Anastasia

Friday's Top Ten ...Sinful Desserts!

They also happen to be my favourite! Now, aren't I a sinner?

10. Strawberry Bavaroise

9. Fruit Tart

8. Pancakes with cereals and honey

7. Chocolate Souffle

6. Pineapple Cake

5. Apple Pie

4. Baklavas

3. Fruit Cake

2. My mum's chocolate Christmas Village

1. Christmas Cake

  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  

Extreme Weather Conditions hit Cyprus again.

 
Two days ago, I woke up to yet another sunny day in October. One would think we were in May! Considering my day off on the 28th, I was more than excited as I planned to spend part of that holiday on the beach! But then, in the blink of an eye,  something terrible happened! Almost a month after a tornado hit Nicosia, the sun disappeared all of a sudden giving way to one of the most terrible storms the island has ever known. Floods, hailstorms and torrential rain caused chaos in the capital as well as in some parts of Larnaca. Once again, it was a miracle there was no human loss.

 
Roads and buildings flooded in the Alambra area, while the Fire Services received over 100 calls from distressed homeowners and drivers. Miraculously, there were no injuries. Police blocked off roads – including parts of the Nicosia-Limassol highway – as they had flooded and were deemed to dangerous to use. One woman’s car was swept away by a flash flood on the Mosphiloti-Alambra road and became immobilised by a eucalyptus tree. The car was covered in water, though the driver avoided injury as she climbed on to the bonnet and waited for help. She was saved by firemen and members of the Rapid Reaction Unit (MMAD). In another part of Alambra, disaster was narrowly averted when lightning struck a home and set it on fire while a family was inside. They managed to escape without injury.

 
   And we are in for more bad weather as temperature has considerably dropped from one one day to another!Yet, there is always a silver lining in every cloud. Considering our water shortage problem, the equivalent of one month's rain fell in a matter of hours. That was sheer bliss!

28 October 1940 - Greece and World War II

 

 

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What the World said about Greece

For those who think that Greece today is of no importance, allow me to say that they could not had been more wrong. Modern, just like ancient Greece, has unique importance for everyone who is trying to find himself.

Henry Miller, American writer

 
When the birthplace of the finest civilization the world ever experienced, the country to which we ought what makes life superior and more beautiful, faces such an attack, the place of all real people is by her side.

William Lyon Mackenzie King, Prime Minister of Canada

Greece gave the example that each one of us must follow, until the enemies of freedom, wherever in the world they may be, suffer their justified punishment.

[A]ll free peoples are deeply impressed by the courage and steadfastness of the Greek nation. ...which is defending itself so valiantly.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States

 
Without Greek studies there is no education.

Leo Tolstoy, Russian writer

 
I have never come across someone who could inspire more respect than the Greek philosophers.

Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher

 
If in the library of your house you do not have the works of the ancient Greek writers, then you live in a house with no light.

George Bernard Shaw, Irish-British playwright

It's a shame to be called "educated" those who do not study the ancient Greek writers.

François Rabelais, French Renaissance writer

 
The world is the expanding Greece and Greece is the shrinking world.

Victor Hugo, French Romantic writer

 
Though Greece was conquered, she defeated the conqueror and imported the arts in the uncivilised Latium.

Quintus Horatius Flaccus, Roman lyric poet

If there had not been the virtue and courage of the Greeks, we do not know which the outcome of World War II would had been.

Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

First Greece taught us that free men can be brave, and that no defeat is meant to last forever. This small nation proved to be worthy of its history.

Albert Camus, French author and philosopher

 
Our country, in which virtue is especially honoured, watches with admiration the struggle of the Greeks in Albania. We are so much touched, that, by letting aside every other feeling, we shout: LONG LIVE HELLAS!.

Mainichi Shimbun, Japanese newspaper, 7 December 1940

 
The Russian people will always be grateful to the Greeks for delaying the German army long enough for winter to set in, thereby giving us the precious time we needed to prepare. We will never forget.[2]

Joseph Stalin, in an open letter read frequently on Radio Moscow during the war

 
Historical justice forces me to admit that among all the enemies who stand against us, the Greek soldier above all, fought with the most courage. He surrendered himself only when the continuation of resistance was not possible any longer, and when he had no reason not to... However, he fought so bravely, that even his enemies can not deny their respect for him... Thus, the Greek prisoners of war were released immediately, having in mind the heroic stance of these soldiers.[3]

Adolph Hitler, Reichstag, 4 May 1941

 
I forbid the Press to underestimate the Greeks, to defame them... The Führer admires the bravery of Greeks. [4]

Joseph Goebbels in his diary, 9 April 1941

 
The brave struggle of the people of this relatively small nation, for the right to live without interventions by dictatoric states, calls forth the respect and admiration of all the nations who love freedom.

United States Congress, 3 April 1941
Hence we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks.[5]

Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
In the name of the captured yet still alive French people, France wants to send her greetings to the Greek people who are fighting for their freedom. The 25th of March, 1941 finds Greece in the peak of their heroic struggle and in the top of their glory. Since the battle of Salamis Greece had not achieved the greatness and the glory which today holds.

Charles de Gaulle, President of the French Republic

If the sharp-sightedness of the Greeks had kept pace with their intelligence, then maybe even the Industrial Revolution had begun one thousand years before Columbus. And so, in our era, we would not just try to visit the Moon, but we would already had arrived on other close planets.

Sir Arthur C. Clarke, English author and inventor

 
Nobody can say a word against Greek: it stamps a man at once as an educated gentleman.[6]

George Bernard Shaw, Irish-British playwright

 
Know ye the land where the cypress and myrtle

Are emblems of deeds that are done in their clime,

Where the rage of the vulture,

the love of the turtle,

Now melt into sorrow,

now madded to crime?

Lord Byron, Anglo-Scottish poet

 
To Greece we give our shining blades.

Thomas Moore, Irish poet[7]

How can any educated person stay away from the Greeks? I have always been far more interested in them than in science.

Albert Einstein, Jewish-American scientist

Of all peoples the Greeks have dreamt the dream of life best.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German polymath

What a city we have given over to plunder and destruction.

Mehmed II, Ottoman Sultan, 29 May 1453
Greece is the mother of science and the source of knowledge.

Moses of Chorene, Armenian historian.
I would prefer to be a Greek, rather than a heir apparent of a throne.

Ludwig I, King of Bavaria.

 
Greece was the first of civilized nations that presented an example of what man should be.

Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States.[8]

LONG LIVE HELLAS!

Tuesday's Positive Thought

SUNNY THOUGHTS

When I am down, when things just don't go the way I want them to, when I can't see the silver lining in my cloud - however hard I try - here's what I repeat to myself and then I feel great again!

• Very often, failure is the surest way to success.
• What really matters in life is the journey - not the destination. 
• Life without pain and suffering would be boring!
• Count your blessings, not your money!
• Nothing is black in life. It's purely white with just a few ...grey streaks for a highlight.
• Forget and forgive.
• There is always something positive in every negative situation.
• When you believe things will look up again, the sky is the limit.

And never forget that a positive thought a day keeps the doctor away!

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Monday's Greek Recipe-Astakos Vrastos me Hortarika

BOILED LOBSTER WITH VEGETABLES

A. Ingredients (5-6 servings)

• 1 lobster- about 1.5 kilos (3lbs6oz)
• 2-3 carrots coarsely cut
• 1-2 onions coarsely diced
• some celery
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 wine glass vinegar
• 2 tsp pepper corns
• salt

B. Directions

1. Pour enough water into a pot so as to cover the lobster.
2. Add the onions, the carrots, the celery, the bay leaf, the vinegar, the salt and the pepper corns and boil over a medium fire for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Carefully place the lobster in the pot and continue cooking for about 25-30 minutes.
4. Remove the lobster and the vegetables from the pot and place them on a platter.
5. When the lobster is cold enough, cut it in two, lengthwise using a very sharp knife.
6. Serve the lobster with the boiled vegetables and either Tartar sauce or lemon and olive oil sauce.
7. If desired, you may add asparagus, mushrooms and potatoes together with the celery and carrots. You can also combine the lobster with boiled mussels.

Source : The Best Traditional Recipes of Greek Cooking (Editions Haitalis)

Sleeping on the Plane!

Due to my fear of flying, I never sleep on the plane! It seems that sleeping on the plane can really get you into trouble, after all!

 

 

Sunday Outing

Alkis and I decided to take advantage of this bright sunny Sunday and spend it outdoors. At the beginning, we thought about going to the mountains as it's a long time we haven't been there. Besides, it would be a nice change from the still summer weather of our area. But as soon as we set off, heading for Troodos, I had a great idea. Why not go to the nearby village of Pervolia located at about 17km from the centre of Larnaca? Alkis was also thrilled with the idea. So..change of direction and off we went. In the past, we used to go there quite often. It was just a very small village then boasting a 4km long pebble beach and crystal clear waters. Apart from a fish tavern or two, the church and the coffee shop, there was nothing much to see in the village. On our way there, we realised that the last time we visited Pervolia was more than ten years ago!

We were surprised to see how much has changed since then! It looks more like a small town now and there are about 1,600 inhabitants. What's more, it's been transformed into a popular tourist destination, especially for families with young children due to the shallow waters but also for travellers who seek peace and quiet on their holidays. There are no huge hotel complexes, just one hotel with bungalows, hotel appartments, and a few villas owned mostly by foreigners. There is also a bank, a supermarket and a sports centre as well as quite a few taverns. And the old light-house, of course, which has been preserved.

We enjoyed our walk through the village; there were only few cars and the only sound heard was the old church clock striking the hours. We had lunch at one of the local tavernas. The food was simply delicious! And good value for money...to such an extent that we thought there was a mistake in the bill. We had a salad and halloumi for starters and a bottle of beer followed by the main course : mixed souvlaki garnished with a salad and chips, a small bottle of ouzo and a big bottle of mineral water-all this for 32 euros. The fruit and sweets were on the house.

Despite the rapid  tourist development of Pervolia, the village has preserved its identity and its own very special character. Most importantly, both Alkis and I were struck by the friendliness and the hospitality of the locals who are only too happy to be helpful and welcome visitors to their village.

The bottom line is : we'll go back soon! After all, it's just a short drive away from home.  

Blog Action Day - Climate Change

The headlines below all describe unusual weather conditions from 1987 to 1990.

• Worst hurricane since 1703 ravages south and home countries (October 1987)
• Island snow astonishes getaway tourists. (February 1989)
• Mildest winter for years threatens tourist trade. (Winter 1989-1990)
• Severe flooding creates inland sea bigger than Britain.(April 1990)
• Elderly victims of sunstroke diein temperatures over 40*C. (July 1990)
• Motorways melt in midsummer madness. (August 1990)
• African drought and famine worse  through long hot summers. (Summer 1990)

And very recently , in September 2009 , here in Cyprus we experienced a powerful tornado. Thank God , no lives were lost. But never before have we experienced such extreme weather conditions in September!

Some more facts :

• It has been calculated that if the emmission of greenhouse gases continues at the present rate, the increase in temperature will be enough to cause a rise in sea-level of between 20 and 30 cm by 2030.
• If the loss of even the scant annual rainfall of Cape Verde were to become a long-term feature, it is very doubtful whether careful farming practices.....could save a way of life.
• If much of Britain were to experience a Mediterranean type of climate, as most greenhouse theories forecast, there would be radical changes in the British climate itself and in the agriculture that would be possible in the country.
• If one assumes a growing greenhouse effect of global warming, the Arctic ice cap could have melted by 2090.

We are all citizens of the same planet - possibly the most beautiful in our solar system. It's high time we did something to save our home:

• Recycle glass and plastic separately.
• Switch off the lights when you leave a room.
• Don't litter beaches, forests, lakes, rivers or mountains just as you wouldn't litter your own home.
• Plant trees!

Tuesday's Positive Thought on a....Tuesday 13th

Tuesday is considered, by many Greeks, to be the unluckiest day of the week. It was on Tuesday, May 29th, 1453 that the city of Constantinople (now known as Istanbul) was besieged and taken by the Ottoman Turks. The loss of life was considerable. Conversely, Greeks consider the number 13 (on its own) to be good luck. Reasons for this vary, including the belief that having 12 apostles of Christ made Christ the 13th of the group. The ancient philosophy of Numerology considers 13 to be "the most selfless of all" and "love for the world revolves around" thirteen. The Celts also considered the number 13 to be related to good fortune. However, the combination of Tuesday and 13 as Tuesday the 13th of the month is considered a very unlucky day in Greek culture.

Today, Tuesday 13th 2009 was a very unlucky day for me. I'm not superstitious and I really don't believe there are lucky and unlucky days. Very often it depends on what WE make of our day - any day. However unlucky your day may be - even on a Tuesday or Friday 13th - a positive thought makes your day!

TODAY

1. I got up late in the morning - very unlike me - and was consequently late for work. Classes begin at 2:30 pm but I must be at the school by 10:00 am and my own boss is pretty strict .  Feeling positive, I sang "My Favourite Things" in the bathroom - yes ,don't laugh, it's my favourite song - I only had coffee and a toast for breakfast and I was at the school by 10:25.

2. I planned ALL my lessons on the interactive whiteboard. At 1:30 pm - only one hour before lessons start - the projector of my interactive whiteboard wouldn't switch on! I calmly called the company I got it from, and firmly demanded their technical support BEFORE 2:30. Indeed, a tech support guy came , only to tell me that there was something wrong with the projector and that they would need to send it to Nicosia to see what the problem was. I politely said that I would like to have my projector REPLACED at no cost at all, immediately. Indeed, an hour later the tech guy came back with the new projector.

3. On my way back from work at about 8:30 tonight, I suddenly remembered there was no bread at home.  So, I stopped at a bakery and got some.

4. As I was parking the car in the garage, a gorgeous black cat jumped in and comfortably sat at the back seat. Yes, there are a lot of stray cats in my neighbourhood. It took me a while to persuade it to get off my car because I was seriously going to lock her in!

5. Once home , Alkis happily told me about the ..great day he had at work and he had also remembered to get...some bread!

“Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours”~ Swedish proverb

Monday's Greek Recipe - Brizola Hirini Krasati

PORK CHOPS IN WINE

(serves 6)

Ingredients

6 pork chops

1 glass red wine

500 gr (1 lb 2 oz) small, round potatoes

500 gr (1lb 2 oz) green beans

500gr carrots

1/2 teacup butter

salt-pepper

oregano

frying oil

Directions

1. Wash and strain the pork chops. Sprinkle them with salt , pepper and oregano.

2. Heat the oil in a frying pan. Fry the pork chops over a medium to low heat 10 minutes on each side.

3. Add the wine to the pork chops, switch off the fire and let them cook softly in the wine sauce.Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables as follows:

• Cut off the edges of the green beans and peel the carrots.
• Cut both the carrots and the beans in small sticks and wash them well.
• Boil them, drain them and sauté them in some butter seasoning to taste.
• Peel the potatoes and bake them for about 20 minutes in a pre-heated oven. You can also fry the potatoes if you like.

4. Garnish the pork chops with the vegetables and serve them warm as a main course with a bottle of Lazarides or Hadjimichalis red.

Source: The Best Traditional Recipes of Greek Cooking (Editions Haitalis)