Anastasia

Dry Spells

There are times when I really feel like updating my blog yet no matter how much I try to squeeze a post out of my head, I hit dry spells and can't think of a word to write! What's even more frustrating is that trying to break through a blank screen happens on a day like today when I have plenty of free time to plan a post. Planning a post is, on the other hand,  something I rarely do on this blog, but I usually have a topic in mind. Ah well, I guess this lack of inspiration may happen to great bloggers and great writers alike or so I am told. A friend once advised me to try reblogging an "evergreen" older post - something which I thought was sort of boring and meaningless.  

Larnaca

After all today has been a boring Sunday so far. Alkis flew to Greece on Friday for his youngest niece's wedding. I wish I could go with him, but September marks the beginning of the new school year and I have so much work to do before lessons start on the 15th.   I slept 9 hours in a row, which is very unlike me. When I got up, I fixed a huge breakfast and then wandered around for a while. I went for a walk , then had an espresso at one of the many cafes at Finicoudes Seafront while reading Edgar Allan Poe's To Helen - a poem celebrating the nurturing power of woman:

Helen, thy beauty is to me
    Like those Nicean barks of yore,
That gently, o'er a perfum'd sea,
    The weary way-worn wanderer bore
    To his own native shore.

On desperate seas long wont to roam,
    Thy hyacinth hair, thy classic face,
Thy Naiad airs have brought me home
    To the beauty of fair Greece,
And the grandeur of old Rome.

 

T.S. Eliot - The Eternal

When I first read Eliot, I was still at university. I fell in love with his work as soon as I read The Waste Land. T.S.Eliot haunted my college years to such an extent that I wanted to read more. Having read all his poems - my favourite being  Four Quartets -  I went on to read his plays and essays such as Murder in the Cathedral, The Cocktail Party and Tradition and the Individual Talent.

Almost 8 years after I had graduated from university, T.S. Eliot came to haunt me again. This time, I decided to write a book about this brilliant man concentrating on the elements of Time and the Eternal in his major poems. The book, published in February 1991, didn't sell well but it gave me the satisfaction of  making a dream come true. I have incurred many debts in writing this book. My understanding of the element of Time, of the Flux and the Eternal has been largely shaped by Staffan Bergsten's Time and Eternity and by Henri Bergson's Durée et Simultanéité. I owe more personal debts to my revered instructor John G. Blair who, despite the difficulty of some issues, greatly encouraged me with his help and advice to humbly add to the already considerable bulk of commentary on Eliot's poems.

Here's an excerpt from Chapter IV - Four Quartets

T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets were written during the period of the poet's mature life, between 1934 and 1942, and reflect with his personal experience his wide and varied reading and thinking.. A complex poetic structure is the means by which the emotional and intellectual elements are incorporated into a whole. Through the complexity of the poetic structure and the symbolism, one imposing theme, which becomes almost an obsession, is emphasized by the poet from the very outset: the theme of time.

Time present and time past

Are both perhaps present in time future

And time future contained in time past

(Burnt Norton I)

The theme of time, which gradually developed in Burnt Norton and the other Quartets, is also brought into contrast with another theme: that of the timeless or eternity. The antithesis of time and eternity is significant for the structure of the Quartets because, as a symbol, it reflects two basic elements important to Eliot's experience as man and poet: the individual life and history in general versus the eternal and unchanging.

In Four Quartets, there are elements from Heraclitus' philosophy but these do not relate to Eliot's own positive theory of time. They represent rather the notion of the Logos in the flux, the creative and at the smae time destructive character of the four elements: earth, water, air and fire. Eliot's aim is not to imitate Heraclitus but to transform these ideas into his own christian philosophy. So, when he writes "The way up is the way down, the way forward is the way back", he does not mean that time is relative or that the temporal is the ultimate reality. What he really means is that within the flux, there is only one choice: either death or God. If we reject God, who is the timeless, the Eternal, all experiences are worth nothing. It is in this way that Eliot changes the Heraclitian theory of time into a christian theory of value: within the flux, if nothing else is recognised as more real, no experience is any different from any other in so far as its value is concerned. Eliot's theory of time tends to be rather neo-platonic than Heraclitian. It is essentially an immanence doctrine to which the Eternal or the Timeless is regarded as the creative force of the flux or the temporal.

This is not to say that Eliot denies the reality of the flux. For Eliot, the flux is real but its reality is sustained by the more ultimate reality of the Eternal. The flux is not an illusion, but it is an illusion to regard it as the only reality.

Excerpt from T.S. Eliot The Eternal by Anastasia Marou

Do you read or write poetry? Who's your favourite poet? 

Spring Weekend at Aphrodite's Hills, Paphos

Getting away for the weekend is definitely an invigorating experience and a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors - especially in spring. Alkis and I had been toying with the idea of spending a weekend at Aphrodite's Hills since early March, but the whims of the weather made us postpone our trip until early April. Ironically, after a gloriously sunny week with temps rising to spring level, yesterday I woke to gloomy, cloudy skies which threatened with rain and reminded autumn more than spring.

It was raining lightly when we set off for Aphrodite's Hills but we were determined not to let the weather spoil our high spirits and great mood. Aphrodite's Hills is a village-style development including luxury accommodation and leisure activities such as a riding school, a tennis academy, the Aphrodite Hill Golf Resort as well as many restaurants and tavernas.  It was built at about 5 km from Petra Tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek) within the area where, according to Greek mythology,. Aphrodite and Adonis used to.roam over the hills and the valleys.

Aphrodite's Hills

The blustery wind and the rain had got stronger by the time we reached the village of Pissouri situated within the district of Lemesos - Cyprus's second largest city. We had lunch at Kastro by Pissouri Bay. The village of Pissouri is built on a commanding mountain side, just off the main road and motorway. Further south of the motorway you drive through one of the best vineyards of Cyprus producing Sultani Table Grapes, and eventually reach the bay. Pissouri has also become a centre for wind and kite surfing.

Pissouri Bay

 
The rain had stopped at last by the time we finished lunch.

Alkis looks great and relaxed!

Soon after lunch, we headed for The Intercontinental at Aphrodite's Hills.We stayed at one of the hotel's loveliest suites.

The bedroom

The living room

The bathroom

Relaxing by our private swimming pool.

 or simply enjoying the splendid view

For the evening, we booked a table for two at Leander Restaurant. I loved the fusion of japanese and european cuisine. The food was just divine! And, as always, Alkis impressed me with his choice of wine - a great French Bordeau - Fleuri. But, most importantly, I had a great time with my significant other!

Just before dinner

At Leander Restaurant - waiting for the first course and having a great time with Alkis

Mozarella Stick - the Chef's compliment

Japanese garden salad for me with tofu, cashew nuts and apple

Maki for Alkis

Such a great fusion of beef "chateaubriand", pepper steak sauce and scampi garnished with mashed potatoes, spinach and mushrooms. Congratulations to the chef! What a gastronomic performance that was!

Today, we woke to a bluer sky and a sunnier day. After breakfast, we went for a walk and to my surprise, I discovered the first spring greeting.

The first poppies!

...and some yellow daisies

We had coffee after this invigorating, morning walk in the heart of Mother Nature.

On our way back home, we stopped at Petra Tou Romiou - the Rock of the Greek or Aphrodite's Rock.

On reaching Petra Tou Romiou, one can see an impressive rock formation with the largest rock close to the beach. According to Greek mythology. Aphrodite (Venus), the greek goddess of beauty and love was born here. She rose from the white foam of the soft waves, floating on a sea shell and came to rest at Palepafos where her temple was erected.

In his Odyssey, Homer writes:

But laughter-loving Aphrodite went to Cyprus, to Paphos, in her precinct and fragrant altars...

The moist breeze of zephyr  brought her there on the waves of the sea, with a noise of thunder among the soft foam....

 

Facebook Vs Twitter

When I first started an account on Facebook, it was mainly to find old classmates and some good, old online friends I had lost contact with. All I had to do was to either import contacts from an email account or just type their name! I was so excited when I finally managed to find so many great friends! Thanks to Facebook, we can keep in touch, write on each other's Wall, share photos, links, videos or personal updates. And this is why I find Facebook the best social network ever.

On the other hand, I do feel a bit of an "outsider" on Facebook. Most people play games. I like games as well but the ones on Facebook are promoted by apps which require access to your personal data - that's what I don't like! And besides, I like to write! Blogging  to me is the best social media ever! And, of course, I'm glad TypePad provides the one and only blogging interface on Facebook. My Facebook friends who really know me also know that I'm not there to play games. I'm there to keep in touch and let them know what I blog about, or post a personal update. But whenever I have some extra free time, I'm curious to see what my friends are posting.

A few months ago, I joined Twitter out of curiosity. All right, fair enough, it took me some time to figure out how this social network works. I understand that I can only use 140 characters or so to keep in touch with friends!  So, instead of concentrating on what I wanted to say, I caught myself being distracted by the character count!  My illustrious ancestors, the Spartans, said "To lakonizin esti filosofia" meaning that brevity is wise. But they meant words...not characters!

As William Henry Davies (a Welsh poet) once wrote, life is meaningless if we take no time to stand and stare. What would you choose? Facebook or Twitter ?

Sea Thoughts

i saw the sea

in high pressure
or in low pressure
moderation she knows not

i saw the sea
weeping its heart out
pity, none to notice
her pain or tears

i saw the sea
stretching its parched
tongue for a dropp of water
to quench her thirst

i saw the sea
looking longingly
at the dark clouds
passing by...

i saw the sea
raising beyond her
desperate to touch
the moon beyond

i saw the sea
caressing the sky
the sky bloomed
the sea smiled

i saw the sea
in my palm
i saw the sea
in my heart
i saw the sea
in your eyes

how i wish to
be one with the sea

28sep2009
22.34hrs

By indira babbellapati

via www.poemhunter.com

I'd sit hours on end just contemplating the sea - I do feel so lucky I live only a short walk away from her. The Venerable Lady as Mrs Claire Angelides describes her. So, when I talk to her, I always call her "My Lady". In her own, unique way, Her Ladyship always provides me with soothingly invigorating answers when I'm sad, and with a gay laughter when I'm happy. Some people call her "ocean" but to me she's nothing like the ocean. She is the sea - thalassa in greek.

Seagulls

On the pier the seagulls

at sunrise

flew around playfully

hurriedly moving their beaks.

They dived into the water one by one

like soldiers,

and sailed on the early-woken sea

that longed for day'

Seagulls always travel

like dreams.

Claire Angelides - Venerable Lady : The Sea
Thessaloniki, June 1997

Translated by Constantinos E. Evaggelides  

How very true! "Seagulls always travel like dreams." This is also the impression I got when I first saw at the cinema "Jonathan Livington - The Seagull." What a superb film that was! And Neil Diamond is simply divine!

Tuesday's Positive Thoughts - Life and Death

If today

If today was the last day of my life
I would leave all worries aside
I would be thankful to be alive
I would be all right, I would just smile

If today was the last day of my life
I would stop to smell the roses
I would appreciate all that surrounds me
I would be friendly, and I would laugh
I would take the time to be closer

If today was the last day of my life
I would pass on peace
I would be generous
I would pass on love
I would deeply breath

If today was the last day of my life
I would accept peacefully all that comes,
including my death,
for death
is just a new beginning.

Cristina Diaz

via www.the-benefits-of-positive-thinking.com

Costas Montis

Reading on Sunday afternoons while listening to my favourite concert for piano number 2 by Rachmaninov has almost become a habit. Even when we are away for the weekend, I always carry a much-loved book with me - usually poetry. Costas Montis is regarded as one of the greatest Greek poets of the 20th century and he is also one of my most favourites. There's something magic in his poems most of which have been translated into English.

 

 

Costas Montis was born on February 18, 1914 in Famagusta, and died on March 1, 2004 in his house in Nicosia, surrounded by his family. He has received numerous honors and awards throughout his life, and his books have been translated into several languages. Costas Montis has received honorary doctorates from both the University of Cyprus and the University of Athens. He has been nominated for the Nobel Prize, and in 2000 he was declared Corresponding Member of the Academy of Athens, the highest honor conferred upon intellectual creators living outside Greece.
In support of his proposal to the Academy of Athens, Professor Nicholas Konomis included the following: "Costas Montis is one of the greatest living Greek poets, and certainly one who renewed in a unique way modernistic lyric poetry, and enriched modern Greek poetry from the point of view of Cyprus. With his uninterrupted literary creation of 70 years, he has been able to depict artistically the authentic rhythms, the temperature, and the action of the deepest historical and emotional fluctuations of the soul and breath of Cyprus and her people. In his extremely powerful work he has recorded every vibration of the island (erotic, social, political), and all the thoughts of the people of Cyprus have been set down..... He has made use of the whole wealth of the linguistic, historical, and cultural tradition of greater Hellenism, and entrenched in his work, with unprecedented poetic force, the indelible character of the deep-rooted values of the Greek nation."

His official website created by his daughter contains information about his life and work but also video clips of him reciting his poems

COSTAS MONTIS: Excerpts from MOMENTS

The first vowel of my heart was yours,
its last consonant will be yours.

I'm afraid that I see
how small I am mirrored in your eyes,
I'm afraid that I see
how distant I am mirrored in your eyes.

This Sunday which combed its hair
and sat unsuspecting by our side,
this Sunday which looks us in the eyes like this!

How far do you think death is distant from this power,
how far do you think death is distant from this beauty?

Always we think that we are utterly ready,
and always, when the curtain rises and it's too late by then,
we see that something was left behind.

One more step and the human being begins.
Have your cameras ready.

We have fixed the verbs to begin with the first person,
we have fixed the grammars to begin with the personal pronouns.

An inscribed polygon in a circle we are.
At our best moments
at the very most we touch the circle.

Curious thing the heart.
The more you squander it, the more you have.

How close we are
to what we thought was so far away!

(Translated by Amy Mims)

Friday's Top Ten

Books form an integral part of my interests and of my life. I still recall the day when I was able to read on my own. I was six and a half. At last! I could read  my favourite fairy tales on my own! My first reading was , of course, my most favourite fairy tale : Little Red Riding Hood. Ever since then, reading for pleasure has always been part of my life. I tend to read literature and if I like a book, I'll read it over and over again. I read Bleak House by Dickens 5 times.

Here are my top ten favourite books:

1. Bleak House by Charles Dickens
2. Les Pays Lointains by Julian Green
3. T.S.Eliot's Collected Poems
4. T.S.Eliot's Collected Essays
5. Spirit Song by Mary Summer Rain
6. The Ring and the Book by Robert Browning
7. The Return by Victoria Hislop 
8. Phoenix Rising by Mary Summer Rain
9. Dreamwalker by Mary Summer Rain
10. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Ammohostos : In Memoriam

A Town in Hostage - Ammohostos means hidden in  the sand. It is a town on the north-eastern coast of Cyprus which has been illegally occupied by the Turkish troops since August 14, 1974.

SAND-SUNKEN CITY

The unquenched mother of the waves

overflows with love for you

Ammohostos

At night I hear the waves of yearning

and the bells of Saint Catherine

in praise

of your beauty

Sand-sunken City

my orange-beloved one

Ammohostos, you flow in the

veins of the sea,

in the veins of my heart,

you live in the light and the fragrance

of the bitter-orange tree and the popinac.

Lemesos, February 1996

By Claire Angelides - former Minister of Culture and Education in the Republic of Cyprus - translated from Greek by Constantinos E. Evangelides

Photo by - Pavlos Pavlides

The Greek Revolution - 25 March 1821

No doubt the Greeks had wanted their freedom from the very beginning of the Ottoman rule, but in the 18th century the idea of a free Greece grew into an organised plan. With Russian help a revolt started in 1770, which failed. Inspired by the French revolution and the heroic poems (thourios) of Rigas Feraios, the Greeks did not give up, and the secret society Filiki Eteria ("Friendly Union") was founded in 1814 in Odessa of Russia by Nikolaos Skoufas, Emmanuel Xanthos and Antonios Tsakalof. Weapons and funds were collected, and help was sent from Greeks in exile as well as other countries on the Balkan and the Mediterranean sea.The revolution started when Alexander Ypsilantis invaded Jassy and declared Greece a free country. In the Peloponnese the Archbishop of Patras Paleon Patron Germanos led the uprising on 23 March 1821. The Greek army of the Peloponesse was led by Theodoros Kolokotronis. Other famous Greek leaders of the revoloution where Georgios Karaiskakis, Athanassios Diakos, Odysseas Androutsos, Grigorios Dikaios or Papaflessas, while in the seas, Konstantinos Kanaris, Laskarina bouboulina and Andreas Miaoulis fight the Turkish fleat with their ships. The Greeks may have got certain aid from abroad, but they had to fight on their own. The Turks got help from Egypt and the whole of the Peloponnese was captured by the Egyptian army by 1826.The following year, a republic was proclaimed, and Ioannis Kapodistrias was declared as the first governor of Greece. The same year European countries decided to help Greece and after the failure of negotiations with Turkey, Britain, France and Russia sent naval forces to Greece. Turkey was forced to accept peace, and the so called London Protocol declared the independence of Greece in 1830. Many parts of Greece were soon given back to the Ottoman empire, though, and several parts of Greece were not free until the beginning of the 20th century..