December 2013 - Wednesday 11th - Today a big chill is forecast to fall over all of Greece, with snow reaching down south, although the Ionian part of the weather map, doesn't seem to have any snow falls showing. On the wilder side of Greece, strong winds and heavy rainfalls, here on the Ionian side, I guess we'll soon see.
There seems to have been another delay with the larger Eptanisos ferry, which was supposed to start it's route in a week. All I know, it's not starting yet. Another wait ahead.
Thursday 12th - What a perfect winter day today. Sun shining, warmth, water glistening... We're having a closer look at Polis beach and bay, quite different to what you see during summer. The umbrella's are folded up and stored away, and in their place are the boats, on shore for the winter season.
The weather forecasts have been forwarning cold and heavy weather, but from the blue skies today, the forecast feels like a fairytale. apparently, snow falls as low as 700m have been predicted. The mountains deep into the western mainland have a little snow, but nothing nearby Ithaki so far.
Friday 13th - With temperatures getting colder daily, it's going to be a shock for all those who live in all electric homes on the island this Sunday, when the power will be out from 8am - 1.30pm. Apparently more maintenance work being done. I doubt if it's maintenance for northern Ithacans, who seem to be suffering power-outs even when there's a hint of rain or not, or a small gust of wind. Over the past couple of years, power-outs have become the norm. I know I complain about this alot, but if this area is under-powered, then surely there should be some deductions in the ever increasing electricity payments. Would you pay the baker for a loaf of bread that's made of air? No, you wouldn't pay for anything that isn't what it's supposed to be, but yet, we pay the same for lines that don't work as those who pay for lines that do work. Not only is it inconvenient, but also dangerous for the elderly who have to suddenly stumble around in the dark without notice. It's only luck that there haven't been injuries thus far. Then there's the loss of work, because when the power goes out, nothing works, no phone lines, no petrol stations, no water pumps etc etc. If there is going to be maintenance work being done, which by all standards is a reasonable thing for the company to do, surely they could have done it during warmer months ie: October, November. If it wasn't for facebook, we wouldn't even know that the power will be out on Sunday, and at least this time (a very rare occurence) we have some notice. Seeing I'm filling in space here because I don't have enough photos to fill this column, I would also like to complain a little about the guy who answers, or as the case is many times, doesn't answer the phone for the electric company. Rude, arrogant and unhelpful. If he doesn't want to talk to you, he just hangs up on you.
The silver lining for us here however is that the linesmen on Ithaca are quick to respond and always do there best. If it's within their power they get us back on line quickly, no matter how bad the weather or how late the call.
(A little note from me: Please don't complain that I'm complaining. My few complaints will not wreck tourism. It's unrealistic to think that paradise doesn't have a few prickles.)
Left - More works laying pipes going on outside the old Gallery in Vathy.
Below - The Vathy square is almost empty at this time of year, when locals have either left for the city, are at home being warm or out in their olive groves burning off.
Left - Ithacan elves putting up these colourful little cottages in the Vathy square around the Christmas tree. What a bright focus on the following grey days through winter.
Cloud was increasing as the day progressed, slowly diminishing the blue skies we've had over this past week.
Below - One of the bakeries in Vathy has the christmas decorations inviting in their customers. All looking very festive.
Below - Fishing off the promenade along Vathy bayside is still a very popular thing to do.
Winter on Ithaca means everything is green and lush. Some areas even have lawn, something visitors to the island never see during the high season.
It's confirmed that the Eptanisos ferry which would again connect Ithaca to Patras, has been delayed. Apparently it's maintenance has not been completed.
Sunday 15th - No electricity from 8am until 1.30pm today. This usually means the house phones and adsl aren't working either, so if you're trying to get in touch with someone on Ithaki, best ring the mobile/cell today. Personally, I'm staying up late and sleeping through the powercut.
Left, Above and below - A look around Pilakata, the location of one of the oldest settlements on ithaca.
Left - A little concreting work going on at the Frikes pier. Rementzo restaurant also appears to be getting a new roof. The motto? Lay concrete while the sun shines.
Monday 16th - Another mostly fine day. All that bad weather forecast for this past week, didn't eventuate, instead we've had many blue sky days with warm sunshine to enjoy.
Between Stavros and Lefki, you'll find some of the most beautiful, but rugged terrain. The cracks in the world are most obvious right around here with rock-face mountain sides diving into the sea and towering, layer by layer, high into the sky from the dirt road. Precariously pitched boulders, looking ready to tumble at the first sign of tremor, yet holding tight through all the tremors this area has vibrated through over the centuries.
As the dirt road nears the Polis and Stavros boundary, the landscape begins to tame.
Sunday 22nd - Can you believe it's actually this time of year again. How quickly 2013 whizzed through to only a little over one week to 2014.
We've been fortunate to have had some wonderfully sunny and pleasant weather over the past couple of weeks, a present to make up for the awful November we endured.
When you only come to Ithaca in summer, you would never believe that there is lawn and lush green grass growing all over the roadsides, mountainsides and valleys. Ithaca turns into a green wonderland.
It's time to have a little look around the back of Lefki, the village with the best daylight warm on the island. It also has some magnificent sunsets.
For those lucky enough to reside in Lefki, are presented with beautiful views across the Kefalonia Strait.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas if you celebrate it or Happy Holidays. Have a safe and wonderful time with your family and friends. Thank you all for supporting ithacagreece.com for another year. Next year will be our 11th.
Send an e-Thiaki Postcard
A Collection of ithacagreece.com photographs
made into virtual postcards for you to send
to your friends and loved ones.
Nothing can replace a real postcard
but this is a good second place when you
want the card to arrive before you do.
ithacagreece.com Mobile/Cellphone App
ithacagreece.com now has an app for your
mobile/cell phone. Covering many
platforms. To download through your
Mob/Cell Click on Icon Above.
Send an e-Thiaki Postcard
A Collection of ithacagreece.com photographs
made into virtual postcards for you to send
to your friends and loved ones.
Nothing can replace a real postcard
but this is a good second place when you
want the card to arrive before you do.
ithacagreece.com Mobile/Cellphone App
ithacagreece.com now has an app for your
mobile/cell phone. Covering many
platforms. To download through your
Mob/Cell Click on Icon Above.
Send an e-Thiaki Postcard
A Collection of ithacagreece.com photographs
made into virtual postcards for you to send
to your friends and loved ones.
Nothing can replace a real postcard
but this is a good second place when you
want the card to arrive before you do.
ithacagreece.com Mobile/Cellphone App
ithacagreece.com now has an app for your
mobile/cell phone. Covering many
platforms. To download through your
Mob/Cell Click on Icon Above.
Send an e-Thiaki Postcard
A Collection of ithacagreece.com photographs
made into virtual postcards for you to send
to your friends and loved ones.
Nothing can replace a real postcard
but this is a good second place when you
want the card to arrive before you do.
ithacagreece.com Mobile/Cellphone App
ithacagreece.com now has an app for your
mobile/cell phone. Covering many
platforms. To download through your
Mob/Cell Click on Icon Above.
