janetanne's VirtualTourist Home Page

SEE MY LATEST PHOTOS OF SNOW ON MY VOULIAGMENI PAGE

I am so thrilled that one of my photos taken in CHIOS, has been selected to be published in the National Geographic on line 'Daily Dozen' shots. Check out my newest pages of Chios for more.
COME READ THE MYTH OF SAINT MILK, AGIA GALA ON MY OFF THE BEATEN PATH TIPS FOR AGIA GALA ON CHIOS....

NEED HELP WITH YOUR ENGLISH? DON'T WORRY! I HAVE THE ANSWER FOR YOUR WORRIES ABOUT YOUR LESS THAN PROFICIENT WRITING AND BAD SPELLING....

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the
frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and
you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

Petrty amzanig, huh?

NEXT QUESTION...So why does spelling count so much?????

Here is an excellent link for VT members who would like to check their English Spelling, find the meanings of words, idioms, proverbs, style, grammar and many other useful sources for writers
BARTLEBY

If you are planning a trip to Greece, or if you just want to virtually tour some of the Greek islands, check out some of my tips for a few of the most popular Greek islands.

You can start with Crete, which is so big, it hardly seems like an island!:

CRETE

and Plakias to see the Monastery at Preveli:

PLAKIAS

AEGENA

POROS

HYDRA
See you there!

WINTER Greece is FREEZING, BLOWING WIND, unbelievable LOW temperatures! In Thessaloniki, the sun is shining, but 'shining with TEETH!' What a rich language Greek is! A sun with 'teeth!' Don't you just love it!

I'M BUILDING SNOWMEN TODAY ON THE MOUNTAIN ACROSS FROM MY FLAT

DON'T COME TO GREECE IN WINTER! Not unless you are a masochist. Just as an afterthought, masochist is a Greek word..so, this tells something of the Greek character! In fact, the average Greek person on holiday, cannot stand to be alone! They thrive in crowded areas! It's as if they would feel left out and abandoned and tremble with fear, if they found themselves on a secluded, quiet, peaceful beach! No!

I, on the other hand, revel in the discovery of a hidden cove, where no one else has set foot from the last time I was so quietly bathing in the same spot. Give me peace, quiet, and a clean, uncluttered beach. No racket-balls landing on my head! No plastic bags full of the left-overs from the picnic lunch of yesterday. No cigarette butts felt under my feet as I try to make my way across the cluttered sand and manouver between beach towels layered one upon the other.

In fact, give me the cool waters of October, November and December, to sooth my weary and tired muscles.

Give me the lake in January, with the steam coming off the warm water into the cold air. Give me the sight of the Kingfisher, swishing just two inches above the surface of the lake, searching for its lunch.

For those of you lucky enough to be able to take a holiday in October or November, Greece is an ideal destination. Prices of accommodations will have come down, beaches will be less crowded and temperatures are just right for walking. For the hearty, the sea is at its best for swimming; brisk and clear. For those who may not take to the sea when the temperatures have dropped, the Lake of Vouliagmeni is absolutely Perfect! Don't hesitate...for you know that is my motto..."Those who hesitate are lost!"

For the rest of us who live here, we can still find the weekends to escape to a near by island of beach:):)

So, be sure to check out my new photos of more sunsets at Sounion

SOUNION

and Please have a look at my newest pages with photos of the famous ARMATA celebration held every year on the Island of SPETSES

SPETSES

Also, because they are two of the closest island to the Port of Pireaus, have a look at my pages for Aegean and Poros; always a good idea for a short day or two trip away from Athens.

AEGENA
POROS
HYDRA

See you there!
For things to do and see just outside of Athens, See my Attiki pages and more Flowers and Plants in and around Attiki...Plus FRED'S BUTTERFLY is flying around these pages somewhere too!!! Can you find it? FLOWERS OF ATTIKI
ATTIKI

Here is a very useful link that I just happened to come across when I wanted to know how much I weighed in 'Stones!' Here you can convert just about every possible thing that you want to convert from one measurement to another...Just wish I could find a quick and easy way to convert all my fat to lean muscle:):)
CONVERSIONS

Do you remember that first car you owned when you were only 16 and a Jr. in High School? Mine was a beautiful, all white 1959 Chevy; baby blue leather interior, power steering and windows! What a dream! Now, I love to go to the Antique Auto Show at Houghton Lake, Michigan every summer when I visit my parents and I always ask the same question: "Why did you ever sell that car???"
Check out my new pages on Michigan and Houghton Lake:
HoughtonLake
soon to be added (so keep checking in )and drool over some of the most beautiful 'old' cars around....

When the seas are high and my life gets rough from the daily pressures of driving two hours a day through the treacherous traffic in Athens, you will find me here! Here, in the calm waters of the therapeutic lake of Vouliagmeni. When the wind blows, and your heart aches, just relax with a swim in the lake!
This is what this beautiful lake in the southern-most suburb of Athens looks like as the sea gulls swoop across to their coves carved into the cliff above the water. Vouliagmeni my love!
If you are coming to Athens, instead of waking up to noise and pollution, why not stay in one of the hotels that are within walking distance of the lake? There are several nice hotels in this area; The Ira,an older family run hotel, a newly renovated hotel called'Vouliagmeni Suites' and the Margie House. If you really want to splurge, the Asteria Beach complex is where Diplomats, Kings and their families have stayed. Millionare's Yacht's can be envied from the docks of Moorings. For those of us who are normal...we can walk along the white sandy beach and swim in the sea for free...where else would you rather be? Oh, yes, across the street sitting in one of several small taverna eating fried squid or fresh Dover Sole, Horiatiki Salad, eggplant dip or Tzadziki. Would you prefer white wine or Ouzo? Who's driviing? Just walk to your cool hotel room and leave the cleaning-up to the maid. Tonight? Why not wander on up past the main public beach and sit outside at 'Emplo' the chic cafeteria-cum-bar-cum-restaurant. The moon will be shining on the water and you will be in love with Vouliagmeni too.
VOULIAGMENI LAKE

Here are some very useful links for travellers wanting to come to Greece for holiday:

Holiday in Greece
Indigo Guide > Greece INDIGOGUIDE

A Comprehensive travel and tourist information on Greece and all the Greek islands. Accommodation, night life, car rental and much much more.

Greek National Tourism Organization GreekNational TourismOrganization

A great source of vacation information
Go Greece GoGreece

A great online guide for the discerning traveler

February 2008 was what may have seemed like the coldest winter in forty years. On 17th February, 2008, it was even snowing on Mykonos! No nude beach goers that day! One day I was looking at the lemon trees bending from the weight of their fruit, wondering if I should take the time to pick the lemons and freeze the juice for later. 'He who hesitates is lost..' The next day, the weather man had done the job too well for me! Snow covered everything; the lemons were frozen on the limbs. Sweet and sour are our lessons in life.

Last year I started swimming in the sea on March 28th. This year, as the cold winds and rain drenches our paths, I have found the lake at Vouliagmeni with temperatures of 23 degrees Centigrade where the warm water soothes my tense muscles and aching bones.

Athenians prepare earlier and earlier each year for the Christmas holidays. When I first came to Athens, in 1979, I didn't know anyone except a few expats, who had a Christmas tree. Now, the commercial interests have invaded from both East and West. When an opportunity to
'sell more' is seen by merchants, the shops open on every corner for business. The fake trees, made in China, the plastic ornaments, made in India, and the 'desire to spend, spend,' made in America...unfortunately have permeated the minds of unsuspecting Greek homes. The first day of November has seen the open doors of the 'Christmas ornament shops!'
Bah! Humbug! What's all this leading to? What happened to the lovely little wooden boats down by the sea-shore decorated with lights, awaiting the Greek Holiday of St. Nicholas? The holiday when the seafaring Greeks gave thanks to the humble Saint who watched over their sailors, far out to sea? One day in November, December or even January, the winds can be flowing fiercely and the rain flooding the streets, making it safe only for those little boats to be floating to safe-harbour; the next day, brings the winter sun of 'Halcion Days,' and sitting outside in the local cafes drinking hot Greek coffee. Is that why we stay here?

Today the sun is shining. The born and raised Michigander still finds hope in our Michigan motto, 'if you don't like the weather, just wait a minute.' Ancient wisdom endures.

Want to know what the weather will be like while you are in Greece???? Have a look at this very cool site:

ATHENS WEATHER LINK

Have a look at some of my pages with photos from the Acropolis; no matter how long one has lived in this ever growing European city, it never ceases to impress...the wonders of the Ancient World:

ACROPOLIS

There are also some facinating tips and photos from Epidavros, where once a female cult danced in drug-induced trances:

EPIDAVROS

Greece is still full of wisdom for those who are able to get off the beaten path. Take your time and explore the smaller roads. Remember, Greece is not only islands...

Yasou, from your new friend in Greece, Janetanne

If you have an unusual Phrase in English that you would like to know the meaning and or origin of, please send it to me and I will try to find the answer for you. I will post the most colourful and interesting English Phrases here on my Homepage every week, just to give you a little 'free lesson,' in the English Language and English Culture. So, send me those questions, Students of The World:):)

PHRASE OF THE WEEK

THE BEE'S KNEES
Requested by Robertgaz


A bee's "corbiculae", or pollen-baskets, are located on its
tibiae (midsegments of its legs). The phrase "the bee's knees",
meaning "the height of excellence", became popular in the U.S. in
the 1920s, along with "the cat's whiskers" (possibly from the use
of these in radio crystal sets), "the cat's pajamas" (pyjamas were
still new enough to be daring), and similar phrases which made less
sense and didn't endure: "the eel's ankle", "the elephant's
instep", "the snake's hip". Stories in circulation about the
phrase's origin include: "b's and e's", short for "be-alls and
end-alls"; and a corruption of "business".
Source: [Mark Israel, 'Phrase Origins: "the bee's knees"', The alt.usage.english FAQ file,(line 4407), (29 Sept 1997)]

Here is another source for finding the meaning of some obscure phrase in English, such as 'The Bee's Knees!' which my friend RobertGaz asked me about. He says there's a beer in Austrailia called 'Beez Neez!' BEEZNEEZBEER and tastes like honey...sounds good to me! But here is a source for the probable explanation for that phrase: PHRASE ORIGINS IN ENGLISH

Now that I've got you thirsty for a cold beer...or if you are one of those 'teatollers' who think there is no redeeming qualities in drinking beer...just have a look at another VT friend of mine, who shows us how Drinking Carlsburg Beer is Helping Art!...:
BEER AND ARTHere's to you Allan (TheView)Cheers! Stin 'Yasou! And how about LoriPori's Antwerp tip on DRINKING BEER FROM BOWLS? BeerBowls

Here is a beer called 'Kwak' ! KWAK BEER on Gili S's page of her top 8 beers. I wonder if after you drink this beer, you will waddle around kwakking like a drunk duck?? hehehe

It's almost Carnival time in Athens and once again the streets will be full of carnival colours and beautiful costumes! This year, 2008, the celebrations begin on 17th February, which is called "Triodio." The word 'triodio' refers to a set of three special hymns that are chanted in the Greek Orthodox church service in preparation for the 40 days before Easter when a time of fasting begins. However, the celebrations of Carnival, are a carry-over of pre-Christian times and Carnival is not in any way connected to or endorsed by the Greek Church.

Carnival time, however, is enjoyed by most of the people in Greece, and especially the children. It is a time of costume parties, fun, dancing and dressing up. A good time is had by everyone before the 40 days of fasting, which traditionally begins on 'Clean Monday,' or 'Kathardeftera,' which this year falls on Monday, March 10, 2008.

The biggest parade for Carnival in Greece, will take place in Patra on the 9th of March, 2008. See my Patra pages for more details on the festivities in Patra.

Haven't been to the Acropolis yet? Come have a look at my newest pictures...
ACROPOLIS%l

Here is an excellent link for VT members who would like to check their English Spelling, find the meanings of words, idioms, proverbs, style, grammar and many other useful sources for writers

%L[http://www.bartleby.com]BARTLEBY

Have you ever wanted to go into a private house on one of the islands and see how the local people have decorated their house? Well, here is your 'virtual' chance to come in this door and see what lies behind those imposing walls!
Come to Spetsis and take a look at my new 'off the beaten path,' to see my friend's beautiful house in SPETSIS.
SPETSES

Here is a great connection FOR BOOKING YOUR SUMMER AIR FLIGHTS within Greece:

AEGEAN AIR LINES