May 2016, Issue No. 34 www.cretepost.gr
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The five Greek words for “Love” and a world without them
Although a heterosexual to the first degree, there have been two instances in my life that stirred doubt as to my sexual preferences. The first occurrence was in 1984 at a U.S.A. park, where I gave a spontaneous hug and a strong kiss on the cutest little cheek of my three yearold boy.
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READ ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Is Brexit a wise decision?
European Union is the biggest achievement in the history of the humanity. After 70 years without wars, the collaboration of EU countries has created an unexpected level of prosperity to the most of the countries.
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CRETE ON TOP OF TOURIST DESTINATIONS
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A week without a decent cup of tea in Apokoronas
Just three months before Britain joined the EEC and several years before Europe had even contemplated to offer Greece a place in the European club, I found myself coming off a little two carriage diesel train at the small Stockton on Tees train station.
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Dance like Zorba…
The health benefits of traditional dancing in old age
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Car Wash
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Airlines launch new flights Articles for Crete in all top newspapers of the world Cretan hotels awarded for their amenities and hospitality Greece is among world’s top-30 countries
Fraport to Officially Take Over Operations of Greek Regional Airports at End of 2016
German transport company Fraport expects to officially take over the operations at 14 regional airports in Greece at the end of this year, after obtaining the necessary permits and solving some technical issues, according to the company’s CEO, Dr. Stefan Schulte.
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PUBLIC BUS SERVICE is the Best Affordable Way to Travel to Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and to all Southwestern Crete
Hope is... ...not a dream, it’s just a way to make dreams become true. We dream to give ourselves hope. To stop dreaming well, that’ s like saying you can never change your fate. So, hope begins with a dream. If you have dream or vision go out there and pursue it, let it not remain in your mind and rot. Go for action and let your dream become a reality. For what it’s worth ,the best way to create hope is to cre-
CHANIA POST ate opportunity. On the other hand Step follows step, , faith, hope, and hope follows courpatience are the age. Set your face key to things gettowards danger. ting better. Just Set your heart on give it another day. by Elpida “Hope” Katsarakis victory. Sometimes, no NEA TV Journalist matter how much The best way to not feel hopeless is to get you want for things to hapup and do something. pen, all you can do is wait. Don’t wait for good things And usually, waiting is the to happen to you. If you go hardest part. out and make some good Hold onto your hope and things happen, you will fill faith because one day you’ll the world with hope, you see that it is what helped you get to where you are will fill yourself with hope.
today. For there ’s a reason for which we rise daily and see a new day ahead of us. Something good is waiting for us. Hope is the name of that sun that is rising within us daily. Some see a hopeless end, while others see an endless hope. If you have a little hope, don’t give up so that someone who is completely hopeless may be encouraged to hold on as well.
Photo of the month... by Vasilios Kekakis
Your local free paper by FTP Publications 73, El. Venizelou str., Chania, 73100 Tel. +30 6977 295075 Owner/Publisher: FTP Publlications Web: http://www.chaniapost.eu E-mail: info@chaniapost.eu FB: http://www.facebook.com/chaniapost Twitter: @chaniapost Editors: Pandelis Giaitsis, Elpida “Hope” Katsarakis, Pandelis Spiridakis, Miltiades Markatos, Giannis Venetakis, Giannis Xamonakis, Petros Marinakis, Antonia Tsakirakis., Giorgos Atsalakis, Stavros Tsihlis, Manolis Karpadakis, Katerina Polizou. Advertising:
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Fraport to Officially Take Over Operations of Greek Regional Airports at End of 2016 German
transport company Fraport expects to officially take over the operations at 14 regional airports in Greece at the end of this year, after obtaining the necessary permits and solving some technical issues, according to the company’s CEO, Dr. Stefan Schulte. Frankfurt-based Fraport Group was awarded in December a 40-year deal to manage with its Greek partner energy firm Copelouzos the domestic airports at 14 regions across Greece. Speaking to the Greek media, Mr Schulte said that the final agreement is expected to be signed by the end of 2016, as the company still has to resolve technical issues such as the transfer of personnel. Fraport at the moment is establishing the subsidiary company Fraport
Greece, which will run the operational side of the airports’ privatization. The 14 regional airports under Fraport’s control are those in Thessaloniki, Corfu, Chania, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Aktion, Kavala, Rhodes, Kos, Samos, Mytilini, Mykonos, Santorini and Skiathos. Under the deal, Fraport is expected to pay some 23 million euros annually to
the Greek state and spend more than 300 million euros as minimum guaranteed investments to upgrade the airports up to 2020. Mr. Schulte said that in accordance to the agreement with Greek state privatization fund TAIPED, aeronautical fees will not rise until the first phase of investment is completed and will currently stand at 13 euros per passenger
on average (until now fees stood at 12 euros for travel within Schengen and 22 euros for travel out of Schengen). After the first phase of investment, the company has the right to raise the fee to 18 euros per person. However, Fraport has yet to make a decision on the matter. “We do not want to be expensive, it is not our first choice since we will gain more revenue with more passengers and from other commercial activities at the airports”, he said. “We are convinced that Greece will remain very attractive in the coming years,” Mr. Schulte underlined. However, he stressed that the refugee crisis is a crucial issue for more n ews click o and called on Europe to help n http://cre tepost.gr Greece in this matter. news.gtp.gr
Mac OS ECO friendly paper - Please recycle When you finish reading... give it to a friend Find CHANIA POST at the following points: CHANIA Municipal Market, Airport, Public Bus Central Station, Old Harbour, Municipal Tourist Information Desk PLATANIAS Central Square Infokiosk, Botanical Park KISSAMOS Gramvousa and Balos boats, Elafonissi, Falassarna
Spending life is
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editorial
by Pandelis Spiridakis gelamou.gr
another thing... And spending life – shots as an hourglass …is a totally different
stuff! Time goes , big plans come! May can be this month we don’t postpone, we act , we chase, we live...Action , summer & kilometers and new people can build a whole new idea for the life we dream! Just look at all of them at their table... Aren’t they great? At the central beach road of Rethimno, they meet , plan and live Experiences at Rethimno ...just unforgettable! Groups & people change things old fashioned and create the new spot with ceramics , raki , photos , villages ...The best call! Great love for Rethimno and the desire to offer to the visitors of the island is the ultimate unique and memorable experience, knowing the other side of Crete and tasting the authentic Cretan traditional products, contributed to the creation of a travel agency - innovative multi-purpose venue at Rethymno. The multi-purpose venue of checkincreta opened a few days ago for all of you who want to get a closer look at
the worldwide known hospitality of Cretans, to travel at the gorges and the beautiful beaches of the island having the opportunity to join the cinematic excursions that they organize especially for you, to see the beauty of the wild Cretan nature and the landscape, to taste the famous and healthy Cretan food and to take with you except the wonderful memories, traditional local products and handmade souvenirs. They are all ready to make your desires come true… Just ask them! The way is simple... Come to the multi-purpose venue of checkincreta at Ari Velouhioti and Eleutherias Street in Rethymno, so you will all become a big company! We are sure that this trip to Crete will be unforgettable! So that’s the best way to wake up our inside summer voice – calling! Now or Never !!! People erase big secret journeys as Life goes on … That’s when we realise that when u Think Loud , Dream Big We LIVE LAUGH LOVE...In a card postal...LIVE! Happy Joyful May Guys! Pantelis - spiridakisp@gmail.com
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APOKORONAS Georgioupoli, Kavros, Vamos, Kalyves, Vrysses Also in Chania taxis, Limnoupolis Water Park and in selected cafes, businesses and shops throughout Chania Prefecture.
Crete, Chania Land 1.760sqm, buildable up to 400sqm, endless and breathtaking view of the valley and surrounding mountains, 200m from the Stylos fresh water springs, 800m from the sea, just 20’ from the city of Chania. Price: 90.000 Euro. For more info, contact: sotirisstefanou@yahoo.gr
Low cost airline launches new flights from Gatwick Airport to Chania
Heraklion and Chania in Birmingham Airport’ 12 glorious getaways
line, Norwegian, continues its UK expansion with new route from Gatwick to Chania– the new service marks the fifth new summer route Norwegian is introducing this year. From 28th April, Norwegian offers three weekly direct flights to Chania on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays on brand new 186-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft which offer free wifi. Fares on these new flights start at £29.90. Thomas Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer at Norwegian said: “We’re serious about offering more choice,
of opportunities to get away and soak up some sunshine. British weather can be cold and miserable but you can very soon be somewhere much more warm and sunny. Booking a nice holiday also gives an incentive to shed that winter weight so we can get into our beachwear again. There are plenty of options within a few hours of Birmingham, all flying from Birmingham Airport. Here are some ideas to give you inspiration... Greece offers plenty of choice – in-
Europe’s third largest low-cost air-
flexibility and low-fares for our passengers. Crete is a fantastic addition to our growing UK route network which now serves more than 40 destinations nonstop. Travel patterns have changed and so Crete offers an attractive alternative for sun-seekers.” For more information go to www.norwegian.com/uk
Birmingham Airport offers plenty
cluding a whole host of islands – where you can soak up the sunshine. The nearest resorts are just over three hours away. There are direct flights to: - Kavala – 3 hours 15 minutes - Corfu – 3 hours 15 minutes - Preveza – 3 hours 30 minutes - Kefalonia – 3 hours 30 minutes - Zakynthos – 3 hours 30 minutes - Kalamata – 3 hours 45 minutes - Skiathos – 3 hours 30 minutes - Santorini – 3 hours 45 minutes - Heraklion, Crete – 4 hours - Chania, Crete – 3 hours 45 min - Kos – 4 hours - Rhodes – 4 hours
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Live @ Love @ Laugh
SFAKIA Hora Sfakion Infokiosk, Loutro, Agia Roumeli, ANENDYK boats
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KANDANOS-SELINO Paleochora Info Desk, Sougia, Kandanos
Is Brexit a wise decision? by George Atsalakis Assistant Professor Technical University of Crete, School of Production and Management engineering, Laboratory of Data Analysis and Forecasting
European
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news & articles
Union is the biggest achievement in the history of the humanity. After 70 years without wars, the collaboration of EU countries has created an unexpected level of prosperity to the most of the countries. Now we live in a time of extraordinary change that is reshaping the way we live, the way we work, our planet our place in the word. Leaders understand how important is to keep up with the times. Europe is facing three main problems that may influence its future during this century: a) Massive movement of on population. The recently k c li c s .gr re new epost addressed problem of refufor mo ttp://cret h gees or immigrants from Syria and North Africa etc, it is s problem of massive movement of population that is caused due to the war or due to the weak economies that cannot feed any more their people. The oil prices may remain low for years due to the oversupply of oil and due to the replace of the oil from new renewable sources of energy. Fusion is a new energy source that is already produced in laboratories. It is estimated on 2030 will be available for use. Fusion will be clear, unlimited and cheap souse of energy. So the demand of oil it is not appeared that will arise in the past levels. Low oil prices will effect all the economies that producing oil. In additional these economies are losing the stabilization because extreme or fa-
natic leaderships rule the countries that they are against the west economic developing model. The dawn of the Arab Spring promised a wave of liberalism and a surge of democracy but has given way to a failing state in Libya, military dictatorship in Egypt and intolerance, suffering and fear across the Middle East. ISIS and its adherents seek to take control not only of territory and oil, but also of history — destroying monuments from the past that clash with a censored vision of what the past should have looked like. Under theses conditions more and more people will suffer in their country and they will try to reach in Europe. b) The East, led by China, is looking ahead with a decades-long strategy to revive the ancient Silk Road through Eurasia as the core of the world’s economy and civilization. China’s new Silk Road, which will affect 63% of the global population, as a return to the times of the Han Dynasty before Western imperialism when commercial relations flourished among the very disparate religious and ethnic groups along the Eurasian trading route. Whatever China’s other challenges, its leadership knows where it is headed and is convinced it will get there. The modern Silk Roads are: i) North land Silk Road that connect Pacific ocean to Russia ii) South Silk Road that connect Pacific ocean with Mediterranean see, iii) maritime Silk Road that connect the seas of China, India, Persian Gulf and Mediterranean see, iv) the on-line (digital) Silk Road. Meanwhile, Africa’s becoming an increasingly desirable investment destination for China. It is worth to mention that EU GDP is almost stable since 2008 financial crisis, but the growth of China since 2008 was 76%. China is, a rising source of alarm in the
West even at a time of slower economic growth than in the recent past. The creation of artificial islands in and territorial claims over the South China Sea have resulted in the dispatch of a U.S. carrier strike group to monitor China’s activities, raising the specter of potential military confrontation and escalation. And yet, on the other hand, the massive program of investment on Silk Roads known as the “One Belt, One Road” initiative — in which nearly $1 trillion has been committed to infrastructure projects that will generate energy, pump gas and oil, connect cities with super-fast railways and create and upgrade existing highways — shows that the age of the West is all but at an end when it comes to taking the lead and planning for the future. In today’s world, hopes for growth have dramatically shunted east. Very few of the world’s fastest growing economies in the last two decades are located in the Western hemisphere. But where hopes for what tomorrow will bring have evaporated in many places in the West, they are still alive and well elsewhere. Those living along the arteries and veins that weave across the spine of Asia are seeing a renaissance. The web of routes known as the Silk Roads once carried merchants, missionaries, travelers and conquerors. They are now rising again. Iran is cash rich thanks to the end of sanctions; massive investment from China promises to transform the fortunes of Pakistan and many of the states of Central Asia. And even despite low oil and gas prices that have tempered exuberance, state-of-the-art airports, rail links and even new cities like Astana are rising up from the steppes. The future growth and prosperity of EU will be seriously threated from the growth of East and particular from Chi-
na. c) The West and particular Europe has sunk to a new low of poisonous politics and shortsightedness. When key problems remain unaddressed by the governing class for so long that there are no easy solutions, populist demagogues surface to offer false hope. By simplistically targeting scapegoats and dividing the body politic against itself, they sow paralysis, disabling the very consensus necessary to effect real change driven by long-term unity of purpose. This is how republics are ruined. It is under the conditions of instability and upheaval, that the “strongman” who can “fix it all” by sidestepping liberal constraints is the most appealing. Each country alone, has not the power to solve the above complicate problems. The complexity of these problems requires efficiency long term strategies that cross and join all the EU countries. Those who study the fall of empires recognize the pattern of introspection and self-satisfaction that creates a world of “us” and “them” in which our way is “superior” to those of other cultures, other peoples and other ways of functioning. Historians tend to be poor forecasters of the future. But looking at the present day through the lens of the recent and not so recent past provides food for thought, if not grounds for pessimism. Scientist now, can provide useful tools to the leaders to forecast the future implications of these problems, the future opportunities and the future threats. What is needed is visionary EU leadership to inspire a long term vision for EU that will deal with the above complicate problems. Under the above conditions how wise is a decision for Brexit?
The most unusual insurance plans by Lloyd’s of London ‘’Ordinary’’
people insure ‘’ordinary’’ things, like cars, houses and other assets. by Stavros Tsihlis When it comes to ceInsurance & Investment lebrities though, unAdvisor derwriters are often surprised and perplexed as they get asked to cover bizarre things, to say the least! Below are some of the most peculiar insurance plan ever offered by Lloyd’s of London: - In 1957, the world famous food critic Egon Ronay published his book «Egon Ronay, Guide to British Eateries». As his reviews could ‘’make or break’’ a restaurant, he insured his taste sensors for 400 thousand Dollars. - In the 1940’s, Century Fox executives
decided to insure Betty Grable’s legs for 1 million Dollars each! Underwriters were arguing over who was going to oversee the pre-insurance inspection process! - Merv Hughes was the big star of the Australian Cricket team from 1985 – 1994. It was during that time that he bought a 370.000 Dollars insurance plan for his famous moustache which, together with his posture and amazing performance, made him one of the most recognizable Cricket players in the world! - Representing the Canadian company Cherio Yo-Yo, 13 year-old Harvey Lowe won the world Yo-Yo championship in 1932 and went on to tour Europe from 1932 to 1935. He even taught Yo-Yo to the Price of Wales, Edward the 8th. Lowe was so valuable to the company that
they insured his hands for 150.000 Dollars. - British comedian and singer Ken Dodd held the Guinness record from 1967 – 1992 for the most amount of jokes in a specific time (1.500 jokes in three and a half hours!). - Apart from his performances, Dodd was famous for his hair, a feather he had with him at all times and his teeth. His teeth was so valuable to him and his sketches that he insured them for 7.4 million Dollars! - At the top of his career, ‘’Riverdance’’ and ‘’Lord of the Dance’’ star Michael Flatley insured his legs for the amazing amount of 47 million Dollars! Flatley was a boxer and had in fact won the Golden Gloves championship in 1975 before he became the most famous Irish dancer. - Famous comedy double-act Bud Ab-
bott and Lou Costello wanted to protect themselves from a potential fight between them that would end their career. For that reason they bought a 250.000 Dollar policy for a five-year period. After 20 years together they took different paths as a Tax authority audit forced them to sell many of their assets, including rights to their movies. - Bruce Spingsteen needs no introduction. The ‘’Boss’’, member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, insured his voice in the 80’s for 6 million Dollars. Rod Stewart and Bob Dylan also had similar agreements. - Skiffle, the genre popular before Rock n’ Roll in the 50’s, was known for the homemade and improvised instruments used. One of the most famous mucisians of that time, Chas McDevitt, insured his fingers for 9.300 Dollars.
A week without a decent cup of tea in Apokoronas Just three months before Britain
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news & articles
joined the EEC and several years before Europe had even contemby Yannis Xamonakis plated to offer Greece a place in apokoronasnews.gr the European club, I found myself coming off a little two carriage diesel train at the small Stockton on Tees train station. Proof enough that international travel in Europe predates the EU and that even in those days people went from one country to another to live, work or study as freely as they do now. At the time I was rather taken aback by the number of local people (cold northern Europeans, unlike us Greeks) who passed by the deserted station on the way to the adjacent wood-yard and stopped to offer unsolicon s click ost.gr ited help to a young man w e n e r ep for mo ttp://cret with a large purple suith case find his way. Generous offers of a lift to the other end of town were made, to save me waiting for more than an hour for a bus and with no chance of a taxi going by, one of these offers was gratefully accepted. It was in Stockton that I met and became friends with one of my neighbours, and with his help and that of his family’s managed to muddle through my language course. We lost touch after that first year with both of us moving to different parts of the country. And then a few months ago, praise be to face book, we managed to re establish contact after all these years and exchanged frequent messages, trying to find out what hap-
pened in our lives in the 40 years of being out of touch. ‘No I have never been to Crete he said’. How is it possible for someone of his age not to ever have gone to Crete at least once for a holiday? I puzzled. It turns out that he is one of the many people who cannot tolerate heat. Burns easily. Gets allergies. Dehydrates and becomes breathless. Not too keen on the sea. Sandy beaches are an overrated experience. In short he doesn’t have holidays in the sun. Even though my friend had travelled quite a bit for work – he has, as he said, seen many airports but rarely ventured far from the conference centre at each destination before returning home – he was under the impression that Crete is permanently hot place, where one cannot get a decent cup of tea. How wrong can a man be about a place. I explained about the rain and the low winter temperatures and the snow in the mountains, real mountains like the ones you get in Switzerland (well, almost), and the full range of teas available in local establishments catering for the British community. And that clinched it. So he decided to venture out here for a few days, armed with sun block, a hat and light summer clothing to check things out for himself. I recognised him quite easily at the airport even though we had not met for decades. After our initial greetings and some small talk to break the awkwardness of meeting an old friend after
40 years and not knowing what to say, we started our exploration. The late lunch impressed with the taste of tomatoes and the local cheese in the salad. And the wine, the tsikoudia, the honey with the desert. Avoiding the sun, we sat in the shade, and after a while he started feeling the chilly sea breeze, despite temperatures that resembled a British summer. ‘Should have got something warmer with me’ he admitted and accepted the offer of a spare cardigan that I had with me just in case. ‘There is snow on that mountain!’ he observed on the way home. Well not much, we had an unusually mild winter. Sorry to break your illusion my friend, but we have not got summer all year round. Remember back in Stockton your family asking me if I have ever seen snow? And I thought then that was an odd thing to ask. ‘But this is great. That’s just the right kind of climate for me’ he said. ‘If I’d known that I would have come here for my holidays before. In the winter, early spring or late autumn’. Well, there is a slight problem with that. There are no direct flights in the winter and not many outside peak season. There is ‘not much demand’ according to the airlines (despite the fact that every time I use the early season flights the plane is full to capacity), and coming via Athens takes you longer than going to Thailand. ‘But I don’t want to go to Thailand’
my friend complained. ‘It’s too hot’. In the next few days we toured Apokoronas, and my friend made a number of observations: ‘There is a natural lake?’, ‘This olive oil is really good, I always wanted to see how is produced’, ‘The place is very green’, ‘There is a little river through here?’, ‘I don’t think I could get used to driving here (he could), ‘Why are the pharmacies closed (not easy to explain)?’, ‘Was that an eagle? ( it was a buzzard, but an easy mistake to make), ‘That was an eagle!’. And it was in this way that Crete gained a new fan. ‘I will definitely come back again’ he said on his way through the departures gate. And I understand he is looking for places to book off season, to come back with his wife who also doesn’t like beach holidays. And there are a lot more people like my friend out there who can appreciate what Apokoronas and Crete has to offer outside the sun sea and sand peak season. It is perhaps time that the relevant government people, the regional and airport authorities sat together with the low cost airlines to discuss ways of extending the direct flight season, so that a lot more people like my friend, from Europe and beyond, can visit and enjoy Crete all year round. And as for the proper cup of tea? Well, even though we visited several cafes and bars during the week, all offering the usual range of British band teas, my friend found that he did not need one after all.
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news & articles
a heterosexual to the first degree, there have been two instances in my life that stirred doubt by Panagiotis Terpandros as to my sexuZachariou al preferences. The first occurrence was in 1984 at a U.S.A. park, where I gave a spontaneous hug and a strong kiss on the cutest little cheek of my three year-old boy. This apparently vexed two ladies enough to summon a nearby officer to arrest ck on ws cli post.gr e me for pederasty. Luckily, n e r e for mo ttp://cret I convinced the officer that h I was the father of the boy and that we Greeks often manifest our love towards our children in that manner. “Then it is a matter of incest, judging by the way he kissed the child!” shouted the elder of the two concerned ladies. Luckily the reasonable officer appeased them on the grounds that he had Greek friends and that such behaviour was common in our culture. The second occurrence was at Chania Harbour of Crete, when two half-drunk English tourists interpreted my arm around the shoulder of a pal, whom I was consoling at a time of difficulty, as a homosexual act. That was duly resolved when my already despondent friend lost control and launched his fist at the sarcastically grinning teeth of the one who had referred to us as ‘Greek fags.’ Personally, I had a good laugh when I considered the source of the insult. However, there is nothing really funny about these two incidents - especially when the purest forms of human affection of paternal love and brotherly friendship, respectively, confuse a large number of people in English-speaking cultures. Now as to the reasons for this, well, they are partly explained historically in a forthcoming article where I elaborate on the reasons why the Western World never experienced indigenous humanistic development. Here, however, I will approach the issue through sociolinguistics, since language is literally the cultural DNA of those who speak it. Meanwhile, there is no need to juxtapose an endless word list of two languages (in this case Greek and English) to come to some sort of conclusion that would explain the intercultural reasons for the aforementioned misapprehensions. This is easily achieved by comparing the way the notion of love is perceived by the speakers of the corresponding languages. In this manner we may not only explain the reasons for the aforesaid misinterpretations of love, but, even more importantly, distinguish which of the two types of civilization has more to offer by way of a dignifying form of human development, since ‘love’ is the corner stone of both humanism and humanitarianism. The Greek language, for instance, boasts five different words for the supreme human feeling of love: Agápi = unconditional love, Eros = sexual love / infatuation / force that unites, Philia =
Platonic/brotherly love, Storgí = familial, maternal/paternal love (associated with affection), Philótimo = love of human dignity, which compels one to help one’s fellow human being in need with a feeling of shame if one does not fulfil the task (this is the most difficult to translate as a notion as it semantically acts as the quintessence of Greek humanism). Speakers of English who attend New Testament Greek courses find it particularly difficult to understand the distinctions of such words as they appear in the bible. At this point one could claim that friendship could represent Philia and affection could mean Storgí. Only up to a certain degree, as the Greek words function in a more dynamic semantic field, proven by the way the derivatives of Philia, for instance, function to mean love as in philosophy (love of wisdom), philologist (lover of literature), philatelist (lover of stamps), etc. In other words, the Greek word for friendship (philia) entails the meaning of love, something that reflects the gravity placed in friendship within the Greek world. In Modern Greek the very word for ‘kiss’ (philó) stems from ‘philia’ (friendship). Greeting and parting kisses come and go between Greek friends of the same sex without sexual undertones. As English lacks this semantic in the word friend, it is understandable how one’s arm around his buddy could be misinterpreted as an anomalous act by a speaker of English. Meanwhile, whereas English once again resorts to lover to refer to one’s sexual relation, Greek makes a distinction with erastis. As for the word Storgí, it functions semantically to mean familial love, affection and compassion all in one and it evokes such a strong feeling that it is used to refer to the kind of love God feels for humanity, hence the adjective philostorgos, meaning one who loves to bestow Storgí. Its family-oriented semantic field is also emblematic of the paramount importance of the family unit in Greek societies, which is manifest with a spontaneous kiss on a tender little cheek now and then. ‘Affection’ simply does not work like that in English as it denotes something more like ‘tenderness,’ rather than love, hence the use of ‘love and affection’ to intensify it. When contrasting this wealth of love words in Greek to the single one in English, it becomes evident that the infrastructure of English-speaking societies is greatly impoverished by way of expressing emotion. This owes itself to the fact that healthy contact between human beings was greatly hindered by the circumstances the members of these societies had to act in. No sooner had Britannia been wrested from the Bronze Age by invading Romans than it was thrown into Monarchies and Feudalism – no indigenous culture in-between, no city states and no real freedom. This was so because monarchy and feudalism, unlike the democracy of a Greek City State limited one’s role to that of a ‘subject,’ unlike the freedom that a ‘politis’ (citizen) enjoyed. A ‘Subject of State’ is subject to authority, whilst a citizen in the Greek sense has an active share in it. The former submissively obeys, while the lat-
ter has the right to question. ‘God save the Queen’ and ‘I am ready to die for my President” (quoted by many a U.S. Marine) still resounds amongst the recipients of a submissive culture, whereas the volatility of Greek governments and the overthrow of Monarchies reflect the perennial sense of individual freedom amongst the heirs of free-thinkers. This has always lent Greece an atmosphere of a subterranean restlessness despite its surface conformity to the tyranny of the moment. That is not to say that a Greek is not patriotic; on the contrary, history has proven that when Greeks face a threat to their ethnic freedom by a common foe their fierceness in battle and their unity have been unmatched throughout the past. In other words, a citizen mentality compels one to die for his country as opposed to that of a subject who is willing to die for a figurehead in foreign climes, hence the British Empire. A citizen who partakes in the affairs of the State socializes with his fellow human beings with an air of a truly free man who knows that his words count. It follows, therefore, that he increases his vocabulary to express the high thoughts and sentiments that celebrate his freedom. It is no wonder that to this day, conversations amongst Greeks are dominated by the issues of politics, religion and Eros, while members of Anglo-Saxon cultures abstain from such issues as they are considered ‘taboo.’ This is quite understandable as in England both Sovereign and Church for hundreds of years repressed free speech, thought and passion within Anglo-Saxon societies. The bleak weather of their northern climes also contributed to their insipidity. The subjects of these powers, unlike free ‘citizens’, after a long working day in the name of their Lords, withdrew home and sought their quiet and solitude – something reflected in the word ‘privacy’ widely used in the English-speaking world to this day. In such a world, one of the few outlets for all that a tenet farmer would suppress was offered at the Public House (pub). There, under the influence of drink, people would unbolt and be more social. However, what sort of high thoughts could an inebriated conversation give vent to? Things have not changed much since the Middle Ages in Anglo-Saxon societies, since alcohol continues to play a major role in almost every social occasion. The cliché notion of wine and candlelight being prerequisite to a romantic night out and spiked punches and alcohol a must in parties attest to this, just as do ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’ sessions. In the U.S., adolescents loitering about outside liquor stores in the hope of persuading an adult passerby to buy them some ‘booze’ is a common phenomenon. Even Her Majesty’s super agent, James Bond, upholds the tradition with his ‘shaken but not stirred’ martinis. At this point, one might say that Greeks have also been known to drink and in fact smash plates in the process. However, getting ‘pissed’ (British for ‘drunk’) for the sake of getting ‘pissed’ is a far cry from the Dionysian element that emerges spontaneously amongst
Greeks after a hearty get-together with friends and food during, let’s say, one’s name-day celebration. The Greek will rapturously break plates in defiance of the material world while in the realm of friends and spirits. With a few exceptions in large cities, he will drink his wine with food and conversation as it was customary in the symposiums of antiquity. The word ‘symposium,’ which literally means ‘drink-together’ is yet another sociolinguistic element that reveals an emphasis of philia. This explains why there is no Greek word for ‘bar’ as to this day it is considered abnormal for one to indulge in solitary drinking perched on a stool contemplating bottles. It is also a fact that an inebriated Greek usually becomes jovial, unlike his Anglo-Saxon counterpart who often becomes violent (hence the phrase ‘barroom brawls’ non-existent in the Greek language), the latter reflecting an outlet for the repressions of a people belonging to a subdued culture. Besides all this, studies have shown that private persons are more likely to become alcoholics. The phrase ‘I would like my privacy’ reverberates throughout the West, which in itself signifies the general introversion of its populaces and their need to loosen up socially via alcoholic beverages. What is particularly interesting sociolinguistically is that the word ‘privacy’ does not exist in Greek, as introversion has been frowned upon in Greek societies since ancient times. In fact, in classical Athens one who kept to himself and was not socially active was contemptuously referred to as an ‘idiotes’ (one who withdraws to himself ). The irony is that when speakers of English use the word ‘idiot’ the recipient of the term usually wears the original meaning well. This by all means does not exclude many Greek ‘idiotes’ who are dangerously on the increase in large cities. A society preoccupied with the notion of privacy does not offer the ideal environment for substantial friendships to root themselves. Thus, human relations acquire a superficial ‘you-scratchmy-back-I’ll-scratch-yours’ mentality. National bestsellers like Dale Carnegie’s “How to Make Friends and Influence People” and Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” (over ten million copies sold!) clearly indicate a society where the establishment of true friendships is not a natural process, but one that must be learned; and at that, not so much for the sake of philia, but for exploitation! The loneliness that follows in absence of true friends who do not desire some kind of profit leads to seclusion, depression and neurosis. It is not coincidental that everything has been ‘psychiatrified,’ as it were, in the U.S.. It is common knowledge that the ‘therapist’ functions as a family doctor for Americans. Group therapies come and go, while psychiatric pills are administered like candy to children who may be simply overly active or face family problems, something that is also extensive in England. Of course, the multicultural social structure and the lack of homogeneity in Western cities greatly contribute to this, as there is no focus point
that would give the various peoples a common cultural identity. This makes everything impersonal as reflected in the phrase “I don’t want to get involved” that echoes throughout such societies. A common sight in large U.S. cities is that of a man sprawling on the pavement after a heart attack, while people walk past him or just stand and observe (for novelty’s sake). Devoid of concepts like the one mirrored in the Greek word ‘philotimo’, that which roots in this kind of world is a form of beastly individualism that literally treads on corpses. Getting back to the exasperation that my fatherly kiss produced in the American ladies at the park, I must point out that the concepts of affection and love are not easily distinguished from those of sexual intent and perversion. I specifically remember an American TV programme on the subject of incest and sexual harassment, which may very well have influenced the two well-meaning ladies. The narrator’s references to incest were accompanied by images of parents simply hugging their children or stroking them on the head or back in public places. Ι was later informed by an elementary teacher friend of mine that she had been issued an official guideline not to touch children in the head lest she be sued by a parent. The effect that such broadcasts exercise on secluded members of a culture that has not delved in the various facets of love is catalytically dangerous, as it shapes attitudes and homogenizes thoughts. The non-existence of Eros or Erotas as it functions in Greek may very well cause the greatest confusion with regard to human relationships amongst the populaces of the Western World. Although English contains the derivatives of this unifying force in the words ‘erotic’ and ‘eroticism’, they are strictly limited to function in the realm of sex or pornography. In Greek the word Eros and its derivatives act poetically to mean the stimulation of all the senses, the desire to connect, the stimulant of thought and the impetus of passion for life itself. Its import fluctuates according to the context. When a Greek
says life is erotas, my friend is erotic in his conversations, or my aunt’s cooking is eros in itself he feels all the shades of the word. To add to this, a speaker of Greek knows that theios (divine) erotas refers to one’s inexorable desire to unite with God. By contrast, the term ‘Divine love’ hardly suffices to fulfill the powerful nuance, for in its laborious task to cater for all the types of desire that a human can feel, the singular English word for love has been rendered relatively impotent. It is quite oxymoronic that a form of quasi-Puritanism is often used to make up for this linguistic-notional and therefore behavioural chasm. On the one hand, the laws in the U.S.A., for instance, have secured the emancipation of women to such an extent that nowadays men fear to complement a beautiful woman lest she sue them for sexual harassment and end up in court. On the other hand, the American film industry presents women as objects of sexual pleasure. This is apparent in TV programmes where the well-endowed female lifeguard indiscriminately gives mouth to mouth assistance, or in football games, where cheerleaders in soaring skirts support their teams with palpitating breasts, swaying hips and projecting buttocks. (Not that one should find this disgusting, on the contrary! But let us not confuse the no’s with the yes’s) This sort of schizophrenia has also various crises as to sexual identity, behaviour and doubt as to what one’s sexual inclination should be. To augment this, recently more and more American films are promoting the absolute equality of homosexuals, transvestites, heterosexuals and the good ole traditional types. The propagandistic effect of the screen works catalytically against human dignity. Subsequent to this state of confusion as to what is right or abnormal and what is wrong or normal are the rapes, sexual perversion and other relative psychoses, all of which thrive in a society that has never been initiated in the concept of the word Eros. Nor does the American family come out untarnished from such a corro-
sive social infrastructure. The escalating crime rate in primary/elementary schools, the young resorting to drugs and the social abandonment of senior citizens in a state of wretchedness and of infinite loneliness all reflect the absence of the five meanings of love. The “ugly American divorces” are now commonplace phenomena with the children being the direct recipients of its repercussions, as they grow up at the mercy of television without storgi (familial love), as the parents either work interminably or thrash about in the unbearable lightness of their cultureless ‘being.’ Without maternal affection there has been an ever increasing number of young men in all English speaking countries, especially the U.S. and Britain, who marry women much older than themselves as they are searching for the mother figure they never enjoyed. I would not have deemed it necessary to mention all the above, if the course that humanity has taken towards globalization did not have as a role model that kind of “civilization” which is spreading throughout the planet like a cloud of locusts. As things stand that which is being globally established is a world devoid the five Greek concepts of Love, rendering societies oblivious to the real values of life. Ever since a McDonald’s opened up in Beijing, for instance, the words farmer and traditional have become mock words, while all the more bicycles are being trashed for new cars. (Let’s imagine the environmental consequences with a car to every Chinaman!) However, over a forty year period of exposure to the demoralizing culture of the mass media many Greeks seem to have a head start on the Chinese, as they also seem to be losing sight of these grass root values and their ability to think for themselves. It seems that even the “Greekest of the Greekest Greeks” is undergoing an identity crisis. On the one hand, in the midst of Harry Iliopoulos’ ambiguous gibberish in his letter to ELT News (December issue), he identifies with “Socrates, Jesus and Ghandi,” while on the other he polemically shouts for the “harsh-
NOTE
I quite understand how some people may feel annoyed by the raising of such sociolinguistic issues. I can also appreciate that unless one is an absolute bilingual (and a historically knowledgeable one at that) and has had the privilege of having led two lives equally distributed in the two worlds that are at issue here, one is unlikely to truly comprehend the aforementioned contrasts. What is “self evident” to the well-studied bilingual is unlikely to ever become evident to one who is not bilingual or bicultural, just like a well frog will never appreciate the freedom expressed in the distant croaks of its brethren living in ponds or lakes. ----------
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Although
est measures” and the “gagging of national pride mongers.” Where is the love in this? Highly indicative of the homogenized mentality that has been shaped by TV broadcasts is also Mr M. Pozantzis’ (Ποζάντζης) simplistic letter in which he predictably regurgitates old news items to identify me with a nationalistic, Albanian-stabbing, Hitler-like figure in view to offend. I can sympathize with the void one must feel in his inability to present arguments at least as a semi-educated human being. Is there a solution? Well, it is all too apparent! As long as there is Memory there is also hope that if we cannot overturn things where they have rooted themselves, we can at least avert their spread where they have just made their appearance. If more and more of us invoke Mnemosyne, we may once again recognize the values that once made us more human. Everyone will definitely find something more down to earth, more for m ore news cl ick on humanely substantial in the http://cre tepost.gr roots of his culture. May he pick it up, clear off the dust and submit it to his city as a politis / hoplitis (citizen / warrior), who, unlike a subject, will not be led to the cultural oblivion allowing his social hearth to be governed by an obscure, impersonal liege. The English language is a carrier of such a ‘subject’ mentality and all that it entails, and as language is a cultural DNA in itself, it does influence one’s thoughts and attitude. Since we must teach English as the ‘lingua franca’ that it is, we must therefore make our students aware of this so that they can begin to contrast it with their own and not be influenced by the catalytic culture that accompanies it. Besides, only through contrasts can one distinguish right from wrong, pleasure from pain, day from night and Greek from English. From my cultural perspective, I submit little of what has been dictated by the memory of my language and by my consciousness as it has been formed in the world of ancestral dreams. I have also pointed to a language fountain one can fearlessly drink from, while warning against a contaminated pond. I also place on the altar of human dignity the five Greek notions for love and offer their distillation to the god Eros, in hope that his power will unite the elements that may salvage Harmony in our world.
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The five Greek words for “Love” and a world without them
Dance like Zorba… The health benefits of traditional dancing in old age
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It may be associated with holiday tavernas and the classic film Zorba the Greek. But traditional Greek dancing can have major health benefits. Taking it up allowed elderly patients who had suffered chronic heart failure to jump higher than their sedentary counterparts, a study found. The moves strengthened the legs of the participants, who had an average age of 73, allowing them to walk faster and further as well. Zacharias Vordos, an exercise physiologist at Aristotle University in Thessaloniki in Greece, said: ‘We believed dancing would increase the attractiveness of rehabilitation programmes for patients with chronic heart failure. ‘This was the first study to assess the impact of traditional Greek dancing on jumping ck on ws cli post.gr e n e r ability.’ e for mo ttp://cret h Mr Vordos said the traditional dance was chosen because Greek dancing is an important part of weddings and other celebrations, and is popular among older people. The study included 40 Greek patients with chronic heart failure who were randomly assigned to a three-month rehabilitation programme based on traditional Greek dancing or to their usual sedentary lifestyle. Exercise training took place at three municipal gyms, and consisted of three 40 to 65 minute weekly sessions. None of those who took part had exercised in the previous year. At the start and finish of the study, the researchers tested patients’ ability to jump using machine called a dynamometer. This measured the jump height, the amount of time the feet were in con-
tact with the ground, and the strength and speed of the jumps. For patients who were hard of hearing, an alarm and a visible signal indicated when they should start jumping. Their leg muscle strength was measured with another dynamometer, and their walking ability was measured using a six-minute walking test. There was no difference between either group at the start of the study, but after three months those who did the Greek dancing had legs that were 10 per cent stronger than those who took no exercise, jumped 10 per cent higher, and 6 per cent faster. Taking up dancing allowed elderly patients who had suffered chronic heart failure to jump higher than their sedentary counterparts, the study found. The sedentary group showed no
change, according to the study published in European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. While Greek dancing is sometimes associated with breaking plates in the public mind, no crockery was harmed during the study. Mr Vordos said: ‘Our study shows that traditional Greek dancing improves strength, endurance and jumping ability in elderly patients with heart failure. ‘Patients who participated in Greek dancing jumped higher at the end of the training programme, probably because they had stronger leg muscles.’ He continued: ‘The physical benefits of Greek dancing should give patients more independence in daily life by helping them to walk and climb stairs.
‘It should also improve their coordination and reduce their risk of falling and being injured. It is possible that Greek dancing also gives cardiac benefit as demonstrated by Zumba fitness programmes with Latin music.’ The Greek dancing sessions had a very high take-up rate among the pensioners, the authors of the study found. Mr Vordos noted: ‘Attendance at the dancing sessions was more than 90 per cent, which suggests that this type of cardiac rehabilitation could attract more patients than the usual programmes. ‘Traditional Greek dancing is enjoyable and sociable, and we have now shown that it leads to health benefits in elderly patients with chronic heart failure.’
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Greek Islands top destination in the world for solo travel
stances that are being released,” Gidarakos said. “If the ship is left as is, a biological disaster will befall the caldera. Something needs to be done at once.” Gidarakos’s concerns were also echoed by Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos. “We are on hold. We had yet another meeting with the ministers of Mari-
time Affairs and the Environment two months ago and are waiting to see what action they will take,” Zorzos told Kathimerini. “People are concerned; they want a solution. Anyone opposed to raising the wreck needs to come up with an alternative, not just leave it there.” An agreement was reached in February to create a body that will organize
relaxing Greek Islands are the first holiday destination in the world for those who prefer to travel alone, according to a recent survey conducted by Solitair Holidays. The Greek islands came out on top for the most visited holiday destinations for single travellers with Turkey and Italy following closely behind. Gap year favourite India only just made it into the top 10. The complete list of the top 10 solo travel destinations around the world includes: 1 – Greek islands 2 – Turkey 3 – Italy 4 – Spain 5 – Mediterranean Tour 6 – Canary Islands 7 – Cyprus 8 – Cuba
the recovery of the ship’s hulk. The Sea Diamond, owned by Louis Hellenic Cruises, sank on April 6, 2007 after ramming into a reef just off Santorini’s Athinios port. A Frenchman, Jean Christophe Allain, and his daughter Maud, died in the accident. eKathimerini
Nia Vardalos
Greece will rise up from economic crisis
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Greek-American actress / screen-
writer Nia Vardalos is optimistic about Greece rising up from its ashes and says the next “Big Fat Greek Wedding” will be shot in Greece. With the release of the sequel to “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” in Europe, the pressure is already on for a third film – “And I’m like, ‘Hang on!’ During number two, a lot of ideas did start coming to me, and I’m not done with Toula and her family yet. I would like to take them back to Greece, so I’m looking through my schedule to try to make time. “Any excuse to go to Greece to be honest, and anything I might be able to do that helps the economy and the people right now.” Vardalos goes back to Greece to visit family and take in her favourite spot overlooking the caldera in Santorini at least once a year.
“People are struggling in Greece. In Athens, you see that the buildings can’t be maintained and my own cousins are struggling. It’s heart-breaking. But in time, we will rise up. I have tremendous belief in the Greek people. We do best – as evi-
dent with the Syrian refugees – when faced with adversity, that’s when the Greek character really comes out. We are proud people and incredibly generous. I haven’t paid for Greek salads since the first movie – even now, however much I insist!”
Vardalos’s family is the key to her success. The film is so autobiographical that even the names are the same. Her husband is a non-Greek called Ian (Gomez, also an actor) and she really does have an Aunt Voula: “She’ll show you the tiny scar where she claims they took out her twin. Whenever I introduce her to anyone she’ll say, ‘I’m the real Aunt Voula. The original!’” And her parents really did freak out about her leaving home – “The only way I got to go away to theatre school (she is an alumni of Chicago’s Second City theatre troupe) was by telling my dad that 500 people auditioned across Canada, they only accepted 25 kids and I was the only Greek. He reluctantly said ‘Entaxi’ [meaning OK in Greek].” Radio Times
9 – Egypt 10 – India This latest research shows that the male-dominated sun and sex on the beach cocktails and the reign of the Club 18-30 holiday is well and truly over. A surprising 72.4% of women are more likely to travel alone, compared to just 27.6% per cent of men. According to Solitair Holidays, the lone traveller is also less likely to be a 20-something backpacker on a gap year and more likely to be over the age of 50. A huge 84% of people going solo on holiday are between the ages of 51 and 70, with only 4% under 30 years old. Holiday for singles The solo holiday is often thought
thought to be a holiday for singles wanting to meet other singles, but this preconception has been debunked and most solo travellers do it by choice. Many people travelling alone are actually happily married and admit to leaving their partners at home, in exchange for the freedom of travelling alone. Over half said they liked the adventure and excitement of new places, and the luxury of doing what they want, without having to please their partners. Whilst three quarters looked to meet new people, 34% like the independence of travelling alone. Surprising age What’s more surprising is the age people travel alone for the first time.
According to the researchers 82.2% of the 1000 respondents polled had not travelled alone before the age of 41, and only 17.8% had. Sian Jones, Managing Director at Solitair Holidays, said: “When people think of solo travel, they tend to think of people in their 20s, backpacking. “Nowadays there are many ways to travel and a diverse range of destinations to choose from, and the older generations especially have become more confident and relaxed about travelling alone. “With an estimated one in three Brits expected to set off on holiday alone this year, the idea of travelling solo has lost a lot of it’s lonely hearts stigma it once carried. People want the chance to tick things off their bucket list and solo travel allows more people to do just that.”
Student from Crete, winner of “Juvenes Translatores”
Lida Chryssi Ganotaki from the 3rd High School of Heraklion is the winner of “Juvenes Translatores”, the European Translation Contest. She was awarded by the European Commissioner of Culture, Education, Sports and Youth, Mr. Tibor Navracsics, during a special event, organized in Brussels. Juvenes Translatores is an annual translation contest for 17-year old students. If Europeans are to be ‘united in diversity’, as the EU’s own motto puts it, we need to be able to understand languages other than our own. If you have a thirst for foreign lan-
guages, annual Juvenes Translatores translation contest, which started in 2007, is here to help. In the long run, learning languages will bring all Europeans closer and help understand each other’s cultures. And it will make it easier for tomorrow’s adults to study and work around Europe. Studies show the ever-growing need for translation and translators in Europe. It’s useful for language students to be prepared for this! Juvenes Translatores raises awareness of the importance of translation skills and the
OFF
need to reassess translation — as a means of ‘mediating’ between languages — in the context of language learning. Some schools hold their own pre-selection tests, both to ensure that they put their best pupils forward for the contest and to involve more than the 5 pupils who are selected to participate officially.
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Initiatives like this can become a celebration of translation and languages in a school, involving teachers and students from different classes. Juvenes Translatores has also proven to be a springboard for other ventures involving languages and culture. Some participating schools, for instance, have started organising educational exchanges.
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Experts monitoring the leakage of toxic substances from the Sea Diamond cruise ship wreck off the popular Greek holiday island of Santorini warn that an ecological disaster is imminent unless plans for it to be raised are put into effect immediately. Speaking to Kathimerini almost nine years after the Sea Diamond struck a reef off the island’s port and sank, killing two of the 1,195 passengers and 391 crew on board, the head of the Technical University of Crete team responsible for monitoring the wreck, Evangelos Gidarakos, warned that erosion of the hulk is causing pollutants trapped in the wreck to leak at an alarming rate. Gidarakos said the wreck still n contains several tons of fuel o k r s clic re new cretepost.g o and engine oil, which is at m r / fo http:/ risk of being expelled suddenly into the sea if the ship’s hulk, which is currently lodged precariously on the edge of a cliff, were to break apart. He also said that all of the electronic and mechanical equipment still on board the ship are additional sources of pollution. “The rudimentary pollution barrier that has been placed at sea level is not adequate to collect all the sub-
The
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Santorini shipwreck a ticking eco bomb, experts from the Technical University of Crete warn nine years on
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diet rich in fruit, vegetables, fish and whole grains are less likely by Petros Marinakis to suffer hip fractures, research Botanical Park & Gardens shows. Scientists believe the nutrients in the foods may protect against the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis. The study, which included 90,014 women, found those who most closely followed a Mediterranean diet were 29 per cent less at risk of hip fractures. The authors say doctors should routinely offer women simple dietary advice on eating more fruit and veg when they enter the menopause – and the risk of osteoporosis increases. Women who most closely followed a Mediterranean diet were 29 per cent less likely n click o st.gr to suffer a hip fracture. s w e re n epo for mo ttp://cret Worldwide, osteoporosis h causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually – or one every three seconds. Figures show one in three women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will one in five men. Many of these include hip fractures which are so serious and disabling that a third of patients die within 12 months. Researchers at the University of Wurzburg, in Bavaria, Germany, looked at the records of American women whose average age was 64.
They had all completed a detailed questionnaire on their eating habits and from this, the scientists gave them a score depending on how similar their diet was to a Mediterranean one. This consists of large amounts of fruit, veg, pulses, fish and olive oil but is low in red meat and butter. The study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, showed women whose eating habits were most closely aligned to the Mediterranean diet were 29 per cent less likely to suffer a hip fracture over the next 16 years. Lead author Dr Bernhard Haring said:
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‘High diet quality characterized by adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk for hip fractures. ‘These results support the notion that following a healthy dietary pattern may play a role in the maintenance of bone health in postmenopausal women.’ In light of the findings, doctors should routinely offer women simple dietary advice on eating more fruit and veg when they enter the menopause and the risk of osteoporosis increases The findings back up several other studies which have all shown that a Mediterranean diet strengthens the
bones. In 2012, for example, research involving 127 elderly Spanish men found those who followed the diet had higher levels of the protein osteocalcin, which encourages bone formation. Numerous other studies have highlighted the overall health benefits of the Mediterranean diet including preventing cancer, heart disease and dementia. Scientists are unclear about the exact process but believe the same nutrients which protect against these long-term illnesses also strengthen the bones. Dr Walter Willet, of the Harvard Chan School of Public Health in Boston, is so convinced of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet he believes it should be routinely prescribed by doctors. In an editorial published alongside the study, he said: ‘ At the present time, the US health care system almost entirely ignores nutrition in favor of pharmacology and is hugely expensive and ineffective compared with the systems in other countries. ‘Integration of the Mediterranean diet and related dietary patterns into medical practice, hospitals, schools and other institutions has the potential to improve wellbeing.’
Daily Mail
by Gil Holton
Throughout
our world many faces are instantly recognizable. One young woman is also well known but many of us may say “I sort of recognize her but I do not know who she is”. Her smile captures your gaze, a face of peace, serenity with such angelic features. Often referred to as ‘L’inconnue de la Seine‘ (the unknown woman of the Seine), this face has been the savior of men, women and children for over five decades. So who is she? For those in the medical profession, emergency services and first aid the answer should be apparent – she is the face of Resusci Anne sometimes called Rescue Anne or CPR Annie, a life sized manikin used for Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. The face of who CPR Annie actually was is shrouded in mystery but the development of the CPR manikin is not. In 1954 a US respiratory researcher Dr James Elam (May 31, 1918 – Jul 10, 1995) and an Austrian physician Dr Peter Safar (Apr 12 1924– Aug 2, 2003) got together over a mutual medical interest. Dr James Elam developed medical ventilators: His prototype ventilator device is known as The Roswell Park ventilator and its purpose was to absorb carbon monoxide during surgery. Improvement to the prototype resulted in the Air-Shields Ventimeter ventilator that was used for almost 50 years. Dr. Safar studied at the University of Vienna before he moved to Hartford, Connecticut in 1949 for surgical training at Yale University. He completed training in anesthesiology at the University of Pennsylvania in 1952 and in 1954 he became Chief of Anesthesiology at Baltimore City Hospital. Dr Elam in co-operation with Dr Safar demonstrated experimentally the
then new CPR technique of combined chest compressions and the kiss of life. The CPR technique was found to be more effective than previous methods of resuscitation and they concluded that it should be implemented by the medical profession. The CPR technique also showed that even non-medical people through basic first aid training could effectively perform the technique to save lives. In 1958 Dr Safar presented a paper on the CPR technique in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Dr Safar realized that to implement the CPR technique he needed a realistic training aid; a life-sized manikin seemed the obvious solution. In 1960 he contacted a prominent Norwegian toymaker Asmund Laerdal. In the early 1950’s Laerdal developed and manufactured realistic soft plastic dolls and constructed prosthetic wounds for use in military first-aid training. Obviously Laerdal saw a good business opportunity but more importantly his enthusiasm to create the medical manikin was based on a hugely disturbing personal experience. In 1955 Laerdal saved the life of his young son, Tore, after grabbing the boy’s lifeless body from the water just in time and clearing his airways. Laerdal wanted the manikin to have a natural appearance so he chose a female doll as it would seem less threatening to trainees of either gender. In his early years he remembered a face mask on the wall of his grandparents’ house. It was that of a young woman that has been described as ‘enigmatic…peaceful…beautiful, but not sexy’. Laerdal decided that this face would to be the perfect face for his manikin but whose face was it? For centuries face masks have been widely used in celebrations (living masks) and in death (death masks). Early civilizations such as the Egyptians, Mycenaens, Incas and Romans
Daily Mail: Crete and Halkidiki among top 5 beach holidays
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Platanias, Chania Tel. +30 6976 860573 www.olive-tree.gr
Crete and Halkidiki are among top 5 beach holidays according to Daily Mail. The British newspaper describes Crete as follows:
Crete The fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and Greece’s most southern, Crete has 650 miles of remarkably varied coastline with a backdrop of mountain ranges. In high summer temperatures can reach the baking high 30s, and even in spring and autumn it is warm enough to laze on the beach. The Cretan people are renowned for their hospitality, so whether you choose one of the more popular east coast resorts, go to the less developed west, stay near the capital Heraklion or historic Rehthymnon on the long north coast, everywhere you go
on your holiday to Crete you’ll get a warm welcome. Away from the beach Crete holidays offer walking and mountain views. If you are feeling energetic you can hike down the beautiful Samaria Gorge to the sea. For a gentler way of exploring hop aboard the ‘road train’ from Panormos to the little villages in the foothills of the White Mountains. Discover the legendary home of the Minotaur in the archaeological site of Knossos and see its treasures in the recently restored Archaeology Museum of Heraklion.
regularly used death masks as a part of their burial customs. Death masks are moulds taken of the face of the dead person to preserve as ancestral portraits. The most recognizable is of course that of the pharaoh Tutankhamen c1350 BC. In the Middle Ages, this technique was revived to make life-like masks for the royalty and nobility of Europe until the end of 18th century. During the 18th and 19th centuries masks were also used to record the facial features of unknown corpses for purposes of identification. The mask of the unknown woman of the Seine first came to light in the late 19th century and has since become a collector’s item. Stories circulated as to its origin and the most popular myth is that the mask is that of a beautiful young woman who was found drowned in the river Seine in the late 1880’s. There were no signs of struggle or an attack and strangely no one came forward to report a missing person. As was custom then, bodies not claimed were laid out in the Paris morgue so as the public could view them from behind a glass window. No one came forward to claim the body. It is said that a morgue worker made a cast of her face, saying “Her beauty was breathtaking, and showed few signs of distress at the time of passing. So bewitching that I knew beauty as such must be preserved.” In the years that followed, copies of the mask became a fashionable fixture in Parisian Bohemian society. The intrigue behind the face and it’s seemingly magnetic attraction drew the attention of artists, novelists and poets who created imaginary stories and identities based on this mysterious woman. As time passed other stories emerged as to the identity of the unknown woman of the Seine. One story was that of an identical twin
born in Liverpool who fell in love with a rich suitor and eloped to Paris. Many years later the twin sister visited Paris on holiday. Walking down a street she was shocked to see the mask of the unknown woman of the Seine hanging outside a shop. She instantly recognized the girl as her long-lost twin. Another story says that she was a Hungarian actress named Ewa Lazlo, who was murdered by her lover, Louis Argon a French poet and novelist. This seems highly controversial as Argon was not born until 1897. Experts believe it is highly unlikely to be that of a drowned person unless the body was recovered quickly. They argue that the mask of unknown woman of the Seine seemed just too healthy to have been taken from a corpse. Corpses found floating in water from drowning or suifor more n ews click o cides, never look so peaceful n http://cre tepost.gr are swollen and do not have a nice appearance. Today there are various designs of CPR manikins by different manufacturers but the unknown woman of the Seine still ‘lives’ on as a manikin and the company Laerdal remains a leading developer and manufacturer of such manikins. Their latest version is an advanced patient simulator that can display neurological symptoms as well as physiological. These versions are particularly useful for emergency services and military organizations as it is specifically adapted for training for rapid assessment of trauma emergencies. Even through the passing of time the mystery of who CPR Annie was has not been satisfactorily solved. One thing is certain, she is still momentous and far reaching because not only did she captivate the art world but she has saved millions of lives through the lips of those who have ‘kissed’ her.
Greece 5th most popular destination for Britons in 2016 According to a poll on travel site
‘TravelZoo’, Greece is the 5th preferred holiday destination for British nationals. The survey revealed that safety is the tip priority for the British tourists, a factor explaining why they choose domestic ‘stay-cations’ destinations for their holidays. Following their homeland, the Brits’ second most popular destination is Spain, with France coming in third, followed by the US and Italy.
Two thirds of the British holiday makers are already in the process of planning their summer travels. Low cost and sunny weather are two most important factors for Brits to choose their destinations, following security. This is the list of British nationals’ favourite holidays places for 2016: 1. UK – 27% 2. Spain – 21% 3. France – 10% 4. USA/Italy – 8% 5. Greece – 7%
Smartwings new routes to Corfu, Heraklion,Thessaloniki and Skiathos Smartwings in summer 2016
season is adding a number of new seasonal routes, including service from Bratislava, Brno, Kosice, Ostrava and Prague to Corfu, Ηεaklion,Thessaloniki and Skiathos in Greece.
Planned new routes as follows: • Bratislava – Corfu / 2 weekly • Kosice – Ηεraklion / 2 weekly • Ostrava – Thessaloniki Service operates every 11 days • Prague – Skiathos Service operates every 11 days
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Women who eat a Mediterranean
The unknown saviour
news & articles
The secret to strong bones? Eating a Mediterranean diet
FROM CHANIA TO RETHYMNON HERAKLION SAMARIA GORGE (round trip, return from ELAFONISI FALASARNA KISSAMOS PORT CHANIA AIRPORT
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Cretan designs and builds a humanoid robot in record time Nikos
Tsagarakis is a Researcher in the Department of Advanced Robotics in the Italian Institute of Technology. He is also the lead Researcher on a humanoid robot project “Walk-Man”. Since 2013 he is serving as a Visiting Professor at the Centre for Robotics Research (CORE), Department of Informatics, King’s College University, London, UK. He is also the coordinator in many European Robotic programs such as Centauro. Tsagarakis is the head of Walk-Man Team, comprised of 19 members. Tsagarakis and his team built in just ten months time a 1.85 m. robot, able to move in semi-autonomous way in unapproachable natural environments (for example after a natural disaster of a nuclear accident). ck on “Walk-Man was designed li c r s .g re new epost and built in ten months time, for mo ttp://cret h it was a huge effort that started in March 2014 and finished at February 2015. This is definitely a world record, given the complexity and the expertise such systems require. Walk-Man is currently recognized as one of the best in the world, with great poten-
tial for the future”, says Tsagarakis at a past interview. Nikos Tsagarakis was born in Ierapetra, Crete, in Greece. He received his DEng degree in Electrical and Computer Science Engineering in 1995 from the Polytechnic School of Aristotle University, Greece, an M.Sc degree in Control Engineering in 1997 and in 2000 a PhD in Robotics from the Univeristy of Salford, UK. Before becoming a Senior Researcher at IIT with overall responsibility for Humanoid design & Human Centred
Alexander Zinell is the CEO of Fraport Greece and the… big boss of “Daskalogiannis” airport
Mechatronics development he was a research Fellow and then Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Robotics and Automation at the University of Salford where he worked on haptic systems, wearable exoskeletons, rehabilitation robots and humanoids robots. He is an author or co-author of over 250 papers in research journals and at international conferences and holds 12 patents. He has received the Best Jubilee Video Award at IROS (2012), the 2009 PE Publishing Award from the Journal of
Systems and Control Engineering and prizes for Best Paper at ICAR (2003) and the Best Student Paper Award at Robio (2013). He was also a finalist for Best Entertainment Robots and Systems – 20th Anniversary Award at IROS (2007) and finalist for the Best Manipulation paper at ICRA (2012), the Best Conference Paper at Humanoids (2012), the Best Student Papers at Robio (2013) and ICINCO (2014). At a past interview, on a question why he chose Italy, instead of Greece, Tsagarakis answers: “Italy has a long and strong tradition in robotics, which is very attractive for those who want to optimize their knowledge and experience in this science. Furthermore, the Italian Institute of Technology is an international work environment that offers great opportunities and resources in developing technologies, such as robotics. Unfortunately, even though I tried coming back home a couple of years ago, but for the reasons we all know, it is very hard to the same opportunities and the same chances, as far as professional life goes”. ellines.com
The Gorge of Samaria opened for the new tourist season
The 13 cheapest beach holiday destinations in Europe. Crete at no 7 Post
Office Travel Money has released the findings of its latest Holiday Costs Barometer, revealing the cheapest beach destinations for a summer break in Europe. The tenth annual survey is based on the total cost of ten typical holiday expenses in 20 European beach resorts, ranked from the most to the least expensive.
Holiday items considered in the survey include a cup of coffee, suncream, insect repellant, and a three-course meal with a bottle of wine for dinner. Prices for each item were sourced from national or regional tourism offices, where possible. Costs for Bulgaria were provided by budget holiday booking company Balkan Holidays and the low-cost airline Monarch
supplied prices for Turkey, while additional online research was conducted to verify prices. Though British travellers have plenty of affordable beach holiday options to choose from, the Sterling has fallen from its seven-year high against European currencies, according to a press release from Post Office Travel Money. “There is no escaping the fact that
sterling is weaker this year than last, resulting in price rises in 80% of resorts surveyed,” Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said in the press release. “However, looking back to previous years, European resort costs have still fallen quite significantly in the longer term.” Independent
Charity walk from Chora Sfakion to Tavronitis
Mission accomplished for “Coasters”
They call themselves... ‘Coasters”. Some friends walked throughout Chania Prefecture for... a good reason. They raised more than 2,000 Euros for “Orizontas” and online over £4600 for UK Charities, “Coasters” have been in training since October last year. The group leader Ian Yates is ex UK RAF. They did the walks in a total time of less than 20 hours, which was brilliant!!
for more n
ews click o n http://cre tepost.gr
er and I wish him the best”, said the President and CEO of Fraport AG, Mr. Stefan Schulte. “We welcome Alexander in Greece and we are ready to work hard”, said the President and CEO of Copelouzos Grour, Mr. Dimitris Copelouzos.
The Gorge of Samaria (main path)
opened on Friday, April 15. Visitors should: • Follow the information provided by the employees • Not leave -for any reason- the main path of Samaria
New VAT increase on the cards Thousands of goods and services
will suffer fresh hikes in prices and fees as a result of the increase in the top value-added tax rate by one percentage point that sources say has been agreed between the government and the representatives of the country’s creditors. The plan is for the 23 percent rate on most commodities to be raised to 24 percent as of July 1, with a triple target: to plug a major part of the fiscal gap of 1 percent of gross domestic product for the 2017-18 period, to cover the gap left from the exemption of private schools from value-added tax, and to avoid a VAT hike on electricity and water utilities. Discussions between the two sides have also focused increasing the lowest VAT rate, applying to magazines, books, newspapers etc, that currently amounts to 6 percent. A top Finance Ministry official told
Kathimerini that the VAT rate adjustments are seen fetching an additional 400-500 million euros into the state coffers each year. Nevertheless, after years of VAT rate adjustments, it is now clear that revenues from VAT are going down in-
stead of up. In 2015 the budget had foreseen VAT revenues of 14.4 billion euros, but the final figure was only 13.6 billion, even after many commodities were bumped up from the 13 to the 23 percent bracket last July. In 2014 VAT revenues came to 13.61
• • •
There is no way to call anyone, not even 112. There are only GPS devices used bythe employees Wear light clothes and the proper shoes Cross the gorge slowly and make many stops in order to observe the unique beauty
billion euros, against an anticipated 13.89 billion. According to the government’s plan, the products set to see a one percentage point VAT hike in the second half of the year belong to the following categories: Packaged food (pasta, rice, coffee, flour, chocolate etc), refreshments and juices, food service, public transport and taxi fares, services by writers, composers and other artists, home repairs, flowers and plants, sewage services, and pet food. July will also see the second wave of VAT adjustment for many Aegean islands, with a great number reverting to the nationwide rates of 6, 13 and 24 percent, losing the 30 percent discount they currently enjoy. However, Lesvos, Chios, Kos and Samos will likely be exempt due to the high number of refugees and migrants on those islands. eKathimerini
Radisson Blu Beach Resort, Milatos Crete opens in Greece Radisson
Blu, the iconic hotel brand driven by innovation and design, is proudly announcing the opening of their second hotel in Greece. Located on the northern seaside of the largest and mythical Greek island, Crete, the Radisson Blu Beach Resort, Milatos Crete is a picturesque getaway and a true oasis on the Emerald Bay of Milatos. The hotel offers 318 spacious rooms and suites, breathtaking views of the waterfront and lush Zen gardens with waterfalls. The “White Sensations Collection” take stylish contemporary resort sophistication to a stunning new level. While “The Aegean Collection”, influenced by ancient Minoan civilization, offers colorful elegance with spacious bathrooms and large outdoor spaces overlooking the dreamy sea and gardens.
Radisson Blu Beach Resort, Milatos Crete, set on the gorgeous north coast of Greece’s largest island, offers truly fabulous, family-friendly accommodation. With two private beaches, a great range of leisure facilities, lush Zen gardens with waterfalls, plus 7 fresh and sea water pools – including a water park. The stunning spa features a wellness center with treatment rooms, hammam, saunas and a Jacuzzi. “Carlson Rezidor is thrilled to bring the Radisson Blu to Crete and extremely proud of our partnership with the Geniatakis Family, who are renowned on the whole island for their hospitality legacy and passion. Crete is one of the most loved islands in Greece and thus a natural choice for Radisson Blu to expand its award-winning resort portfolio in international destinations,” says Arno Schwalie, Area Vice President of Cen-
tral and Southern Europe for The Rezidor Hotel Group. General Manager, Yorgos Geniatakis, is also delighted about the new partnership with Radisson Blu: “We strongly believe that the combination of a family-owned, award-winning resort and a global chain will offer a truly world-class hospitality experience
in Greece. We are confident that the new Radisson Blu Beach Resort, Crete Milatos will become a highly attractive destination due to its authentic design, casual atmosphere and affordable luxury”, adds Geniatakis. hospitalitynet.org
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Zinell, head of Investments Dept. of Fraport AG, is the CEO of Fraport Greece and responsible for the operation of Greek regional airports, including “Daskalogiannis”. The 49 year old economist works for Fraport since 2001. “I am very optimistic for the potentials offered in Greece. I am very pleased for the chance to work in Greece. I am sure that we can change the image of all regional airports”, said Mr. Zinell. “He is a very experienced manag-
news & articles
p. 18
news & articles
Alexander
Crete is NATO’s Permanent Aircraft Carrier in the Eastern Med
British
Airways announced the start of its flights for summer 2016 in Greece by launching the following routes to Kalamata and Chania. • From 30 April until 24 September 2016, British Airways will fly twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday) to Crete (Chania) from London Heathrow Terminal 3. • From 30 April until 24 September 2016, British Airways will fly
urday) to Kalamata, Greece from London Heathrow Terminal 5. The carrier will connect London with Kalamata, Chania, Heraklion, Corfu, Kos, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini and Thessaloniki, allowing travellers access to the most popular holiday and city break destinations in Greece. Corfu and Santorini will have an increased frequency of six and four per
EU approves security plan to track airline passenger info European
Union lawmakers have approved a scheme to share airline passenger information that can be used to track foreign fighters heading ck on li c to and from conflict areas r s .g re new epost for mo ttp://cret like Syria and Iraq. h They endorsed the Passenger Name Record law on Thursday in a series of votes, ending years of wrangling over how to balance security needs and privacy rights. Under the scheme, traveler details will
be collected from European carrier flights entering or leaving the EU and from flights between member countries. The information will be kept for six months. At least 5,000 Europeans are believed to have trained or fought in Syria and Iraq but authorities are struggling to track their movements and prove their activities. The EU already has passenger data deals with the U.S., Canada and Australia.
mer while Kos and Mykonos will have two flights per week, Heraklion five flights per week, Rhodes two flights per week and Thessaloniki four flights per week. All these flights will be carried out by A319 and A320 aircraft from Heathrow and Gatwick along with four daily flights from Athens to London. British Airways’ Commercial Manager
This for Greece, Turkey and Cyprus Freddie Stier, noted that “these destinations will give our passengers the opportunity to enhance their travel experience and be flexible about their travel choices” and added: “We honour the long history we have in Greece and continue our commitment to invest and support the local economies and offer new travel options to our customers”.
More non-Scandinavians visiting Crete over past 5 years
Telegraph Travel Awards 2015-16: Greece among world’s top-30 countries
p. 20
news & articles
Greece ranked 29th among the and former MP. Guests at the event world’s 50 best countries at the 2015-16 Telegraph Travel Awards – voted for by more than 75,000 readers. Following what is the most comprehensive, wide-ranging and reliable travel survey in Britain, the world’s best destinations, airlines, tour operators and cruise lines were recognised at a recent ceremony. The awards were introduced by Charles Starmer-Smith, The Telegraph’s Head of Travel, and presented by Gyles Brandreth, the broadcaster
included John Simpson, Martin Bell, Michael Buerk and Kate Adie. Especially about Greece, the leading British newspaper notes: “Despite its troubles over the last couple of years, we seem still to love Greece, and it remains readers’ second favourite Mediterranean destination. It’s certainly true that once you get away from it all on one of those idyllic islands, with white-washed villages shimmering between a deep blue sky and an azure sea, the problems of the world seem to melt away.”
A ccording
to survey conducted by the Technical University of Crete and the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, foreign tourists from non-Scandinavian countries visiting the island of Crete make up nearly half the total number from 2010 onwards. The annual report indicates that the percentage of non-Scandinavian tourists has skyrocketed by 176 percent in the past 5
Meridianafly adds routes to Rhodes, Thira, Heraklion and Skiathos Meridianafly in Summer 2016
•
season is introducing a number of seasonal routes across Europe, from Milan, Naples, Olbia, Rome,
•
Venice and Verona. Planned operation as follows. Majority of these service is served by Air Italy Boeing 737 aircraft. • Milan Bergamo – Rhodes 11JUN16 – 17SEP16 1 weekly 737-800 • Milan Linate – Thira 05JUN16 – 25SEP16 1 weekly 737-700 (2 weekly from 05JUL16 to 04SEP16) • Milan Malpensa – Heraklion 28MAY16 – 10SEP16 1 weekly 767 (2nd weekly from 30JUL16 to 10SEP16 with 737-800
Verona – Heraklion 04JUN16 – 24SEP16 1 weekly 767 Verona – Skiathos 10JUN16 – 16SEP16 1 weekly 737-800
years. According to the report this is an impressive number given that up until 2010 70 percent of foreign visitors to Crete came from Scandinavian countries. Other findings show that out of the total number of foreigners arriving at the Chania airport, 85 percent prefer to stay in Chania prefecture for their holidays, 13 percent choose Rethymno, while the rest go to Heraklion and Lasithi prefectures.
- Books - Stationery - Consumables
Popi Loupassaki-eodoraki Crossroads to Galatas Old National Road Chania-Kissamos Tel.: +30 28210 32359
- Office supplies - Gis - Photocopies
speech was given by Dan Goure at the Lexington Institute’s and the American Hellenic Institute’s Capitol Hill briefing titled “Souda Bay: NATO’s Military Gem” on March 21, 2016. The Middle East is afire, the war with ISIS is expanding and intensifying, Russia has returned to the region as a military power and the flow of migrants to Europe shows no sign of declining. The Eastern Mediterranean is at the center of a titanic geopolitical and strategic struggle. The outcome of this struggle could not only determine the fate of the region for decades to come but also the stability of other continents. The U.S. and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) need a stronger presence in the Mediterranean to monitor activities, and to prevent attacks on members and partners. The increasing conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean calls for a stronger U.S. and NATO naval presence in the region. The alliance must adapt by developing a new approach to its southern flank, increasing its presence, developing a European Maritime Security Strategy, and building ally and partner relations and regional security architectures. To deter aggression in the region, NATO also needs to boost the military power of its existing members. Greece is one example of a member nation that could increase its involvement, and thereby strengthen NATO’s capabilities. Greece has a long history with the West. Much of the history of the Western world was written in the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean Sea and by Greece. For 2,500 years Greece has been at the forefront of the western civilization and a front line state in defending Europe from forces to the East. It is no different in the 21st Century. Today, Greece serves as a key geopolitical point for NATO. The country forms the alliance’s southern tip, and its large eastern border is exposed to volatile conflicts that unfold in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Persian Gulf. According to Admiral James
Stavridis, “Greece occupies a geopolitical position as a solid southeastern anchor to the NATO Alliance. The remarkable bases on Crete are particularly critical when looking at the instability in the Levant. NATO should work with Greece, the United States, and other allies to strengthen the bases and increase their utility to NATO and the European Union.” Greece’s geographic position makes it particularly valuable as an ally to the United States and the NATO Alliance. But Greece is more than just its location. Greece has always been a stalwart ally. Greece is a trusted friend, one that keeps its commitments. It is one of only five alliance members that meet the NATO goal of spending two percent of gross domestic product on defense, consistently surpassing the minimum as far back as 1988. Given Greece’s recent economic difficulties, this is remarkable. It also implies that there is nothing that prevents the other NATO countries from meeting the two percent threshold other than a lack of will. The Hellenic Republic regularly participates in military exercises with allies and partners, and hosts U.S. forces and multiple NATO facilities. Greece’s contributions allow for alliance cohesion, and the security of the Mediterranean and Europe by helping with reconnaissance missions, logistics, maintenance, and air refueling support. Crete is NATO’s permanent aircraft carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its location is of paramount significance. There are only a handful of truly strategic bases available to NATO. The U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is a strategic logistics and maintenance point that supports both allied and U.S. ships and aircraft conducting operations in the Mediterranean Sea. American forces rely on the strategic location and support capabilities of Souda Bay to sustain U.S. forward presence and respond to crises in the Eastern Mediterranean. Souda Bay is one of the few locations capable of hosting a permanently based aircraft carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean
along with destroyers and amphibious ships that would allow for quicker and cost effective responses in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf. In addition, NATO Maritime Interdiction Operations Training Center at Souda Bay serves as a “One Stop Shop” in the area by educating maritime law enforcement. The NATO Missile Firing Installation is located nearby, serving as the only place in Europe where missiles can be test fired, and is capable of hosting Marine battalions when forces are needed in the region. The value of such ranges cannot be over stressed. In the United States, the complex of ranges and related facilities that are part of the Southwest Defense Complex constitute unique and absolutely vita defense assets for the entire Free World. NATO allies do much of their training of air units on these ranges because no comparable resources exist on the Continent. The NATO Fleet Operational Readiness Accuracy Check Site ensures vessels are working properly so alliance members can share accurate information. Athens, Washington, and NATO should identify more synergies to work together and protect peace and commerce in the Mediterranean Sea. Forward stationing of U.S. naval forces is a recognized way of multiplying the presence and effectiveness of a shrinking fleet. U.S. Navy has homeported ships in Japan, Singapore and Spain. Washington should consider permanently basing U.S. naval forces at Souda Bay to more rapidly respond to crises, reinforce allies’ perception of American might, and provide more stability in the region. Basing more ships and crews abroad will boost overseas operations with a smaller budget, even after more money is spent on maintenance, personnel and operating additional ships to rotate crews. America and NATO ought to consider expanded deployments of forces to Souda Bay. NATO also should take greater advantage of what Souda Bay offers in the way of training facilities such as the NATO Missile Firing In-
stallation and the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center, and other facilities on the island. NAMFI is capable of hosting Marine battalions which is very useful for accommodating personnel in the region. NATO should consider operating E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, Global Hawk and other unmanned surveillance systems at Souda Bay. Such a decision would boost NATO’s real-time intelligence in theater. In addition, deploying a Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force to Souda Bay combat search and rescue capability on Crete could provide for quicker responses across Europe, Africa and the Levant. The Marine Corps has developed a unit long range maneuver and deployment capability consisting of the MV22 Osprey aircraft working with KC-130 tankers. Togeth- for more news click on http://cre er, these aircraft provide the tepost.gr Marine Corps with a rapid and extremely long range crisis response capability. Other improvements to increase collaboration include ensuring NSA Souda Bay is provided with modern technology so that personnel and sensitive information are secure. The U.S. should send an official user national request to NAMFI – America withdrew from the facility in 1992. This will create a more stabilized relationship, and U.S. officials could be based onsite after America becomes an official member. Better utilizing Souda Bay should come naturally as it is located very close to key danger areas. There is a direct security linkage running from Souda Bay’s unique position and capacities to the steadfast commitment of successive Greek governments to support U.S. and NATO operations in the region, to the role of the alliance itself as the first line of defense for the Free World all the way to Washington and core U.S. national security interests. In many ways Souda Bay is as important to U.S. national security as it is to the Greek Nation.
Crete at No 2 in Trip Advisor’s best Greek islands Trip Advisor published its list of
10 best Greek islands for 2016 based on visitors comments and experiences. Crete in second place after Santorini, followed by Rhodes, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Corfu, Kefalonia, Naxos, Skiathos and Milos. This is what Trip Advisor has to say about Crete: Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is a paradise for tourists seeking sunshine, beaches, and culture. Chania lies on the northern coast of Crete. It’s the second largest city on the island and is served by an airport. Upon arrival, hire a car and drive the 30 kilometres up to the White Moun-
tains. This beautiful setting is perfect for relaxing or doing a spot of walking and is also a good base to explore the region’s attractions. Chania is an old harbour town with a medieval heart and is worth checking out. The seafront quarter includes a little mosque which is a remnant from the 17th century when the Turks controlled the area. These days the mosque’s been converted into a very nice art gallery. Make sure you also check out the Archeological Museum which is full of Minoan artifacts, including a glass display packed with pottery bulls. These were found in a grave site and it’s believed the pottery bulls were
included in the graves where sacrificing a live bull would have been too expensive! Elafonisi features a beach that stretches for miles. The water is very shallow with white sand that gives it its wonderful green/turquoise colour; making it look like a Caribbean lagoon! There’s even an island that you can safely wade out to. Elafonisi is also very popular with the locals and can get very busy at weekends, so it’s best to go during weekdays if possible. Crete has changed hands several times over the centuries and the Romans occupied it from the 1st century BC to 4 AD. As well as the ruins of the Roman
buildings, there is an abandoned monastery which dates back centuries but was only abandoned in 1964. Driving up the mountain road above Maheri, you’ll see signs for the ancient church called Agios Nikolaos. Along the way the chances are that you will encounter herds of goats, some with bells around their necks. They will determinedly clank their way past you and add a real wild charm to the holiday experience! Agios Nikolaos is nestled in a valley with huge trees in front of it and it is an enchanting place. The church is Byzantine and is famous for having very old frescoes, as well as a graveyard surrounded by rows of orange trees.
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New routes to Kalamata and Chania twice a week (Thursday and Sat- week, respectively, during the sum-
news & articles
British Airways
Chania Post Contributor Publishes Book of Poems
“Small Change” Band
Since
1980’s are remembered for many things. Thatcher, pacman, Reagan, space invaders, Gorbachov, the Rubic cube! The music, however, is what often what connects us to a time, place or event. First kiss, first heartbreak? The songs that carried us through are forever. The 1980’s was one of the most diverse periods in the history of popular music. With well known artists such as David Bowie and Yes transitioning into a different style and new, innovative bands, like The Jam, Joy Division and Orchestral Manouvres in the Dark bringing aggressive social comment and pushing the limits of electronic music. Two tone ska, reggae, new romantics, punk and rock all shared the top twenty places in the charts across the
world. Chania band SMALL CHANGE have taken up the challenge of reproducing many of the classic hits of the 1980’s. They use the best technology available to accurately reflect the synthesisers and rock sounds of the period, playing 80’s classics by artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Dire Straits, Eurythmics, ZZ Top and David Bowie. With his experience as a musician, teacher, producer, and songwriter, Ernest Berry (guitar/vocals) utilises technology in a way that defies description. One moment a guitar, then a piano, then an orchestra. Steve Moorman (bass) and Lefteris Koukourakis (drums) also use the latest technology to create the authentic sounds of this period. All three members of the band have worked as professional musicians.
Museums and Collections on Crete The Archaeological Museum
of Heraklion houses the most important findings of the Minoan civilization. Treasures dating back from the Neolithic to the Roman Era can also be viewed in the archaeological museum of Chania, Rethymnon, Sitia, Kissamos and Arhanes. In the following years, the new museums of Messara and Ancient Eleftherna are expected to operate, while the museum of Agios Nikolaos is under maintenance. Important local archaeological Collections operate at in Ierapetra, Myrtos and Gazi. The Historical Museum of Crete offers an overall picture of the history and culture of Crete from the early Christian times to the 20th century, while seasonal exhibitions include subjects of Byzantine or modern art, important personalities of Greece and presentation of historical events. Chania city is home to the Historical Archive of Crete with more than 170
on s click re new tepost.gr o m r fo /cre http:/
archival collections and the second largest Nautical Museum in Greece, which aims to preserve the great maritime tradition of Crete. The Byzantine Museums of Heraklion, Chania and Rethymnon are also very special venues dedicated mainly to ecclesiastical art. The war collections and archives intend to commemorate the resistance and struggle of the Cretans against the various occupiers of Crete. The most important of these are the War Museum of Rethymnon at Chromonastiri, the Historical Museum of Vorizia, the Museums of National Resistance at Therisso and Heraklion, the Historical Museum of Keramia, the Museum of Skalidis at Pervolia, the War Museum at Askyfou and the Military Collection of Argyrakis at Episkopi. Additionally, the German Tunnels at Platanias and Makasi Gate at Heraklion Walls are important historical sites. Museums and collections that highlight the life and work of great Cretan authors,
SMALL CHANGE are totally changing the way live music is perceived in Crete. They are a small band with a BIG sound. SMALL CHANGE have now fully completed technical rehearsals
and are available for bookings via smallchange80s@gmail.com For sound samples and other information, please see https://www.facebook.com/smallchangeproject80s
artists and politicians are met all over the island. Venues dedicated to the life and work of the national leader Eleftherios Venizelos are open to visitors. These include the house where he was born at Mournies, his house at Halepa, the Historical Museum at Therisso and the Museum of Venizelos at village Agios Georgios. A very interesting museum dedicated to the great author Nikos Kazantzakis operates at his birthplace, Myrtia. Moreover, visitors can visit the house, where the great Cretan painter El Greco is believed to have been born at Fodele, and the Gate Bethlehem at the Walls of Heraklion, where objects used for the film El Greco are exposed. Lastly, Viannos houses a museum dedicated to the author Ioannis Kondylakis. It is worth visiting venues about nature and science, such as the Natural History Museum, the Aquarium of Crete at in Gournes, the Museums of Cretan Herbs and Fisheries of Kolimvari, the Geological Museum of Zaros and the Museum of
Chemistry in Chania. Other special museums in Crete are the museum of Classical Vehicles in Exo Lakonia, the Museum of the National Soccer Team and the Museum of Typography in Chania, the Museum of Musical Instruments at Houdetsi, the Wax Museum at Zoniana, the Museum of School Life in Nerokouros and the Museum of Acritans of Europe in Paleochora. Most museums in Crete are dedicated to the daily life of the Cretans, mainly by exposing objects from rural tradition. Very nice collections are exhibited at the folklore museums of Lychnostatis in Hersonissos, Chania, Vori, Arolithos, Tylissos, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, Vainia, Therisso, Gavalohori, Piskopiano, Somatas, Ini, Asites, Handras, Kandanos, Palekastro, Vrahassi, Gavdos, Pefki, Hamezi, Mohos, Spili etc. Traditional watermills in Zakros and Chromonastiri are open to visitors. Similarly, venues related to the olive tree include the Museum of Olive in Vouves, the old oil mill (fabrica) of Arhanes and Vatolakos.
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culture
Cover story There is a lot that you can say In favour of a good duvet – Sound grounds that anyone can give For duveting the way you live. They’re stylish, simple, classy, neat And you can do without a sheet. What tends, however, to appal Is that their one size should fit all. By “all” I think I should make clear I mean the nights throughout the year. Except in modern city flats Where life is ruled by thermostats They range through quite a few degrees So now you roast and then you freeze How cold’s a given night in fact? With blankets you can add/subtract For all the duvet’s finery The choice is strictly binary: It’s “ON” or “OFF”, but there’s a neat Way of shedding excess heat:
An arm or leg thrust out the side; Which is better? You decide. I’ve seen both - moving, too, what’s more, As mute nocturnal semaphore. ********** Self-portrait A bit about me – we’ve not met Except here on the Internet. Don’t have or need or want a pet. (Can’t stand appointments at the vet) My kitchen mugs are not a set. I eat my boiled-egg yolks still wet, Don’t have a car or private jet But neither am I now in debt. I never smoke and rarely bet: Oh yes, I drink and swear and sweat. As lover, I’m not perfect yet; As good, in fact, as I will get. A claim I hope that you will let Me show’s a promise, not a threat. **********
Timetable and table time A city-centre bus depot Is normally not the place to go To find a tasty bite to eat (You’re lucky just to get a seat). But at the Chania base of KTEL Yes, you can eat and eat quite well. Today I risked a mystery dish Of baked, entire Cretan fish. Tender, tasty flesh within A kind of thick, dark second skin. It was, my taste buds realised, Peppers, onions caramelised. Definitely a major plus Of waiting for the airport bus. ********** Living the wildlife I’ve had my share of heart-stop frights On balmy Cretan summer nights (Please pay attention, here I spell
“Balmy” not with “R” but with “L”). Approach the big green council bin To throw a bag of rubbish in – Sudden high-pitched outraged squeals Raise the heart rate, blood congeals. Making for my head a beeline Furious flies a feral feline. I wouldn’t care to guess the stats But Crete sure has its share of cats. You drivers know that what they do Is dash across in front of you. I’ve seen some that just have to be From nine lives now at minus three. If I wrote down the ones I’ve missed I’d have a lengthy catalyst. (In passing, doing the same for dogs Would yield two different catalogues). What fascinates me is the strange Combining of their colour range: Where white and orange, black and grey Can in one cat all interplay – As if fur ink were random spilt; An animated patchwork quilt.
captivated me. It – and they – still do. If you are a visitor, I hope that these poems parallel your own delight in discovery. Should you be a long term resident, may you recognise much that is familiar. If you are Cretan, thank you for sharing!
Born in Nairobi, Niall grew up
Some of these poems are about Crete and its ways of
in Kenya and New Zealand. In
life – both Greek and expatriate. Others are more or
1976 he travelled to Europe “for
less whimsical thoughts on life called forth by the
one year”. In France, Germany,
contentment of being surrounded by the sounds,
e Netherlands, Luxembourg
light, history and beauty of this place. Yet a third
and now Greece, that year has
group spring from the delight of simply playing
since stretched to 40 in jobs rang-
with mankind’s greatest invention, language.
ing from tourist guide and marketing to teaching and translation.
Niall Finn Tsivaras, March 2016
tions during a varied life. Born in East Africa, Niall travelled to New Zealand at the age of seven (involving a road trip all the way from Nairobi to Cape Town and then four weeks by ship), where he grew up in an area that, as he noted, resembled his new home in Crete in having high, dry mountains close to the sea. He has an MA in geography and began his working life as a geography teacher before moving to the south of France, where he passed an exam to become a local tourist guide. So as to be able to have German tourist customers, he began learning German in addition to the English and French he used on tours. When he moved to Germany, to be an English teacher, it was at Aachen on the Dutch border and so Dutch was the next language on the menu. After
“A Precious Job” by Elsa Pramateftaki - Teacher
Working with young children is
by Niall Finn
I had never visited Crete before I came to live here in March 2014. e island, and especially its people,
undoubtedly the greatest duty one can undertake. It might seem the easiest job in the whole world but actually it is not. A teacher has to provide his learners with great range of knowledge and of course chances to cooperate, explore, question everything, search and accomplish. His role is of outmost significance for he is the role – model for the young learners, who will gain lots of insight but what they will always remember is the memories they have experienced among others and the feelings they have shared throughout their school years. For me, my job is an exiting and challenging adventure. It seems like walking barefoot on the sand on a sunny day and constantly discovering shiny sea shells and oysters. Some will be small, other big, in different colours and shapes. Yet, they all contain an enormous white pearl which remains hidden until discovered.
It is our obligation, as teachers, to find this precious stone, polish it and bring it to light. In other words, it is our job to develop our learners’ skills and abilities, recognize their talents and embrace them for what they really are. If we build their self-esteem, show them the love they seek for and if we encourage them to move on, it is certain that they will succeed – each one on his own way. They will remember us for ever and keep on dreaming. For the greatest thing for them to keep in mind is never give up. They can all achieve what they want as long as they believe... Here is the task some of my learners have fulfilled. It is a poem about their pet and I feel always proud of my students when they make a new step ahead for they have made it themselves!!! *****
*****
*****
1) MY CAT (Marieva Spyridaki) I‘ve got a cat It’s big and fat It always runs And plays with a duck,
*****
He is now retired and lives in a village east of Chania, Crete.
five years in the Netherlands, mostly in the marketing field, he became a full-time professional translator before retiring in March 2014 and moving to Crete. “Why Crete? Well, in point of fact, I had never visited the island before coming here for an initial trial year. I did know Greece a little and had learnt enough Greek to translate from the language about 20 years before, though forgetting it to some extent when learning other languages in the meantime. One attraction was definitely the low likelihood of weeks at a time of grey fog – a Luxembourg speciality! I rapidly discovered others – history, food, landscapes and, in particular, the wonderfully hospitable people – so by the end of my trial year I was determined to stay.” And the origin of his poems? Some
have been stimulated by ex- for m ore news cl ick on ploration, since he enjoys http://cre tepost.gr both walking and running, and others by observing the little quirks of two different lifestyles, Greek and expatriate. Funny and frustrating experiences are a third category; playing with the intricacies of his English mother tongue a fourth. He looked a little rueful when he told us that it is not at all unusual for several lines of a poem to come into his head at 4 o’clock in the morning. “I have to get up and write them down straightaway. The problem is that the next few lines will frequently present themselves just as I’m getting back to sleep and the whole process has to be repeated.” “Poems from Crete”, containing some 80 poems, was published in April by EREISMA.
It’s white and black. Its name is Dan And usually plays drums, I love my cat Because it’s full of luck”
5) PARROTS (Sevi koulendaki, Helen Bleblidaki) “We have 4 parrots but they don’t eat carrots. They are thin and small But we love them all. Their colours are blue,white and black They have it in front and in the back. They are also yellow and green And they look like a dream. They play with their toys But they are not all boys. We love to feed them seeds Because they also have needs. Their house is a big cage But they are small for their age. Their names are Roulis and Roula And also Loulis and Loula. They love their bath Because they are very smart. We love them, Sevi and Helen”.
2) MY CANARY (Mike Georgvasakis) “My canary Kerasenia is my best friend. She is three and I am ten. She flies and plays on her swing where she has got a cage. She likes to eat bird food and water”. 3) MY PET (Martha Fragaki) “I have got a bird Its name is Lerd, I like when it sings And also it’s pink. I love my pet It’s my best friend” 4) MY FISH (Ann Gramvousaki) “I love my fish and I make a wish to live forever and play together She swims all day She plays with me Her name is orange her colour gold”.
6) MY PUPPY (Anna Nistazaki) “My puppy has a dog-house, just outside my door. He licks me when I pet him, And wags his tail for more. He’s always there beside me, No matter what I do. My puppy is my special friend And a family member too”.
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The
2014, Chania Post has featured contributions by local poets. The initial suggestion came from Niall Finn, who has submitted poems for this section ever since. When we heard that a book of his poems was soon to be published, we asked for an interview. First on our list of questions was how long he had been writing poetry; second was what attracted him to this kind of writing. In fact, he answered both at once. “About four years ago, when I was head of a translation unit at the European Commission in Luxembourg, it was part of my job to say a few words when a member of the unit retired or went to work somewhere else. One day, it was somebody I knew particularly well and unconsciously the words about him formed themselves into a poem. At that colleague’s farewell party, I could see it meant so much to him to hear a specially written poem about his life and work that I continued on similar, subsequent occasions. It sometimes felt as if they wrote themselves, these poems, once I had collected background information from their friends and family. I must confess that sometimes my communication with other units and with my superiors turned out to be poems as well. But it was still a surprise to be asked by the Director-General of Translation to write a poem to celebrate the work of those European Commission staff being honoured on the completion of 20 years’ service to the European ideal.” When we asked Niall about his background, it turned out that translation was only one of a number of occupa-
culture
Reproducing the 80’s
The Best Resale Renovations for Your Home
Aside from the kitchen, the bathrooms are another make-or-break area when it comes to selling a home. However, you do not have to tear everything out and start from scratch when it comes to bathroom renovations. Sometimes, a new fixture, mirror, or shower head can go a long way in selling a home. For the walls, consider repainting to breathe new life into the space and adding architectural detail to further spice things up. Flooring: Keep it Neutral and Real The floors of your home can make a significant impact on the buyer’s decision to purchase. For today’s market, consider installing real wood floors over laminate. Although the installation process can get expensive, wood floors will definitely add value to your home as well as improve the overall look. However, keep in mind for more n ews click o the color schemes of your n http://cre tepost.gr home when choosing the right flooring, especially carpet. For best practices, choose a neutral color that is less likely to clash with pieces of furniture.
Landscaping: First Impressions Are Worth the Cost The outside of the home is perhaps one of the easiest places to invest, but is often the most overlooked. The good thing about giving your front yard curb appeal is the flexibility. With little investment, you can dramatically improve the look of your yard by pruning trees and hedges, adding some colorful plants, or installing a simple walkway. It really depends on the needs of your yard. Remember, the outside of the home is the first thing that potential buyers see, so
making a good impression is key. Kitchen: Think Workflow, not Appliances Undoubtedly, the kitchen is the most important room in your home. In fact, the best place to invest your money is in the kitchen. However, instead of planning on simply upgrading every appliance, take a good look at how the space is utilized. Does the space simply need more floor room? Is your dishwasher too far away from your sink? The key thing to keep in mind with the kitchen is work flow. You want an open space that gives you the ability to work freely and without hassle. Worry about adding upgraded appliances later. Lighting: The Brighter the Light, the Bigger the Room Appears Brightening up your home will give it an instant appeal. Not only will lights brighten up spaces and make them appear larger, but they can also help
save in energy costs in the long run. The great thing about lighting is all the options that are currently on the market, from dimmers and smart LEDs to sun tubes. The general rule of thumb is that too much light is better than not enough, so do not be afraid to add where needed. Furnace Upgrades: Take Advantage of Government Rebates By upgrading the furnace, you can reap both comfort and resale benefits at the same time. Furthermore, you can also receive government energy savings and rebates, depending on the type of furnace installed. That being said, only upgrade the furnace if it absolutely needs it or if you plan on staying in the home for a minimum of five years. Anything under five years and you might not get that money back when you go to sell. Bathrooms: Small Touches Make a Huge Difference
Plumbing: Easier now Than Ever Plumbing is actually a critical piece in assessing the value of your home. If your home is older and in desperate need of new piping, then you will definitely get your investment back by replacing all the plumbing. Luckily, the process of re-piping has gotten a lot easier in modern times and does not usually mean tearing out the walls to install the pipes. doityourself.com
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it comes to home renovations, choosing where to invest can be a challenging process. After all, some renovations will only benefit you in the short run, while others can actually help sell your home faster. For those looking for direction on where to invest, here is a list of the best resale renovations for today’s market.
do it yourself
When
Basement and Attic: Finished Space Equals More Equity If you have unfinished sections of your home, such as a basement or attic, consider finishing it before selling. While the upfront costs are great, a finished space adds square footage to your home, which translates to more equity. The only thing to keep in mind are following correct building codes and knowing what constitutes livable space where you live. The flip side of this notion is that some buyers might not be willing to pay more for a finished basement, and therefore the cost of finishing may not always bring a return on your investment.
Prepare Your Dog for Holiday Boarding
Get familiar with... Mesembryanthenum
If you will be boarding your dog
Mesembryanthemum
(meaning “midday flowering”) is a genus of flowering plants indigenous to southern Africa. Many species formerly placed herein, such as Dorotheanthus bellidiformis, Carpobrotus and Sceletium have since been moved into other genera. Fig marigold or icicle plant is a name for any of several South African taxa of Mesembryanthemum which are cultivated as ornamental plants for their showy pink or white flowers. “Pebble plant” or “Ice plant” are other, but rather ambiguous, common names, usually referring to other Aizoaceae. In Afrikaans, “Mesembryanthemums” are known as ‘vygies’, al-
during the holidays, now is the time to plan for your pet’s healthy, happy stay. Create a dog-boarding checklist, to avoid last-minute hassles and worries about your pet’s health.
though this term also refers to many plants in the family Aizoaceae. Mesembryanthemum is a member of the family Aizoaceae; like many members of this family, it is characterized by long-lasting flower heads. Flowers of Mesembryanthemum protect their gametes from nighttime dews or frosts but open in sunlight. There is an obvious evolutionary
advantage to doing this; where sun, dew, frost, wind or predators are likely to damage exposed reproductive organs, closing may be advantageous during times when flowers are unlikely to attract pollinators. Ornamental Mesembryanthemum may escape into the wild and consequently has become widely naturalized outside their native range. They are considered an invasive
THIS IS THE MONTH OF... MESEMBRYANTHENUM!!! amount. • Keep up with flea prevention Almost every facility will require you to treat your dog with a monthly flea preventive. Schedule a treatment just before your dog checks in to the kennel, recommends Greg Martinez, DVM. Questions to Ask Steer clear of boarding facilities that don’t offer direct, fully explained answers to all your questions. Here’s what to know: •
Can your dog eat its usual food? Dogs may have touchy digestive systems, says Dr. Martinez. Your dog will likely fare better if it can follow its usual diet, so when possible, carefully label its food before boarding. • What treats are given? A facility might serve your dog its
usual food but offer unfamiliar treats. Often, treats contain more gluten and byproducts than commercial foods, and some dogs have trouble digesting the goodies, notes Dr. Martinez. • How will the facility handle health issues? Ask if the kennel has a relationship with a veterinarian or if veterinary technicians are on staff. Share the Right Information Your dog is more likely to enjoy a safe, healthy stay if you also keep the boarding facility well informed. Let the kennel know the following: • Special needs If your dog is prone to anxiety, aggression or other issues, let the kennel know well in advance. Booking early can ensure that your dog receives the right boarding space, says Campbell. • Your contact info
Share your emergency contact number, along with a local number for someone not traveling with you. Provide contact information for your pet’s veterinarian. • Any allergies Provide a list of your dog’s potential allergens along with its other known health information. • Your dog If your dog hasn’t boarded in a while, Boyer and Campbell recommend a half day or so of doggie day care in the facility. Reintroducing your pup to the facility will ease stresses during the actual boarding stay. As you’re shopping, packing and otherwise planning for your own holiday trip, following this checklist may seem like a daunting task. But keep in mind why you’re taking these steps: “It’s about the safety and health of your dog”. The Dog Daily
only 3,90 € from 5,90 €
EXCLUSIVE OFFER ONLY FOR “EN KIPO” SHOP IN PLAKA, APOKORONAS AND ONLY FOR THIS MONTH
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pets & vets
The Before-boarding Checklist Take these precautions before you board your pup: • Update vaccinations “Make sure all vaccinations are current at least a week to 10 days before boarding your dog,” says Sherry Boyer, owner of the Dog House Inn. Dogs occasionally show symptoms of canine cough or bordatella from the vaccine, and a boarding facility won’t be able to tell the difference between shot-related symptoms and the real illness, explains Boyer. • Check requirements Call the boarding facility to inquire what its vaccination requirements are. Bring proof of the vaccinations with you when you arrive at the facility. Some places also require a clean fecal relick on t.gr c s w re ne epos for mo ttp://cret port as proof that your dog h doesn’t have worms. • Visit your veterinarian Even if a facility doesn’t require a veterinarian’s clearance, it’s a good idea to schedule a checkup for your dog within 30 days of its stay, especially if your dog has chronic ailments or is elderly. • Double-check medication supplies Ensure medication supplies are adequate for the stay and bring the prescription in its original container. It’s extremely important that if for any reason your dog has a reaction, or another dog ingests the medication, the staff knows exactly what the prescription is as well as the dosage
plants and gardening
by Giannis Venetakis Zoo Technician
weed in certain places. Some species are thought to be hallucinogenic plants like related Aizoaceae and as such may be subject to legal restrictions (e.g. Louisiana State Act 159). Jacob Breyne coined the name of the flower in 1684, using the spelling Mesembrianthemum, from the Greek roots μεσημβρία, meaning “noon”, and άνθεμον, meaning “flower”, because the species known at his time flowered at midday. In 1719, on the discovery that some species flowered at night, Johann Jacob Dillenius changed the spelling to “Mesembryanthemum” rederiving the first part of the word from Greek μεσος (“middle”) and έμβρυον (“rudimentary fruit” or “embryo”).
Crete
Telegraph: Greek island holidays to make you a better cook
Why Greece’s largest island is a healthy holiday destination
Telegraph includes Greek islands
Sfakiani pita with quince jam and pine nuts and goat’s cheese pies with thyme honey at Grecotel’s organic Agreco Farm, near the seaside resort of Rethymnon. Here at the 40-hectare estate, Grecotel guests are invited to become a farmer for the day, while holidaymakers can pop into the taverna and enjoy traditional Cretan food served in a glorious hillside setting. Cretans linger for hours over freshly-cooked meals, lunch often extending into dinner. One day, I spend eight hours around the table (though not in one sitting). It’s a way of life that is starting to change as youngsters move away from villages to faster-paced towns and cities — though not if restaurateur Magganas Panagiotis has his way. He opened Peskesi restaurant close to the centre of Heraklion Old Town two years ago to promote the Cretan diet and its health benefits. He is passionate about Cretan cuisine, his enthusiasm spilling over like the small glasses of rosé raki he pours liberally from a cut-glass decanter after our meal. When I visit on a Tuesday night, the converted manor house is buzzing with lively chatter. “Our cuisine is exclusively based on traditional recipes, on pure ingredients and on the principles of authentic Cretan cuisine,” he says proudly. “A cuisine with a great tradition in taste, aromas and ingredients which began in prehistoric times. Many young peo-
ple here in Crete eat too much meat and not enough vegetables. They have forgotten about Cretan cuisine and I am trying here to revive this treasure.” The restaurant’s fruit and vegetables are grown on the 60-acre organic farm Panagiotis owns in Haraso, Hersonissos. They include native varieties such as manarolia (grass peas) and psares (a curly vegetable similar to lettuce, with a vinegary taste), which have almost disappeared from the island. Harvesting is carried out by hand to preserve the quality of the product. Free-range animals and poultry are raised on organic feed. “We use traditional techniques and avoid using chemical fertilisers and pesticides to ensure we produce healthy and safe crops that have real nutritional value and do not pollute the environment,” explains Magganas. Before opening the restaurant, he spent 10 years scouring the island’s villages and Minoan texts for traditional recipes and cooking methods, which he replicates creatively. He shows me a drawing of the spit-roasting technique depicted on a fresco at the Palace of Knossos, which he has adapted to cook kandavlos — pork souvlaki marinated with wine, olive oil and wheat which, when it arrives at our table, sizzles and sings. Kreokakavos (pork roasted with honey and thyme and served with legume purée) has
been taken from the world’s oldest cookbook, the Greek classic Deipnosophistae, written in the 3rd-century AD by Athenaeus. Freshly-picked artichoke leaves taste of early-morning dew; fried courgette flowers stuffed with creamy Cretan cheese melt in the mouth; marinated tenderloin gently infusing over smouldering sage and thyme perfumes the air. Wild herbs such as purslane add a lemony zing to salad, as well as providing omega 3, vitamin B and C. It’s also a great detox for the digestive system, I am told. Several of the villagers’ dishes feature on the menu, such as Mrs Katerina’s spiny chicory casserole and Mrs Popi’s omelette with karolades (onion flowers). I try earthy-tasting snails, or chochlios — a popular Cretan delicacy fried in flour and olive oil and doused with wine — and goat stew before moving on to Cretan pie filled with creamy cheese and honey, then gastrin, a Minoan pastry topped with dried nuts, sesame and poppy seeds, honey and grape syrup. A selection of herbal teas rounds off this sumptuous meal, including karteraki, which contains a mixture of Cretan mountain herbs and tastes like camomile. Thankfully, after such a feast, it is also an excellent aid for digestion. Evening Standard
in its “10 holidays to make you a better cook” guide noting the following: The Greek island of Poros is every bit as lovely as the set of Mamma Mia, but it’s less than an hour from the heart of Athens and a mere three-minute boat ride to the Peloponesse. Based at the Odyssey Apartments, chef Katarina gives classes with a focus on the classics like Moussaka, meze or seasonal cooking. You can join just one or opt for a week-long course including four lessons and excursions to Hydra Island, the historical town of Poros and local food markets.How to visit: A week’s Greek Cooking Course by Odyssey Apartments Poros costs from €990; not including flights to Athens. Greek Island Activities (01546 603852; greekislandactivities.com). The British newspaper notes that “a walk around a food market is on most people’s holiday hit list. Bustling, colourful, and a chance to glimpse everyday life in your chosen destination: no surprises they are so popular with tourists. But without a guide, it’s easy to miss the good bits, especially if you aren’t fluent in the local language. What are those bundles of herbs for? Why are there three different piles of
avocadoes? And how on earth do you use those strange shaped fruits? The same is true in restaurants and on streetfood stalls – without inside knowledge on what to order, you could go away without the real flavour of the place. The answer? A cookery holiday. Whether you go for a full timetable of classes or just an afternoon, it’s a brilliant way to get the inside track on an area, meet the locals (you can bet your life those stallholders have some tales to tell)
and come away feeling crammed with new information and inspiration.And even if cooking on vacation sounds like a busman’s holiday, don’t dismiss it. You won’t be doing any clearing up, dishwashing is someone else’s job and the pace is generally pretty gentle. All the fun and none of the dreary bits: that sounds like a perfect holiday. “Telegraph includes the following proposals in its “10 holidays to make you a better cook” articel:
1. Noodles, dumplings and P e king duck with the Queen of for more new s click on Chinese Cuisine http://cre tepost.gr 2. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City 3. Gastronomic Japan with Tim Anderson 4. Urban adventures in Rio and beyond 5. Going for Goa 6. Greek Island cooking 7. The Leopard’s kitchen 8. Cooking afloat 9. French cuisine with a master 10. Mexican markets and more
Three Cretan olive oils awarded in NYIOOC Three olive oils from Sitia, Lassithi
were awarded in the New York International Olive Oil Competition. More than 820 olive oils from 26 countries participated in NYIOOC 2016. Italy won 109 awards, Spain 78 and the United States 50. The three awarded Cretan olive oils are: • GAEA Sitia (Golden Award. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Koroneiki) • MANNY’S (Silver Award. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Koroneiki)
•
Chrisopigi PDO Sitia Kritis (Special Award. Koroneiki) The New York International Olive Oil Competition is the largest, and most publicized olive oil quality competition in the world. More than 800 entries from 25 countries are judged by an international panel of experts. The winning olive oils are coveted by chefs, food buyers and discerning consumers everywhere who value extra virgin olive oils of the very highest quality.
Traditional Cretan Recipes XINOCHONTROS (SOUR THICK FRUMENTY) INGREDIENTS • ½ - 1 water glass oil • 1 kg cracked wheat • 3 lt milk • A little salt PREPARATION Clean the husks from the wheat, grind it in a hand mill and sift through a fine sieve (traditional ‘knisara’) to separate the flour. Boil and strain the milk, and leave for four days or more, depending on the weather, until it turns sour, adding salt and stirring from time to time. Put the sour milk on to the heat and when it begins to boil, add the wheat. Stir continuously until cooked, adding the oil while it simmers. Take off
the heat, and leave for 8-10 hours to fully absorb the liquid. It can be eaten fresh, but the larger portion is usually crumbled into small pieces, and spread out on a clean cloth in the sun. It should be turned over occasionally until it dries completely. It should be kept in a clean dry container, so that no moisture is absorbed. It is generally used as a substitute or supplement for rice in soups, stuffed vegetables and other dishes.
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ripe tomatoes that taste of the sun’s life-giving rays, salty sea urchins that taste of the sea … Greece’s largest island and one of its most southerly is celebrated for its spectacular beaches, mountains and Venetian-era architecture but its fertile plains and bountiful seas are also replete with succulent olives, tender octopus, squid and grouper and vegetables that are both fresh and full of flavour. The Cretan diet is all about eating everything this Mediterranean island’s rich soil produces — organic vegetables and fruit packed full of nutrients, as well as liberal quantities of olive oil, wheat, herbs and very little meat. It’s one of the healthiest diets in the world, according to a Seven Countries Study conn click o st.gr s ducted from 1958 to 1999 w e re n epo for mo ttp://cret by Dr Ancel Keys, which h revealed that Cretans have very low levels of heart disease and cancer and high life expectancy. It’s also one of the oldest, dating back to the Minoan era of 1400-1700 BC. Herbs and plants in use today have been found on murals and icons at the Bronze-age Knossos Palace near Heraklion, the island’s capital, along with huge jars for storing olive oil. At 35 litres per person per year, Cretan olive oil consumption is the highest in the world. Many families own olive trees that not only meet their daily needs but provide a supplementary income. The island has 40 million olive trees — that’s an average of 70 trees per person. Olive tree cultivation is believed to have been pioneered 5,000 years ago by the Cretan Minoans who used the oil in their diet, as a cleanser, a scent and ointment. The high quality crop is attributed to the island’s alluvial soil and climate — hot dry summers, cool autumns and rainy winters. Around 85 per cent of the olive oil produced here is extra virgin. Today wild, aromatic herbs and plants are used to flavour meals and locally-produced honey and grape-juice syrup as sweeteners — processed sugars do not feature. Pure, seasonal ingredients form the basis of simple recipes with minimal processing; the result is not only delicious but life-enhancing, too. During my week in Crete I dine like a Minoan queen and learn some of the secrets of the cuisine at the Aldemar Royal Mare Hotel in Hersonissos. With head chef George Chatzopoulos’s patient assistance, I produce a delicious aubergine salad and Cretan kritharada (prawn stew with truffle oil and orzo pasta). Thereafter, dish after dish of Cretan delicacies delight my taste buds; tender, sweet octopus and barbecued grouper at the Grecotel Amirandes hotel in Gouves, east of Heraklion; an exquisite sweet orange pie made with filo pastry (portokalopita) at the five-star Daios Cove Hotel in Agios Nikolaos, on the north-east coast;
food & wine
Sweet,
question about exercise is: How little can I get away with? The answer, according to a sophisticated new study of interval training, may be very, very by Miltiades Markatos Pneumonologist little. In this new experiment, in fact, 60 seconds of strenuous exertion proved to be as successful at improving health and fitness as three-quarters of an hour of moderate exercise. One minute of arduous exercise was comparable in its physiological effects to 45 minutes of gentler sweating. There is a growing evidence supporting the potential benefits of high-intensity interval training, a type of workout that consists of an extremely draining but brief burst of exercise — essentially, a sprint — followed by light exercise such as jogging or resting, then another sprint, more rest, and so on. Athletes rely on intervals to improve their speed and power, but generally as part of a broader, weekly training program that also includes prolonged, less-intense workouts, such as long runs. on s click ost.gr w e But in the past few years, n e r ep for mo ttp://cret exercise scientists have beh come intrigued by the idea of exercising exclusively with intervals, ditching long workouts altogether. The allure of this approach is obvious. Interval sessions can be short, making them a boon for anyone who feels that he or she never has enough time to exercise.
There is a number of different interval programs, involving anywhere from 10 minutes of exhausting intervals in a single session to seven minutes, six, four and even fewer. Each program had scientific backing. But because of time and funding constraints, most studies of interval training have had limits, such as not including a control group, being of short duration or studying only health or fitness results, not both. Consequently, fundamental questions have remained unanswered about just how well these very short, very intense workouts really stack up against traditional, endurance-style training. So scientists at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, who had themselves conducted many of those earlier studies of interval training, decided recently to mount probably the most scientifically rigorous comparison to date of super-short and more-standard workouts. They began by recruiting 25 out-ofshape young men and measuring their current aerobic fitness and, as a marker of general health, their body’s ability to use insulin properly to regulate blood sugar levels. The scientists also biopsied the men’s muscles to examine how well their muscles functioned at a cellular level. Then the researchers randomly divided the men into three groups. (The scientists plan to study women in subsequent experiments.) One group was asked to change nothing about their current,
virtually non-existent exercise routines; they would be the controls. A second group began a typical endurance-workout routine, consisting of riding at a moderate pace on a stationary bicycle at the lab for 45 minutes, with a two-minute warm-up and three-minute cool down. The final group was assigned to interval training, using the most abbreviated workout yet to have shown benefits. Specifically, the volunteers warmed up for two minutes on stationary bicycles, then pedalled as hard as possible for 20 seconds; rode at a very slow pace for two minutes, sprinted all-out again for 20 seconds; recovered with slow riding for another two minutes; pedalled all-out for a final 20 seconds; then cooled down for three minutes. The entire workout lasted 10 minutes, with only one minute of that time being strenuous. Both groups of exercising volunteers completed three sessions each week for 12 weeks, a period of time that is about twice as long as in most past studies of interval training. By the end of the study, published in PLOS One, the endurance group had ridden for 27 hours, while the interval group had ridden for six hours, with only 36 minutes of that time being strenuous. But when the scientists retested the men’s aerobic fitness, muscles and blood-sugar control now, they found that the exercisers showed virtually identical gains, whether they had com-
pleted the long endurance workouts or the short, gruelling intervals. In both groups, endurance had increased by nearly 20 percent, insulin resistance likewise had improved significantly, and there were significant increases in the number and function of certain microscopic structures in the men’s muscles that are related to energy production and oxygen consumption. There were no changes in health or fitness evident in the control group. The upshot of these results is that three months of concerted endurance or interval exercise can notably — and almost identically — improve someone’s fitness and health. Neither approach to exercise was, however, superior to the other, except that one was shorter — much, much shorter. Is that reason enough for people who currently exercise moderately or not at all to begin interval training as their only workout? “It depends on who you are and why you exercise,” said Martin Gibala, a professor of kinesiology at McMaster University who oversaw the new study. “If you are an elite athlete, then obviously incorporating both endurance and interval training into an overall program maximizes performance. But if you are someone, like me, who just wants to boost health and fitness and you don’t have 45 minutes or an hour to work out, our data show that you can get big benefits from even a single minute of intense exercise.”
Cancer incidents and deaths on the increase in Crete A study by the centre for mon-
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itoring and recording cancer incidents found that there is a worrying increase in the number of cancer cases in Crete. The number of cancer deaths has also increased in the study period, between 1992 and 2013. According to the researchers, B Georgoula, H Lioni and D Mavroudi new cases in Crete increased from 448.7 to 574.2/100,000 / year for men, while the number of new cancers in women increased from 408.2 to 514.1
/100,000 year. There was a corresponding increase in the number of deaths. For men the numbers of cancer related deaths increased from 189.2 /100,000/ year in 1992 to 201.5 /100,000 /year in 2013. For women the numbers of dearths during the same period rose from 98 to 124.6/ 100,000. The greatest numbers of new cancer cases were recorded in the municipalities of Heraklion, Hersonisos, Rethymnon and Chania.
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
The Greek basketball legend, Nick Galis, visited Chania He was photographed with his friends and signed autographs, in the Italian Factory Outlet at Kladissos
He is a true legend, he is the man
who changed everything in sports in Greece, he is Nick Galis and he visited Chania. The legendary basketball player signed autographs and he was photographed with his friends in the Italian Factory Outlet at Kladissos.
Who is Nick Galis Nikolaos Georgalis, commonly known as either Nikos Galis, or Nick Galis (born July 23, 1957), is a retired Greek professional basketball player. He was named one of FIBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 1991, is an inaugural member of the FIBA Hall of Fame and was chosen as one of the 50 Greatest Euroleague Contributors on February 3, 2008. Galis is widely regarded as Europe’s greatest scorer ever to play the game, as well as one of the all-time greatest players in FIBA international basketball history. Galis played the point guard position during his college years at Seton Hall University, but turned into a
shooting guard as a professional. He spent most of his career in Aris, before having a late stint with Panathinaikos. He is the Euroleague’s all-time leader in both career points scored and points per game (counting both FIBA Europe and Euroleague Basketball Company era games), leading the competition in scoring eight times. In the premier European club scene, he reached the Euroleague Final Four on four occasions, three consecutive ones with Aris (1988– 90), and another one with Panathinaikos (1994). An eight-time Greek league champion, Galis is the league’s all-time leading scorer in both career points scored and career scoring average. Galis led the Greek national team to a EuroBasket gold medal in 1987, as well as to a EuroBasket silver medal in 1989, earning the tournament MVP honor in 1987, and being elected to the All-EuroBasket Team four times. Among his myriad accomplishments, he holds the EuroBas-
ket record for highest career scoring average (31.2 points per game), and was the leading scorer of four EuroBasket tournaments in 1983, 1987,1989 and 1991. In addition to that, he holds the FIBA World Cup record for highest career scoring average (33.5 points per game), as well as for most points ever scored in a single tournament, which he set at the 1986 FIBA World Cup. Following the stunning success of the EuroBasket title in 1987, he won the Mr. Europa Player of the Year and the Euroscar awards the same year. Nicknamed “Iron Man”, “Nick The Greek” and “The Gangster”, Galis is highly revered in Greece, where he is considered by many to be the greatest national athlete the country has ever seen. His years at Aris lifted Greek basketball from relative obscurity to global power status, Galis being the figure that eventually inspired thousands of Greeks to take up the game.
It has been noted that Galis was not
only a legendary scorer, but was also a great play maker and passer. The majority of his points scored came inside the paint due to his penetrating ability. Galis’ midrange jumper was one of his biggest offensive weapons, being able to consistently pull it off under pressure. His post game was excellent as he used his strength and leaping ability to counter his lack of height. Another enormous competitive advantage that Galis possessed fo r more new s click on was his incredible stamina, http://cre tepost.gr which was due to his exemplary physical condition. This led to his being given the nickname of “Iron Man”. At the EuroBasket 1987, he was never once substituted out of any game after the second day of the competition, completing 7 games in 9 days. As a token of appreciation for his contribution to Greek sport, Galis was chosen to be the first torch bearer in the final round of the Olympic Flame for the Athens 2004 Olympics. In September 2007, Nikos Galis was elected as a member of the first class of the FIBA Hall of Fame, which includes the best basketball players in the history of the game internationally. In May 2013, Aris renamed their stadium the Nikos Galis Arena and organized a celebration of Galis’s life and career, attended by many of his teammates and opponents from the 1980s and 1990s. Attendees included Greek legends such as the majority of the 1987 Eurobasket winning team as well as international stars who played against Galis, such as Dino Radja, Jordi Villacampa, and Doron Jamsy.
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For many of us, the most pressing
sports & leisure
Minute of All-Out Exercise May Have Benefits of 45 Minutes of Moderate Exertion