Being from the west coast of the USA, “Chestnuts roasting by an open fire” was never part of our winter traditions.  So I will never forget our first visit to Germany when we stepped out of a train station and there was an open fire with roasted chestnuts.  I immediately bought some and Karin and I tasted them on the spot.  I spit my bite back out; Karin politely swallowed but did not have another.  We found them dry and bitter.

Now fast forward to this week when a friend shared their harvest of walnuts and chestnuts.  We looked askance at the chestnuts and decided to use them as autumn decoration.  Then a few days later I received a news item from the ANA:  “Annual Chestnut Party begins in Kavala”  This inspired me to do a little research.  I found that they can be prepared any number of ways.  Since it is still too warm for a fire and the barbeque is a hassle, I opted to steam a few of the chestnuts.  Twelve minutes later we dipped them in melted salted butter and gingerly took a nibble.  Eureka! they were quite good.

I also learned the chestnut has a long and noble history.  The tree is considered the tree of Zeus and Alexander the Great planted them during his travels as a substitute for grain.  Many cultures have followed suit as they grow well on mountainous terrain.  So in October many northern Greece communities have Chestnut Festivals.  The one in Kavala is said to consume 5 tons of nuts and 1,000 kilos of wine.  I think that may be an exaggeration on the chestnuts but not the wine.

Photo from Eternally Cool Net

Last May Karin and I had a great time helping our American friends Al and Ardy with their motor scooter club tour. It was so popular and successful in that inaugural year that they have expanded the program for 2010.

The greatest addition is a series of competitive rallies. Called ScooterGiro Cyclades, it is a competitive Time, Speed, Distance road rally, conducted in the spirit and traditions of classical road rallies. Participants will ride three measured distance courses on Paros and three on Naxos. There will be trophies for each island as well for the combined Cyclades Champion.

Visitors can buy a package tour including accommodation and some meals; locals can enter the competition on their home island. Scooter enthusiasts who want to enjoy the Greek islands without competition are welcome as well. For all the details or to contact the organisers see their web site: http://www.scootergiro.com/

This event reinforces my belief that whatever your interest: Do It Better on Paros!

P.S. Al and Ardy are also putting together an Italian ride in June featuring a Vespa factory tour. More Here

This week Karin and I are trying to enhance the stay of two guests who had their plans thrown awry by the ongoing difficulties with Olympic flights. In deciding what to serve for breakfast Karin couldn’t remember what was considered a “Greek breakfast”. So she did what we always do when a question arises: Google It.

It turns out she couldn’t remember because the answer is None. Or as another blog put it: The Greek Non-Breakfast

The writer there explains that traditionally the Greeks would have a quick cup of something warm like tea and then pack up some cheese, olives and bread before heading off to work. Now we always see the Greeks around a pastry shop between 10 and 11 A.M. The big meal is about 2 P.M. followed by quiet time until 6. At least that is typical on our little island.

So we served the popular favourite: yoghurt, fruit and honey with local, fresh-baked bread and coffee. The Americanised version of a Greek breakfast--except the Greek yoghurt is much richer.

The new Prime Minister of Greece, George Papandreou, has appointed his “old confident” Yannis Ragoussis as Minister of the Interior—also of Decentralisation and e-Governance, whatever that latter is.

Besides being a local Parian, Ragoussis is better known for his approximate five years as Paros Mayor.  His election threw out a long-term administration and brought in many reforms.  He was quite popular and was known for accomplishing many improvements in island facilities and administration.  Although our new airport and Parikia by-pass road seemed to die during his watch.

Its interesting that he is in charge of decentralisation in a Socialist government.  In my experience leftist governments are strongly the opposite.  Maybe it is political double-speak.  We shall see.

Ragoussis is also described as a senior party member and has served as a minister in former PASOK governments.  I am sure it will serve Paros well to be so well connected.