Admittedly Karin and I do some strange things, especially when it comes to money. Last Christmas we were here on the island without family and decided to save our gifts to each other until we found something that we really wanted rather than buy whatever we could find at the time. Well, I found mine rather quickly last January--over the internet, of course. Karin is harder to please.
Yesterday we decided to have a little outing to Antiparos to check out Karin's favourite dress shop as she wanted something to wear to Athens next week. We left after dinner to catch the 8:30 P.M. ferry. It was as busy as I have ever seen it. Then I was very surprised at Main Street; it was active with mostly Swedish speaking people. Of course we were there between 9 and 10 when everybody on the island makes their way into town. Still it seemed more crowded than Parikia. Yet everybody was happy and smiling while they were shopping and eating. I felt like a minority among all the long, blond hair. I tried to snap a photo of a family group or two but didn't get the lighting right. In case you didn't know, Antiparos is very popular among the Scandinavian set.
Yes, Karin did find a dress that I bought for her Christmas present last year. Now we start looking for next year. She wouldn't model the dress, so I took a close-up.
Read more about Antiparos, a separate island that we consider a neighborhood of Paros, on our full service website: http://ParosParadise.com
There was an exciting piece of news released the other day by Athens News Headlines. Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the Cypriot who founded easyJet, has had extensive talks with Greece authorities about expanding easyCruise into the Cyclades.
This could produce a big shake-up in the balance of power in island transportation. The news article indicated cooperation between the seamen’s union and the merchant marine ministry; no mention of the ferry companies. Each year lately has seen escalating difficulties with adequate ferry and airplane schedules to provide the major islands with both passengers and freight. The situation with the smaller islands is difficult as well.
EasyCruise has been providing economy cruises along the French and Italian Riviera for two seasons to mixed reviews. As I understand it they “unbundled” the package so that you pay separately for rooms, food, and entertainment; the same principle as “no frills” airline travel.
If anyone has any experience with easyCruise or see more information about expansion into Greece, please comment.
This photo is of the Club Med II parked off our Piso Aliki beach.
(Our villa is in the middle.)
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Regular readers may remember my mention of what happens to the wild flower wreaths created on May Day: They are burned on the 23 June celebration of St. John, the Baptist.
The tradition is to continue the good luck by jumping over the resulting bonfire.
This photo is of a jumper on the other side of the flame. I found it impossible with my digital camera to get a well timed photo. There is too much delay between pushing the button and the camera actually registering the scene.
This photo is of one young man timing his jump(far right) and others preparing their nerve.
Most of the early jumpers tend to be adolescents. Then as the free drinks start to take effect the older spectators become more adolescent and start jumping through the flames as well. Even I was tempted.
Maybe the whole event is the Greek island equivalent of "any excuse for a party". The Aliki Village association barbecues local octopus and provides what is euphemistically called Paros Ouzo. It is actually suma (known on Crete as rieke) which is a high-powered alcohol made from grape skins.
The full menu of octopus, suma, cucumber and water is all free, of course. There was plenty to go around. A good time was had by all.
In May of each year we host a Plein Air Art Workshop conducted by Ron Johnson. Here are a couple of his paintings from this year.
The first in Aliki, the second in Lefkas.
See more at Ron's web site. Learn more about painting on Paros Here
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This is less a guide and more the relating of my limited experience and knowledge of nude and topless beaches on Paros. Some of the facts have been related by others; I wouldn’t want my readers to think this is all autobiographical.
Like so many other subjects involving social mores this one is constantly evolving. What I read before coming to Greece seven years ago no longer seems to be true. For instance now you will occasionally see younger Greek girls topless; earlier it was mainly Scandinavians and Germans. I didn’t used to see topless women at the beaches closest to town; now you do. Now you see them everywhere so more women are taking the plunge. It doesn’t take long for any woman to see a pair of boobs or a figure that is less attractive than her own so she soon thinks, if they can do it, so can I.
Normally you only find full nudity at the far end of the longer beaches or over a rock formation or other obstruction blocking the view from the local beach taverna. Or, of course, at the designated nudist beaches. These change from year to year so it is best to check with the locals if you want to find, or avoid, a full nudity beach. From my limited experience clothing is always optional at the designated nude beaches. The alternative (cannabis smoking) and gay beaches on Paros are accessible by footpath only. Everybody can see everybody else well ahead of time.
On the north end of Antiparos it is possible to walk from one island to another at low tide. I wanted to do this but the starting point is at the nude beach. So Karin and I were resting in the shade of a snack wagon parked on the beach. We had a very unusual view of the bare legs lined up on the other side of the wagon. It can also be a bit disconcerting to be walking along the beach and have a woman just ahead of you bend over to pick something up.
Normally it is easy enough not to stare at the people around you; especially with heavy dark sun glasses to hide behind. But since it is impolite to talk with someone while wearing dark glasses it can be awkward to see someone you know. What do you do with your eyes without being weird about it; you can’t spend the whole conversation just looking into her eyes?
You may have noticed that there are no photos to illustrate this article. I am sure you know how rude that would be.
Antiparos is a favourite hang-out for Scandinavians and consequently has the highest percentage of nude beaches--mainly at the North end at the narrow point to Diplo Island. Also at the South end of Fanari Beach Club also, well, just about anywhere. On Paros, itself, we know a German couple that say they meet the nicest people at the nude end of Faranga Beach. I am told the gay and alternative beaches are over the hill past Monasteri Beach Club and on the way to Santa Maria out of Naoussa at Langeri.
Finally, please remember Paros has something for everyone. There are always more beaches than people on them—except 15 August, maybe—you can spend an enjoyable day finding the one that suits just you.
You can find more beach photos and other Paros information on our full service web site:
www.ParosParadise.com
I saw this joke more than a year ago and have used it in conversations about our lifestyle. Now I ran across it again in GADZOOKS so I am preserving it here.
The American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied, only a little while.
The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs. The American then asked, "but what do you do with the rest of your time?" The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life."
The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat with the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise."
The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?" To which the American replied, "15-20 years.""But what then?" The American laughed and said that's the best part. "When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions." "Millions.. Then what?"
The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."
Not connected with Gadzooks are Gazoos:
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Man, there is so much going on that I am never going to get to those nude beaches!
Below are highlights from the Parosweb Events Calendar (CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE A FRIEND OF PAROS.)
"Linescapes" - Sculpture & Installation, works by: Cameron Hockenson Date: Wednesday 14 June at 20:30 The exhibition will be on until 20 June Opening Hours: 20:30 - 22:30 Venue: HISA Studios Market Street - Parikia Info: Tel 6942869566
"Erotica" - exhibition on erotic art by a selection of Greek and international artists. Dates: 10 June - 15 July Venue: Minois Village hotel, Parasporos, Parikia Info : +30 / 22840 / 22435
Sich-Fragen... (Asking Myself) - paintings & drawings by Sandra Conteras Dates: 13 - 28 June Venue: Orange Door Gallery, Market Street Parikia
Piano arias & sonatas Conductor: Orfeas John Munsey Soprano: Maria - Elena Kolonos & Apollonia Economou Piano: Konstantina Andreakou & Orfeas John Munsey Piano arias & sonatas by Caccini, Montverdi, Handel, Vivaldi, Perrgolesi, Scarlatti, Brahms, Schumann and Bernstein. Date: Friday 16 June Time: 20:30 Venue: Hotel Paros Agnanti, Krios, Parikia
18 June - Celebrating Aegean Center 40th Anniversary "The Anonymous 4" in concert. This Sunday at: 18:00 
at the Baptistry of Ekatontapyliani Church in Parikia, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Aegean Center for the Fine Arts in Paros. Due to limited space in the baptistery the entrance to the baptistery is by invitation only. However, everyone is very welcome to attend the concert in the courtyard of the church and listen to the concert by live video. There will be 1 more a capella concert the following Sunday also at the Church of Ekatontapyliani.
Finally, we are getting some live music at the bars and tavernas. That is the major thing that we miss from Ireland.
Sunday Live "Go Jam Groove" live Venue: Magaya Beach Bar, Souvlia Beach, Parikia. Time: 18:00 Accordion: Yiorgos Tsiatsoulis Guitar: Lefteris Havoutsas Bass: Petros Bathrakouris Percussion: Yiannis Agelopoulos
Again lots of excuses for not posting: First I had a hell of a time getting my previous one up-loaded. Then read in other blogs about how much trouble others were having with Blogger as well. As soon as I can figure out how to move my archives rather than start over, I will.
Mainly, however, we have just been too busy entertaining guests and watching the World Cup to get much work done. It is amazing how having a couple beers or glasses of wine with lunch saps one's enthusiasm for working. The World Cup is turning out to be quite fun even without Greece competing. As I have mentioned there is an extensive expat community on Paros as well as many persons who have traveled extensively so a huge variety of countries have a fan base. That makes for more excitement around the taverna TV.
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Hey, I just got an e-mail from Google that they have several job openings throughout the USA as well as internationally. See these links:
Mountain View, California openings.
Google also has positions in sales, marketing and product management.
international openings,
Below are excerpts from their Greece position:
The Country Representative should be based in Athens and will be responsible for leading business development initiatives that are critical to the growth of the company. Our ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership in general management, marketing, sales or business development for an internet/technology or advertising company, and have graduated at the top of their class from a leading graduate academic institution (MBA preferred). We are looking for self-starters who can work in a rapidly changing industry, tolerate ambiguity and demonstrate leadership with limited oversight. Fluency in English and Greek is required.
Requirements and Qualifications:
5 to 10 years experience in a line management role (general management, sales, marketing, business development) for a high growth technology firm /entrepreneurial endeavor, or equivalent experience at the senior associate/engagement manager level at a leading consulting firm.
Demonstrated top quartile performance in prior roles, with increasing levels of responsibility and independence.
Work experience and keen understanding of the competitive landscape in the country required.
Strong entrepreneurial spirit and instinct for revenue-generating activities.
Experience in the software, internet, media, or fast-paced technology start-up industries strongly preferred.
Distinctive problem solving and analytic skills, combined with impeccable business judgment and ability to communicate with highly technical management team.
MBA or equivalent preferred; undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering or other technical field preferred.
This position is based in Athens but you could weekend on the islands, maybe.
I have been wanting to post about the topless and nude beaches of Paros. But then the new list of Blue Flag beaches came out so I will write about them first and use nudity as a teaser.
Also I have posted occasionally about various ways to work at home or on the beach. How would you like a job as a beach inspector? Someone has to do it. Blue Flag Beaches is a Danish organization that inspects and rates beaches all over the world. This year Greece came in second after Spain for having the most clean and well-maintained beaches.
Paros did it’s share with four rated beaches. They are Chrysi Akti, Kolibythris, Logaras, Tserdakia. Chrysi Akti is better known as Golden Beach. It is big, wide and sandy and full of windsurfers. Of course, Paros has something for everyone. Pounda Beach Club is crowded with young bodies writhing to the endless beat of base heavy rock music. North of Ambeles and South of Boutakis are quiet coves where you can find a small, private beach for just the two of you. Our favourite is Agri Irini which is out of the way (uncrowded) yet has a beach taverna. There are far too many beaches to list; many have unique characteristics such as Parosporos which is noted for it’s high waves.
For more of what our island has to offer visit our full service web site. Or check back frequently for an up-date on the topless and nude beaches of Paros.
For the facts above I need to thank Kathimerini News service and Jayne of Gadzooks humor. Jayne, by the way, has just started a new series of Greek cooking recipes—with metric and English measurements. Subscribe: greek-recipes-subscribe@domeus.co.uk
That is, send a blank e-mail to that address.
This is the sun setting on the central beach in Aliki, our home village.
Greece can be a very exciting place. Spies last week; helicopter escapes this week. Yahoo had an advertisement that said "Put your real life on hold--go to the cinema."
No thanks, I will make do with my lifestyle.
This report courtesy of BBC News
Two prisoners have escaped in a helicopter from a high security jail in the Greek capital, Athens.
A Greek and an Albanian national escaped in a helicopter that landed on the roof of the Korydallos prison.
The Greek man was named as Vassilis Paleokostas, who was convicted of kidnapping and bank robbery in 1999.
Police believe his brother Nikos - who is on the run - may have organised the escape. The inmates flew to a nearby cemetery and fled on motorbikes.
The incident happened at 1820 local time (1520 GMT)
Police said they arrested the helicopter pilot, who said he had been forced to carry out the mission at gunpoint.
Korydallos is Greece's largest prison, housing more than 2,000 inmates, including foreign criminals.
I look forward to reading about who the prisoners bribed to get up to the prison roof.
I just discovered a new site for the Greekophile that I like. But you are not likely to appreciate it unless you are young and hip.
Of course by using the word hip I show that I am no longer young and with it.
Anyway even if you aren't into youthfulness,check out this site that wants to keep the next generation of Greek descendents all over the world in touch with their culture. It's fun:
http://greekvibes.com/INDEX.htm
For more about our non-Greek expat life on an idyllic Greek island click Here
