has

produced some fascinating and remarkable results.

The research has discovered that the ants also communicate via sound and vibration. The ants often stridulate (like grasshoppers and crickets) when cutting leaves but produce a very enthusiastic sound when a very tasty leaf has been found so that others can come and get that leaf back to the colony very quickly.

These noises are not audible to human ears. The researchers tested as to how ants would react to a problem such as a collapse of part of the colony. They discovered that ants trapped produce a ‘hissing’ sound that alerts sisters nearby – a sort of non-stop SOS call.

I am sure that everyone reading this has come across ants in the house but not one individual but a line transporting ‘crumbs’ back to the colony. As individual ants search for a new

food source they leave a pheromone trail. If a source is found the pheromone trail is intensified upon the return of the ant. This intense trail is used by others and leads them to the same source and as they travel the scent trail is intensified further. If no food source is found on that foray the pheromone disappears rapidly.

I presume that other ant species use a similar method and suppose the problem that we, as humans, see is that we see a trail of ants coming into the house and try to eradicate the ants by killing them. I assume that the ants in the line are killed at that stage but the scent trail remains and that means others in the colony will replace those killed, unless the nest is destroyed.

Insect killer kills the ants but perhaps, as house owners, we need to break the scent trail.

I am sure more research will be carried out with other species of ant and we may eventually determine that all or most species leave a pheromone trail. Another recent study (results published in November 2016) from the University of Lausanne has shown that Florida carpenter ants influence the colony and pass chemical messages to each other by means of trophallaxis (passing hormones, proteins and other molecules via mouth-to-mouth contact).

Ants that have died are not left where they could cause a health hazard but are removed and effectively dumped in a cemetery.

An ant colony is a very complex society that functions without leaders. We are now finding that these little insects that many find abhorrent have a very complicated and interesting life.

Is Grexit Becoming Inevitable and What Then?

The opinion of an Englishman

by Hobson Tarrant

p. 14

news & articles

I

cannot pretend to have any inside information on this matter other than what is in the public domain, neither am I a true born Greek who has to exist or suffer from the consequences of the then or now. But I do live in Crete and have read copiously on the subject from several national perspectives, which I believe does give me some reasonable justification to hold a personal opinion that I would now like to share.

So reading between the lines I am sad to say that to me it appears almost inevitable that Grexit will happen and probably within the next twelve months...

UNLESS! something significant happens to change the direction of flow.

Now unlike in years gone by I don’t see this course as being caused by Greece, indeed, far from it. The Greek Government, rightly or wrongly, has made every conceivable effort to bend over backwards to meet its creditors demands, but there is only so far that the

citizen’s mandate will allow the government to go, and in many instances I believe they have already stretched the nation’s patience to that limit and beyond.

In short the Greek people have little more to give.

Yet Europe continues to want ever more...

It demands a guaranteed achievement of levels of GDP that are beyond the realms of possibility for many nations, even those starting from a less stricken position.

It seeks assurances of new industrial growth, despite withholding every tool that would actively allow such opportunities to flourish.

Meanwhile it refuses to take measures to reduce the crippling debt repayment terms to a sustainable level, even though Greece itself was instrumental in doing exactly that for Germany, its current main creditor, directly after the war less than eighty years ago.

that might just make the task achievable....

But why...Don’t Europe want Greece to remain a long term partner in the EU or Euro projects?

Well the answer to that depends upon to whom you pose the question...

Ask any European politician and they will respond with fawning words about how important Greece is to them. What is more, they will all genuinely mean it, primarily because they recognise that if Greece leaves, like Britain, then the days of the politicians European Union ‘Gravy Train’ are well and truly numbered.

But then, if you ask the same question to the key European Finance Ministers, the ‘Money Men’, they instead will all measure the success of the European project by the financial returns.

They will be in no doubt whatsoever... Greece must leave... and SOON! By way of example, read any In reality Europe is setting interview of the German Greece targets that it knows Finance Minister who is in can’t be achieved, then at many respects the real leadthe same time it holds out er of Europe. of reach every mechanism Now his words rarely even

try to hide his wish that Greece should go. To him Greece is a costly burden and even worse, it is a loose-cannon that dares to challenge his authority and makes no apology in questioning his vision of a European Utopia.

But if Grexit should be forced to happen...What then for Greece?

It wasn’t that long ago that the incumbent Greek governing body was castigated for having constructed a ‘Plan B’ financial plan for post Grexit.

I never really understood why the existence of such a plan should cause such a stir, indeed to my mind the developer of ‘Plan B’ should be applauded as at times like these someone has got to have the gumption to create an alternative route from the pathway to destruction.

So in that vein I share the thought that...

If Greece split from the Euro, its new currency would from day one be worthless outside of Greece.

Now because of this they would be unable to pay (continue on the next page)

Pressure on and Illegal Killing of Birds (again)

by David Capon

Last

month the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) in the UK issued a report about the number of illegally trapped songbirds on Cyprus. The estimate for last Autumn (2016) was that 900,000 birds were illegally slaughtered on a British military base near Ayia Napa.

The trapping of songbirds was made illegal in 1974 but organised crime seems to be driving the illegal activity which is estimated to be worth millions of euros every autumn.

The military base has much acacia, which is not native to Cyprus and provides cover for the illegal activity.

Trappers use a fine, nearly invisible netting and play ‘mp3’

recordings of bird song. In the past they used lime-sticks and the passing birds got stuck and died a horrific death.

The netting system has taken the slaughter to new levels.

Cyprus is a very important stopping place on the migration route of many songbirds and as you will realise birds killed in the autumn will not be available to breed the following year. There are also two songbirds that are endemic to Cyprus and their numbers are being affected.

Songbirds are trapped to provide the main ingredient for the local and more importantly, expensive delicacy of ambelopoulia (a plate of songbirds, such as blackcaps or robins)..

The high profits are attracting the attention of organised crime gangs.

A meal of 12 birds can cost up

OFF

to £60 and a poacher can get at least £1 a bird; a lucrative, taxfree income.

Some poachers have been hit with fines of 17.000 euros but when you consider that 15,000 birds were being slaughtered per day on the Base during early autumn the fines are relatively small.

As yet, no one has been imprisoned. Martin Hellicar, Director of BirdLife Cyprus said: “While our latest findings clearly show that the worst bird killing hotspot in Cyprus remains on MoD (Ministry of Defence) land, we cannot ignore the distasteful fact that the restaurants serving trapped birds operate within the Cyprus Republic. Enforcement against these law-breaking restaurants has been limited - at best - in recent years, and the Cypriot authorities must change this.”

Along with the British bases,

the survey covered the popular holiday destination areas of Famagusta and Larnaca along with Ayios Theodorus - Maroni.

Martin Harper, RSPB Conservation Director said: “This report sadly highlights that the British base is the number one bird killing hotspot on the whole island of Cyprus.

Many much loved garden bird species are being trapped and killed for huge profit by criminal gangs.

The trappers’ brazen prevention of the removal of their criminal infra- hfottr more news clic p://cre k tepost on structure from MoD .gr land could never be tolerated here in the UK.” I do understand that the authorities at the Base have started to remove some of the scrub. Let us hope that more will be done this year to eradicate this activity.

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282 503 1185 back the billions owed in loans which will cause the European and indeed the world banking systems its own significant problems, but that is beyond the Greek control by that stage.

However Greece will still need to feed and support its people and so by necessity will urgently require alternative supplies from elsewhere in the world.

The most obvious and structurally capable trading partner, with a vested interest to help is without a doubt Russia.

Russia and Greece have

@ info@britishmarket.gr

at best be described as ‘Wary’, however one cannot fail to be impressed by the masterful political skill that Mr Putin wields, all be it in a totally ruthless and sometimes cruel, Mother Russia enhancing way.

But by using stealth, cunning and skill, and whilst others like Europe and America play their downward spiral games, Russia has taken its time to lay out the board for a future new world order of which Greece Now I cannot deny that as could well become a player. an Englishman my attitude With Putin’s influence the to Russian dominance could replacement Greek currenlong enjoyed historical ties ranging from religion, to resources, ongoing trade and political engagement.

Both countries have a mutual respect for each other, and whilst every other major trading nation has taken its eye off the ball, Britain with Brexit, Europe with the migrants, America with Trump etc, Putin has quietly developed the Russian world influence and taken it from strength to strength.

cy could be given credence with the Eastern powers new BRICS bank. Then as a recognised currency it could trade with other nations and with the support of start up loans backed by Russia, a new door for a bright new Greek future might begin to open.

So do I see the Grexit as inevitable? Sadly yes unless the powers of Europe decide to help rather than hinder the Greek efforts.

Do I advocate joining forces with Russia? No, but it may become the lesser of two evils.

p. 15

Look no more, British Food Store in Chania, Crete.

We stock a massive array of British foods from Frozen to Ambient products.

Biscuits, breads, Extra matured Cheddar, bacon, Black puddings & cakes.

Over 600 British items in store.

We also stock local Greek produce and everyday items.

news & articles

Looking for British foods?

Greek Blue Flag Beaches in World’s Top 3 Greek beaches have consec-

utively been listed in the top three spots of the highly coveted Blue Flags Program, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF) said on occasion of the 30th anniversary of the project.

According to EEPF, which has been responsible for the Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) Blue Flag program in Greece since 1992, its aim is to achieve the first position for Greek beaches on for more news click and coasts. Indicatively, r http://cretepost.g in 1987, the Blue Flag was awarded to 244 coasts worldwide and seven beaches

in Greece.

Of the 3,568 beaches awarded today, 430 are in Greece.

“The Blue Flag is a collective effort, and the EEPF would like to

leled diligence, common goals and vision, we will act together for the best results towards the development of sustainable tourism for the benefit of our country,” said EEPF President Nikos Petrou.

On the initiative of the FEE, the Blue Flag Program labels beaches and marinas as well as sustainable boating tourism operators appropriate for swimming based on cleanness, water quality, organithank all the administrators of zation, safety and services, beaches and marinas, support- environmental management ers, sponsors and volunteers and protection and certifies who have backed the program the best every year ahead of over the years. With unparal- summer.

Students repeated Eratosthenes’ experiment and recalculated earth’s circumference

p. 16

news & articles

Students

from Greek schools participated in a science project which recalculated the earth’s circumference, repeating the experiment of the famous Greek mathematician, astronomer and geographer Eratosthenes.

The project was held on the occasion of the Spring Equinox on March 20, which signals the beginning of the new season.

On that day, the Sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night is nearly equal.

It was organized by the Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing (IAASARS) of the National Observatory of Athens, with the cooperation of the Laboratory Centers of Natural Sciences of Serres, Pieria, Lakonia, Lesvos

Creta Maris Beach Resort’s BIO Kouzina Silver certification Creta Maris Beach Resort got raw materials and their partic- “BIO Kouzina” certification awarded by BIO HELLAS Institute with the Private Standard Certification “BIO Kouzina” for the 6th consecutive year. This certificate indicates that the resort offers organic products with respect to nature and consumer.

Specifically, “PITHOS” restaurant, offering Cretan Organic cuisine, got awarded with the certification “BIO Kouzina”, in the category “BIO Kouzina Silver”, thus, proving once again that it fully complies with the strict criteria of using organic products, by using the certified food safety management system.

“BIO Kouzina Silver” certification indicates the organic origin of “PITHOS” restaurant’s

ipation rate in the meals, but also shows that the restaurant strictly complies with all the criteria of hygiene standards, food safety, while adequately store the raw materials, the intermediate, and the final products, avoiding in this way the risk of blending and / or contamination of the products.

Moreover, it certifies the quality of frying oils, the methods of cleaning and disinfection, the appropriate staff training on the requirements of the standard “BIO Kouzina”, the proper use of the term “organic” and the “BIO Kouzina” logo, and finally the appropriate handling of customer complaints.

It is worth mentioning that the first Creta Maris Beach Resort

was in regards to the use of five organic products. Thereafter, the resort received the “BIO Kouzina Bronze” and “BIO Kouzina Silver” certifications.

The resort aims to offer only organic meals at “PITHOS” restaurant and be awarded with the «BIO Kouzina Gold» certification in the near future.

and Heraklion.

Eratosthenes (274BC-194BC) is best known for being the first person to calculate the circumference of the Earth, which he did by applying a measuring system using stadia, a standard unit of measure during that time period.

spa, Asterias Children’s Club, and a great space for outdoor and indoor activities.

About BIOHellas BIOHellas develops with integrity and credibility in the field of organic products certification providing reliable services aiming to the protection of the consumer and the environment as well as to the improvement of foods and About Creta Maris Beach other agricultural products’ quality.

Resort Creta Maris Beach Resort be- Inspection Institute for Orlongs to Metaxas’ Group of ganic Products “BIOHellas” Companies and has been op- was founded in 2001 and was erating since 1975. approved by the Greek MinIt has a capacity of 680 rooms, istry of Rural Development suites and bungalows, 6 and Food as Inspection and restaurants, 7 bars, 7 swim- Certification body for organic ming pools, gym, Hammam products.

Minoan Palace and Spinalonga island in Crete candidates for UNESCO monuments

as well as a video on the islet of Spinalonga which for some decades in the early 20th century was turned into a leper

“Treasure Time Over Things”

and the lemons feel firmer.

down the slopes.

Gazing out over waters of crystal & teal, a welcome addition to a beautiful meal.

Watch the cats as they wander, a prayer in their eyes, that a crumb will be dropped, by old passers by.

Turn your eyes to the mountains, as high as your hopes.

Your worries make haste away

This leisurely feel makes you question yourself?

Is it coin that you seek, or just living life’s wealth?

by Rachel Tarrant

I left Britain today for glowing Crete’s shores.

Kissed the grey skies goodbye, soak the sun in my pores.

The rat race a memory, in exchange a Taverna.

Where the welcomes are warm

See I do love my country all the prospects it brings, but the Greeks have it right Treasure time over things.

“The Aircraft Carrier”

by Hobson Tarrant

A big ship sailed into Souda bay the planes onboard had not flown away.

Three tug boats pulled it out of sight The vast grey boat took all their might.

Below the crew had their mind on leave freshly pressed trousers for a stoker called Steve.

The days all planned by young Marvin White Ancient sites by day, then museums by night.

Blow that for a lark, billowed gunner Marks, me and the lads are out to create a few sparks.

colony, where lepers for more ne originally from Crete http://cretewpos click on st.gr and later from all over Greece were being sent.

Noisy bars and a dance with a girl on me arm I’ll show them Greeks what it means to have charm.

Charm from a gunner? Your head has come loose!

You’ll be found in a gutter kissing some goose.

Goose? He’ll be lucky said technician Plat he‘ll be drunk as a skunk and eyeing the cat.

Now-now urged the Padre there’s no need for fuss There will be plenty of welcome for each one of us.

Just take it steady, but have a good time while I live it up drinking lager and lime.

Avast! Crackled the Captain over speakers still damp His voice sounding horse like his tonsils had cramp.

All back to your stations, of leave you’ll have none.

Fast back to the states is where we’ll be gone.

But why raised the call, in voices irate?

After six months at sea, for dry land we can’t wait.

The cook ladled dumplings in rich gravy and plump.

“I bet we’re called back to protect Donald Trump!”

p. 17

Then, they watched an informative video on the Minoan Palaces proposed for the UNESCO list (Knossos, Phaistos, etc.)

culture

The issue of the integration of the Minoan civilization and the island of Spinalonga in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage sites was raised at an international meeting of the UNESCO Committee Convention held in Crete, with the participation of 35 delegates from 18 countries from Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America.

The committee meeting was held in the Basilica of St. Mark Heraklion, chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture Ms. Maria Vlazakis.

The topic of discussion of the committee was the protection of cultural property from illicit trade in antiquities, while the committee members toured in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion earlier.

Eurocert Sticker to Certify Hotels Serving Greek Breakfast

Accreditation

agency Eurocert has been selected by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) as the body that will certify hotels serving traditional Greek breakfast products.

Accommodation units participating in the Greek Breakfast program will be awarded a special sticker by Eurocert

following quality checks. The sticker is part of the HCH’s efforts to promote local products through breakfast menus while contributing to the establishment of a tourist identity for each destination boosting in the meantime local economic growth. ”We are proud to be contributing towards the development

of the tourism industry and participating with our expertise in the effort of the sector’s stakeholders,” said Ioannis Karagiannis, GM Eurocert.

The Eurocert certification is optional but hotels that do receive the Greek Breakfast sticker will be rewarded with 250 extra points which count towards their category, star and

key classification.

Since its launch in 2010, more than 800 hoteliers across Greece have incorporated local products into their morning offerings, upgrading their quality, promoting local culinary traditions and paving the way for financial benefits for local communities. news.gtp.gr

TUI: Crete to Become Model Destination for Sustainable Food on Holiday “We are very pleased that toThe TUI Care Foundation and TUI is strengthening Crete as a accompany the project.

Futouris presented a joint project to run on Crete that aims to link the most important economic n factors of the Greek iso s click ost.gr re new ep land – tourism and agfor mo ttp://cret h riculture. The project “TUI Cares for Crete – Sustainable Food” was presented to the media at TUI’s offices in Berlin on the sidelines of the ITB travel trade exhibition.

The project sees the TUI Care Foundation networking 47 wine producers, two vineyards, 25 olive-growers and one olive mill with the local tourism sector and thus contributing to developing the Greek island into a showpiece for sustainable food on holiday.

“With the TUI Care Foundation, we are committed to helping the people in destinations all over the world”, said Thomas Ellerbeck, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the TUI Care Foundation, adding that

forward-looking holiday region and opening up new perspectives there for wine and olive growers.

“With the development of the largest Greek island as a showcase for sustainable agriculture and sustainable holidays, we would also like to help make Greece even more attractive as a tourist destination,” he said.

The focus of the project is on the two main products of Crete – wine and olive oil – and ecological cultivation and processing processes.

In addition, seven traditional Cretan vines will be particularly promoted through the production of local wines.

In order to enable guests to visit local production sites and to communicate directly with wine- and olive-growers, an innovative and interactive excursion programme is being developed. Awareness and communication measures will

In the long term, an improvement in regional food quality and quantity in holiday hotels should be achieved, the negative environmental impacts of agriculture should be reduced, as well as the local economy strengthened. In addition, holiday guests will benefit from an expanded regional Offer of dishes in hotels and on excursions.

Greece and TUI share the same vision Present at the presentation was Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura who underlined that Greece’s tourism growth this year is steadily being achieved in a sustainable and forward-looking manner.

“This sustainable approach through our national tourism policy guarantees that Greece and its people as well as visitors from all over the world benefit from tourism”, she said.

gether with TUI Care Foundation and Futouris, we share the same vision, and we can now lead the way with an innovative project, aiming to further strengthen Greece as a sustainable holiday destination, that offers unique and authentic experiences 365 days a year.”

According to the minister, 2017 is a year of dynamic growth for Greece as a global attractive tourism destination, following two consecutive years of record-breaking results.

The promotion of the project was announced in Berlin as part of the presentation of the programme of the TUI Care Foundation. Following its foundation in 2016, the first 30 projects were selected in 25 countries, which are being financially supported this year.

According to TUI, in total, more than four million euros are being made available to promote sustainable tourism worldwide.

“Pallas” cafe-restaurant in Chania gets Quality & Taste Award

p. 18

food & wine

“Pallas”

cafe-restaurant in Chania was awarded with the Quality & Taste Award in the annual event of estiatoria. gr, “Estiatoria.gr Premium Awards 2017”, held in Politia Tennis Club, Athens.

Mediterranean cuisine...

Fresh, traditional Cretan products are the heart of PALLAS’s cuisine and become the basis for creating dishes with a modern Mediterranean twist. And

here, all tastes are catered for!

Whether you prefer a hearty, local flavour with fresh, local meats, light, tasty vegetables, shellfish and fresh fish or delicious beans, wholemeal pasta and carefully chosen products from Italy, our culinary choices will excite you!

en tables and bars, and a luxurious sense of comfort. Whether you choose to sit inside, or you prefer the tables outside, overlooking the sea, our music -electro, lounge, classic soul & funk- will accompany you, completing your experience and creating the ideal environment in which to enjoy our delicious food.

Ideal environment PALLAS boasts modern, quirky styles that are characterized by An historic site of Chania bright areas with sofas, wood- The building that houses PAL-

LAS is, truly, a living piece of the history of Chania. Located in one of the nicest parts of town, it was built in 1830, was home to Ali Pasha, served as customs, and was part of the historic area called Piazza Magazine. The renovation, which even now maintains its beauty, was subsidized after the Archaeological Service named the site one of the 20 best buildings of Crete in 1986.

How to plant, grow and care for daisies The

simple elegance and colorful variety of daisies has made them popular for growing in many gardens.

The most common daisies have dainty white petals with yellow centers, but different species also grow in, bright pink, red, orange asnd violet.

Each flower consists of 2 components: the disk floret in the center and the petal-like white ray florets along the edges. The leaves of the flower are edible and can be used in making salads.

The daisy is a perennial evergreen that is easy to grow and has a tendency to spread. You can propagate these plants by dividing during the spring or sowing seeds in spring or late fall. There are numerous varieties of daisies, although the Shasta, African and Gerbera

Daisies are most popular. The courage large, bright blooms. following tips will help you in Watering caring for these plants.

The roots of daisies tend to be shallow, which necessitates Soils Daisies to well in rich, well- regular watering. When they drained soil. Where soil is thin lack water, the plants tend and poor, roots will dry quickly. to suddenly wilt. If you plant To prevent this, add extra wa- them in healthy soil that has ter, especially during the heat a lot of organic matter, they should do pretty well with norof summer. mal rainfall.

Use a soaker hose system or Fertilizers The roots of daisies are gen- dripping garden hose when erally shallow, growing close the summer heat is high or to the soil surface. This means during drought conditions. you should fertilize them well. Overhead watering is not recDuring the spring, sprinkle a ommended as it will cause the tablespoon of a slow-acting stems to droop and the plant granular fertilizer around each to develop fungal diseases. plant so that the rain soaks it Protect the plants from full sun, as it has a drying effect. into the soil.

This will provide the plant with constant nutrients as it devel- Mulch ops and matures. Use fertiliz- Mulching has several funcers rich in phosphorous to en- tions. It helps reduce excessive

evaporation of moisture from the soil and facilitates maximum absorption of water from rainfall.

Mulching also help control weeds and protects the flowers from dirt during the blooming phase.If you live in a cold region or have cold weather, apply adequate mulch to protect the plants during the winter.

The substance tends to gradually decompose and will improve soil nutrient level with time. Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch on the soil, ensuring that it completely covers the roots.

Pruning When the daisies grow to about 6 inches, trim the stems to encourage bushiness. Cut off dead flowers and stems. This will increase the bloom phase.

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plants and gardening

THIS IS THE MONTH OF... DAISY

Six Most Common Dog Health Problems Our dogs are faithful companions, and they depend on us for good care. To help your canine friend live a healthy life, you should know some of the most common health problems dogs face, their signs, and what you can do about them.

Dogs and Ear Infections Ear infections are a common canine health problem, and they can be caused by allergies, yeast, ear mites, bacteria, hair growth deep in the ear canal, and more. Symptoms your dog may have with an ear infection include: • Head shaking or head tilting • Ear odor • Vigorous scratching • Lack of balance • Unusual back-andck on ws cli post.gr e n e r forth eye movements e for mo ttp://cret h • Redness of the ear canal • Swelling of the outer portion of the ear • Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge Always take your dog to the veterinarian if you think he has an ear infection. In most cases, cleaning and medicating the ear canal will quickly clear up an infection. However, surgery can be needed for chronic infections or if forceful head shaking results in the rupture of a vessel within the outer part of the ear.

p.20

pets & vets

Dogs and Worms Tapeworms, roundworms,

hookworms and whipworms are common internal parasites in dogs. And although any worm infestation can make your pooch uncomfortable, some, like hookworms, can be fatal in puppies. Signs your dog may have worms include: • Diarrhea (may be bloody) • Weight loss • A change in appetite • A rough, dry coat • Scooting on his bottom • Vomiting (with roundworms in particular) • An overall poor appearance The best way to diagnose a worm problem is with a visit to the vet. Treatment depends on which type of worm your dog has, but generally includes an oral medication and may require follow-up. Don’t try treating worms yourself: A medication that kills roundworms, for example, doesn’t kill tapeworms.

When Fleas Find Your Dog It takes just three weeks for one flea to turn into an infestation of 1,000 biting bugs. A very common canine health problem, fleas are easy for your dog to pick up, but they’re also easy to treat. Signs your dog may have fleas include: • Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at the skin • Hair loss • Hot spots • Allergic dermatitis (allergic response caused by contact)

• Tapeworms (which are carried by fleas) • Flea dirt (looks like small black dots) against your dog’s skin Untreated, fleas not only make your dog intensely uncomfortable, they can also cause allergic reactions, infections, and even lead to anemia from blood loss.

Talk to your vet about the right flea medicine for your dog, which may include collars, oral medicine, shampoos, sprays, or topical liquids.

How to Help Hot Spots in Your Dog They’re commonly known as hot spots, but the medical term for those bare, inflamed, red areas you often see on dogs is acute moist dermatitis -- a bacterial skin infection. Anything that irritates your dog’s skin enough to make him scratch or chew can lead to the pain and itch of hot spots, which, if left untreated, can quickly grow larger.

A hot spot’s location can help your vet diagnose its cause.

Fleas, for example, may be the source of a hip hot spot, while a hot spot at the ear might point to ear problems.

Treating hot spots may involve shaving and cleaning the irritated area, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), steroids, or topical medications, depending on how bad the hot spots are, and how much pain your pooch is in.

Common Dog Health Problem: Vomiting Vomiting is a common dog health problem, with dozens of possible causes, from infection or intestinal parasites to pancreatitis, kidney failure, heatstroke, or poisoning.

Symptoms are basic: abdominal heaving and drooling caused by nausea. If your dog also has diarrhea, blood in the vomit, seems lethargic, continues vomiting, or can’t hold down liquids, contact your vet right away to prevent life-threatening dehydration.

Treatment depends on what’s causing a dog’s distress, and may include fluid therapy, drugs to control vomiting, and homemade foods like well-cooked skinless chicken, boiled potatoes, and rice.

Doggy Diarrhea Diarrhea in dogs, as with vomiting, can have lots of causes, including stress, infections like parvo virus, intestinal parasites, and food problems.

Diarrhea symptoms are pretty obvious -- look for loose, watery, or liquid stool.

Because diarrhea can easily lead to dehydration, be sure your dog has plenty of clean water available, then take your pooch to the vet if the diarrhea persists for more than a day, or immediately if there’s also fever, lethargy, vomiting, dark or bloody stools, or loss of appetite.

Build a Patio Sitting Wall in 10 Steps

your patio, consider installing a sitting wall along the perimeter. Not only does it create additional seating, but it will make a small patio seem larger (and not as crowded) because there isn’t

a need for as many chairs. For example purposes, this article discusses the use of natural stone versus other material such as cast concrete block.

Step 8 - Fill in Gaps and Spaces As each layer of stone is added, place a portion of mortar to secure each stone. Since natural stone will be of different sizes Step 1 – Determine the Loca- Step 5 - Outline and formations, it’s important tion Place the capstones along the to “fit” each stone as naturalChoosing where to put a patio perimeter where the sitting ly as possible into each layer, sitting wall is the first step. You wall will be constructed. Use filling in around open spaces have the option of creating one chalk to draw along borders and gaps with mortar. Once has a cement base, thoroughly clean the area of any mold, mildew, dirt, and debris. You may want to use a pressure washer for this.

remove any excess mortar with a wet sponge, immediately.

Step 10 - Soften the Edges Use the angle grinder to file down any sharp points or jagged edges on each stone to prevent cuts and scratches.

Once the mortar has completely dried, the sitting wall is ready for use!

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If you’re looking to dress up

or more walls placed along the of the capstone so you have a the stone is in place, wipe off perimeter of the patio. guide to follow. any excess mortar with a wet sponge.

Step 2 - Stone Selection Step 6 - Mortar Choose the type of stone for Mix mortar in a wheelbarrow or Step 9 - Fit the Capstone the wall. Visit a center that spe- on a piece of plywood to a stiff When the final layer of stones cializes in natural stone to see consistency. is in place, it’s time to fit the the types of stones that are capstone. If the top of the wall available.

Step 7 - Lay the Stones is irregular, fill in with the morArrange the first layer of stones tar mixture and use the trowel Step 3 - Capstone Selection without mortar until you have to smooth it out evenly. Place a An important part of a sitting a good solid arrangement. Lift dollop of mortar on the top of wall is the part you sit on—the each stone and place a dollop every stone and lower the capcapstone. Visit a mason’s yard of mortar to secure the stone. stone into place. The weight of to find a capstone that is attrac- Return the stone and press the stone should be enough to tive and blends with the type it firmly. Clear up any excess settle it into the mortar. Use a of stone you’ve chosen for the mortar that squeezes out from level and a rubber mallet to sitting wall. around the wall. Carefully add get the capstone as level as subsequent layers in the same possible. Once it’s evenfor more n Step 4 - Clean the Surround- way without disturbing the ly in place, fill in any open ews click http://cre tepost.gr ing Area previous layer. spaces with mortar to enWhether the patio is tiled or sure a secure fit. Be sure to

do it yourself

What You’ll Need Stones to build the wall Capstone Pressure washer Chalk Mortar mix Wheelbarrow or plywood Trowel Sponge Rubber mallet Level Angle grinder

How to Handle Your Spring Allergies Spring

by Miltiades Markatos Pneumonologist

is beautiful, but it’s also a key time of year for seasonal allergies. As plants release pollen, millions of people with hay fever start to sniffle and sneeze.

There’s no cure but you can take steps to curb springtime allergies, from medication to household habits.

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health & nutrition

Causes The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen. Trees, grasses, and weeds release these tiny grains into the air to fertilize other plants. When they get into the nose of someone who’s allergic, they send the body’s defenses haywire.

The immune system mistakenly sees the on r s click re new cretepost.g o m r pollen as a danger and / fo http:/ releases antibodies that attack the allergens. That leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms that are all too familiar if you have allergies.

Pollen can travel for miles, so it’s not just about the plants in your neighborhood.

Triggers include: Trees Alder Ash Aspen Beech Box elder Cedar Cottonwood Cypress Elm Hickory Juniper Maple Mulberry Oak Olive

Palm Pine Poplar Sycamore Willow Grasses and weeds Bermuda Fescue Johnson June Orchard Perennial rye Redtop Saltgrass Sweet vernal Timothy Pollen counts tend to be particularly high on breezy days when the wind picks up these sneeze-inducing grains and carries them through the air.

Rainy days, on the other hand, wash away the allergens.

Symptoms You may have: Runny nose Watery eyes Sneezing Coughing Itchy eyes and nose Dark circles under the eyes Diagnosis Start with your regular doctor.

She may refer you to an allergist for tests.

The allergy specialist may give you a skin test, which involves either a pricking the surface of the skin with a tiny amount of allergen (prick test), or injecting a tiny sample of a diluted allergen under the skin of your arm or back. If you’re allergic to the substance, a small red bump (called a wheal or hive) will form. Sometimes, you may get a blood test.

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Allergy Treatments

There are many medicines that can ease the symptoms of allergies. They include: Antihistamines reduce sneezing, sniffling, and itching by lowering the amount of histamine in your body.

Decongestants shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passageways to relieve congestion and swelling.

Antihistamine/decongestant combos combine the effects of both drugs.

Nasal spray decongestants relieve congestion and may clear clogged nasal passages faster than oral decongestants without some of the side effects.

Steroid nasal sprays ease inflammation and are the preferred initial treatment. Only three, budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), fluticasone (Flonase), and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24HR), are available over the counter. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray can help prevent hay fever by stopping the release of histamine before it can trigger allergy symptoms.

Even though you can buy these allergy drugs without a prescription, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor first to make sure you choose the right medication. Some antihistamines can make you feel sleepy, so be careful if you take them during the day. Non-drowsy types are also available. If you feel like you need over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants for more than a few days, talk to your doctor.

Have you tried OTC remedies and need something more?

Your doctor may recommend a prescription medication, allergy shots, or under-the-tongue immunotherapy tablets. Many steroid nasal sprays are available

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

by prescription too.

Immunotherapy gives you gradually increasing doses of the allergen until your body can handle it. The treatment can relieve your symptoms for a longer time than other types of allergy medications. Although it doesn’t work for everyone, it can stave off some people’s symptoms for a few years.

Are There Natural Remedies for Allergies?

Nasal irrigation uses a combination of warm water, about a quarter-teaspoon of salt, and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda to clear out mucus and open sinus passages. You can use a squeeze bottle or a neti pot, which looks like a small teapot. Use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water to make up the solution. It’s also important to rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry.

Some others have mixed research on how much they help: Butterbur. This herb, which comes from a European shrub, shows potential for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms.

Some studies show butterbur -specifically an extract called Ze 339 -- to work as well at easing allergy symptoms as some antihistamines.

Quercetin. This nutrient is found in onions, apples, and black tea. It’s been shown in research to block the release of histamines.

Stinging nettle. Although some people use freeze-dried stinging nettle leaves to treat allergy symptoms, there isn’t much research to show that it works.

Talk to your doctor before you start any herbal product.

Discover the municipality of Chania as a cyclist Enjoy

the island beauties, the sun and the scent of thousands of flowers and herbs, as a bicycle rider. Rent a bicycle and make your plans to visit breathtaking costs and many picturesque traditional villages on the mainland of Chania’s municipality.

In close proximity to the most famous tourist area (up to 20km west from Chania town), there are many different bicycle paths where you can see and feel the nature’s changes, because the seascapes are to close to the mountains. You can feel the same in the areas either to the south and to the west side of municipality.

Take a map of Chania, decide on the area that you would like to visit and plot your course on the map. Please keep always to

an emergency number (112) from your mobile.

Take a swim in crystal sea waters and don’t forget to stop at one of the many villages to enjoy your coffee and the traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

You can bicycle alone, with your friends or with your family. If you organize the adventure alone, all you need is to rent the bike.

If you would like something more professional, you can visit the “Hellasbike” company (www.hellasbike.net). They organize daily bicycle tours your mind to: bike, for mountain biking and mod- protect yourself from the sun, - check the altimeter changes erate road biking in different - be aware of vehicle traffic, because the mountain areas areas and at different levels - use a helmet and other acces- are to close to the sea, of difficulty. They also provide sories to protect yourself if you - always keep local phone technical support and help in decide to follow paths on the numbers with you in case of case you need it. You can trust mountain with a “mountain” emergency or dial the Europe- them.

Walking: An activity that is addressed for many people, of all ages Because of the unique morphology of the terrain, there are several gorges you can visit, each with different levels of difficulty. The most popular are the Samaria Gorge, Gorge of Saint Irini, and Imbros Gorge. One can visit these areas from April on. It is recommended that hikers become informed on permissibility of each gorge. There are other gorges for more advanced hikers that will require a guide, and therefore, you will need to contact a travel agent.

Apart from the gorges, with their woodland natural beauty, as hikers you can choose other simple routes, ones that are

close to where you are staying.

You can walk amongst thousands of olive trees, orange trees and lemon trees, enjoying the scents of nature, away from the sounds of the city and the areas with many tourists.

Chose one or more days to hike and visit the local area within the city of Chania, or combine your hike with a day at one of the hundreds of beaches in the area. The experience will be an unforgettable one.

You can visit beautiful villages, meet the local people, farmers, and enjoy their company at a traditional village cafe or “kafeneio”. You will find the locals to be very hospitable making

your stay a memorable one.

For safety reasons, the least number of persons involved in this type of activity should be two.

Hikers should also have the appropriate gear such as: • daypack • trekking shoes • waterproof jacket • fleece • water bottle • hat • sunglasses • suncream We recommend that you combine hiking with bicycling in cooperation with Hellasbike, where you can book the trip that interests you.

for more n ews click o n http://cre tepost.gr

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the last 20 years, more and more people choose this type of activity for exercise or activity. It can be combined with other activities such as bicycling, mountaineering, or other extreme sports.

The municipality of Chania is ideal for trekking because of the morphology of the terrain and the good weather conditions makes it perfect for walking. The best time of the year for this type of activity is from April until October, even though during the summer months you can combine walking and swimming at one of the many beaches within the municipality.

sports & leisure

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