Calypso

Paleochora Christmas Quiz

2011-12-07T14:47:00.000+02:00

Yes...it's that time of year already. Bob has been busy putting together a quiz which is guaranteed to elevate your mind and will take the yearly quiz to new heights.

Who will be at the top, be above all others and win the prize?

Who will make head or tail of this....?

To find out what you have to do, head over to Explore! and sharpen your pencil.

Click here to go to the quiz

PS. There is a prize in it for the winner!

Xfactor Semi Final. Some musings...

2011-12-06T09:25:00.000+02:00

You know that you are in the final stages of XFactor when the contestants blow the ‘stars’ off the stage.

The other day we were ‘treated’ to a completely underwhelming Justin Beiber and the XFactor judge who looks like a cross between a horse and Lionel Ritchie in drag. Bieber was unconvincing as a pop star and looked a little bit lost on the stage, rather like he had wondered off YouTube and couldn’t figure out why all those people were in front of him. The horse lady just gasped and sweated her way through some impenetrable hardcore dance number which seemed to have no start, middle 8 or ending to speak of. They were both totally weak and the losing contestant sang them off the stage.

Next week we are at the XFactor final and the mega-star act is…Coldplay. Nice accolade for them to be up the pecking order above GaGa and Bieber – and justifiably so. It does show, however, how one-dimensional XFactor is. Why are there no real bands on the show at all…you know…who play instruments…a bit like, eh, Coldplay?. It seems to be limited to just vocalists and probably the weakest area are the ‘groups’ who every year seem to be identikit boy/girl vocal groups. Even a mixed-sex vocal group would be refreshing. Sorry it is dull, dull, dull. Anyway, I am rooting for Marcus and Amelia-Lily. Send the Spice Girl Wannabies home.

Boys Trip To Agios Pavlos Beach

2011-06-17T23:24:00.000+03:00

When my wife, Jenny, couldn’t get the time off work, our proposed family trip to Agios Pavlos beach turned into a boy’s only trip. Yes, I was to take my two 9 year old sons on our first ‘male bonding’ camping expedition. A daunting prospect indeed. Especially as I would be having to carry what would have been in Jenny’s pack.

Read the rest of this article HERE

A Fabulous Morning in The Mountains!

2011-04-11T18:45:00.001+03:00

I want to thank the local council for putting on a fantastic event which made perfect sense and was heavily supported and attended by local people.

It was the tenth organized walk to promote health and, in particular, looking after your heart.

Greece is becoming a nation of fatties and the benefits of healthy eating, not smoking and regular exercise are all too often either not understood or simply ignored. So anything that promotes the opposite is welcome. Doubly so when it is the local authority throwing it's weight behind it (if you forgive the pun).

We made our way to Kandanos where we were ferried by free buses to the start of the walk. It was an interesting route which followed what used to be the old road to Hania. In fact the first part of the walk was the same route as one of the Explore articles by Bob Tait on The Paleochora Site.

We passed the point where the townsfolk of Kandanos held off the German motorcycle division in 1941 triggering awful reprisals on the town. Eventually after a 7 kilometre gentle hike, we were back down in Kandanos where there was quite a party atmosphere. Free 'Fruit Souvlakis' were being handed out and certificates to say that we had survived the (gentle) walk. We were then treated to some live aerobics with many of the youngsters joining in on the town square.

The weather was perfect, the atmosphere was perfect, the walk was perfect. I, for one, can't wait until next year.

Did I make the right call?

2011-02-22T18:12:00.001+02:00

Just got back from a trip to England and an interesting thing happened to me in Heathrow Airport.

I found myself standing next to someone very famous.

Now, I am not a naturally star-struck kind of person. I have rubbed shoulders with a few semi-famous folk in the past and have never been either fazed or sycophantic.

However this happened to be a person whom I hold in very high regard. I would go as far as to say that, in my opinion he is perhaps the greatest living movie actor. One of his movies is in my top 5 movies of all time and there is at least one more in the top ten. A recent movie he starred in and – I think – produced had one of the most impressive opening sequences I have seen for ages and would dearly love to know how it was shot. I am told he makes a good fist of being one of the world’s greatest living stage actors too.

So. On one hand, I had the opportunity to thank the man for the pleasure, entertainment and enlightenment he has given me over the years. To basically add my “applause” verbally and in a very direct one-to-one way. On the other hand I could respect that fact that he wasn’t working, he was making his way through a busy airport and I could respect his anonymity and not needlessly bug him.

As he turned to face me I had to make a decision quickly.

I decided to respect his personal space and only gave a friendly good-morning-like nod which he returned as his eyes met mine.

Throughout the rest of the journey I started to think I made the wrong decision. I started to regret that I hadn’t given praise where it was due.

So did I do the right thing? What do you think?

My first WSO Product Launch

2011-01-15T14:05:00.000+02:00

I have put together a new product and I will launch it soon as a Warrior Special Offer (WSO) on The Warrior Forum.

Here is a video explaining a little about the product launch.

Here is where you can keep informed of the launch date so you don't miss a bargain.

Yes, Let me know launch details.

Enter you email to be told when the launch will take place

Men in Dresses

2010-12-23T14:33:00.001+02:00

If a man in your loacal neighbourhood decided to grow a beard and wear a dress every time he left the house, curtains would twitch and people would talk.

That is why I am amazed that I am the only one here who finds the sight of a Greek orthodox vicar's appearance bizarre, amusing and disturbing all at the same time.

There is a collective blindspot amongst the local population to the man who always wears a dress. Nobody comments or laughs. I really think that people do not notice. Would the same happen if I decided that from tomorrow that I would raid Jenny's wardrobe each morning? Is there some endorsement for cross-dressing I missed in my scant scripture studies at Sunday School?

I must say, however, in defence of the orthodox chappies, that it is quite far thinking of them to allow habitual dress wearers to hold meaningful office. The catholics will not allow anyone in a dress conducting their services.

Olga's Birthday Party - Paleochora 8/12/10

2010-12-16T10:04:00.000+02:00

Many readers will know Stephen & Olga. Here is a collection of photos from Olga's recent birthday party held in Pandelis restaurant, Paleochora.

A great night was had by all - evident from the photos i think,

Happy birthday, Olga, and thanks for a great night!

I find some cool things sometimes...

2010-11-28T17:53:00.001+02:00

After self-hosting loads of Wordpress blogs (Wordpress.org), I decided to start one up on the shared Wordpress platform (Wordpress.com) mainly for backlinking purposes.

I have always refrained from going there because, as with these Blogger blogs, you don't actually own your own blog. If you hvae some content or affiliate links on these shared blogs which 'they who must be obeyed' object to or if a competitor decides to call you a spammer to get you out of the way, Mr. Google or Mr. Wordpress can delete all of your work without a by-your-leave.

Anyway, the WP platform does have some SEO benefits for me providing I stay within their silly rules.

So, I set up a blog there and wanted a really flexible theme which would be good for RSS feeds. And I found the coolest of the cool. (The 'what am I doing right now' thingy over on the right is the rss feed from the blog).

Take a look at the developers' video. Its really is very good! http://p2theme.com/

So now when you come here and read a post, you will see recent status updates in the sidebar :)

All of Greece Gets an Election

2010-11-22T23:25:00.000+02:00

We just had Mayor and council elections here in Greece.

Bizarrely, the electoral process seems to have been modeled on the XFactor rules. Totally useless contestants are whittled away and sent home and the two more serious contenders have to come back the following week for a 'Mayoral sing-off'.

Problem is, Wagner keeps winning.

Is this the most tasteless ad you ever saw?

2010-11-07T16:51:00.001+02:00

You really have to hand it to the Greeks. Unfortunately, they excel at things like this. Full marks for having zero consideration.

End of Term atThe Anidri School House Cafe

2010-10-28T12:47:00.001+03:00

The season came to a close at the School House Kafeneon in Anidri last Sunday. Unlike a lot of boring restaurants and businesses in town, here it was celebrated with a wild party. :)

Here I am with most (but not quite all) of my workmates and my bosses at the party.

It was a great season and I felt part of a really good team. Although I am relieved to be having a break and enjoying not having to work at the moment, I will miss the place and the people in the winter.

Last Night at Anidri for 2010

2010-10-24T11:33:00.000+03:00

It's the last night of the season at the Anidri Cafe tonight so I wll soon be swelling the ranks of the unemployed a little further.

Looking forward to the rest and a bit of relaxation. Then...its getting jobs done on the house and work, work, work on the 'poota

I have Started the Dukan Diet!

2010-09-28T12:04:00.001+03:00

Enough, enough, enough of being a fat bastard! I have decided to draw a line in the sand and get myself back in shape at last.

Going through my wardrobe, I was highly concerned to see my 'Hopeful Section' growing ever fuller. This comprises of the trousers, shirts, Tshirts and jackets that I am 'hopeful of fitting into again'. So I figured something must be done!

John & Cricket were out in the summer and cricket looked fabulous. She had lost loads of excess weight but more than that, she looked really healthy. She told me about The Dukan Diet, where she never has to count calories, never goes hungry and will keep the weight of forever. Hmmm. Sounded good to me!

To cut a long story short, I bought the book and read it through to see if it was do-able for me. I started the diet yesterday and, the reason why I am writing here about it is to let you all know that you can follow along with my progress.

I set up a site with a personal blog detailing my experiences on this diet plan which is sweeping Europe. Check out the site and the blog here:

Dukan Diet

Read my experiences, comment there, encourage me if you want, you can even buy the book there too if you want to give it a whirl yourself too.

Cheap Flights to Chania? Don't think so!

2010-09-13T14:32:00.002+03:00

A little strong language...but all of it justified!

Time to Grab Some Freebies

2010-07-17T09:37:00.003+03:00

Here is a new site where you can claim free gift vouchers for all major sites and stores just by completing some market research or trial offers.

Marketing folk are always interested in how potential customers view their products and are interested in researching how people think about products and services. They are willing to reward those who provide this information. This site brings the two together and offers a great incentive.

Take a look at this video to see how easy it is:

Here is the link: Free Gift Vouchers

Watch Full Persons Unknown Season 1

2010-06-26T15:05:00.000+03:00

Spetsofai - Village Sausages with Onions, Peppers & Tomatoes

2010-05-22T12:42:00.000+03:00

So, what did I order for lunch at Anidri Cafe?

Well, it had to be a plate of Spetsofai with some fresh bread & a Mythos.

A recipe for this dish is now available on The Paleochora Site: Paleochora Cretan Recipes

Day Off!

2010-05-16T15:17:00.002+03:00

Whoopie! My first day off in 3 weeks! So what did I do so far? I went to work.

Well The boys & I walked up Anidri Gorge this morning, had luch at Anidri Cafeneon and then walked back down again.

Now we are relaxing a bit before going to meet Jenny at the end of her shift at the Beach Bar (and having an ouzo while waiting for her to finish)

Bliss.

Agia Irini Gorge: More Beatutiful Than Samaria?

2010-05-08T10:42:00.000+03:00

Well, thats a difficult question (and not one to ask up at Omalos). The Irini gorge is much shorter and less, how can we say, dramatic than its big neighbour but many argue that it has a greater sublime beauty.

This month, Bob Tait takes us down the gorge in his 'Explore!' article. Read it here

Work, work. work!

2010-04-29T12:02:00.000+03:00

So, the season has had a stuttering start here in Paleochora (the volcano in Iceland created a few problems) but there are people enjoying the weather and the countryside even if it's a little early for swimming.

Both Jenny & I have started summer jobs. I will be found in the evenings at The School House Cafeneon at Anidri and Jenny will be at the Jetee Beach Bar during the afternoons. Both of us will be stuck firmly in the kitchen so, ask if we are around.

Δεν δρεπισε λιγο?

2010-04-22T21:35:00.000+03:00

'The Greek government has said it wants to reduce the deficit to 5.6% of GDP in 2011, and 2.8% of GDP in 2012.
But spending cutbacks measures being introduced by Athens to restore its finances are being resisted.
On Thursday, tens of thousands of Greek civil servants staged a strike to protest against the austerity programme.
Protesters have been demonstrating in Athens, not far from where officials from the IMF and European Central Bank are meeting to determine the fine details of a financial rescue package for Greece. ' - BBC Online

All |I can say is:

Δεν δρεπισε λιγο;

Groovy New Sign

2010-04-20T11:13:00.001+03:00

I would imagine this was erected in order to distiguish it from the 'To-Martyred Municipality of Koundoura'

Something I just made about Paleochora

2010-04-19T00:49:00.001+03:00

I found a cool tool on Youtube and felt the need to play with it.....

A Link for Vampire Lovers

2010-04-16T18:31:00.000+03:00

It seems that many people are watching The Vampire Diaries. So here is a link for people for the latest episode which was aired in the States at about 1am UK time.

Its free to watch but you need to complete a quick market research survey before the site is 'unlocked'

This episode is #18

Here is the link:

Cycling + Crete = Total Exhaustion

2010-04-12T09:13:00.000+03:00

Fancy coming to beautiful, mountainous, warm Crete? Mmmm, sounds good, eh?

For a cycling holiday? Well, there are people who do just that and, during the autumn, winter & spring months, there are a few ex-pats who take to the saddle.

Regardless of what the weather is doing, it doesn't make those mountains any less steep so, for me, this is an activity best left to others of a more masochistic disposition.

Bob Tait details a couple of cycle rides around Paleochora in this months post on Bob's Blog on The Paleochora Site.

Read the full aricle here: Paleochora

Daily Sudoku Challenge is Launched!

2010-04-09T10:53:00.001+03:00

I just launched a new service for all sudoku lovers!

Daily Sudoku Challenge is a new service which delivers unique, printable sudoku puzzles diect to your email inbox each & every day!

No more buying armfuls of papers or expensive sudoku books. No more having to play sudoku in front of a pc screen. It will save you money and is more convenient!

here is the link: Daily Sudoku

Pleas pass it on, tweet about it, put it on your facebook, blog it. All exposure greatfully recieved! :)

Καλο Πασχα!

2010-04-04T12:03:00.000+03:00

Καλο Πασχα or Happy Easter to all our readers.

The weather hereabouts is perfect this weekend. Hot, no clouds and no breeze.

Yeasterday afternoon, we went along to the sandy beach with the kids & the dog. I was amazed that on a 1km + beach I counted only 5 more people (and only one of those was a local).

This is one of the great free resources of Paleochora. We had great fun kicking a football around, playing with the dog and the boys even went swimming for the first time. You have to ask where all the local kids were. More than likely sat indoors in front of the Cartoon Network with a bag of crisps. Shame really, except for the fact that we had the lace to ourselves! :)

Today we are cooking lamb and will be having a late lunch in the garden with some friends.

For anyone blogging with Wordpress Blog...

2010-03-28T11:04:00.003+03:00

I have just put this up..freebies for anyone using a Wordpress blog, especially if you want to use it for marketing.

A Walk Around Vlithias

2010-03-21T15:50:00.000+02:00

Having woken up to a perfect Sunday morning and with nothing overly pressing on the agenda, we decided to head off to the hills around Paleochora to have a walk for a couple of hours.

We decided to follow a walk that Bob Tait published on his Explore! blog on The Paleochora Site which would take us down into the valley at Vlithias (a village a handful of kilometres outside of Paleochora)

Both the day and the walk were perfect!. We descended into the valley after exploring the ancient aloni (threshing circle) not far from the village. It has one of the most beautiful aspects of any aloni in the area.

We then went down a path to the river. It's a fantastic time of year to be out & about in the hills as there is so much blossom and a profusion of wild flowers. We identified several species of orchids and loads of deep red wild gladioli. There are even some giant triffid-like cacti of the aloe family clinging to the side of a cliff along a stream gulley!

Bobs article didn't prepare us for the beauty of this walk. It is certainly one we would recommend and we will go off and do it again ourselves before too long. Pity though there isn't a nice cafeneon open at the top in the village for a refreshing cold drink.

You can just see the river tumbling at the bottom of the valley in that last photo. For those interested in reading a bit more about this walk, the original article can be found here: Walk Aroung Vlitias, Crete

ADTelly. Watch UK & USA TV on your PC Anywhere in the World!

2010-03-21T09:14:00.001+02:00

For more details, Click here: ADTELLY VPN

Something to idle away some free time

2010-03-13T13:42:00.000+02:00

High Above Sougia

2010-03-10T16:39:00.000+02:00

Ever wondered what happens if, instead of turning left to tramp to Lissos, you turned right out of the Sougia Gorge instead?

No? Well, neither had I.

But Bob Tait knows and he tells us all about it on The Paleochora Site in this month's 'Explore!' feature.

Check it out here: Paleochora

Is this the cleverest & coolest video ever?

2010-03-06T09:10:00.000+02:00

All (obviously) done in one take, although you will see from the end that the clothes suggest that they did some rehearsals.

Jobs

2010-02-26T09:24:00.001+02:00

Well, it seems that Jenny & I both have jobs lined up for the summer season!

I will add a post on here later to let everone know where to find us when you come out this summer.

In the meantime, we are still busy writing, promoting and we have started painting the house on the outside. So far we have made a gate and painted it and done one window frame & shutters mainly to see if we like the new colour.

Now its time to get stuck in on this before the season comes and we have too little time/are too knackered to get it done.

More later............

Twitter me This!

2010-02-21T17:18:00.000+02:00

If you have a business ( either online or offline) then now is the time to start taking Twitter seriously.

Although almost 19% of internet users have a Twitter account, there is still a great deal of mystery and ignorance about what to do with it.

This Free report written by top internet marketing expert, Kevin Riley, will explain how Twitter can be used very effectively to build customer loyalty, find new customers and make sales - whether you are working an internet based business or you have a traditional 'bricks & mortar' business.

Click on the book image to see Kevin explain in a short, 2 minute video

Dumb & Dumber - Greece Strikes 2010

2010-02-19T11:09:00.000+02:00

Well, just when you think that they all should be jolly well embarrassed about the complete and utter financial mess the successive governments have made over the last 10 years in Greece, the Greeks decide to increase their protests against measures to rectify the situation.

The country is on the brink of a complete fuel drought after customs workers who have been striking since Tuesday fancy making a long weekend of it by extending the strike until Tuesday. But Wednesday next week is a genral strike so they will not get their fat, lazy asses back in their comfy office chairs until Thursday.

There will be no petrol in Paleochora from tomorrow.

Shame for all those who need to get to a hospital. Or need to work.

Oh if only they knew how stupid this makes them look in the eyes of the world.

It's Nearly Carnival.....Oh Dear

2010-02-10T11:50:00.000+02:00

Well, time has been whizzing here so I thought it must be time to add something to the old blog and keep everyone up to date.

I have been doing a lot of writing although since Christmas more for my own use rather than selling articles (although I will throw a few together for selling next week). Jenny has also been writing too so we have been quite busy.

Jenny got a surprise visit from her sister, Caroline, and best friend from the UK, Sue, for her birthday last week. They could only stay a few days but we had a lot of fun & laughs. here are the Guuuurls supping the umpteenth glass of champagne on the beach.

And this weekend...its the bloody carnival again. The pre-lenten carnival is steeped in tradition. The main tradition in Paleochora is that 'Ma Baker' by Boney M and 'Sex Bomb' by Tom Jones are played on a continual loop all day through a very powerful PA.

I really hate it. It can be quite amusing to see some of the floats as they tend to offer a satirical view of the world but its a bit like a really bad fancy dress party where the initial slight amusement of seeing someone dressed in a daft way quickly wears off and develops into boredom. Especially as it is the same each year (yawn). Anyway, soon be over.

Bye for now.

Obedience Training Dogs

2010-01-23T10:47:00.001+02:00

So I have been doing some writing (as has Jenny) on the subject of training dogs. We are promoting a really great dog training programme which is available online.

As a gift to you, dear reader, here is a free e-book/guide which gives some basic advice if you want it.

So just click on the image of the book, above, to get it for free instantly!

Writing

2010-01-05T00:05:00.002+02:00

The article writing Jenny & I have been occupying ourselves with had its best day today.

We had submitted a few articles in the first couple of weeks in December and had made a couple of modest sales (Jenny getting first blood). Then we got busy with some other things and let it slip a little.

My enthusiasm returned with a sale on the 29th. December and I started to check the site a little more often. Today I sold two articles for $100 and have an offer on a third (one of these was the first article I submitted in early December and the other two sold/offer made within hours of them being accepted.

Not riches but nice all the same. :-)

For anyone who wants to have a go themselves, here is the link:

Constant Content

Bye for now.......

Oh, Happy New Year BTW

Christmas in Crete

2009-12-28T15:51:00.002+02:00

We had a fabulous Christmas in Crete this year. The first one here in about 4 years.

The weather was mild and we celebrated Chrismas day in the traditional way. Presents...gin & tonics....The Queen and a massive roast Turkey meal.

We had a friend, Brian the jewelry seller and our German neighbour Wolfgang to share our meal

On boxing day skies were clear blue and temperatures high so we headed off for a walk along the coast. Here is a photo of the boys on the walk.

So now we have to get back to work...and back to finding some work asw well.

Sausages-sausages

2009-12-15T23:45:00.005+02:00

Hey everyone!

I am so excited! I just finished and uploaded a new step-by-step guide book.

As an expat, I always missed good sausages especially Lincolnshire sausages so I make them myself.

Then I though perhaps others may want to do this too, after all, you can then control what goes in them and you can make your own recipes up as well.

So my guide is an easy straightforward tutorial on making your own sausages at home.

Check it out here: http://www.sausages-sausages.com

Typical...

2009-12-06T17:03:00.002+02:00

It just turned chilly and rainy this weekend, when we were planning on going for a walk.

It looks like the weather put bob tait off too as his latest article on Bob's Blog is a puzzle competition. Just the sort of thing for rainy days spent indoors.

The Paleochora Puzzle actually carries a prize of a signed walking book from Bob & Lynne. The rumour that runners up get 2 books is completely untrue. lol

See if you can figure it out: Bob'sBlog

The Blog Goes On!

2009-12-01T07:48:00.002+02:00

So I will continue the Calypso Blog. Infact continue is really pushing it a bit...as I have let it slip a bit of late.

I will write and add some articles, thoughts, ramblings and experiences all about our life here in Crete.

So stay tuned.

Calypso Closes

2009-11-18T07:36:00.001+02:00

2009-11-11T06:47:00.003+02:00

Crete has an average of 300 days of sunshine annually, and statistically 22 of these fall in November, so don't put the walking gear away yet. But shorter days require shorter walks, and this one, from Krios beach over to Vienna, approx. 45 minutes each way, is ideal

Vienna is a fascinating place, where there would appear to be a partially man-made anchorage out of a natural, protected harbour, and the remains of a Hellenistic/Roman sanctuary. On the shore are the broken remains of several marble columns, which possibly once formed a temple here.

Read about the walk to Vienna Beach and more about the mysterious archeology here

2009-10-24T07:50:00.001+03:00

The best Greek food is reliant on really fresh ingredients. Nothing can be fresher than from out of your own garden. So why not grow some of your own?

Most people can't be bothered as they relate it to hours and hours of back-breaking effort for little reward at the end of the day.

Well, I just came across this superb step-by-step instruction book and video by Jonathan White, Environmental Scientist and Horticulturalist, which promises to show 'garden newbies' how to save up to $5000 on their fresh food bill each year in return for just 8 hours of light work each year!

Take a look at it for yourselves: Click Here!

Cycling to sarakina

2009-10-08T17:53:00.004+03:00

Over fifteen years had flown by since I last cycled up to Sarakina, a pretty village 11km north of Paleohora, and some 400m higher. That, and the need for some strenuous cardio-vascular exercise after an easy summer (and too many Amstels), was a good enough reason to ride there again in late September.

The first three kilometres on the Voutas road, through the Panorama 'estate' are steep, but from the col, at 200m, there's a view many visitors to Paleohora never see - an impressive steep-sided valley with rocky mountains on either side, and you would never imagine the sea is so close.

The rest of this article can be read on Bob's Blog at The Paleochora Site

New Greek Food Blog

2009-09-29T23:24:00.002+03:00

I have just made a new blog which I have been threatening to do for some time.

Its a blog all about Greek Food, called 'The Big Fat Greek Food Blog', it will give some recipes, rants and thoughts about Greek Cuisine. The good the bad and the ugly, it will all be in there. And your comments too, I hope.

Take a look: Click Here

Michaelis Tsouganakis

2009-09-22T07:02:00.002+03:00

Here is one of my favourite songs by my favourite Cretan musician, Michaelis Tsouganakis. This appears on the studio album 'Axtides' which is well worth tracking down.

Just Before Dawn

2009-09-16T10:20:00.002+03:00

Bob's Blog

2009-09-13T08:56:00.003+03:00

Kadros - ‘Ancient of Kantanos’

Almost everything Lynne and I know about the historical site in the hills above Kadros - signed to ‘Ancient of Kantanos’ - came from our friend the late Tony Fennymore. Tony took us here, and to other local sites of Viena and Irtakina, and made the places come alive with his vivid descriptions. “Imagine you were standing here 3,000 years ago,” he would tell us, “this is what you would see.” Tony always intended writing a guide to these sites, but never got round to it, and now it’s too late.

Tony kindly offered us his rough notes to Kadros for use in our book ‘Ten Walks from Paleohora’ (see below), and now, with permission from Ann and Tony’s family, they will give much additional interest on a circular walk of approx. 10km from Kakodiki, a short drive (10km north) from Paleohora, or just 10 mins on the bus to Chania.

This article can be read in full at The Paleochora Site

An amazing performance

2009-07-18T08:37:00.002+03:00

I remember hearing this on a jazz radio channel a few years ago and searched in vain for a copy. But here it it (and an amazing live performance) by Nat King Cole. Calypso Blues.

Bob's Blog

2009-06-12T09:51:00.001+03:00

Bob Tait has published the first edition of his blog which is part of 'The Paleochora Site'

There is a link to the blog just down there on the right hand side of this text (you may have to scroll down a bit).

The first edition finds Bob kayaking along the coast....which reminds me of a joke about making love in a canoe and American Beer which is far too filthy to repeat here.

New Paleochora Website!

2009-05-28T12:03:00.005+03:00

A brand new Paleochora Website has been launched called, imaginatively, The Paleochora Site.

There are lots of cool features - A forum, an interactive photo gallery, monthly recipes, a monthly article on walking and living in crete by Bob Tait, a Cretan Bookstore and much more. You can even listen to Radio Gavdos live while browsing!

Its brand new so content is still being added and its still being tidied up but its there and ready to use! Have fun with it!

www.thepaleochorasite.com

Missing the place?

2009-04-22T18:26:00.001+03:00

If this doesn't make you book a flight.........

Easter Sunday

2009-04-17T15:57:00.002+03:00

A reminder for folks near or in Paleochora this weekend.

Calypso will be about the only place serving lunches on Easter Sunday. We will have some delicious, tender slow-cooked lamb as wellas many other dishes.

We will open at 12 noon.

καλο πασχα!

2009-04-12T13:01:00.007+03:00

For all those British Ex-pats out there: This is wonderful. Watch BBC iplayer and other 'on-demand' UK TV channels on the computer!

The site is at www.adtelly.tv

Dont call me a twit, but.....

2009-02-18T15:40:00.001+02:00

Hi all! Now you can read my frequent vacuous musings on Twitter. Just 'follow' BarryinCrete

Kid's playmate becomes, eh, a Playmate

2009-01-31T12:10:00.003+02:00

Well done to our former Au Pair, Sarah. In December 2008 she was Playboy Playmate of the Month in the Dutch issue. Bravo, Girl!

2009-01-09T16:19:00.003+02:00

Funny thing is, when one lives in a place where one actually has to read most of the news, it can sometimes be a slight disadvantage when it comes to pronouncing new words to the English language.

I had a shock this Christmas as I had read about the new game console called the Nintendo Wii. For some reason, I naturally assumed that this was pronounced 'Wy' as in 'Why". Strange, I thought, to name a product in such a way as to almost invite 'buyer remorse'.

No! Nintendo's faux pas is much better than that as I discovered it is actually pronounced 'Wee' as in, well.....'Wee'!

The poor sales advisor in Currys must have thought me a trifle strange as I struggled, unsuccessfully to contain my fits of giggles as he kept on saying WEE as he described the games features and benefits. It's not my fault, I was brought up on Carry On films.

Did I buy one? No fear. I'm going to wait for the 'Playstation Poo'.

Merry Xmas from Calypso

2008-12-10T17:21:00.002+02:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Winter is here

2008-12-06T16:24:00.002+02:00

So, here we still are. Calypso is open in winter mode: Daytimes only, 10 - 6 lunches, snacks, coffees, drinks...oh and Monday night is 'games night' with a 6 euro buffet.

We are off to England in a weeks time for Christmas visit. Last year we were shocked not only by the drop in temperature but also by the way England seems to be a nation unable to remove it's collective eyes away from a TV screen for any meaningful length of time. We were extremely fortunate to escape the UK (where we didn't have a TV anyway) before the onset of mainstream cheap reality TV. We missed out on 'BB', 'BB2', 'Son of pro-celebrity BB', 'I'm a pop idol get me out of BB6' and all of the other thinly disguised rehashed garbage. So it's not like there is anything good to watch.

All of this would almost be forgivable but the biggest shock was that we were trying to tear peoples attention away from....Celebrity Come Dancing. Now, bear with me here. In the last millennium (oh, don't ya just miss it!) Come Dancing was tucked discreetly away in the schedules and watched only by friends & relations of the contestants, OAPs, sequin fetishists and as BBC marketing executives call OAFS (an 'almost acronym' of 'Other Assorted Sad F******') Last year the show was taking up an awful lot of prime time slots and hairy-arsed truck drivers from Rochdale were discussing it in the pub. We felt like taking the UK by its collective elbows and giving it a good shake and slapping round the face shouting 'It's Come Dancing you're watching for christsakes!'

I can only conclude that the French have put something in the water.

I do hope it will be different this year. Please God it can't get worse....can it?

French kiss

2008-09-23T09:18:00.004+03:00

The lovely people at Petit Fute, one of the leading French travel guidebooks, gave us a sticker for our window the other day. We have been mentioned in this guide for some years but now it's nice to know that passing Frenchies who haven't bought the book will still be able to spot us!

Missed Holidays

2008-09-12T11:13:00.003+03:00

With the shock news about XL, the owning company of Kosmar Holidays, going into administration, many regular Paleochoa visitors will have had their holidays cancelled & be refunded their money.

If you still want to come out here, there are some alternatives;

Sunvil Holidays may have package holiday availability. www.sunvil.co.uk

Otherwise, get flights with Monarch Airline ('Google' Monarch) to Hania or get scheduled flights with Olympic from London or Manchester (bags straight through, change planes in Athens) or, from Stanstead Aegean airlines (ww.aegeanair.com) a very good airline again change in Athens.

Another alternative is to get a flight to Heraklion & we will advise on getting here from there. Try Monarch, First Choice, Thomas Cook & Easyjet.

There are some convenient links to these websites in the right hand margin of the blog if you scroll down a bit

We will help you find accommodation here if you wish.

The finger to anonymous

2008-08-31T11:41:00.002+03:00

For the benefit of the brave soul who calls him/herself 'Anonymous', the comments on this blog are moderated so therefore our regular readers will be spared your pathetic half attempts at humour. May I respectfully suggest you get a life.

In Out, In Out, Shake 'em All About - Tables That is!

2008-07-21T19:35:00.003+03:00

Well it's been a busy week for the hapless Port Police in Paleochora. Normally resigned to drinking coffee and haranguing the occasional fisherman, they have been putting in overtime sheets for dealing with the extremely serious and grave offence of restaurants putting their tables out onto the road.

Traditionally, restaurants along the seafront have been putting tables out onto the road after 7pm when the road is closed to traffic. The Port Police in times past have allowed tables past the 'yellow line' (see photo). One fish restaurant of ill repute started putting more & more tables out and even getting a bulldozer to level areas across the road for more tables. This stirred the gallant officers into action and they descended on said restaurant in full swat gear. When they were politely told to 'Fuck Off' the decided in true kindergarten fashion, which is still the preferred way of dealing with things here, to do the SAS macho swat thing to every restaurant along the front.

The air was filled with protestations and delegations were sent to Hania. The Occifers relented briefly and promised not to fine restaurants over the busy weekend period but today said that the yellow line rule stood again. Then, direct from Port Police God who resides on a cloud in Hania came the decree that we could go 2 metres beyond the line! Only to be rescinded at the 11th. hour (1 minute to 7) and it was back behind the yellow line again. Pity the workers at restaurants who had jumped the gun and had to get all the tables in again! The drama continues....

Note: Serious bodily injury has never been reported due to tables being on the road.

Cheers me dears

2008-07-18T10:26:00.000+03:00

Up for Grabs? Calypso?

2008-07-17T12:15:00.002+03:00

Just want to use this space to clear up something which came as a surprise to some regular customers recently, which, in turn, surprised us!

We happened to mention that, if someone wanted to buy the Calypso business we would be more than willing to sell it. The people in question were quite taken aback. The fact is that any business we have owned has always been 'for sale'. Calypso is no different. We would always listen to offers, right from day 1.

For a couple (without kids) who are prepared to work the business together, there is a respectable income stream to be made.

Talk to us if you are interested.

The Case Of The Missing Tuna

2008-06-28T14:38:00.000+03:00

Henry & Touril, from Norway were regular lunchtime visitors to Calypso. Touril especially liked her 'Tuna-salad-without-the-tuna-but-with-chicken-instead' Salad.

Sad Farewells

2008-06-27T14:33:00.003+03:00

A cheerio for this year to new customers Phil & Finola (top - think of me when you get the very next trout taking your fly, Phil!) and our lovely regulars - but a little early this year - Dave & Gina.

10 Euro Nights Explained...

2008-06-21T09:05:00.004+03:00

So, here's the deal. Just like French restaurants, we are offering, every Wednesday and Saturday, a fixed price menu. Choose 3 courses from the blackboard for only 10 Euros. Couldn't be more simple. Here's a sample menu from last Wdnesday night. These thing change each time!

Entrees & Side Orders

Tarragon & Garlic Mushrooms. Served on a granary crouton €4.50

Carrot & Cardamom Soup €3.00

Tzatziki. €2.50

Main Dishes:

Beef Stifado. Traditional Greek stew with red wine, tomatoes and baby onions €8.00

Roast Lemon Chicken. Done the traditional Greek way with oregano, olive oil and roast potatoes €6.50

Tzousoukakia. Traditional oven-baked Greek meatballs with mint & cumin in a tomato sauce. Served with rice or fried potatoes. €7.00

Spicy Singapore Noodles with Stir Fried Chicken (or with mushrooms and cashew nuts for vegetarians) €8.50

Tagliatelle with Fresh Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic & Cream €6.50

Tagliatelle With A Homemade Almond, Basil & Tomato Pesto €6.50

Desserts

Balsamic Strawberries & Ice Cream €3.50

Individual Apple Tart & Ice Cream €3.50

10 Euro Night

2008-06-19T13:55:00.002+03:00

Revellers enjoying the new Calypso 10 Euro nights recently included (top) regular customers The Sayers, Alan & Pat and The Armstrongs, Eddie & Carol. Thanks for all the custome this year, guys!

Also, below, a bunch of crazy Norweigians.

Old mates

2008-06-19T13:45:00.002+03:00

The Ashton-Wickets, Peter & Rosie were in for steak night just before they went back to the UK. Only a week this year. Boo. Make it 2 next year!

Also a blast from the past - Colin & Ginny (pictured here with Jeff & Duke on the left) have not been this way for about 6 years. Great to see you!

Ahoy, Me Hearties

2008-05-24T12:20:00.007+03:00

Historic sailing yacht, Lively Lady made a welcome, albeit unscheduled, stop in Paleochora marina yesterday. If the name sounds familiar, it is the same vessel in which Sir Alec Rose single-handedly circumnavigated the globe 40 years ago.

Ocean adventurer Alan Priddy ( above 3rd. from left) is taking Lively Lady around the world again, this time with the help of a co-skipper and some young volunteers. The Lively Lady Project is designed to help young adults who may not have had the best starts, turn their lives around. Co-skippers and crew members do a leg of the voyage before leaving and being replaced by some more lucky individuals. Pictured above are (l-r) Coral Williams, Michael Bennet, Skipper Alan Priddy & Co-skipper Andy Reid.

The voyage will take just under a year and cover some 28,000 miles. All in a 2 berth sailing yacht built in 1948! They are due back in Portsmouth on 5th. July 2008. 1 day after the 40th. anniversary of Sir Alec's triumphant return. If you are in the Portsmouth area, make a note to go and join in the welcoming celebrations.

You can read more about the project and the boat here: www.livelylady.net

Mindy Facebook

2008-05-19T12:44:00.002+03:00

Mindy, the unofficial Calypso cat has put himself on Facebook. He was accidentally locked in the restaurant the other week and, during the night, obviously walked across the computer keyboard and, as quantum mechanics would have it, managed to register! You can find him by searching 'mindy calypso cat' on the facebook page. He would love you to be his friend.

The weather as it happens

2008-05-14T15:22:00.002+03:00

I have added a new link (in the side bar on the right....scroll down!) which shows the real time weather conditions right here in Paleochora. If you are interested, that is!

Finnish The Holiday

2008-05-09T10:23:00.003+03:00

Eva returns to Finland tomorrow after spending the winter here in Paleochora. She looks after Mindy, the un-official restaurant cat so it will be a sad farewell. She will be back in August for her next visit (Eva, that is, not Mindy).

Surprise!

2008-05-08T19:01:00.003+03:00

It was a wonderful surprise for Jenny (& the Boys) when her sister, Caroline, arrived at the restaurant on a week long holiday last Tuesday.

The biggest surprise for Jenny was that she was staying at our house! Good job I'd mucked it out!

Is it that time already?

2008-05-04T09:56:00.003+03:00

Many simple folk in the village thought they'd overslept and woke up in August when they saw Bob & Ruth (right) pootling around recently. Not so! They are now fully retired and are working hard to rid themselves of any potential inheritance their lovely daughter, Chloe, may or may not have expected to collect later. Thus they will be in Paleochora for almost the whole summer. Here they are joined by our Gallic friends Alain & Pascale with their 2 delightful daughters who have a residence in rainy Kandanos.

The Boys Birthday Beach Bash

2008-05-03T09:51:00.002+03:00

And we even had a clown....

A Man from Mars visits restaurant!

2008-05-03T09:44:00.002+03:00

Well, not a bona fide Martian, (although quite a few of the visitors here are clearly from another planet!) but a man literally from Mars came in the other day and left behind a freezer filled with lovely ice creams.

Putting out fires

2008-04-16T17:47:00.003+03:00

Marios, Irini and their puppy, Geoff, have moved to Crete from Athens. Marios is going to be a fireman here - a very tough job, especially in the summer. Irini is happy being a photographer.

The Boys upThe Mountain

2008-04-13T15:11:00.003+03:00

Above: Jojo & Freddie, Below: i) Jojo approaching a chapel ii) A field full of flowers and iii) A 'Man Orchid'

My boys, Jojo & Freddie saw the orchid photos from the other day and, this morning, asked me to take them to have a look up in the mountains behind Paleochora.

We went with Jenny (my Jenny) and Mick to Ancient Kantanos - a Dorian settlement 2000 or so years ago about 9 or 10 klicks from Paleochora.

Freddie took the photo of the 'Man Orchid' you see here.

Terry & Judith

2008-04-09T15:24:00.003+03:00

Here's Terry (who has a house at the building site formally known as Anidri) with his sister, Judith, who was over visiting.

Thanks to Mick & Jenny

2008-04-08T17:21:00.004+03:00

The photos of orchids in the previous post were taken by myself during a stroll in the mountains with the lovely Jenny Neal and her n'er-do-well husband Mick McTiernan, this morning. Jenny is a botanist so was able to tell me when I was about to tread on something important! I have added a link to Jenny's website in the sidebar on the right.

Try clicking on the pictures to see more detail. Wonderful!

Local Orchids and Flowers

2008-04-08T16:42:00.003+03:00

2008-04-08T16:30:00.002+03:00

Now...here's the problem....These lovely foks (2 from Vouves and 2 from UK) drop by each winter. This time they left their names on a bit of paper which my wife, Jenny (I do know her name by heart) threw away. So. Time for the power of the web. Please make a comment on this post to tell us your names again and I will edit the post accordingly. (I do know that there is an Audery amongst them!)

Mindy The Cat

2008-04-06T14:24:00.002+03:00

We get e-mails from time to time about Mindy, the unofficial Calypso Cat. Well, here he is, back to health following a gashed leg in the Autumn, and being as big a bloody nuisance as usual.

Familiar Faces

2008-04-05T16:47:00.004+03:00

Stephen & Olga were amongst the first customers in the New Calypso.

Also, last week, we had old friends (and one new one) Dave, Charlotte & Milly Rose come to visit. You may remember Dave & Charlotte are both past winners of 'Calypso Employee of the Week' attaining that accolade back in 2006.

Indoor Beach Bar

2008-03-11T15:50:00.001+02:00

Is this the only indoor beach bar on Crete?

The New Calypso

2008-03-11T14:40:00.000+02:00

The new Calypso is finally open! We are just opening for daytime snacks and drinks at the moment but the grand opening first night will take place next moth. We had a very very busy Clean Monday and now look forward to Greek Easter!

Back Online! and getting ready.

2008-03-02T15:59:00.004+02:00

Seems a long time since I was online that's because it HAS been a long time! Anyway...here I am again. Apologies to all viewers of the blog (if there are any left, that is) and to all of those whose e-mails didn't get a prompt reply.

We have been very busy fixing up the NEW CALYPSO and it should be ready to start daytime trading next weekend.

Above you can see the intrepid Bruce (top,an old Calypso friend from a couple of winters ago) and Mick (bottom, who has returned for a couple of months) who got just a tad close and got tools and paintbrushes thrust at them. Today, Brian (who has foregone India this year) and Olga were helping too. It's down to fabulous people like this that Calypso will be ready to open and I'd like to thank them all now lest I forget later! Good work, Fellas! I'll be in the pub if you need me!

It does get cold here, sometimes!

2008-03-02T15:51:00.000+02:00

There you are...some views of our cold snap a couple of weeks back taken at our house and at the beach near to the camp site and Paleochora Club. No, that's not white sand...it's snow.

Hey-up, World!

2008-01-06T15:35:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone in Blogshire, Blogland.

We have just returned from a lovely 2 weeks in England and are just about to start to slowly get our SPANKING NEW PREMISES messed up enough to call CALYPSO!

If you pass by in the next few weeks don't be surprised if you are handed a paintbrush!

We will be only about 25 metres from the old place so all but the most hapless (or drunk) of you will find us with ease.

More later............

Last Ever Night In The Old Calypso!

2007-10-24T10:05:00.001+03:00

Last Night 2007

2007-10-22T13:13:00.001+03:00

Tonight is the last night for the 2007 season! Photos to follow.......

2007-10-22T13:06:00.000+03:00

We had fascinating conversations with German/Japanese couple Klaus and Eri encompassing publishing, languages and lifestyles. Hope to resume this next year!

Late Night Drinking On a Stormy Evening

2007-10-15T13:15:00.000+03:00

2007-10-12T10:54:00.000+03:00

This extended family have been coming to Paleochora since Minoan times! Always a joy to see them back. We have (clockwise) Dani & Dave, Barrie & Marjorie and Jenny & Robert.