Expat life: Eurovision
Monday, May 26, 2008
One of the highlights of our year is watching the Eurovision "Song" Contest. For those outside Europe it is an annual competition between countries that has been going on for eons and includes an expanded Europe such as Turkey and Israel. Each country has their own method of selecting who will represent them; some by popular telephone voting, some by TV executives. The final winner is now determined by votes from each country that are based upon telephone voting within each country; you cannot vote for your own entrant.We first started watching when we moved to Ireland in 1996. At that time winners were determined by a panel of judges. Ireland was then a frequent winner. This year their entry was an embarrassment and probably a protest against what is politely called "tactical" voting. For instance Cyprus always gives their top points to Greece. This year Greece finished third despite a mediocre entry. The U.K. finished dead last despite a very good entry. The winner was Russia; there was no doubt it was a good song and sung by one of their top professional performers. The winning country hosts the extravaganza the next year. Which, by the way, always has very high ratings despite being considered blasé and kitsch.
This year we watched the first semi-finals on Tuesday night; missed the second on Thursday and watched the whole finals on Saturday--although I did fall asleep during the voting. We enjoyed the entertainment and appreciate that different people like different styles, also that our taste is not that of the young, music-buying market. Still, it is very disappointing to see that musical ability and quality is less a factor in winning than regional voting blocks.
I do wonder if this is a glimpse into the European future now that the EU has expanded by 10 eastern countries with more to come. There are many parallels if any one would like to comment.
Posted by Paros Shepherd 2:51 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Paros Choral Music
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Last week we had a very enjoyable evening in Parikia at a concert with six different choirs--with emphasis on different.
It started with very young children who managed to produce good harmony and then progressed to a youth choir who had recently won Second Place at a national competition in Athens. You could certainly tell they were good.
We also heard from two adult groups that sang traditional Greek folk songs and one from the Ekatontapiliani Church that made us feel like we were attending a service there.
These groups were all from Paros. The sixth group was from the Aegean Center for the Arts; it includes Parians and visiting students. They were very accomplished.
This photo is the only one that I could stand up to take. All the others were too full of the bald head sitting in front of me. It is of the five Greek choirs on stage for a grand finale.
Posted by Paros Shepherd 6:04 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Strike Season
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
May and June appear to be the most popular months to hold labor actions. The traveler to Greece who does not watch Greek television or read the newspapers should always check and recheck with their accommodation manager or a local travel agent about their travel plans for the next day.
For instance the ANA announced that all archaeological sites would be closed on Sunday, 18 May. The Athens taxi drivers didn't work on Monday, 12 May--of course that is so common it is not newsworthy. On Thursday, 15 May the port workers in Piraeus and Thessaloniki are holding some kind of protest. Oh yes, you can't forget that the tankers making deliveries to petrol stations have been striking for at least a week. That's one way to reduce traffic.Posted by Paros Shepherd 4:51 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Popular Greek Islands
Saturday, May 10, 2008
On a smaller scale I found this announcement interesting: The High Point University Panthers Volleyball Team from High Point, North Carolina, USA have scheduled matches in Thessaloniki after touring Athens. They will conclude their tour with several days on Paros. My hats off to whoever masterminded that educational junket. Read more HEREPosted by Paros Shepherd 4:32 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Kitesurfing Capital of Greece
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The next round of the KWPT --I am guessing that stands for kite-surfing world pro tourney-- will be on Paros from the 19th to 25th of June.
Find out more at Blog for Kitesurfing and Windsurfing News
P.S. Our Villa Randiana overlooks the Pounda beach where all the surfing takes place. It is still available for that week.
Posted by Paros Shepherd 11:29 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Tags Paros, Water sports
Riding on a Greek Island
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
I have been busy so my backlog of posts is stacking up. Please notice that I have added a widget so you can help me choose the best subjects.
Posted by Paros Shepherd 6:26 PM 0 comments Links to this post
The art of Greek food
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Do you like the Greek islands? Do you like Greek food? Do you like art?
I have discovered a lovely package of all three: The Greek Taverna Recipe Book by Gill Tomlinson.
Gill and I corresponded a few years ago when she was investigating ways to live and work in Greece. I have used some of her delightful watercolours of Greek boats on my web site and blog. She made her Greek dream come alive and now lives in the Peloponnese working for a travel company.
More than that she made her passion for Greek food and cooking come alive with her art. She has published an attractive and useful recipe book that will enhance any kitchen. In fact it will probably take pride of place on your coffee table.
"If you love Greece, you will love this book!"
Posted by Paros Shepherd 6:57 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Tags Art, Greek food
