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06.26.09technorati claim
08.04.08A crime of passion… or hidden mental illness
Yesterday as I strolled the Caldera with my children taking numerous shots of the exquisite sunset I was shocked to hear that an hour earlier about 20 minutes away from our hotel in the village of Vourvoulos that a man had been wandering around with his young wife’s head in his hand and a knife in the other… The local news station at Volcano TV today confirmed events at a newspress conference. Other TV channels, Mega and Antenna have also dropped in to get the scoop as the crime scene is being processed today. Two young women, Doctors from the Thira hospital lie in critical condition in Athens after being hit by the man trying to escape in a stolen police car. The man was shot several times and he continued to fight, slashing an officer in the mouth before being shot again. The Police chief stated that police here in Santorini don’t carry ammunition and the police who went to the crime scene only had 4 bullets each. The news here takes an event and dissects it until no stone has been left unturned. People who live in Santorini are very shaken up, these kind of events do not occur in this laidback idyllic island. Apparently this man from Alexandroupolis, worked as a cook in Imerovigli and had no prior history or record of violence. It was a fight that escalated and until further details are discovered, it is an event that brings great sadness and reality into perspective. Violent events occur all over the world and for senseless reasons.
07.17.08Sirtaki Taverna
Walking down the winding steps, swerving to avoid “Donkey Dumplings” phrased by 12 year old wisdom I can see the Caldera unfolding in front of me. Although the smell is enough to put you off…all the breathing training from my Bikram’s Yoga is coming in handy. I can hold my breath for a very long time…enough to bound by the heftiest whiffs until I see the clearing. None of this is phasing my 12 year old, maybe that is why he is already halfway down the 589 steps. We could have taken the Teleferik cable car but since the focus is on being active we opt for the fitness benefit. Today is Ari’s 12th Birthday and we are going fishing when we reach the bottom in the old port called Yialos.
The owners of the Sirtaki Taverna have been very generous to us. They provide Ari with fishing tackle, bait and encouragement. The Sirtaki Taverna is one of my favorite little places to eat. This year it has changed owners and the new owner is delightful. The display is full with a variety of fresh fish, Octopus, and live lobster. We flag down Ari and sit down to a freshly grilled snapper sizzling with a sprinkle of lemon juice and stream of olive oil. A hearty Greek salad and giant Calamari complete the meal. Everyone is satisfied and we linger at the table mulling over the delicateness of our fish and the freshness of the Calamari. It is worth the walk down for lunch or the cable car ride down or up if you choose to have dinner there in the evening.
07.05.08Back to Athens
Finally! after a very long trip with a stop in Amsterdam….Thank goodness for those quick trains into Amsterdam and great weather for a trip to the Madam Tussaude wax museum. Travelling with 2 teens and a pre teen, this stop was a Godsend. We all had fun posing with our favorite stars, muscians, and historical figures. The Johnny Depp picture at the entrance at 8 euros….hmm a bit pricey but the memory priceless. Winding down the quaint streets we had a quick whirlwind view of Amsterdam’s unique character and then quickly were whisked back to the airport. Arriving at 4:00 am with a breakdown in our hotel plans. Always, Always re confirm if your flight is going to be delayed. Otherwise it becomes quite costly.
Our generous taxi driver found us a hotel in the outskirts of Athens called the Centro (which means center) Hotel. It was tastefully decorated and they provided us with a suite fit for a family, spacious two tvs …not that we were watched anything at 5:00 am. and a very large bathroom with a pressurized shower head…does that make sense? well it was a welcome surprise because most hotels have poor water pressure on their showerheads. After a knocked out sleep we all awoke at noon shocked that the day had already passed us by. Back to our original hotel, the Attalos which is smack in the center of Monastiraki within walking distance to the metro station. We quickly got our hotel arrangements sorted out. The staff here are family based and we have been staying at this hotel while in Athens for the past 4 years. It is old world renovated comfy rooms with view of the Acropolis which lit at night is a great perk. Breakfast is included and it is buffet style so everyone in the family can sort themselves out from cereal choices, traditional, meat eaters and of course for the vegetarian in our family ( my daughter) a peaceful breakfast atmosphere is ensured.
Today’s Agenda? The Ancient Agora and the Acropolis. We have been several times, however everytime is an experience. There is an awe that you can not escape as you walk along the pathways lined with weary vegetation intertwined with the freshness of new plants just bursting onto the scene excited to greet you on the way up to the first temple in the Ancient Agora. Now not everyone is on the same page when travelling with teens but you have to go with the flow and be creative….First of all arguing in the rising heat is exhausting and compromising can be hazardous to your health if it is not reached promptly. However, we all agree after a water break that the two who do not want to hike up can wait at the base. An absolute must is to supply the older teen with a phone so that you can have communication available. At Germanos which is a major electronics store you can purchase a What’s Up? phone…basic model for 29 euros or a more trendy one at 49 euros. These are the cheapest, they operate with a phone card …Cosmote in my opinion has faithfully worked for my phone, you can limit their time since the cards are available in 9, 15, 20 or 30 euros. Incoming calls are free and you just have the sales reps at the store load them up for you. When you arrive at the Airport there is a Germanos to the right of Arrivals so unless you have a late flight, pop in and your done.
Well off to breakfast and let the walking begin!
