Myconos report

Myconos was as always lovely. A bit too crowded but it is expected this time of year.
Due to strong winds were only able to visit a couple of beaches, and wished I had only stayed in Lia where I stayed the first two days.
Lia is a superb southern beach, without music and people dancing. There is a button on the umbrella calling the waitor (!) which makes moving from the chaiselong unecessary unless if for a dive in the divine green-blue waters
Myconos is a also a gastronomical paradise - a bit expensive of course but if only for three days it is ok. As such we had to try the new Mashuhitsa restaurant (in place of Nobu run by the same people) in Belvedere hotel pool restaurant
Although everyone seemed to be going to Cavo for clubbing, the city's typical bars were also full but not too crowded. The best thing was when Antonis Remos had a concert in Namos, Psarrou beach (my most dreaded myconian place), so about half of the myconian visitors went to listen to him and we were able to have a lovely table on Remezzo's terrace overlooking the port and town. However, it was a bit hard to dance after the nobu dinner and the lovely cocktails they served us, so we only stayed for a while as our digestive function would take the best of us.
And then of course there are the sunsets at little Venice, one of the most photographed places on earth, and for good reason as well.
Some pictures prove the point

Right now back to real life. Well, till next time :-)

POLITICS AND POLITICAL PARTIES IN GREECE

This is a book directed mainly to academia, but if one is patient enough and has access to the authors to direct questions about the statistical tables or basic principles of politics, it is a superb book
I could not be a prouder sister. My brother Manos was asked to write the first chapter. The book is a compilation of academic articles about the political phenomena in Greece. Manos' article is about old and new dividing structures. By structures he means the social structures as they are depicted in political parties and how these have evolved from traditional ideologies and left-right or center-periphery divide (work-capital in Europe is stronger) to modern political ideologies (economic agenda, ecology, conservativism-social modernization and so on)
The only slight problem is that Manos had struggled with the Greek language a bit and sentences are hefty making it mandatory to be extremely focused when reading it. Definitely not a beach book unless one goes to a quiet beach (Lia :-) and reads through carefully
The way the book is edited, Manos' article sets the framework explaining the political structures and social implications in Greece and providing some contrasts with other European countries. The rest of the articles, very interesting as well, deal with more specific phenomena like the Greek 2007 elections and the submission of duopoly(ND/PASOK) to that of a multi-party parliament(Tsimbras).

Best read I had in years and there is definitely not a single sister on this planet that is prouder than I am.
His other articles are for academic journals and I am trying to get my hands on them and he is now starting working on a book.
Now I understand his obsession of researching instead of teaching. Teaching wastes time of his brilliant analysing talent. Yet, people need to learn from geniuses. Manos is one of them

Constitutional right

I can hardly believe that there is another self respecting nation that will allow such atrocity. I believe that in the Constitution, it is a constitutional right to have freedom of speech. I guess you can say what you want but you can not believe what you want. Greek Orthodox religion is regulated and directed as part of the Ministry of Education!!!! Actually it is called Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs. You will see Greek orthodox priests working as public servants. Oh, BTW, Church is not taxed in Greece but priests are paid by the state. Luvly
Now, in a country that a lot has been said about reforming the educational system, especially the higher education, necessary module to make this southeast European wannabe corner competitive, the State itself is moving backwards. Since when the State imposes on its people the religion to worship? We are still talking here about a country that wants to respect itself as a progressive nation. (Hilarious)
Oh, btw, the typical answers I am getting from the secular part of the ministry is 'we don't know, we can't help you there...hmmmm I don't really know what to tell you...'

I guess I should go to the priests side. Perhaps they can talk to God and answer my questions. Really...Greeks as a people probably deserve the Government they have...including the Religious affairs


BUCKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

London parks

London on a sunny day is beautiful. Best to spend the day in the beautiful parks that it has. One of the most important things I am jealous of world capitals is their parks. It reminds me of what we miss in Athens. Well, one of the things that would make Athens a better place to live.

In the loop

British, no matter what they will do, they will be more alternative. They have deeply embedded in their culture the importance to be self-sarcastic, and if delivered with humor, it is a regarded a quality of high intellect.
In consequence, all British comedies embody at least an element of sarcasm, taking the piss, as a favorite British expression has it
In 'In the Loop', the brilliant team responsible are absolutely taking the piss on big political decisions and, of course, politicians.
It is a hilarious comedy, definitely the best comedy I saw since a Fish Called Wanda. It will make you fall from your seat laughing. Oh, it does require a good ear for british english, especially if no subtitles are on. Definitely a must go, especially if you have had experience living in Britain.