Rainy Days

If you have a problem with rain, Greece could be a little problem for you in the winter months. Where I come from rain was welcomed, but not so much as here. In the US where I come from there are four seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. Summer was warm and that is when we had rain. Here in Greece rain is mostly in the winter. Seems funny to me to see lightning and thunder in the winter. The US thunder and lightning stops in the winter and snow takes over. Takes a little while to get use to it here, but is better than shoveling snow in the winter. Another problem you might encounter here is if you have joint problems in your legs or arms. There is a lot of humidity in the winter and in my case have some aches and pains in my arms. Just like anywhere else you have your pros and cons. Find your destination, whether Greece or Alaska. You only live once, make the best of it. ~~~CCP~~~1-26-2015

Does It Snow In Greece?

I wondered that before I moved here from the United States. Most people, (me included), think it is go to the beach and lay in the sun all year. WRONG! So the answer is, yes it does snow in Greece. Now it also depends on the part of Greece you live in. Up north like most other places you get into mountains and snow. Skiing and all the other winter sports available. South part in more mild, mostly rain in the winter and low's in mid 30 degrees. You can see snow in the high mountains on clear days. I say mild temperatures, but Greek people probably think different and is really cold to them. But to me coming from sometimes 10-15 below zero, is very mild to me. So if you are looking for a get away from bad winters you won't find it in Greece until about March. Summer is beautiful and warm and many places to visit. So yes, it does snow in Greece. ccp 1-12-2015

What Is May Day To You?

Hard to believe it is May.
seems like only yesterday
and a few years past, we
were young and naive and
not a care in the world.

The years creep upon us,
our children no longer bounce
on our knees, or hold out their
hands for balance.

May for some is the beginning
of summer, the opening and
blooming of colorful and
breath taking flowers.

For others is the planting of
crops and praying for a good
harvest to feed a hungry nation
and family.

Others is cloudy memories of
years long passed of May and
the true meaning of May Day.
What is May Day to you? 

WINTER HAS ARRIVED

Give It  Try (Exercise That Is)

With the beginning  of winter, rain and not so nice of weather I thought it would be
a good idea to join a health club. Now I am not a big over weight person, but since
I have lived here I have neglected my exercise. True, I love to walk, which I do very
often, but the rain, water running down the street, catching a cold, etc. I thought it
best to at least give it a try.

First off I needed a written statement from my doctor, that my ticker was fine. I
am a senior, and you never know about your health sometimes. My blood test are
fine, so all I needed was a pair of good walking shoes.

I started with a trainer, which was good because he had the reasons I joined the club.
First I would like to lose a little around the mid section and a little body fat. He explained
all the exercises and showed me the one's that would help me with my goals.
So, it's off to the gym Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6. Maybe a Saturday after
I get my bones in shape.

Here is a good point. Invite a friend, family member, sweetheart or anyone to join you
it will help help establish your goals and give you support to push forward and not
give up.

~~~CcP~~~12-2-2012

THANKSGIVING IN GREECE

There is no Thanksgiving here, but I am still thankful for having a good life,
and making new friends here. You can give thanks without the traditional
dinner, turkey and dressing and stuffing. Be thankful you are alive and healthy.
If you are not healthy keep the faith and believe that good things will come to
you. If you do not stay positive things will go down hill and that is not good.
Remember the old saying, "ask and you shall receive"? Now don't go asking
more a million dollars, (probably won't happen).

Winter is here and the rain has started. Most places need rain, but sometimes
places get a little too much at one time. Some of the things I have learned is
to never walk into flooded places. You can step in a hole or drainage ditch
as it will suck you down into it. If you are driving drive to high ground and
wait for the rain to stop, or for the rain to clear the road. Never drive in high
water, the water will stop your engine and you will wash away in your
automobile. The best advice is to check the weather if you are going to travel.
Technology is far better and accurate than years ago.  It is better to change
your plans for a few days, than have a disaster that could be heart breaking
for the rest of your live.


~~~CcP~~~11-24-2013

FIRST VISIT

Had my first visit to the doctor. Has bothered me since I moved here because of
the language difference. But to my surprise the doctor was about my age and
spoke English. So my visit went well.  I was having lung problems and infection
and he gave me the right medications and it wasn't long until I was feeling
better.
In the mean time I am starting to study Greek and hopefully I can learn enough
to speak some every-day conversations. It is difficult setting with others and
not understanding. Hopefully during the rainy season I can do more studying
and learn more of the language.
Don't take for granted that because you are in a different country people will
speak your language. You must make a little effort to learn new customs
and try to fit in with the people.
When I first arrived here, people would stare and it was obvious to me they
knew I wasn't from here. So I learned to blend in with the people, not make it
look like I was a photographer or just here for some fun.
Like I said before it is not easy changing your life style after so many years
in your own country.

~~~CcP~~~

CYPRUS

One of the most beautiful countries I have visited so far while in Greece.  Only a
one and a half hour flight and well worth it. Being October I expected it to be cool
and fall like temperatures. To my surprise you could actually visit the beach and
work on your tan or take a swim in clear water. I stayed three days and never seen
one cloud in the sky.  The nights were cool, but still a jacket or sweater was not
necessary.

I visited a small zoo and was surprised on how clean it was. Not a lot of

animals or exotic things, but nice for small children.

Old Town Cyprus was a shoppers paradise. Everything you could think of, some
and others with plenty of bargains. I picked up a 18 carat gold rolo necklace that I have
wanted for many years, was a very good bargain. Since the summer season is ending
there were many bargains to be had.

There are a lot of new home construction, and very expensive. I would of loved to see the
inside of one for sale. Some were just a few yards away from the beach. Others up on
the sides of mountains. Most new homes were I would say 50 percent glass, and marble.

I would highly recommend Cyprus if you plan a trip to Greece or even Europe. Greece
is only a four hour flight from London.

You never miss a beautiful sunset either. Just take a walk on the beach in the evening and you'll see beautiful one's.