Well, this is an announcement big enough to force me out of my blogging semi-retirement.  More about me below.

I have not yet seen the official press release (probably due to a journalist’s strike) but the BBC says “Greece says it will cover the extra costs for any tourists stranded in the country as a result of industrial action or natural disaster.”

It then quotes Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos: “We are guaranteeing to pay any extra room and board any visitor in Greece pays even if stuck here because of a volcano in Iceland."  Of course, that says nothing of re-booking airline flights, which in my experience has been the largest expense.

So, I will follow this issue and keep you informed of details and developments.  My biggest concern is that this type of scheme will just highlight that Greece is a difficult country to travel in at this time. 

To which my response is:  It is no more difficult than normal.  There are always strikes in June and September; they are rare in July and August and are announced in advance so you can plan around them.  A traveller should build in flexibility when travelling internationally to handle unexpected occurrences in any case.  Also, demonstrations only affect certain parts of Athens and can be easily avoided as well.

Come to Paros and chill out.

That is what we are doing anyway.  Karin and I had about 6 weeks of hectic activity with three different groups back-to-back.  Then we took a week to recover and start watching the World Cup.  Now we are back into the normal summer routine:  a little work, a daily swim, socialising with friends and guests as they come and go plus the World Cup in tavernas.

The photos represent the three groups. Now that I am back in the groove I hope to write about them.