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.

AUTUMN

Autumn is here and we had our first rain since about the last of April. The cool air
feels good after a hot summer.  It is nice to sleep at night without a fan or air
conditioner.  I know the land needs rain, but I sure don't like to get out in it and get
wet. I seem to get colds here more often than the states.  It is not as cold here in the
winter so I tend to not dress according to the weather conditions. People wear heavy
coats here and to me sometimes it doesn't feel cold enough for a coat. Maybe I'll
learn the difference since this is my second winter here.

If all goes well we plan to go to another island in a few weeks. It will probably
be our last for the year, because there is a lot of wind and the seas are rough
during the winter. Plus like I said there is a lot of rainy days in the winter.


~~~CcP~~~9-22-2013

STAYING IN GREECE

After a one year or six month visa, you either have to leave Greece and
come back later with a new visa, or apply for a resident permit.
A resident permit will give you one year more to stay here. The paperwork
is almost the same as is required for a visa, except some of the papers
need to be translated into Greek. So be prepared for a little more added
cost when you apply for a permit.

The best advice I can give is, (1). have a Greek friend to help you, get your
papers in order. (2). apply in plenty of time to get your papers done.
And the one thing that is most important is Have Patience. The laws are
different here as other countries, and you can get discouraged very
easy in the process.

Be sure to keep copies because you will need to do the same thing next
year, unless the laws are changed.


~~~CcP~~~09-07-2013

NAFPACTOS, GREECE

Another nice day taking a bus ride and visiting another of the many places

here in Greece.  Being a warm day we went to the beach to cool off and enjoy a little
swimming, and just taking in the warm sun. It is funny to me when in the water the
little fish swim around you and like to take a little nibble on your leg.

Many sights to see here. Along the beach is
plenty of cafe's if you are hungry or coffee
shops if you just want something cold to drink.

Many nice little shops to buy things to take back home, or just look
in windows as you walk down the streets.

View above of a old house and still looks nice after so many years.

Rio-Antiro's Bridge

Beautiful bridge you cross going to and leaving Nafpactos.

I highly recommend Nafpactos if you visit Greece. It makes a nice weekend
place for the family, or just a little get away for yourself.


~~~CcP~~8-16-2013

HYDRA, GREECE

Another island this weekend, little warm, and a lot of walking. Hydra is lots of
stone and uphill walking.

 This was a long ways up and interesting find at the top.

This is Leonard Cohen's, (Award winning Canadian poet and songwriter), house.
Don't expect him to answer the door. I believe this was his house in the 60's and
who knows if he is the owner now or not.

There are no vehicles allowed on the island. So you walk or take the local taxi.

A little disappointed that there is no beach to swim. You have to climb down hills to
the water. Is not bad if you are young and in good physical shape, but at my age is
a little dangerous.

Plenty of shopping places and cafes to eat or get drinks. Very beautiful to look out
to the sea and see many types of boats and sail ships.

I recommend Hydra for visiting, but if you have walking disabilities better think
about it.

If you love it and decide to stay check out above.


~~~CcP~~~8-12-2013