Anastasia

Dear Diary...

I know you've been moaning and groaning again, thinking that I've been neglecting you or even that I don't love you! This is not true and ...deep down you know it ! I honestly believed that 4 years after having upgraded you from a ... relatively miserable paper diary to an electronic one on Typepad, you'd be -to say the least - grateful ! Anyway, to show how much I care for you, I have decided to answer your FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

QUESTION 1 : What's ...Typepad ?

ANSWER:  In ..layman's terms it's like a notepad or a notebook, if you like. In the past I had to buy a notebook from my local stationery so that I could write to you...Well, Typepad is a notebook without paper. I pay about 200 times more the price of a paper notebook.

glitter-graphics.com

QUESTION 2 : Why then have you upgraded me to ...electronic?

ANSWER: Because my accountant told me that Typepad is a good deal considering the sum of money I used to spend for you on fancy paper notebooks, pens, pencils, rubbers, rulers, crayons, paints, erasers, sharpeners , stickers !

glitter-graphics.com

QUESTION 3 :  What if there's a black out ? Can you still use me ?

ANSWER : Unfortunately no. Not even in the candlelight! But nowadays , there's hardly ever a blackout!

glitter-graphics.com

QUESTION 4: If you have enough of me, can you still set me on fire ?

ANSWER : No, death is painless when you are electronic. I just click DELETE and you disappear.

glitter-graphics.com

QUESTION 5 : Where do I go ?

ANSWER : What a silly question ! Did you know where you went years ago when I tore you up and threw you into blazing fire ? Well...I guess somewhere in the cyber world

QUESTION 6 : Not sure I understand ... Can you get me back ?

ANSWER:  Of course I can once I save you in the Draft ! If I don't ..I can always start a new page ...

   

Eight Days in Kefalonia, Greece - PART IV

DAY 6 - TUESDAY JULY 15th

Just after breakfast, we decided to visit the village of Poros located at about 7 km from the hotel. Poros is a pretty, picturesque village that was built after the earthquake of 1953 to house the inhabitants of the surrounding mountain villages of Asproyerakas, Riza and Tzanata. The boundless, indented coastline - 2km long - boasts golden sandy beaches, small coves and transparent turquoise waters. Here, you may come across the protected species of the Mediterranean monk seals and loggerhead sea turtles There is also dense and varied vegetation with wooded hillsides, streams, abandoned watermills and torrents combining to form a scene of unique beauty. This is the most verdant part of an otherwise mountaineous island. The Poros ravine is also of exceptional beauty. A steep gorge with sudden perpendicular slopes is associated with wonderful tales of Greek mythology which claim that Herakles passed through here. There are also awe-inspiring marks in the rocks which are said to be his gigantic footsteps.

After having spent some time on the beach enjoying swimming and sunbathing, we spotted a small fish taverna by the harbour where we had fresh gavros and some ice-cold ouzo. To end a great Greek meal after an invigorating swim, we had a huge ice-cream for dessert which we shared - thus feeling less guilty about the extra calories !!! After lunch, we went for a stroll along the seafront and did some more shopping before taking a taxi to go back to the hotel. After a short siesta, we enjoyed coffee by the pool, yet another swim in the pool. Alkis talked me into a swimming race for two... I lost, of course ! That wasn't fair because Alkis has longer arms and longer legs than me, so he can swim faster !!! No hard feelings, though. We had a great laugh , anyway!

At about 7: 30 pm, while Alkis was watching the news on TV, I was having a blissful time in the jacuzzi with my new Dior mask on my face. Pampering myself after a hot day on the beach was just what I needed to feel fresh and fit for yet another romantic dinner under the stars at the candlelit terrace of Apostolata Island Resort.

DAY 7 - WEDNESDAY JULY  16th

We didn't feel like getting around, so we spent the whole day at the private swimming pool of our suite. It was a very lazy and relaxing day.

DAY 8 - THURSDAY JULY 17th

I got up early in the morning feeling as light as a feather ! In order not to wake up Alkis, I made a cup of Green tea which I enjoyed by the pool contemplating the blue magic of the Ionian. Alkis joined me a few minutes later and we both felt sad as that was our last day on the beautiful island of Cephalonia. He helped me pack most of our things leaving only toileteries and some clothes we'd need and at 7:00 am up we went the 143 steps to have breakfast. We both knew it was our last leisurely breakfast at Apostolata, so we had a little bit of everything ! Then I thought we'd spend our last day at the private swimming pool of our suite... But Alkis had one last surprise for me. He said we'd rather spend another day in Poros and I agreed as I really liked the beach there very much. Once there he made a mysterious phone call and soon after he suggested going to the harbour.

A friendly Cephalonian siad : "Your boat is ready!"

OUR boat ???...I wondered

Alkis thanked him, paid him and then ...turning to me he said : "Fair are the winds ! Welcome on board !"

I stepped on board hesitatingly. "Who's going to steer the boat ? " , I asked.

" Darling, I AM !" he replied proudly and with a broad smile.

I have known Alkis for 32 years ... I knew he had never steered a boat before. Nevertheless, I asked : "Have you ever steered a boat before?"

"No", he said, nonchalantly "but I guess it's like driving a car..."

Well, it was a motor boat, so I smiled back and teasingly said : " Nice to meet you, Captain"

Although we had a map and a compass, we got lost and first reached the beach of Ayia Efthimia. It was beautiful but overcrowded.

" Well..." Alkis said  "I guess there's a problem with the compass....".

"Until you.... fix it, Captain ", I said "how about an ice cold frape?".

That's our national drink - Greek iced coffee. Back to the boat after a while and we headed for the secluded beach of Myrtos. There was not a living soul to be seen there, not even a loggerhead sea turtle!!! We spent about 2 hours there, swimming in those crystal-clear waters in ...our birthday suits ! Then we sat on the beach and hungrily ate the fresh fruit we had bought at Poros and drank iced water we had in a thermos. Then we set off for Poros.

" I won't mind if we get lost again", I said while singing "Karavaki mou Ksekina". Alkis was concentrating on the map and compass...

" Just imagine !" I added dreamingly " If , by mistake, we reach Ithaki, or Ikaria or Zakynthos ...or even Corfu!!!"

He smiled back saying ..."Wishful thinking ...we've only got enough petrol for ...Poros!" That was enough to reduce me to silence !

Back to the hotel late in the afternoon after the greatest holiday experience I've ever had ! While sipping some white Robola by the pool just before dinner, Alkis proudly said that steering a motor boat is ...a piece of cake !!! What more can I say for ...MY Captain Corelli ?

And here ended our last day on the island of Captain Corelli !

Eight Days in Kefalonia, Greece - PART III

DAY 2 - FRIDAY JULY 11th

After a great night's sleep, we woke to the unique beauty of the Ionian as seen from our suite. We had an invigorating early morning swim in the pool and then headed for breakfast. It was really hard to resist the hot pancakes and croissants as well as the variety of rolls, freshly baked bread, an assortment of home-made marmelade, the colourful array of juicy fresh fruit... not to mention the crispy bacon, the fried eggs, baked beans and grilled sausages, or the wide range of cheeses, muffins and sweets...to mention only a few of the yummy delights at the breakfast buffet.

Having taken a royal breakfast, we went for a stroll through the luxuriant gardens of the hotel and then down to our suite where we spent the rest of the day listening to chill-out music, lying in the sun or swimming in the pool. Just before lunch, we had cold beers by the pool while admiring the infinite blue of the Ionian...I just couldn't have enough of it.

By 1 :00 pm, we discovered to our surprise that we were ..starving to death ! We enjoyed our lunch in our swimming suits at the pool restaurant. I loved the grilled swordfish served with fresh vegetables while Alkis opted for his usual grilled chicken and chips.

DAY 3 - SATURDAY JULY 12th

It was yet another lazy summer day spent in the privacy of our suite and changing into something more decent only to go to dinner. 

DAY 4 - SUNDAY JULY 13th

Alkis and I decided to spend yet another day in the privacy of our suite at Apostolata Island Resort and Spa - what we decided to call "a small paradise on earth" We didn't get bored not for one single moment. So, it was another lazy summer day which ended with a romantic dinner at the exquisite terrace of Apostolata main restaurant. The sumptuous dinner buffet included a variety of Greek and International dishes and live cooking - such as grilled meats, fried calamari, octopus, spaghetti carbonara and crispy french fries. For starters, we could use our own imagination and choose amongst a great variety of greens to compose our own salad with the dressing of our liking. A wide range of fresh fruit and desserts including "loukoumades" cooked in our presence and served with honey and crashed walnuts was the ultimate temptation we were unable to resist to.

DAY 5 - MONDAY JULY 14th

Just after breakfast today, we decided to explore the surrounding area. So we took the hotel's shuttle bus to visit the nearby village of Skala - situated at about 4 km from Apostolata Resort. Skala is a picturesque,coastal village built after the 1953 earthquake at the south-eastern extremity of Cephalonia. Skala boasts one of the island's most beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by pine trees. We spent all morning on the golden beach enjoying swimming in those amazingly crystal-clear waters. After having done some shopping - mainly souvenir gifts for friends and family- we had lunch at a typically Cephalonian taverna called "La Luna" . For starters we thought we'd try the local speciality - "Kefalonitiki Kreatopita" - the famous Cephalonian meatpie- and "melitzanokeftedes", local aubergine balls. Believe me they're delicious ! For main course, I had souvlaki with chips while Alkis tried their "bifteki" (kind of Greek burger) . After this copious meal, we went back to the hotel, had a nap, then coffee by the pool. Then a ..light dinner - just salads. Although both Alkis and I appreciate good food , there was practically no more room for anything else ! Well, I also had a very small piece of their delicious chocolate mousse! Then we went up to the bar for a last after-dinner drink. There we met a very nice couple , also from Cyprus, and chatted away. At about 1:30 am, we were back to our suite, had a divine night swim and just before going to sleep , I sadly thought that  we only had ..three days left !   

Eight Days in Kefalonia, Greece - PART II

DAY 1 - THURSDAY JULY 10TH

Alkis and I woke up to the happy sound of the alarm indicating 6:00 am and reminding us that we had to be at the airport by 7:30. We chatted happily over breakfast going through some info on Cephalonia which I had printed from the Internet the night before. There weren't many people at the airport at that time, so check in was fast and easy. Our flight to Athens by Aegean Airways left on time and I must admit that I greatly enjoyed it despite my fear of flying. The weather was great and the flight quite uneventful. I even enjoyed the hot breakfast served on the plane - actually that was my second breakfast of the day ! It was 10:15 when we landed at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in Athens. We had just enough time for some more coffee before catching the flight to Cephalonia at 11:40.  The plane was much smaller - it wasn't an Airbus this time- and I felt rather uneasy about it shaking all over during take-off. Alkis, however, sounded quite reassuring when he told me for the umpteenth time that statistically the aeroplane is the safest means of transport ! Well, I managed to relax a little and enjoy the iced orange juice offered during our 40-minute flight to Cephalonia.

A taxi driver sent by the hotel was waiting for us to take us to Apostolata Resorts and Spa  situated near the village of Scala at about 40 minutes from Argostoli - the capital of the island. On our way there, we chatted with  Argyris - the taxi driver - who recommended us some great places to visit in the surrounding area. A winding road passing through cute little villages led up to the mountain slope where the hotel complex stands overlooking the Ionian Sea. A smiling lady warmly welcomed us at the hotel and soon afterwards we were driven in a small vehicle through the luxuriant gardens of the hotel down to what I thought was our room. Dimitris stopped in front of a cute bungalow and carried our luggage down a wooden staircase that led to our room. I was very surprised to see that there was just one door there which Dimitris unlocked wishing us an enjoyable stay at Apostolata Resorts. "Ladies first", Alkis said and I stepped into our "room". I was dumbfounded!! All I could utter was a series of "wows". That wasn't a ...room ! It was a luxurious suite or should I say a kind of condo or flat ??? "Are you sure this is no mistake?" I asked Alkis when my normal voice came back. "No, this is not a mistake", he answered teasingly. "Don't you like it?" Like it ? That was an understatement ! I loved it!

Not bothering to unpack, I explored the suite switching back to ...wows as I discovered the DVD and CD players in the living room. The bed in the bedroom was huge and the bathroom twice the size of my study room at home ! "And this is not all !" Alkis said teasingly again as he drew the curtains and led me to the deck ! WOW ! A private swimming pool and a patio furnished with rattan furniture and fluffy white cushions was going to be ours for the next eight days and ...seven nights.

Having recovered from my new "wows" crisis, I worriedly asked my husband : "Are you sure we won't have to do the washing up before we check out next week?" Alkis smiled and said: " As a matter of fact, YOU will do the washing up !" teasing away again. But as I sat back in the fluffy cushions by OUR swimming-pool for the next eight days while Alkis was serving us cold beers, I felt like Penelope Cruz  over a break during the shooting of "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" . I guess Alkis was ...Nicolas Cage but in a much more handsome version !

By 3:00 pm , I could eat a horse despite the double breakfast of the day ! Although it was terribly hot and humid, we decided to go up the 50 steps leading to the main pool restaurant. We both had some ouzo and  mini burgers served with chips and greek salad. We had melon and water melon for dessert which was most refreshing on a hot day like that! We spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking and swimming in the pool filled with sea water ! Our first day ended with a romantic dinner in the main restaurant overlooking the Ionian Sea.

TO BE CONTINUED

Eight Days in Kefalonia, Greece - PART I

INTRODUCTION

Alkis and I had been looking forward to this holiday since Easter, when we actually decided to make a dream come true. 25 years ago, soon after we got married in Geneva, we had to leave our beloved Switzerland where we met and fell in love and move to Corfu, Greece. Alkis had just graduated from the hotel school and was offered an important post in Corfu Hilton. So off we went. And spent a year there. As soon as I set foot on Corfu, I fell head over heels in love with the island and the Eptanese in general -the Seven Islands of the Ionian Sea - the largest being Cephalonia or Kefalonia, in Greek. During our stay in Corfu - the second largest island of the Eptanese- we never had the chance to visit Kefalonia which is rated 5th in the world for its awe-inspiring beaches and crystal-clear waters. Not to mention the friendly and so very hospitable Cephalonians.

The Cephalonians are hospitable, friendly people with smiling faces and a heart of gold. Although the island has turned into one of the world's most popular holiday destinations since 2001 - when Irene Papas, Nicolas Cage and Jennifer Cruz starred in "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" which was shot in Sami , Cephalonia - the locals have remained the pure, authentic Greeks they were before some Hollywood producer chose their isle to shoot a blockbuster. Certainly, the film added to the island's popularity, yet Kefalonia has been boasting its unique beauties since antiquity.

Eight days and seven nights in Kefalonia are definitely not enough to fully explore  the most beautiful island of the Eptanese . Alkis and I wanted to relax and unwind, spend lazy days at the pool or at the beach rather than hire a car and get about all over the island. We only visited the surrounding area near our hotel. Maybe some other time, we'll have the chance to revisit this fantastic island and explore it all.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Paphos, Cyprus

Home to the second international airport in Cyprus and deemed to be the capital of the west, Paphos Cyprus is an excellent holiday destination, and a city steeped in history. Holidays to Paphos are indeed something you will remember forever and whether you stay in a Paphos villa or a hotel in Paphos we guarantee you will not be disappointed. The town of Paphos is located just 10km from Paphos Airport just a short taxi ride away. Car hiring in Paphos is also very popular and you can arrange to pick up your hire car at the airport.

Paphos Cyprus consists of two separate areas, the coastal region known as Kato Paphos and the actual town itself known locally as Pano Paphos. Paphos is extremely popular with a wide range of tourists including English, German, and other European nationalities.Some of the main reasons for this include cheap flights to Paphos and the amazing Paphos weather.

The focal point of the town of Paphos itself is a charming fishing harbour.Located here, you will also find Paphos fort and a myriad of tavernas and open air cafes all serving excellent food and the catch of the day.

What Makes Holidays to Paphos So Special?

Holidays to Paphos are like holidays to paradise and for those who love history, Paphos will seem like heaven. Many people are familiar with the Greek Goddess Aphrodite and it was on the Paphos shoreline that her legend was born. Remnants of this legend can still be seen today in a number of features including The Venus Rock and the Baths of Aphrodite. Some of the amazing places to see whilst on holidays in Paphos include Paphos Medieval Fort which is located at the harbor, Petra Tou Romiou which is the birthplace of Aphrodite and located 25km from Paphos, The Tombs of the Kings which are spread out over a vast area and are underground tombs that date back to the 4th Century BC. There are also a number of churches and museums to visit too.

Holidays to Paphos will never be boring either.There are so many museums, caves, and tombs to explore not to mention local art, vineyards, banana plantations, and much more.You can also relax on the beach and enjoy the magnificent weather.

• Paphos26 informs you about Paphos Hotels
• Helps you to find Cheap Paphos Flight
• Offers very good Paphos Map
• and all Paphos tourist information

The aim of Paphos26.com is that give you extensive information and tips about Paphos holiday or Paphos property investment. At Paphos26 you will also find more about:

• 10 Great Reasons To Buy Property In Paphos
• Things you should know about Paphos Property For Sale
• How is the Paphos weather in May

About Paphos Hotels

Most of the modern hotels and restaurants can be found along the seaside promenade and this is also home to the main shopping lane which runs parallel to the promenade and is the perfect place to pick up those all important souvenirs.
One of the most popular hotels in Paphos is the Great Alexander Beach Hotel which offers excellent accommodation for all holiday guests. This is a luxurious award winning hotel that is situated on the beach and is only a few minutes walk from Paphos harbor and the town centre. You can also avail of holiday apartments in Paphos or indeed a Paphos villa for those who prefer self catering.

Enjoy Cyprus ~  Paphos

Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate which means that there are over 300 days of sunshine per year. Temperatures during summer months reach into the mid 30s and this makes for a great beach holiday and the beaches in Paphos are fantastic and include the extremely popular Coral Bay which is a breathtaking beach filled with miles of soft sand and deep blue waters making it the perfect location for water sports. There are four main beaches in Paphos and you can try your hand at a number of different water sports including, jet skiing, diving, snorkeling, fishing, and parasailing.

Diving is also an option and there are a number of diving schools that will take you on guided tours.For a great family day out, there is also Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark.This is one of the largest tourist attractions in Paphos and boasts the largest number of facilities and the largest European family rafting ride.There is something for everyone at Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark and its a great way to spend a very enjoyable day.

No matter what you choose to do during your holiday to Paphos (Cyprus)we are sure you will take away with you memories you can treasure forever.

SOURCE : PAPHOS26

Protaras, Cyprus - May 2008

Afelia

Flavors of Cyprus

Total time: more than 2 hours

Marinating time: 4-8 hours
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy...(Well not THAT easy !!!) 

Chef's Note

Afelia is usually served with pourgouri pilafi and yogurt.

Ingredients

Ingredients for 4 servings

- 1 kg (2 1/4 lb.) lean boneless Pork, in cubes

- 250 ml (1 cup) red wine

- 1-2 tbsp. Coriander or Cilantro seeds, coarsely crushed

- Salt

- Freshly ground black pepper

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 6 tbsp. sunflower or vegetable oil

Method

1. Marinate the meat in the wine and spices for at least 4 hours, overnight if possible.
2. Lift the meat our of the marinade and dry on kitchen paper. Keep the marinade for later.
3. Heat the oil in a heavy-based casserole and brown the cubes of meat a few at a time, until all are crisp and brown. Add more oil if necessary.
4. Wipe any excess oil from the pan and return all the meat. Pour over the marinade and enough cold water to just cover the meat. Cover the casserole with a lid and cook gently, either in the oven or on top for about 30 minutes or until the meat is tender.
5. Almost all of the liquid should have evaporated to leave a thick sauce. If necessary cook the afelia uncovered for a further 10 minutes to reduce excess liquid.

Kali orexi - Bon appetit!

The Perfect Tan

Dr Kat Arney, scientist at Cancer Research
Sunday June 3, 2007
The Observer

Sorry to confirm what you already know - but there's no such thing as a safe tan. Tanned skin is already damaged. But there are still ways you can enjoy the sun safely. For instance, you can use the 'shadow rule' to work out when the sun is most likely to burn. It's pretty simple: when your shadow is shorter than you are tall, you're most at risk, and you need to spend some time in the shade.

Article continues

---

---

People also often assume a base tan will protect them, so they stay out longer and lower their protection factor. It's a myth. At best, a tan is like wearing sun protection factor four. We recommend factor 15, as it blocks out 93 per cent of UVB radiation - anything higher doesn't provide that much extra.

Apply sunscreen about half an hour before going out. It goes on first - under moisturiser, make-up, insect repellent, everything. Put lots on, rub it in lightly and re-apply often. It's not a magic shield, and if you're turning pink, it's not enough. The fabrics you wear can make a difference, too - the weave, the colour and the fit. As a general rule, the darker the better - so black T-shirts rather than white, and loose clothes are more protective than tight. Denim is better than cotton. Dry is better than wet.

Take it slowly and gently. It may sound like a drag, but burning doubles your risk of skin cancer - and intermittent, intense sun exposure raises your risk by 70 per cent.

For more information go to www.sunsmart.org.uk.

Interview by Anna Moore

Career Quiz

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Αν γεννήθηκες πριν το 1985

ΑΠΟ ΤΟΝ ΚΑΛΟ ΜΟΥ ΦΙΛΟ ΣΩΤΟ

Αφιερωμένο σε όσους γεννήθηκαν πριν το 1985

H αλήθεια είναι ότι δεν ξέρω πώς καταφέραμε να επιβιώσουμε. Ήμαστε μια γενιά σε αναμονή: περάσαμε την παιδική μας ηλικία περιμένοντας. Έπρεπε να περιμένουμε δύο ώρες μετά το φαγητό πριν κολυμπήσουμε, δύο ώρες μεσημεριανό ύπνο για να ξεκουραστούμε και τις Κυριακές έπρεπε να μείνουμε νηστικοί όλο το πρωί για να κοινωνήσουμε. Ακόμα και οι πόνοι περνούσαν με την αναμονή.

Κοιτάζοντας πίσω, είναι δύσκολο να πιστέψουμε ότι είμαστε ακόμα ζωντανοί. Εμείς ταξιδεύαμε σε αυτοκίνητα χωρίς ζώνες ασφαλείας και αερόσακους. Κάναμε ταξίδια 10 και 12 ωρών, πέντε άτομα σε ένα Φιατάκι και δεν υποφέραμε από το «σύνδρομο της τουριστικής θέσης». Δεν είχαμε πόρτες, παράθυρα, ντουλάπια και μπουκάλια φαρμάκων ασφαλείας για τα παιδιά. Ανεβαίναμε στα ποδήλατα χωρίς κράνη και προστατευτικά, κάναμε ωτο-στοπ, καβαλάγαμε μοτοσικλέτες χωρίς δίπλωμα. Οι κούνιες ήταν φτιαγμένα από μέταλλο και είχαν κοφτερές γωνίες. Ακόμα και τα παιχνίδια μας ήταν βίαια.

Περνάγαμε ώρες κατασκευάζοντας αυτοσχέδια αυτοκίνητα για να κάνουμε κόντρες κατρακυλώντας σε κάποια κατηφόρα και μόνο τότε ανακαλύπταμε ότι είχαμε ξεχάσει να βάλουμε φρένα. Παίζαμε «μακριά γαϊδούρα» και κανείς μας δεν έπαθε κήλη ή εξάρθρωση. Βγαίναμε από το σπίτι τρέχοντας το πρωί, παίζαμε όλη τη μέρα και δεν γυρνούσαμε στο σπίτι παρά μόνο αφού είχαν ανάψει τα φώτα στους δρόμους. Κανείς δεν μπορούσε να μας βρει. Τότε δεν υπήρχαν κινητά. Σπάγαμε τα κόκκαλα και τα δόντια μας και δεν υπήρχε κανένας νόμος για να τιμωρήσει τους  «υπεύθυνους». Ανοίγανε κεφάλια όταν παίζαμε πόλεμο με πέτρες και ξύλα και δεν έτρεχε τίποτα. Ήταν κάτι συνηθισμένο για παιδιά και όλα θεραπεύονταν με λίγο ιώδιο ή μερικά ράμματα. Δεν υπήρχε κάποιος να κατηγορήσεις παρά μόνο ο εαυτός σου. Είχαμε καυγάδες και κάναμε καζούρα ο ένας στον άλλος και μάθαμε να το ξεπερνάμε χωρίς να μας δημιουργούνται ψυχολογικά τραύματα. Τρώγαμε γλυκά και πίναμε αναψυκτικά, αλλά δεν ήμασταν παχύσαρκοι. Ίσως  κάποιος από εμάς να ήταν χοντρός και αυτό ήταν όλο.

Μοιραζόμασταν μπουκάλια  νερό ή αναψυκτικά ή οποιοδήποτε ποτό και κανένας μας δεν έπαθε τίποτα. Καμιά φορά κολλάγαμε ψείρες στο σχολείο και οι μητέρες μας το αντιμετώπιζαν πλένοντάς μας το κεφάλι με ζεστό ξύδι.Δεν είχαμε Playstations, Nintendo 64, 99 τηλεοπτικά κανάλια, βιντεοταινίες με ήχο surround, υπολογιστές ή Ιnternet. Εμείς είχαμε φίλους. Κανονίζαμε να βγούμε μαζί τους και βγαίναμε. Καμιά φορά δεν κανονίζαμε τίποτα, απλά βγαίναμε στο δρόμο και εκεί συναντιόμασταν για να παίξουμε κυνηγητό, κρυφτό, αμπάριζα, μέχρι εκεί έφτανε η τεχνολογία. Περνούσαμε τη μέρα μας έξω, τρέχοντας και παίζοντας. Φτιάχναμε παιχνίδια μόνοι μας από ξύλα. Χάσαμε χιλιάδες μπάλες ποδοσφαίρου. Πίναμε νερό κατευθείαν από τη βρύση, όχι εμφιαλωμένο και κάποιοι έβαζαν τα χείλη τους πάνω στη βρύση. Κυνηγούσαμε σαύρες και πουλιά με αεροβόλα στην εξοχή, παρά το ότι ήμασταν ανήλικοι και δεν υπήρχαν ενήλικοι για να μας επιβλέπουν. Θεέ μου! Πηγαίναμε με το ποδήλατο ή περπατώντας μέχρι τα σπίτια των φίλων και τους φωνάζαμε από την πόρτα.. Φανταστείτε το! Χωρίς να ζητήσουμε άδεια από τους γονείς μας, ολομόναχοι εκεί έξω στο σκληρό αυτό κόσμο! Χωρίς κανέναν υπεύθυνο! Πώς τα καταφέραμε; Στα σχολικά παιχνίδια συμμετείχαν όλοι και όσοι δεν έπαιρναν μέρος έπρεπε να συμβιβαστούν με την απογοήτευση. Κάποιοι δεν ήταν τόσο καλοί μαθητές όσο άλλοι και έπρεπε να μείνουν στην ίδια τάξη. Δεν υπήρχαν ειδικά τεστ για να περάσουν όλοι. Τι φρίκη!

Κάναμε διακοπές τρεις μήνες τα καλοκαίρια και περνούσαμε ατέλειωτες ώρες στην παραλία χωρίς αντιηλιακή κρέμα με δείκτη προστασίας 30 και χωρίς μαθήματα ιστιοπλοΐας, τένις ή γκολφ. Φτιάχναμε όμως φανταστικά κάστρα στην άμμο και ψαρεύαμε με ένα αγκίστρι και μια πετονιά. Ρίχναμε τα κορίτσια κυνηγώντας τα για να τους βάλουμε χέρι, όχι πιάνοντας κουβέντα σε κάποιο chat room και γράφοντας ; ) : D : P

Είχαμε ελευθερία, αποτυχία, επιτυχία και υπευθυνότητα και μέσα από όλα αυτά μάθαμε και ωριμάσαμε. Δεν θα πρέπει να μάς παραξενεύει που τα σημερινά παιδιά είναι κακομαθημένα και χαζοχαρούμενα.

Αν εσύ είσαι από τους «παλιούς». συγχαρητήρια! Είχες την τύχη να μεγαλώσεις σαν παιδί

Snapshots from Larnaca

My Personality Quiz Results !

Personality Type Quiz My Result: Intellectual Personality Type

You’re really smart, obviously, but you’re more book smart, than street smart. You like reading, watch the news, and love discussing whatever is going on in the world. You enjoy being around people who challenge you intellectually. Take Personality Type Quiz Find more quizzes at Quibblo.com

My Latest News

Sunday, May 18th - 12:20

My dear diary,

I've made some free time , at last (!), to open your electronic pages. Just after the Easter break, things got really hectic at work with the IGCSE examination coming up. With all  the marking I had to do PLUS 4 periods of extra lessons, I ended up working 12-14 hours daily including the weekends ! It was a rather stressful fortnight, yet the good thing is that I don't easily get stressed out as I've always considered stress to be the worst councellor and the source of many evils.

The British Council was both very co-operative and efficient, so all statements of entry for the IGCSE examination in English - Second Language arrived in time. That was a great relief ! I'm also very happy with my IGCSE class this year. Most of my students show interest and motivation and willingly participate in class. They had the Reading and Writing test last Friday which they found relatively easy. Yet, what I fear most is the listening comprehension next Friday. Most of them have difficulties in understanding spoken English, so let's keep our fingers crossed !

So after two hectic weeks at work, this weekend I've taken some time to relax and unwind. Last night, Alkis and I had dinner out at "Campanario" which is my favourite restaurant in Larnaca. Their flamed plank steak is an ode to the palate ! While sipping our wine - one of Greece's best reds , Ktima Lazarides - Alkis and I took time to relax and talk on a very enjoyable Saturday night out. The plans for today ? Seafood at one of Larnaca's great fish tavernas followed by a short siesta before a fashion show later this afternoon and dinner at The Ouzeri.

My Easter Weekend

Dear Diary,

Ohhh ! I've missed you so much ! You are by far the best diary ever... So, you won't talk to me. Ohh ! Really ? Have I been neglecting you again ? Will you , please, stop moaning and groaning, because, as I have already explained so very often, it only takes a ...click to delete you. Right ...a click ...a right -click !  Funny huh ? Remember, my dear diary, laughs best who laughs last! Listen, my sweet paper-minded, paper-oriented diary... I'm a working girl. YES ! And will you, please shut up ? I'm still a ...girl at 50 ! How very rude of you ! Now , I'm on the verge of ..right-clicking on delete.

Deleting you means going back to your real self ...I mean your paper self. And if I choose to delete you as a paper notebook, however fancy you can be, "death" is slow and painful. No right-click, I'm afraid. I'll either tear you up in pieces or ... throw you away in a glowing fire. Hmmm....you wouldn't like that, I know. Now, be good and listen to my latest news.

I've had a very romantic Easter weekend ! As you know, in Cyprus, hardly anyone celebrates Easter just with their significant other. There must be at least 10 people around to celebrate. However, this year, I had the great pleasure to celebrate Easter and my name day with my husband only . I think it was the best Easter I've ever had ! Just the two of us ..

On Saturday night, we went to church for the midnight service of the Resurrection. I was lucky to find somewhere to sit . Ten minutes before midnight, I got up looking for Alkis. But I couldn't see him ! I just stood there , in the middle of the crowd, feeling lonely and miserable ... Alkis was no where to be seen. At midnight, the lights went off and the priest announced : "Δεύτε λάβετε φως εκ του ανεσπέρου φωτός ..." ~ "Come get the Light. the everlasting Light". And that's when he saw me and came towards me saying ..."I thought that little blond head was ...mine !"  Just in time to give each other the Kiss of Love when the priests sang "Χριστός Ανέστη εκ νεκρών, θανάτω θάνατον πατήσας και τοις εν τοις μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος" ~ "Christ has risen from the dead, victorious over Death, giving life to the dead". Back home, we ate magiritsa - our special Easter soup- which I had made for the ...first time, we cracked  red eggs and ....wow ! I was the winner !

Early on Easter Sunday, Alkis went to work. I got up at 10, had breakfast and soon afterwards I joined him at the hotel. The hotel was really packed and I was so happy for him . We had an ouzo at the pool bar and then lunch - What a lunch ! Various salads to start with followed by a variety of barbecue including lamb on the spit and kokoretsi while enjoying the traditional Greek dances.

In the evening, we stayed at home and celebrated my name day. Champagne, light snacks and ...chocolate eggs ! Ah right , we were very naughty ! On Easter Monday we had lunch at Lysia Tavern. Although it was packed, we loved both the service and the food ! Unfortunately, I had too much to eat PLUS a glass of wine too many and felt rather uncomfortable in the afternoon. This is called ..indigestion !

As from today and for the next couple of days, there's only salad and veggies on the menu! Till Thursday that is cause on Friday we're off for the weekend and I don't think we'll eat just salads and veggies !

Human Combustion

In December 1966, the body of 92-year-old Dr. J. Irving Bentley was discovered in his Pennsylvania home by a meter reader. Actually, only part of Dr. Bentley's leg and slippered foot were found. The rest of his body had been burned to ashes. A hole in the bathroom floor was the only evidence of the fire that had killed him; the rest of the house remained perfectly intact.

How could a man catch fire -- with no apparent source of a spark or flame -- and then burn so completely without igniting anything around him? Dr. Bentley's case and several hundred others like it have been labeled "spontaneous human combustion" (SHC). Although he and other victims of the phenomenon burned almost completely, their surroundings, and even somet