Paros has two Art Schools in addition to numerous Art workshops. They are both quite popular and have seen substantial growth. This seems to be part of a major trend. A report released in January by trade group NAFSA: Association of International Educators cites a 150 percent increase in the number of students who received credit abroad over the last decade, and projects even faster growth in the future.
In the USA the New York State Attorney General recently subpoenaed 15 colleges and universities regarding the study abroad programs endorsed by those schools. Apparently some programs are giving under the table kick-backs to administrators who point students in their direction.
I am sure that is not necessary to attract students to Paros. I quite often hear comments from the young people that their experiences here were life-changing and they want to come back every chance they get. How about to our Filmmaking and Cooking workshops--sorry no university credits, however!
Well my life has been busy, but nothing to write in this blog about. So I apologize to regular readers; winter is supposed to be a slow time isn't it!
Yesterday we did have to bail out several inches of water from our basement storage room; February is a stormy month.
Coming back from the USA through Athens we missed an appearance by Bill Gates at a Microsoft Centre opening. It was interesting that the news of the Prime Minister meeting with Gates rated higher than foreign government dignitaries that were also meeting with the Prime Minister.
We were in town the same day as the funeral of Archbishop Christodoulos the head of the Greek Orthodox Church who died after a long battle with cancer. I followed the election of his successor to compare it with all the hoopla surrounding a Pope's election--no comparison. There has been, however, various news articles about various prelates jockeying for position. Last Thursday, one week after the funeral, the election was held, officiated by the government's Minister of Education and Religious Affairs. It is required to be an uninterrupted single session with a maximum of three votes. The first two votes require an absolute majority; the third a simple majority and in case of a tie the Archbishop is chosen by a draw. All the Metropolitans (Bishops) assemble for the vote; there were 74 of them and 45 voted for Metropolitan Ieronymos of Thebes and Livadia on the second vote. He was a scholar and teacher before becoming a priest.
There was no smoke from a chimney but they did light a lamp outside the cathedral and joyously rang all the bells.
P.S. There has been something wrong with my blog format since the last post. Sadly, no one reported it to me. When I figure it out I will correct it.
My 2008 season is well underway; on 1 January the faucet of enquiries for private villa rentals spouted several prospects. Yesterday 10 January the first booking deposit was paid.
This year I have exclusive marketing for four villas in addition to the usual rooms, studios and apartments in Parikia and Aliki. So there is a broad range of choices in location, size and price. But if you want or need specific dates, now is the time to browse the collection and make decisions. You can also get better air fares by booking well in advance.
To put yourself on this beach:
Take action now!
Villas at:
http://www.ParosParadise.com/villas.htm
All other accommodation at: http://www.parosparadise.com/Rates.htm
Epiphany on 6 January is celebrated throughout Greece by the blessing of the waters. Read more from 2006 when this picture was taken.
There are more photos in the series at https://goo.gl/photos/LrX2sxUMZuBqaDoX6
Early this morning there was a 6.5 on the Richter scale earthquake centered in the Peloponnese but felt throughout Greece. I have not yet heard from friends on Paros what they felt on our crystalline island.
If you felt the quake or heard from someone who did, please comment.
Cheers
