Paros Paradise Blog

Olympic Flame Rides Again

2009-11-01T14:45:00.001+02:00

The Olympic Flame is in the news again. I can not think of anything that is more travelled. It makes a round of the world every two years for both the Winter Olympics and the Summer Games.

Last Thursday there was a handover ceremony in Athens's Olympic Stadium attended by dignitaries of both Greece and Canada. The flame is headed to Vancouver, Canada for the 2010 Winter Olympiad—and Paralympics.

The flame reached the stadium after a circuit of Greece starting in ancient Olympia where the lighting ceremony was held last week. It won’t reach Canada until taking a circuit of the world.

In 2004 the flame was on Paros but my photos are of backs of heads of the crowd and the feet of the runners. So here is a dramatic photo of a statue of ancient Olympia during the 2007 wild fires.

Photograph: Petros Giannakouris/AP

Technorati Tags: Olympics,flame,torch,travel,ceremony

Chestnut Festival

2009-10-25T13:26:00.001+02:00

Being from the west coast of the USA, “Chestnuts roasting by an open fire” was never part of our winter traditions. So I will never forget our first visit to Germany when we stepped out of a train station and there was an open fire with roasted chestnuts. I immediately bought some and Karin and I tasted them on the spot. I spit my bite back out; Karin politely swallowed but did not have another. We found them dry and bitter.

Now fast forward to this week when a friend shared their harvest of walnuts and chestnuts. We looked askance at the chestnuts and decided to use them as autumn decoration. Then a few days later I received a news item from the ANA: “Annual Chestnut Party begins in Kavala” This inspired me to do a little research. I found that they can be prepared any number of ways. Since it is still too warm for a fire and the barbeque is a hassle, I opted to steam a few of the chestnuts. Twelve minutes later we dipped them in melted salted butter and gingerly took a nibble. Eureka! they were quite good.

I also learned the chestnut has a long and noble history. The tree is considered the tree of Zeus and Alexander the Great planted them during his travels as a substitute for grain. Many cultures have followed suit as they grow well on mountainous terrain. So in October many northern Greece communities have Chestnut Festivals. The one in Kavala is said to consume 5 tons of nuts and 1,000 kilos of wine. I think that may be an exaggeration on the chestnuts but not the wine.

Photo from Eternally Cool Net

Technorati Tags: chestnut,Kavala,Greece

Greek Islands Scooter Rally

2009-10-17T14:50:00.002+03:00

Last May Karin and I had a great time helping our American friends Al and Ardy with their motor scooter club tour. It was so popular and successful in that inaugural year that they have expanded the program for 2010.

The greatest addition is a series of competitive rallies. Called ScooterGiro Cyclades, it is a competitive Time, Speed, Distance road rally, conducted in the spirit and traditions of classical road rallies. Participants will ride three measured distance courses on Paros and three on Naxos. There will be trophies for each island as well for the combined Cyclades Champion.

Visitors can buy a package tour including accommodation and some meals; locals can enter the competition on their home island. Scooter enthusiasts who want to enjoy the Greek islands without competition are welcome as well. For all the details or to contact the organisers see their web site: http://www.scootergiro.com/

This event reinforces my belief that whatever your interest: Do It Better on Paros!

P.S. Al and Ardy are also putting together an Italian ride in June featuring a Vespa factory tour. More Here

Technorati Tags: scooter,motorbike,Vespa,rally,Paros,Naxos,moped