Lisa's Blogspot

Emms girls Camping

2011-07-30T08:41:00.001+01:00

Emms girls Camping, a set on Flickr.

2010 is here

2010-01-06T17:54:00.003Z

With New Year I have moved the blog to a new address to correspond with the new life.

Start of a New Decade.

2009-12-30T13:27:00.005Z

I wish you all a very Happy New Year

As the year and decade comes to a close, I look back and congratulate myself on all I have achieved. Things have not all been easy, and I think the biggest and most shocking event was the Hole in the Wall – which perhaps gave me the push I needed, to make the big move.

Home hunting, took a bit of time, especially as I was searching on both sides of Europe, keeping my options open until the last. If you have ever looked at online estate agents, you will know the choice is unlimited, even overwhelming. Strange that I ended up moving in the first place I looked at. Of course that might well have been in Greece, had I ever got hold of the keys to the place on the other side of the hill!

The biggest realisation is that everything can be replaced, even improved on. This realisation has affected every aspect of my life. After a huge shopping trip, I question why did I return to Britain with four large kit bags? I’m sure I could have reduced it further, call me sentimental there were just a few things I could not part with. Why I kept so many beach sarongs I do not know.

The summer was fun, with contract work, and some free time to catch up with my family and enjoy the beaches of Thanet. For those of you that know me from my Greek life, let me tell you the beaches here in Britian are just as good, and around here, in Thanet we have nine miles of golden sand. Ok the winter is a bit different, I miss the sun and getting my washing dry, sitting having a coffee in the courtyard.

I’m still enjoying the luxuries of civilised life, running hot water, and central heating, but best of all is the heated towel rail. I’m not sure I will ever appreciate the tumble drier. I miss island community life, and have done my best to make friends here.

I got caught in snow chaos on the British railways both in February and in December, after more than nine years of the naughties commuting across Europe, major journeys and serious delays, lots of lost luggage thanks to Olympic airways, and goodness knows how many cancelled ferries and broken down hydrofoils it falls into insignificance. News of suicide bombers and increased security at airports leaves me with feelings of empathy for those who travel for a living. I do not miss the travelling at all.

So my plans and resolutions for the New Year, a new job and to be more part of the local community, and to keep up the good start that I have made at the gym oh and to curb the love of crisps.

Miss Emms is oh so cute

2009-12-15T17:31:00.002Z

Miss Emms as the Virgin Mary
http://tweetphoto.com/6473560

Weather Warning for Friday

2009-12-15T17:20:00.003Z

As I have thing to do that involve car driving on that day.
Please let the Met Office be wrong.

Risk of disruption
Warning
Valid
London & South East England:

Kent

Medway
Heavy Snow
Fri 18 Dec
There is a moderate risk of severe weather affecting southeastern parts of England. Snow showers, especially during the first half of the day, will give local accumulations of 5 to 10cm.
Issued at: 1105 Tue 15 Dec

Source http://www.metoffice.gov.uk

So I’m passive-aggressive

2009-12-09T17:25:00.002Z

Well according to Ayanna G.

Those who rely on email are often wordy people. Those who are not, simply feel that they better express themselves through written word. "Emailers" don't necessarily hate using the phone. But there is frequently no real sense of urgency involved in their subject matter. In fact, since a response to an email usually is not immediately forthcoming, some might even argue that those who prefer email are somewhat passive-aggressive. In general, email is best for those who have lots to say, and plenty of time in which to say it.

OK ever since I was a school girl – I’ve had a lot to say

What does your preferred method of communication say about you?

Want to come for dinner?

2009-12-08T15:58:00.002Z

Again I’m using up the food in the fridge. With a glass of cold wine in one hand I’m busy making Mushroom risotto for the freezer, and oh and as it smells so very good, I may just have some supper tonight.

Guessing I can freeze the kidneys as they are (-: and as to the Turkey and bacon pie, that will just have to be tomorrow’s lunch as Insult-Us are on the phone asking me to work! So it’s back to work on Thursday.

Time to draw a line under my little frustration with them, but it will be interesting to see what comes back from the job hunting exercise of today.
Two interviews lined up for the first week of the new year - not that the lolly is up to much! It might be worth going along just for the experience of it?

The goose is getting fat.

2009-11-25T09:16:00.004Z

Realised that I do not have a single Christmas decoration – not that I really had a lot in Greece, I did make a bit of an effort and every year I added to the small collection of bits and bobs.

In the past my trees (no fir trees on small Greek island which is little more than rock) so one year I cut down branches of olive tree, another’s a large rosemary bush, pruned to the shape of a tree. Alternative smell came from the lemons and bitter oranges that were tied with ribbons and hung as bubals.

Visiting the local super store last night I am totally overwhelmed with amount of glittery lovely things available in the shops. Just the choice of angels for the top of the tree is huge. All a bit different from the cone of paper with a scrunched up ball for a head, and painted on face, hair made from curly ribbon and tin foil wings.

I find the whole materialism totally sickening. Making the decorations was in the past part of the fun. Christmas is more than flashing lights and tinsel. Laughed about the time I tried to make my own raisins by drying the grapes in the sun – all got was rats on the terrace, and I had to borrow a cat to get rid of them.

Surprise, surprise, I got to the checkout with nothing other than a mixing bowl for making the pudding and mind full of mixed feelings and some arty idea about making my own.

Pink Party

2009-11-23T12:09:00.006Z

With little nieces the Christmas party is going to have a lot of Pink, Auntie Lisa, thinks pink is a good idea.

Kinky Pink

1/4 raspberry vodka
1/3 cranberry juice
2 measurements Archers Peach Schnapps

With the archers add the cranberry juice with ice and mix, leave for a wile then add the raspberry vodka the drink will turn pink. Serve chilled with any sexy accessories.

Ho Hummm

2009-11-18T08:03:00.000Z

OK - I got the date wrong on Monday!

November 17,

2009-11-16T14:23:00.005Z

Bored at work, and just noticed the date 17th Nov, wonder how many of my friends can tell me what’s special about that?

For some it’s a day off school, but for others it is Greek terrorist organization responsible for deaths of American, British and Turkish diplomats.

Symi-Photos

2009-11-10T17:42:00.001Z

Symi-Photos

Oh now that makes me homesick..

Creative Art

2009-11-08T17:58:00.002Z

The only problem with making my own Christmas cards is the time it takes. Still I have start and have at least come up with a theme (Matthew 1:20-25) for this year’s model and started collecting materials to make the cards with. This afternoon I took a quick look around the craft shop. I’m horrified by the prices of ready to stick on bits of card, for goodness sake.

PLEEZE!

When stuck on a tiny island with NO shops bursting with glittery stuff, and selection of readymade cards limited, I was always quite creative in finding something or other to make the Christmas cards with. Always a concern was post leaving the island, (or not), and normally I would get on with the task as soon as the Panormitis festival was over which due to work commitments over December, is a habit I’m happy to continue with.

Returned home, raided the cupboards, and draws, for Sparkly stuff, card, string ect., not easy when I have not long moved in. The draws are still tidy and don’t have bits and bobs to rummage through. Still the creative me, made a small start. :-)

Here in the UK we already have started to see jolly faced red men in big red coats singing ho ho ho.. or Jingle Bells. The shops are bursting with party stuff, with everything from roasting tins, and foil, to brightly coloured wrapping paper and decorations everywhere you look. The cafe at ASDA is already selling Christmas Dinner for a few quid, hum ... dread to think what it tastes like. I'm not having any mince pies till at least the 1st December.

It’s all so very different from Christmas on Symi, where a few lights which appear mid- December.

Exploring Thanet

2009-11-08T09:30:00.002Z

It’s amazing that what you find, on your doorstep (apart from cabbage) when you walk, local foot paths. Just some of the things I discovered in walking yesterday afternoon.

Drapers Mill
Crampton Tower (virtual tour)
Dickens Inspired Mosaics

I'll have to come back and do on another day. St Peters village a fascinating place, needs more time.

Feeling Fit

2009-11-07T10:50:00.001Z

Twelve degrees and the sun is shining here in Margate, I feel better and have finally shifted the cold. I’ve been to the gym, done the household chores showered, changed all before 10am not bad for a Saturday morning. Just waiting now, for the time delay which keeps the washing machine door locked to open, so that I can hang stuff up before I go out. I’m heading off to Broadstairs on the Turner and Dickens walk, I’ve done parts of it, but didn’t take the guide, guess it helps if you know what you are looking at! Making the most of the good weather, as I’m back to work on Monday:-(

Lazy Days

2009-11-06T09:22:00.008Z

Guy Fawkes and fireworks is something about the British culture that I enjoy, yet I really couldn’t be bothered to go out into the cold to watch the display.
For the first time I have spent twenty four hours without leaving the door. Had my windows been facing the other direction I would have been able to watch from the comfort of indoors, I'm next door to Dreamland where I understand the town council were holding the local display so this is nothing more than lazy.

I was as happy to stay home, snuggled up onto the sofa.
Years of Greek uncomfortable furniture, it still feels a true luxury to have a sofa!

Here is a message for my Swedish friend Catharina Soderhielm, who saw my excitement over an IKEA sofa at The Sweediko Bakery in Rhodes.

See here is my sofa, just the same, (-: and
Absolutely LOVE IT.

Lazy Days continued....

Expect she is still there some how

2009-11-05T15:11:00.007Z

Lemsip is not the same as freshly squeezed lemons, picked from the tree in next doors yard, with a couple of spoons of local thyme blossom honey.

Wherever you are in the world, a cold is a cold and you feel lousy.
Some fresh air does one good, and a walk along Margate, beech in the wind didn’t really make me feel any better!

Food Glorious Food

2009-11-04T14:07:00.004Z

I’ve always had a thing about Indian Food (absolutely love it)

Now here on my very own door step, a chance to learn + six courses of excellent food at the Indian Princess to eat. So long as I have got rid of this cold, and there are still places, Sunday the 8th November, count me in I’ll be there.

Now thats a diffrent way to celebrate Panormitis festival, and I have no doubt that the food will be better.

It still looks charming!

2009-11-04T08:19:00.002Z

Thanks to Jordan for the photo of today’s weather on Symi.
Margate doesn’t look much cop either, so I’m not venturing out with the camera but going back to bed with laptop and hot lemsip!

Home sweet home

2009-10-31T12:57:00.001Z

Still in my pyjamas, and its lunch time! Oh the joy of a weekend at home, good humour on the radio.

No Parade for me this year

2009-10-28T16:00:00.004Z

28th October will not be the same without independence day parades.

Aρνί με πατάτες στο φούρνο, pronounced ahr-NEE meh pah-TAH-tes sto FOOR-no
for tea tonight

Sorry for Myself

2009-10-26T17:03:00.005Z

Short notice work booking came in so here I am once again in Cambridge. It’s very different from being snowed in after a 48hour nightmare journey on Olympic Airways, and snuggled into a warm bed absolutely exhausted, the company is certainly not so much fun, all work and no play it is not good.

Long crappy hours and whatever they throw at me is ok when out-side of the window it looks cold and grey, nothing like the picture of Cambridge here. One of the pain in the arse thing about agency work, especially emergency jobs, is I have no idea how long I’m going to be here, although I was asked if I was available until my next booking on the 9th of Nov, it hasn’t been confirmed yet.

I would like to go home at some point, as looking in my diary I only have four or five days off between now and Christmas.

Plans are being made for Christmas all around me, and I have no time to party -so feeling sorry for myself.

Margate to Cambridge

2009-10-24T22:26:00.001+01:00

Margate to Cambridge - in three hours and three minutes, this morning.

Blooming amazing but of course it helped that I was on the fast train for part of the way, and that I knew my way around Kings Cross, and had the prior knowledge that the Cambridge train leaves from platform 9a or 9b which for those of you who do not know is in the Harry Potter end of the station.

I’m working so not getting an extra hour in bed. Hectic start, things can only get better.

Thank God for High Speed.

2009-10-24T09:35:00.002+01:00

On route to work and even the internet access (via vodafone) works..

Reading Materials

2009-10-23T17:21:00.003+01:00

Being a bit premature, started on the Christmas pressie’s, and added another three and some fancy wrapping paper to Auntie Lisa’s hidden stash.

Ideas for a theme for this year’s card’s, are not forth coming, and I need to come up with something excellent to follow last year’s spectacular effort, themed around frankincense and bringing gifts from afar. It was fun pressing the leaf of the Boswellia species, between the pages of my lonely planet guide when travelling in the summer and the cards were designed around those with perfumed soap rubbed onto the paper and dried leaf creating the picture. Complete with biblical message, and quotation, along with short bio about the historic use of frankincense.

Maybe it is time to get the bible out, and look for some inspiration.

For now I’m reading “A Parrot in the Pepper Tree” by Chris Stewart

OH shit work agency just phoned, "Can I be in Cambridge tomorrow morning?"
Better get organised.. I’ll have to get on the very early train, I only came home north of watford last night after a few days catching up with friends. At least the money is good.
:-)

Sunday Moringing, Bathrooms and Heating

2009-10-18T10:23:00.002+01:00

Today I had a lie-in, snuggled up in bed cosy and warm. The temperature here has dropped suddenly and this morning to a cool eight degrees, the central heating kicked in automatically to warm the flat – oh what a luxury.

.
I’m still marvelling at the wonder of heated towel rails – to those of you who have only ever visited Greece in the summer it may sound strange when I tell you that was the one thing I used to miss was a heated towel rail. Yes it is true, on islands where the houses are stone, and without central heating, damp towels hang around until the sun comes out. Fortunately rarely more than a couple of days, but still an annoying inconvenience when you have been drying the laundry in a matter of minutes in the great outdoors through the long summer months. Actually it’s not just the towel rail, the whole power shower, and comfortable and warm bathroom with hot running water is just heaven.

Here I don’t have a terrace to sit out in the sun; fortunately I’m still a stone’s throw away from the local beach, it’s too cold for swimming, but still good for a breath of fresh air, and the jet ski club-house isn’t far away, for sitting with a drink and watching the local ‘plonkers’. Making the most of the council tax, I’ve started to use all the facilities, local library complete with free very fast internet access amongst its many of Thanet council’s services. I have joined (full membership!) the local sports club, and have been using the gym and pool regularly. To be honest I’m not missing the stone steps of Symi, even if they did keep me fit. So far I have explored three of the local parks, there are so many within walking distance that I’m spoilt for choice.

With the company of Jean, who came to stay for a few days, we walked the coastal path to Broadstairs (about two hours and side stepping to explore things on route) Westwood Cross, the local and excellent shopping centre, twenty min’s via country lane, back route and Ramsgate yacht harbour, ferry terminal as well as the seafront and town and market place, we didn’t keep track of the time, which was a good thing as we got a bit lost entering the town.

All in all I’m enjoying it here. The sun is shining after last night’s rain, so it’s time to get my act together, get out of this fluffy dressing gown and go for a walk through the park to join my friends at the gym.

Chicken Dinner

2009-10-08T15:21:00.003+01:00

Chicken Dinner at Indian prices, meal for two, that could have served three!

Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Jalfrezi
Onion Bhaji x 4
Pilau Rice & 2 Naan Breads

Not only was it a feast, but the total cost £4 which is less than the price of two crap coffees on Symi, all that was missing was a cold beer. Now for a cup of Darjeeling to finish it off

Wild about life

2009-10-04T15:18:00.004+01:00

Last night’s downpour of rain has hardly made any difference to the hard soil and rather browning grass; however it did do wonders for suppressing the normal Saturday night noise from the late night revellers falling out of the Beach bars.

Awake bright and early this morning, and walking through the sunshine and fresh smell of watered grass in the park, on my way to the gym, admiring the Green Parakeets (Aratinga holochlor) that were flying between the silver leaf poplar trees, I realise that I know little about the local wildlife. There is more here than the a pacific oyster.

Communications Companies

2009-09-10T21:17:00.001+01:00

Are they all As bad as each other?

Planet Thanet

2009-09-10T17:50:00.002+01:00

My commute to work has never been normal, in recent years I have been travelling by boat plane and train from farthest possible point in South Eastern Europe to wherever the agency send me in the UK.

Jobs have been as far apart as Inverness to Hampshire so as you can see distance to this girl, has been no object. I’m no stranger to flight delays, cancelled ships or the delights of snow on the lines of the British railways.

Nursing agency asked me, a while ago to do a job here in Birchington, I jumped at it as my Mum lives just down the road in Minster. Strange how coincidences go, since then the client has asked for me back several times blindly unaware that I have moved back to the UK, and am now living just along the coast. Never before has travelling to work been so easy, and it all is purely by coincidence.

Journey time 30 minute slow jog across the fields – or 10 min’s on the bus..

Resting My Aching Body

2009-09-08T19:25:00.005+01:00

All afternoon, I drift between reading my book, and watching the ships, quite a few pass through the estuary.

A glorious three master-tall ship, the normal cargo vessels and even a visit from the life boat, which I assume was patrolling the beach, while waiting for a higher tide to get back up the launch area?

Sun warm on my skin, I basked in oil, which made the golden sand, stick to the skin - rubbing it off was good exfoliation! Before taking a dip in the chilly water. Well you can’t have everything can you.

The collapsing bathroom plaster in Greece gave a different meaning to the term bathroom exfoliation, each time I took a shower it was covered in cement and brick dust. Home now showered and smelling of coconut shower gel, I don’t miss anything about Greek life except my friends.

I’ve been to the gym three times in past five days, and the two weeks prior to that the job I was doing was both physical and demanding, being away from home didn’t stop me getting out and going for a run. Today a day off from it all, but I can certainly feel and see the difference already.

Not quite every muscle, in my body aching, but it feels like it. Returning to work with Peter, down on the farm, should be some good running around the cabbage patch there!

I'll be away for a couple of weeks, so I've got an early session in the Gym with Jamie (personal trainer)before setting off to work in the morning ;-(

He certainly knows how to push me to the limits!

Day Off and Feasting at home

2009-09-05T18:49:00.003+01:00

Blown my food budget on a bottle:
Wine: 2006 Les Jamelles Cabernet Sauvignon Vin de Pays d'Oc
Type: Red
Producer: Les Jamelles
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: France
Region: Languedoc Roussillon
Appellation: Vin de Pays d'Oc

So to go with it liver and onions served with mustard mash, followed by wild blackberries (is there any other type) and apple, crumble.

Bugger the diet

I’m feasting on a budget.

It beats the crap they serve at the ‘Glaros’ bar any day, even if I do miss the Greek social life, I am enjoying the variety that the shops here afford.

World Peace Day Approaches ( 1st Sept)

2009-08-28T12:27:00.002+01:00

I’ve had an invite ‘for a day excursion from Datcha, to the Greek Island of to Symi’, for those who may not know Datcha is on the west coast of Turkey between Bodrum and Marmaris’ and it is all a bit of a laugh as I lived on Symi for many years and am still trying to disassociate myself with all things Greek.

Sadly I can’t take up the offer, I am working in the UK on that date, I would like to go sailing on the ‘PERI’, especially as the captain Hasan fondly know as ‘Kasanaki’ which means something rather rude in Greek, is an old friend of many years.

It just so happen that I have been looking into Gullet holidays, and was planning to go at the end of Sept. Vessel unnamed as yet. Only yesterday I received an email from Sunnsea Holidays, with all the options. I’m considering the Marmaris -Datcha coast rather than the Fethye- Gockek route for the simple reason I would like to stop in Datcha to see friends but more importantly I am desperate to get my haircut! I haven’t had a decent cut anywhere else in a long time.

I know Datcha better than Gockek both are very nice places, so it is really down to my travelling companions to choose.

What is fantastic is that a British Girl and a Turk can communicate online in the Greek Language.

A Green Diet.

2009-08-26T15:01:00.001+01:00

We are eating from the garden, freshly picked runner beans, green gages and brambly apples. A glut of green. I’m missing Tatsiki, Taramar, and Greek salad... Fed up and feeling sorry for myself especially as it is feeling quite autumnal, with a cool wind in the air, bringing the apples off the trees.

Training with the Police?

2009-08-25T13:54:00.005+01:00

Now that I’m finding my routine the job is getting a bit easier, Mr Watson is out playing golf which gives us all a bit of a break from each other ;-) and means I can plug the broadband into my laptop so I feel connected to the rest of the world. Just for the record I have made a note to myself, never to return to a job, where I have no mobile coverage and can’t use my laptop in my room. I’m doing a job, not a confinement sentence to be cut off from society for weeks at a time.

This morning I have had help from the good old family retainer, daily, bless, but she doesn’t have a clue when it comes to lifting. Of course she has gone home now, so here I am having cooked and got Mrs Watson, in her into the sling and hoisted onto the bed for a rest after lunch, yet again I am bending all the rules and regulations of manual handling and patient lifting, really I shouldn’t be doing this alone even if it is easier to do it that way! Mr Watson is what Agency call the second carer when it comes to manual handling! ;-(

I’m looking forward to updating my CIEH Principles of manual handling training with the course on the 9th Oct perhaps it would be appropriate for him to do one too? FAT Chance..

Last night I was rather put to the test, asked if I knew what flavours Earl Grey – well of course I do, and I can answer that question with confidence. Silly old twit was just testing me out. Rather condescending really. Just for the record it now four years ago, since I was on a tea plantation in India! Private joke for Jean: Do you think I should have let him know I speak Greek better than the Cypriots in Margate?

West Kent College is now training Kent Police in manual handling, there could be some serious talent, oh did I say that I mean students.

No Corduroys or Candlewick bedspreads

2009-08-24T16:19:00.006+01:00

In my line of business I come across all sorts of people and their homes, admittedly those I meet at work is limited to those only with the social economic means to pay through the nose for care, (I don’t sell myself cheap) and by the time agencies have added another 20% per week on top of my fees, it all adds up to quite a hefty charge.

Currently working in leafy Sussex, in what can only be described as idyllic surroundings, and ultimate luxurious comfort. We have the very best of everything although sometime not much of it ! ;-) If I were not on a diet, I might have something to say about being hungry!

The one cup of coffee in the morning and a cup of tea in the evening made me realise much caffeine I normally drink in a day. The only saving grace is that it is the real a real McCoy pukka cuppa, Kenyan coffee of the finest quality, freshly ground each day, for breakfast it is so good it would be sacrilege to put in either milk or sugar and nothing but the fines of first flush Darjeeling tea, at four thirty in the afternoon of course. Lovely delicate flavour, but very different from the normal constant cups of Sainsbury’s red label made from a tea bag!! Just call me uncouth because normally I take milk in my coffee.

I have never been a jobs worth sort of person, but sometimes wonder if perhaps I should be, I’m reaching my fill of condescending twits.

Think to myself, how things have changed, for it is not uncommon for the staff to be better educated and further travelled than the memsahib who may well know how to arrange flowers, and play bridge and give constant orders which I’m starting to find rather annoying, especially as I’m busting my guts when it comes to manual handling and moving a patient alone, which as everyone involved is very aware it is not acceptable.

It's a long working day from 8 in the morning till 8 at night, and the patient is one thing, her husband’s constant help )-: is another. He has every good intention, what else can I say. Saving grace the pompous Old Haileyburian is not wearing corduroy’ s or expecting me to sleep under a candlewick bedspread. The affectation with full cream milk and going through the bin’s, seems to be an old school trait. ( He shows all the annoying habits of someone else I know rather well!)

On a positive note, I can feel the effects of joining the gym, and have been keeping up the exercise best I can with short morning run and a few squats and press-ups in my room. All the manual lifting, and restricted but very good diet will be having a good effect even if I do ache in the upper arms, and can feel the pain whenever I have to walk down the stairs!

My personal mantra is work hard play hard, only right now; It seems a long time since I did much of the play hard, and Im only back at work three days after a week off! Looking forward to late September when I can take some time out to catch the end of the summer season.

I haven’t seen any news, other than the cricket which is a bit of an obsession here. (-;

The crappy Vodafone reception is driving me nuts

Farm Yard quiet now that the harvest is in!

2009-08-08T19:46:00.003+01:00

© Copyright Nick Smith and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Working with Peter down at the Somali farm.

Looking forward to some much needed time off to go home on Wednesday, and then its holiday in Margate!

First time I have spent July and August in the UK in years and so far Im loving it!

Technical Problems

2009-07-21T16:54:00.001+01:00

Explorer 8 - installed and uninstalled, not at all stable.

Cant view this blog, but can update it - now how strange is that..

Student of Technology for HOW LONG bloody machine I want to throw it at the wall

Word of the day- DEONTOLOGY

2009-07-18T16:15:00.002+01:00

For of my Open University studies, I have to cover Ethics - and I had to look up Deontology! Speaking Greek I feel I should know what this means, but as it's text book stuff, better check it out.

Some of my friends in Symi may well know what it deontology, but do you?

deontology

Bright and Sunny Morning,

2009-07-13T21:53:00.002+01:00

kitchen
Originally uploaded by lisemms

Just smell the coffee.

Tidy Desk, Tidy Mind - I don't think so.

2009-07-13T20:53:00.005+01:00

With essay to write any distraction is welcome. I’ve crammed the whole of block 3, A quater of a years course into a few days, and have to now write a 1500 word eassay on:

Generalisations about Grief and Bereavement.

For hours all I could come up with was five words “what a load of crap”

After taking my books down to the beach this morning, siting in the sun and then doing a bit of retail therapy in Primark I managed to put to gether the first 1000 words this afternoon. Will crack on with the rest tomorrow.

The way the work space is just now covered with books, journals Boring DVDs and other Open University products.... far from tidy.

Kojak if you want to see how the sofa wears, just stop by the sweedish bakery in Rhodes, and who needs an excuse to go there.. They have had several of the same sofas, and others from the range too, been in the shop for years, certain getting a fair share of wear and tear. They wash and change the covers once in a while, but otherwise, its the same sofa.. My brother has had two in his home since before he got married, in 1994. They are still standing, even with children and dog jumping on them, soon as his back is turned.. Wonderful for the money. Best of all they are cheap..

Time to relax

2009-07-09T12:00:00.000+01:00

time to relax
Originally uploaded by lisemms

Bummer I have university work with a deadline on the 15th July; There goes my weekend of relaxation, on the new IKEA sofa..

OK folk sorry the photo is a month old. I just haven’t spent any time at home. It’s all work and no play at the moment.

All online shopping experience and excellent service from IKEA.

2009-07-09T11:56:00.001+01:00

IKEA arrive 10am
Originally uploaded by lisemms

This happy customer is waiting for additional items on a later second order, bedroom extras that I could wait for so to spread the cost.

No rude jokes- about bedroom extras please ;-0

Flickr

2009-07-09T11:33:00.001+01:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Currently Reading

2009-07-04T13:49:00.002+01:00

Loss and grief : a guide for human services practitioners

by Neil Thompson

More accurately I just ordered it from the local library, so that I can cite some good quotes from it for my next Open University course work.

Interesting stuff, but not what I would call a pleasure read.

Kent just gets Better

2009-06-19T07:22:00.006+01:00

Javelin train on 140mph test-run

The new 140mph trains will run between London and Kent
Guests on a test-run of the "Javelin" - Britain's fastest commuter train with a 140mph (225km/h) top speed - have been whisked from London to Kent and back.
The Hitachi train took 30 minutes to travel from St Pancras station to Ashford at an average speed of 114mph. The return journey took 29 minutes.
Southeastern will begin a limited high-speed service on the line on 29 June with a full service from 13 December.

BBC
southeastern

This is the first time I have looked forward to a trip to London, doubt it will be long before I give this train a try.

Little things that make me laugh

2009-06-15T11:39:00.003+01:00

Some of us have been doing this since we were teenagers ;-)
The Times reports on the latest fitness craze makes me laugh

Adventures New

2009-06-09T14:18:00.004+01:00

Packing up 20 odd years in Greece is no easy thing, my life in four large bags. I hump onto the ferry for one last time. A hot day, and a final ride on the Dodecanese Pride.

A taxi to the Savoy Hotel, dinner at Mama Sofia’s at the top of the old town in Rhodes, near the clock tower where I had the best Greek fish meal that I have had for a long time, and back to the hotel for a siesta.

The ghost hour night flight, and normal hassles of Rhodes airport, is more bearable in to cool of the evening. The new airport departure building is spacious, and cool but of course it is still a case of hunt the elusive trolley, even though the airport is quiet. I reach the front of the que, and load four large bags onto the scales, take them off the scales and back onto the trolley go and hide around the corner, then add a few more heavy possessions, and then que again and re-load them onto the security screening and the be carried off and away on the black belt - where the airlines to do their thing, and fingers crossed that they will not disappear into the dark hole of lost and found.

Not much time for duty free shopping, but I did by a few Greek goodies (1 large and heavy tin of olive oil, and some other edible goodies that will satisfy my taste buds when I miss Greece. The flight was nothing more than cattle class, but it was ontime, and even arrived in Gatwick early! It seemed strange when the crew wished us a safe onward journey home.

Though immigration and then find a coin to release a trolley from pack of a hundred or more, they take pounds euro’s or twenty-five us cents. Load the bags and head to the car park for the trip home! Yes to my new home and good-bye Symi.

Tutor Marked Assignment returned.

2009-04-04T06:02:00.005+01:00

My tutor says I’m unique, he says never before has a student asked for more time, because the house has collapsed. All true, but more to the point was my books hadn’t arrived before I had left, and only been able to be collected from the Post Office on my return to Symi.

I had a week to do two months reading. After research on the net, downloaded papers from the OU library, scanning Epidemiology statistic, plus a lot of experience from working in the field. I knew my stuff. The course team would be expecting references from the set reading, hard, as I didn't rate much of it as worthwhile reading. I’m sure my personal research was more interesting, £40 for the book - waste of cash, it will end up being used to light the Bar B-Q.

With some serious cramming, I got the paper on ‘factors influence the way in which death and dying is handled in western societies’ well before the ‘Deadline’ excuse the pad pun.

Working and submiting between power outages as the local electricity board have been working on the towns, supplies. Illustrating my work, not that that was required! just made the reading a bit lighter. I created some Deadcool artwork: most of it unsuitable for here!

Could have gone for a time extension, I just sent the draft, hacked off with the whole thing. Not really enjoying this study, but I won’t be defeated by a deadline.

Now to get stuck into ethics, that should be more interesting.

This student is wearing a big smile with much better grades than I was expecting. Things are looking up and the hard work of cramming and writing long essays is worthwhile.

Sadly I'm cutting this trip short, to attend a friends funeral in the UK (this is not a study!) – and not sure what my plans are for returning to Symi? So for now it's Breakfast tea on the terrace and then a long day ahead.

I never sleep well when I have a boat to catch. Why oh why, do the planes always travel at the such unsociable of hours, and is there always so much hanging about either at airports or in waiting for ferries..

Symi can be a difficult to get away from.

Day at Panormitis Symi

2009-04-02T21:59:00.003+01:00

Dressed in t-shirt and flip flops, I filled the petrol tank and headed out of town. Sun and the smell of mountain herbs, origano and sage, the roads empty, except for the occasional baby lamb or goat.

In the church at Panormitis the ladies of the parish were polishing the silver in preperation of Easter. The guys busy building a stone wall, within the grounds, and a few of the cells open to air them before the visitors start to arrive and beds out in the sunshine airing.

Panormitis was truly at its best, in brilliant spring sunshine, chatter and laughter rising from the courtyard as the women clean. Fisherman tending his nets on a small boat in the harbour, calls me over to say hello.

Looking over at a Sweedish yacht tied to the jetty, I see a pair of fins sticking out of the water and realise that someone is diving for octopus, with a speargun. the water is clear and looks warm and inviting, shame I didn't take my costume.

Still few people about but every day now we see fresh faces, and in the harbour a couple of boats have started to arrive. I caught the sun and my nose is now as pink as the T-shirt that I’m wearing. My arms reddy brown, and a clear line, marks the vneck line of my shirt. It feels that summer has arrived.

Dinner with friends tonight – all in all, a lovely day to be on Symi

Twitter

2009-03-31T06:26:00.003+01:00

For those of you who asked....

Twitter in Plan English

Twitter Rocks - It has been described by someone or other as "The facebook for grownups". A very simple analogy, I personally think it does for the Net what SMS did for the phone. So give it a go and see what you think.

The British government is proposing that Twitter is to be taught in primary (elementary) schools as part of a wider push to make online communication and social media a permanent part of the UK’s education system.

Cool people follow me on Twitter.com

I Don't have Balls!

2009-03-30T18:59:00.006+01:00

-Well maybe the metaphorical sort!

I can give the boys a social media plug, thanks to Twitter

- after all
That’s Cricket!

Hopefully something will turn up.

Cello and Canary

2009-03-30T10:40:00.004+01:00

It’s a wonderful sunny spring day, with all the windows and doors open, and the house smells of a mighty Greek god, Ajax, as I’ve been spring cleaning.
A major clean out of the cupboards, with Cello music and the canary from down the alley singing along.

Rhinovirus

2009-03-29T11:34:00.004+01:00

This morning I was having one of those days when I was having trouble just reading the bl**dy text books. It seemed that for every sentence, I had to look up half the words in the OED. Ok exaggeration, but I did look up quite a few.

During these examples physiological changes and further changes at the cellular and molecular level occur in the rostral ventrolateral medullar.

I’m feeling Brain Dead. Even if I'm medically well, apart from the Rhinovirus (from the Greek rhin- which means "nose") to you and me the common cold. I'm stopping now for Tea with Lemon and Honey and a couple of opioid analgesics

Symi Harbour in the Sunshine

2009-03-27T12:55:00.003Z

Taking a break from my studies I went down to the harbour to sit in the sun, enjoy a coffee and perhaps a sandwich. The only choice of cafe bar, in Symi Harbour right now, that is not nicotine, and take your chance at lung cancer, in the passive smoking gas chamber tent, is Pacos or Elpidas.

Neither places have real coffee, Nor, food! Both have the sun shades up so you sit in the cold shade!

People come here for the sunshine not to join Tent City

One would never know it, but smoking is actually forbidden in public places in Greece, where 45 percent of adults smoke. It is banned on all public transport, in closed public spaces, on domestic flights and in health-care facilities. "Regardless, some people abuse it," says Pantelis Vekios of the Health Ministry. "It happens a lot in Greece. If your boss smokes and you can't say anything to him because he'll fire you, what can you do?"

It's nothing more than lawless

Currently Reading

2009-03-27T08:43:00.002Z

Easter
by Michael Arditti
I like the way the author intersperses dialogues, thoughts etc. with formal descriptions of liturgical and other happenings

"The Curate leads the donkey around the church. It takes fright at the cloud of incense and defecates by the font"
From what I have read so far, a wonderful read, and very topical during Lent

For those who want off the beaten track!

2009-03-22T18:23:00.002Z

My place looks like a bomb’s hit it!

For those where were thinking of visiting this summer, here’ s an alternative..

Sun on my skin and silly hat on my head.

2009-03-21T17:03:00.003Z

I spent the early morning, ‘nose to screen’ getting my Open University assignment finished. Well at last it is done, submitted and sent in. Now I can get on with reading books I like rather than so boring set course books. A whole week before the deadline- Wow, it’s a first; normally I’m sitting up half the night trying to get it in before the midnight deadline. I’ve been seriously cramming the books, the last week, or so, and almost anti-social as I haven’t really been out and about much at all.

Let’s hope the weather stays so good and I can now make the most of the glorious Greek sunshine. This time of year is simply the best; I can stay out in the sun all day long without getting burnt to a frazzle, apart from my nose, which is red already.

There was a time, this winter when have forgotten what I actually look like without at least a bit of suntan. I spent more time in the UK, and boy oh boy was it grey and cold. six week ago, I was in deep snow, stranded on trains outside Cambridge with overhead lines down.

It seems a whole world away!

Night of celebrations on Symi

2009-03-21T06:54:00.004Z

Yesterday, was a day of friendship. Sitting in my office, being distracted from my studies, playing with social media, twittering with my friends, and generally catching up with my electronic mail, a friend hammered on the door, a welcome break especially as I had just turned the kettle on for a cuppa and we sat on the terrace putting the world to rights.

The sunshine was too enjoyable to go back inside, so after my friend had left, I took a walk around to the beach, watched the fish swimming between the boats and marvelled at the fact there was so little traffic. Symi is quiet, and I hopefully returning to tranquillity and peace that I once knew. Locally there is general concern about the economic situation and a serious worry that the tourists might not come. On my way home some new faces in harbour, see there are people here! A couple from Australia, returning to restore an old ruin of a house, part of their family heritage.

Invited to their small home for bean soup. They were living in Salachori, part of town that I know well but infrequent visit. Back in the early 90’s I rented a small place about four houses up the hill from them, and was instantly reminded of days when I was living in that part of town. They were happy days indeed.

Around an old kitchen table with a plastic cloth, on rickety wooden chairs, in wonderful old stone house totally unspoilt by restoration, I observe the basic gas bottle cooking ring, few material possessions and a simple wonderful style. I enjoyed good company, simple food and Greek, or was it Turkish coffee. ;-) recall of all the reasons I came to this wonderful place.

Walking home, I’m called to join a group of long standing international friends, who were on the Ouzo! The fact that they were drinking Ouzo, makes me smile, as most of the Greeks I mix with wouldn’t be seen dead drinking the stuff, just too un cool, these days they have moved on to Whiskey! Why the hell not! This was a day of nostalgic memories, sit and drink Ouzo with my friends, and eat big round olives. We celebrate

What were we celebrating I here you ask?

The arrival of IKEA on Symi, laugh
The mention on Matt Barrtts Greek travel page. Congratulations
The options available when looking for a new house, yes there are plenty about.

Who needs a reason to be happy, the surroundings are beautiful and we have friends .What else do we need. If you had asked me a few days ago, I would have said that such things as simple hospitality is extinct, people here have turned into Greedy bu**ers. I’m proved wrong and swallow my words.

Now to my coffee, yep I like it strong and drink a lot of it. People often comment, because I drink so much of the stuff, well here is a useless bit of knowledge. What kind of coffee has the most caffeine? The darkest, strongest tasting ones right? Actually, no. Mild coffee actually contains more caffeine, than the dark roasts. This is because they are “cooked” a shorter amount of time and leave more off the caffeine “intact .

A lifestyle change?

2009-03-18T16:23:00.000Z

Just maybe the travel guides are right, not just for those who are looking for a holiday that the euro cant spoil, but also for those who are looking or a lifestyle change.

Read the Set Question! humm

2009-03-18T15:11:00.002Z

I have spent all day writing my assignment, and I have just re read the question and now have second thoughts.

Well I just don’t bloody care anymore. I’m studying to learn and to have educated opinion, not to pass exams and to get bl**dy qualifications that I don’t need and will possibly never use. Like it or lump it. That’s my work done for the day, I’ll take another look at it tomorrow.

Just waiting for the water heater to warm up, and then its shower change, grab something to eat, and the then it’s up to the village to the bar, for a well deserved beer or maybe two , how daring!

Paying the Bills in Symi

2009-03-16T07:35:00.003Z

Bills Bills and more Bills

Electricity Bill
It has arrived! and its the big one I have been expecting, payable by the 19th of March! It may have been sitting in the box for a while. For more than 10 years of underpayment it could be worse, and I was at least prepared for it. The notice of disconnection has finally gone from the bottom of the bill I will pay it at the bank next time I go down town, either today or tomorrow, so OFFICIALLY all my debts will be cleared!

Bike Insurance
Due at the end of the month, I was expecting that, it may even go down, as I will have had no claims in the past 12 months!

Telecoms
The phone bill (two monthly)and Internet charges, has already gone through by direct debit, so that’s one less to worry about. Actually since I have been using Skype more, the phone bill has gone down.

It is a good thing to have cleared all my debts. Things here don’t seem so bad now it the house has been cleaned; I have had a decent meal and a good night’s sleep. I was truly exhausted, not only the travelling but the weeks of disturbed nights at work in the U.K. had caught up with me.

My assignments due in to the university in ten days- So I’m assigning myself 8 – 10 hours of study a day. Four hours study in the morning, and more hours of reading notes, and writing in the evening soon as the sun goes from the terrace. As some of my course books have only just caught up with me I have a lot of reading to cram.

Honestly I’m here working, just trying to be NOT to distracted.. Please feel free to email me, or leave short message on Twitter. I could do with some positive nice remarks.. The phone is on answer machine, and the social media switched to do not disturb.

Thanks to all my friends for the support they offered, I don’t feel so pissed off with everything here now.

OMG The Wall has collapsed

2009-03-15T11:01:00.010Z

At least the sun shines on Symi!

I returned to find the supporting wall that is holding the Yard up has collapsed. The house is OK, as its set back from the yard. The normal problems of damp and flaky plaster..!

Certainly I wouldn’t want to be below when the Easter is celebrated with rock shaking dynimate. Oh hell, I've written English, with Greek grammar - ‘when the Easter’ and I've only been back a day.... Normally I'd hold a Bar-B- Que on the terrace, for my friends Easter Sunday, this year I was not even planning to be here, and have booked work in the UK, somehow I don’t think it would be a good idea to have a lot of people up there!

Well the photo tells the seriousness of the damage. Prehaps it is time for me to move on from here, maybe this is the begining of the end of the Greek Chapters in my life?

The joys in life.

2009-03-13T21:06:00.004Z

Five and a half weeks in England and I’m ready happy to be back.

I caught up with friends, earned some cash, and did some shopping. I have tutor marked assignment deadline in just a couple of weeks, and as my books didn’t arrive in Symi before I left, I have some cramming and serious reading to get done in the next two weeks. I struggle at writing essays so I’m not looking forward to the 3000 words that I have to get onto paper.

Well here I am back in Greece, actually in McCaffe at the Athens Airport in the small hours of the morning, I guess it would be a start to put down the airport reading and at least look over the assignment question, more seriously,
Oh the joy of academic life.

Airport Reading

2009-03-11T07:20:00.005Z

Enid Blyton: The Biography
by Barbara Stoney

The first books I ever read for pleasure where written by Enid Blyton, visiting my Grandparents, and raiding the book shelfs, for the original that once were read by my mother.

Now I read about Enid Blyton herself, is it as good as the famous five?

Back to Symi Soon

2009-02-11T09:36:00.002Z

Thanks for all your emails

You are all correct there has been no posting since I left my apologies for your disappointment. This blog will resume when I return. (Sometime, mid March)

Till then I’m WORKING, well that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Living in such a small community, the girl needs a private life!

After a few days in London, catching up with friends, what’s on at the cinema, and theatre, a few trips to the West End shops, I’m now back at work – yuck,
For those of you less technical subscribe to the post, and it will be deliver to your inbox, just as soon as I upload anything news.

I’ll be back soon.

Stuck in Athens Airport

2009-02-03T03:56:00.001Z

Flights to UK cancelled

No comment. This has been the worst travel experience.

I can find my own dates thanks...

2009-02-01T12:16:00.005Z

Today’s weather, far too good to stay in the house with my nose to the screen. I have been out and about and making the most of it of the wonderful Greek sunshine. Now with things to do, I need to get organised, my fridge needs defrosting! So today will only be a short post.

I check my mail, and find I've been approached about a job, not something I'm interested in, but it is still nice to be head hunted. Some of you will know I fit my paid employment, around many other interests. But hey I not ready to give up my lifestyle of commuting across Europe just yet.

Lifestyle choice is very important to me, my job is hard and the hours long, then I take a bit of a break where I read, study, and just enjoy life. Symi is the perfect place to do that, and a place I like to be. Come try it, it's nice :-)

A message from facebook - A friend, sends me the offer of 7 days of free membership to an online dating agency, I laugh very funny, and clever social media marketing,

I can find my own dates thanks...

Stridulation

2009-01-31T08:32:00.005Z

Oh wow, that sounds like it could be fun ;-)

A lovely sunny day and I have the windows and doors open and enjoy the morning sun, busy going through my wardrobe and thinking, what can I wear! Some of the male readers cringing, yes that’s a typical girl thought, when she has a wardrobe full of clothes.

Turning around I see I have a visitor sitting on the pillow of the spare bed.

The Orthoptera (from the Greek orthos = "straight" and pteron = "wing") are an order of insects, including the grasshoppers, crickets and locusts.

Many insects in this order produce sound (known as a "stridulation") by rubbing their wings against each other or their legs, the wings or legs containing rows of corrugated bumps. The tympanum or ear is located in the front tibia in crickets, mole crickets, and katydids. These organisms use vibrations to locate other individuals. [Farlex]

Stridulatio: This behaviour is mostly associated with insects, but other animals are known to do this as well, oh wow that sounds like it could be fun.

Missing the Marmite!

2009-01-29T07:44:00.008Z

After spending some time online contacting friends, discussing travel arrangements, arranging meetings, (a eutheanisum for social life, away from this rock) and some work.

Receive an email from my travel agent, telling the flight times have been re-scheduled and now I have a five and half hours wait in Athens. At least they had the courtesy to keep me informed, this time ;-)

I chose to travel with Olympic Airlines, not the cheapest, but the connections good, and in the event of the ferry not running (sorry to keep on about it) they are in general quite accommodating.

Well now I am pissed off with them. Moan, Rant.
Never going to use them again - until next time ;-)

During the last 4 return journeys, a total of 16 flights. – Olympic Airlines have managed to;

Re-route my luggage twice and damage a tough backpack, it carried not only my clothes, but fond memories, and survived roughing it overland busses trains and the like through India & Tibet.

Bumped me off the lunchtime flight onto the evening flight three times, which I suspect is economic rather than technical.

Offer inflight entertainment, that is nothing but a marketing film from the Greek Tourist Board, I’ve seen on every trip repeating over and over again about This wonderful country, the sale has been made folks, I’ve paid and on the seat! How about some entertainment, not bl**dy advertising.

By the way the coffee is so bad I cannot drink it, strong statement made from a caffeine addict at 5.30 in the morning, in need of a fix.

The team at lost and found in Rhodes, Diagoras Airport, do their bit and are helpful, if a little surprised, when offered a copy of the ferry timetable, (Courtesy of Greek Travel Pages) and asked if they could please send my bags on. Explaining that this was just part of a long trip. Started with a bumpy, bus journey from Canterbury, in the South of England, thanks to British Rails Engineering works, and not yet ended, with a wait in Rhodes due delayed flight and consequentially missing the ferry, please could they help me ;-) I’m exhausted, and need to go into town. Grovel is always the best way to get things done.I wanted to say: I entrusted my belongings into your care, and it is your legal responsibility to deliver it on my arrival. But they are just doing a job, and I need their help.

Bless them they phoned two days later to tell me they were putting it on the boat, just a shame they don’t know when questioned which boat!

My bag caught up with me, and this time didn’t end up with an overnight stop at Panormits! Yes that has happened too, all-be-it some years ago.

A shiny new case, and a Christmas pressie in the sales, I used to joke that the old bag knew its way to Symi without me, this one is still learning the route variations ;-)

I’m still missing my jar of marmite, - bummer that sucks..

Currently Trying to Read

2009-01-29T07:09:00.004Z

Currently reading: Aλκη Ζέη
Ο Mεγάλος περίπατος του Πέτρου
(The great walks of Petros)

Personal thought, about translation. I believe strongly, that it is wrong to translate a proper name, your name does not change, it is who you are.

Τaste Βuds

2009-01-28T07:39:00.007Z

Trying something new

Symi is a rural island community, where Greek traditions are strong, agree with it or not hunting, in one way or another goes on.

Partridge is a common prey and the most likely target, should you hear gun shots on the mountain. For smaller birds trapping, using lime sticks, or fine nets is common practice. Here it is seen as a sport, but importantly the product ends up on the table, a nutritious and tasty plate offering seasonal variety to the diet.

Anyone who follows Jamie Oliver will know that seasonal organic & locally sourced, is the ‘in thing’ ;-) Here it’s just normal.

Partridge, Quail and Lark, are all local delicacies, and about during the winter months.

Last night on the table, a plate of little birds. Each no more than an inch long, eaten whole, bones and all, I think to myself, hum guess it’s a good source of protein and calcium, these people look healthy enough. – I did not catch the name; the very good wine and entertaining conversation had something to do with that.

The birds were, something I not had, eaten before, although I knew that trapping goes on, but what are the little creatures called in English?

Greek friends tried to help with translation “little, small, birds”

I didn’t have my camera with me, so this picture here, not perfect was taken with my cheap Nokia phone.

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC)

More Pictures - coming soon

2009-01-27T14:15:00.002Z

Do They Want My Money?

2009-01-27T10:40:00.016Z

An early start to the day, as I attempt to pay the electricity bill. Arrive 08.30am and the guys are locking up the office, to going off out to do the other duties, putting meters in, fixing lines, I don’t actually know what. Helpfully, they tell me to call the Rhodes office, explained which details to give them in order to find out how much I owe, and come back tomorrow, EARLY to pay.. Laugh, if Im going to do that I may as well just pay over the phone with the credit card.. Then I think about it, maybe I can simply pay online,in this instance, I have no intention to set up a direct debit, but am happy to pay online.

Oh well if they don’t want my money!

It’s one of those lovely mornings, sun is shining and Symi is truly beautiful, I spot the donkey outside the hardware store take a stroll around the harbour watch the fish swimming between the boats, before getting a few bits and pieces of shopping.

It don't get fresher than that!

Lingo of Environment

2009-01-25T19:27:00.014Z

Hey mate: let’s get back to the bar! Life’s too short, one day we’ll both be ‘Pushing up Daisies’

Like most people, I speak differently @ the bar or social club, to that of the work place. In the Greek language however, I struggle with Language Style, and sometimes make embarrassing, or funny errors.

Years ago, as a young holiday rep, and new to the Greek language, I escorted a scared pregnant woman to the surgery and not knowing the correct word for pregnancy, announced to the Doctor in my best attempt of formal Greek ‘She’s up the Duff ’ - He simply smiled, and later corrected my mistake, bless him, I was so embarrassed.

"Anyone who is struggling to learn another language will know that it can take much more than simply words and grammar to communicate a meaning. Indeed, there is an expression that the UK and the USA are divided by a common language, so great is the potential for misunderstanding even in a shared language." (K260- Open University Course Materials 2009)

Academic expert in social relations Alan Radley argues:
"Because language is a shared medium of communication, it affects how we conceptualise social life, including our social and personal relationships.
This sharing is not universal, in that social groups may differ in their language use. ...
... individuals can use different language codes (or styles) depending on
whom they are with , and according to their purpose at that time. The scope
of this use is affected by the person’s position of power relative to others." (Radley, 1996, p. 41)

Alexis – I thank you for the corrections and this week’s lesson ‘Formal Greek Grammar’ – Hey mate: let’s get back to the bar! Life’s too short, one day we’ll both be ‘Pushing up Daisies’

I made an early start to the day. Taking a break, putting on my boots to go down town and try and pay the electricity bill! One boot on and the ‘heavens open’. - Oh what a lovely idiom

Have a Coffee, Check my Mail, Twitter a bit:
Yesterdays comments about flaming, Today’s Twitter Support

For those of you bold enough to experiment with new media & try new approaches don't let your critics discourage you - http://bit.ly/eZ9i. (MikeElliot)

The Tweet had a link distracted me and made me laugh!!

My Personal Mail Box: The boring but essential stuff, bank statements and bills.

My Academic mail box: Full of comments from students about flaming, most have come to their own conclusions, and that my dear friend’s was the reason for postponement of response.

Burn to Death, and Go to Hell

2009-01-25T08:53:00.007Z

Hot stuff in the student’s conference as things start to get personal I laugh out loud, It brings a smile to my face ;-)

Act, React or Ignore

Whatever serious thing you are doing there is always a funny side and it is important to see it. Sometimes that is how we cope. War declared. I thought it better not to reply with my thoughts.

The word ‘Anthology’ comes from the Greek, not bl**dy Hebrew you stupid idiot. It is not about point scoring, but the translation.

Like dropping bombs on GAZA, you are war mongering.
Keeping it in perspective

Church bells

2009-01-24T13:33:00.004Z

Announceing the death of parish member

The slow steady ring, can be heard all over town, Symi is eerie, respectful in mourning.

My thoughts are with those who have suffered recent death of loved ones.

Education - blogging..

2009-01-24T08:21:00.005Z

Collaborative learning:

Over breakfast this morning, a bit of a lazy start to the day, after an evening in Georges Taverna - I pondering on a student’s comments about an academic blog. ‘Is it really necessary?’

The Reasons to Blog
Thoughts about online learning

The Net is a communication medium, not just a delivery of information.

Learning is a social process.

Working collaboratively can improve a student’s concept,even that of the strongest student, as each student brings something different.

A student’s academic blog, is a place to communicate thoughts about studies. To share your interest with other students or the wider world should they be interested, to read it.
Use the internet, share your thoughts.

Work, play, sports clubs, residential community, we may belong to different social groups, these things occasionally overlap, we share information with each other, in a social way.

This blog is NOT a website about Where I live, Work I do, or the Weather, there are many websites, journals and books offering that specialist information. My aim here is to ‘communicate' general thoughts - Whatever, they be.

Activity in the harbour, Symi

2009-01-23T11:07:00.002Z

In Symi Bad weather and the cafe bars are packed.

There is nowhere quite like the cafe in Symi, esspecially during or after a storm, some take a stiff drink after pumping out a boat, others sip coffee discussing damages, or just getting away from the ‘drips’ in the house.

The seawater by the bridge and on the South Side of the harbour has drained away, leaving rubble and dirt in its path, awnings flapping in the wind and more than a couple damaged. As one woman said “The harbour looks like a Steven Fry horror movie”, one of the boat captains “worst weather we have had in four or five year”. Tales of going out in the night to tie back the shutter, front door slamming and being stuck out on the street in pyjamas and slippers. Friends laugh together, it unites us.

I was surprised to see that the Proteus ferry had moved disappeared, surely not gone out in this weather. Not so surprised to learn she was taking shelter in the bay of Nimborio. The worst is over and I look on as she returns to her normal mooring, stern on.

Hopefully things will get back to normal soon; selfishly I’m waiting for packages from Amazon.com, and anticipate new books with the next post delivery, the shipping services are our lifeline.

Enough distraction, back to the serious stuff of my study. Plan to get a lot done, before my visit to Cambridge next month. Like everything here that’s permitting I get off the island. ;-)

Symi's Water Issue

2009-01-23T07:58:00.007Z

Explaining the Symi Island's water problems

Woken early by wind (the mobile phone network company) sending me an SMS message and welcoming me to the network. Vodafone coverage must have gone down in the night, and my UK mobile is on international roaming. Humm what, I haven’t had my morning coffee yet go away.

During the night, ferocious winds, also woken me, which is nothing unusual at this time of year, twice I ventured out in pyjamas to rescue items flying about on the court yard, as I’ve removed my watch, not to be controlled by time, no idea what hour it was.

In the early morning light, the harbour road is flooded, with seawater under the bridge by the town square. My view a little restricted, unable to tell if there were any cars in the puddles, although this is more a problem of heavy prolonged rainfall, and flash floods, wondering if there had been any damages. Yesterday the municipal police were out and about writing parking tickets which is one good reason not to park down there, but anyone with local knowledge and would have moved their vehicles for risk of it ending up submerged.

Hearing the familiar drip where rain comes down the chimney, promptly put the laundry bucket into position, strategically placed to catch the drips. Often there is nothing more than a wet puddle in the bottom of the bucket, it depends really on the strength of the down poor. So many times in the summer months have I explained to visitors this is a small dry island, we do not have water, look out for the water tanker in the harbour, grow to love the ugly thing as the mains supply depends on it and water sometimes has to be rationed. Only when visitors turn on the tap and nothing comes out do they start to understand.

The rain lasted no more than half an hour, but goodness me it came with some might and a gushing torrent, flooding down, waterfall like over the steps outside the front door. Pressure better than even Mums superb power shower, which I believe to be the best in Europe by the way.

Living on a hill has some advantages, I’m unlikely to flood. Sandbags at this dwelling, not necessary, but there are wet towels on the stone floor by the front door. The problem simple, there are few drains.

How many cubic water meters have gone into my cistern? I have no intention of going out to have a look and find out, this house still has the natural water collection from the roof, so mostly I’m self sufficient, an enviable position to be, in when the mains gets turned off on a hot August day, not much fun when the electric pump conks out. Recently I’ve had the luxury of both and since Christmas I even have new shiny working taps in the bathroom. The reason for, working all hour over the holiday.

Unbelievably now the sun has come out. Symi will smell fresh, as the streets have had a much needed clean.

Anthology - Do you know what it means

2009-01-22T16:48:00.007Z

I thought this was collecting flowers, but when, Page 15 of the Open University Course Guide referred to Anthology, thought it time to look it up.

Anthology:
æn l d ) [ad. L. anthologia, a. Gr. (f. - flower + - collection, f. - to gather), applied to a collection of poems. Cf. mod.Fr. anthologie. Later Gr. had also the homonym applied to a hymnal.]

1. A collection of the flowers of verse, i.e. small choice poems, esp. epigrams, by various authors; originally applied to the Greek collections so called.
2. Extended to other literary collections. Also transf., esp. of paintings, songs, etc., and other art forms.
3. With some reference to the original meaning (in Greek) of a flower-gathering.
4. A hymnal [= Gr. ].
5. A treatise on flowers. [A distinct use, on the analogy of zoology, ornithology, etc.: also in Fr.] Obs.

"anthology, ad" The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989. OED Online. Oxford University Press. 4 January 2009

Electricity Prices in Greece

2009-01-22T09:38:00.006Z

Electricity in Greece, cheaper than many other European member states.

Per kWh in Euros for the year 2007

Average price in Europe: 0.1211
Average price in Greece: 0.0661
Average price in UK : 0.1254

Source: Eurostat

Today it is warm and very windy, should we go green and think about wind power, normally the only time I go green is on the ferry in rough weather.

Fun and games with the electricity board

2009-01-21T13:33:00.006Z

Today I had the meter read for the first time in at least five or six years, if not more.

It's common but unspoken knowledge, here on this small island, that the meter reading guys, just under estimate the meters to keep everyone happy, and to save hiking up and down the steps to inaccessible places, where the meters are inside and the occupants of the houses are out, or hiding behind closed shutters... (hehe, I’m not going to admit to having ever done that, it’s all a bit of game.)

Only twice since I have lived here, has my meter been accurately read. Even though ever other bill says it’s estimated or exact. Recently there has been a crack down and meter reading gangs sent from the big smog. Non-locals, shipped over to do the nasty job of sticking lots of lovely yellow stickers stuck on front doors, saying words to the effect of ‘we called and you were out’.

Understand the topography of the island, you will know that means a days’ work of climbing very steep climbing, as most of the homes are inaccessible by road.

A lot of people have had horrendous bills. – We are talking in the thousands, of course a lot of shouting about it, and I suspect some exaggerations in the cafe.

I’m possibly worrying unnecessarily.

How big, will be the difference between the guesstimated reading and the correct reading, some 3000+ units out, my blessing is that often the house is un-occupied, and closed up. When in residence my consumption of electricity is low, due to the simple life, and no air-conditioning. Summer I often sleep in the cool of the terrace, out of doors under the stars, in the cool evening air, and don’t even heat the water, preferring to showering under the garden hose, which has been laying in the sun, the water is hotter than that from the tank.

During the winter months I’m mostly away in the UK, but there are the advantages of being south facing, and on the sunny side of the town, in a house built of stone with walls about half a meter thick. Seldom do I need to turn on the electric heater for more than an hour, and the electric blanket gets used only on the coldest of January and February nights, even on this winters day I had my breakfast out of doors on the terrace in nothing more than cotton pyjamas.

About to start reading

2009-01-21T12:27:00.005Z

Jane Austine Persuasion

Going Nowhere.

2009-01-20T12:56:00.011Z

The ferry ‘Daliana’ on its way down from Athens, is running hours late, on its arrival in Rhodes will be turning around and coming directly back, so plan aborted.

Next sailing is on the ANES - F/B PROTEUS being a more local service she overnights here, and leaves again at the 7am, have to check the weather in the morning, not going if there is the slightest possibility of getting stuck in Rhodes.

So far the forecast looks like force 6 to 7

Waiting for the Boat

2009-01-20T10:51:00.003Z

On Route to the post office this morning, I could hear the police shouting and looked up to see a new bunch of immigrant faces on the terrace outside the police station, they must have arrived last night they looked terrified poor sods.

I hope there is a chance that these folk will be processed before the departure of the 2pm ferry, and ponder on what their fate will be. Our little island has nowhere to accommodate them. Returning down the steps by the post office, I notice that the Glaros rent a car terrace, now has cars parked on it.

Later, in the coffee shop, gossip, that yet another has perished. (un-confirmed) I wonder how many have perished on route before they get into Europe... and think to myself about Amir’s friend who died in the smoke fumed truck as he crossed from Afghanistan to Pakistan - Only last night was I reading it.

The whole world‘story’ of people trafficking is a horrific reality and not simply fiction.

Sunshine and calm seas, and the ferry service is working in my favour, so heading to the big smog - all going well will be back home about 10pm. I know it’s a lot of effort for a trip to the supermarket, but needs must. Of course I have other jobs to do over in Rhodes, importantly I need to gets some keys cut, and visit the offices of the electricity board. Today the BIG ship is sailing, will take the moped, somehow doubt I will have time to do all today, hopefully the key cutting place will be open, as that is sort of urgent....

The last stop will be the takeaway, so that I can have supper on the boat on the way home, fingers crossed that the wind doesn’t pick up or I won’t feel much like eating... Oh the joy of island life!

Currently reading:

2009-01-19T11:10:00.002Z

The Kite Runner (for the second time!)
by Khaled Hosseini

This book about the price of peace, both personal and political, and what we knowingly destroy in our hope of achieving that, be it friends, democracy or ourselves. Yes it is worth reading a second time.

Death of infant & Islam

2009-01-18T19:43:00.005Z

Different Cultures Customs and Belief
The death of an immigrant infant, I presume with Muslim parentage, started me thinking, about childhood death and Islam, and how little I know about other people’s beliefs and customs.

I’m out of practice at searching academic libraries – but found some interesting journals online through the Open University Library

Infant Dead - Read More

2009-01-17T08:03:00.009Z

Out with Hugo last night, and learn from Nodas that there have been 11,000 illegal emigrants arrived on our Island in the past year, (fact not confirmed). The situation here looks both very sad, and also frightening and I am shocked to see these people sleeping outside the rent a bike shop for three days especially after all they have been though.

Coast guard officials immediately dispatched two vessels in the area and plucked 18 of the drowning immigrants from the water. An infant, which was only 40 days old, was lost in the effort.

Seriously I wonder how long it will be before the arrival figures, of illegal emigrants outweigh that of tourism. People here ‘po po’ the idea, but don’t forget Symi’s tourism is very much a seasonal thing and totally dependent on the European economy.

Holiday companies go into administration every day, yes some people will travel independently, but all in all there are fewer charter-flights touching down at the airport, every bum on a seat has a wallet in its pocket, with the current exchange rate, that wallet is a third lighter. For every airbus that does not arrive that is 360 light wallets not landing. To deny it is nothing more than stupid.

Sunshine and wind

Perfect day to do those boring jobs like housework and laundry – I guess get it done! Life always feels good in a clean house with sun streaming through the windows.