Summer Edition 2010

32 Pages·2010·4.15 MB·English

K Y T H E R A
www.visitkythera.gr
Summer Edition 2010 18
ISSUE No
JUNE - OCTOBER 2010
FOUNDER/ΙΔΡΥΤΗΣ, EΠΙΜΕΛΕΙΑ ΕΚΔΟΣΗΣ: © METAXIA POULOS • PUBLISHER: DIMITRIS KYRIAKOPOULOS • EDITOR: DEBORAH PARSONS • FEATURE WRITER: ANNA KOMINOS •
WRITERS: ELIAS ANAGNOSTOU, JEAN BINGEN, JOHN FARDOULIS, ANNA GIABANIDIS, TIMOTHY GREGORY, GAYE HEGEMAN, CONSTANTINE KARADIMAS, EUFROSYNE KEROMITI, DIMITRIS
KOUTRAFOURIS, SCOT LEIMROTH, MELINA MALLOS, MARKOS MEGALOOIKONOMOU, PIA PANARETOS, ALEXIS PETROHILOS, IASMI STATHI, TINA TAMBAKIS, KALLIE ZERVOS • ARTWORK:
DAPHNE PETROHILOS • LAYOUT & DESIGN: IDEOTYPO • EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING - ΣΥΝΤΑΞΗ/ΔΙΑΦΗΜΙΣΕΙΣ: 6944-551720, fax: [phone], e-mail: [email protected]
FREE COMMUNITY PAPER • ΕΛΛΗΝΟ-ΑΓΓΛΙΚΗ ΕΚΔΟΣΗ • ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΗ ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΤΙΚΗ ΕΦΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ • ΔΙΑΝΕΜΕΤΑΙ ΔΩΡΕΑΝ
ΕΡΓΑΣΤΗΡΙ
ΧΡΥΣΟΥ
GOLD CASTLE JEWELLERY
Unbeatable prices for gold and silver
A large selection of jewellery in 22K, 18K & 14K gold
Traditional hand-made Byzantine icons
Αναλαμβάνουμε ειδικές παραγγελίες κατασκευής κοσμημάτων
CHORA Kythera: 2736-0-31954, 6945.014857
MULTI-LINGUAL BOOKSTORE
KAPSALI BAY
BUNGALOWS, SWIMMING POOL, Ο γάτος... του βιβλίου
AIR-CONDITIONING πάει στην παραλία
με τα καλύτερα βιβλία!
Tel: [phone], 31766, Fax: [phone]
Panos N. Kalligeros
e-mail: [email protected], www.elsolhotels.gr
LIS Livadi, Kythera, tel. [phone]
U
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y J ΠΛΑΤΑΝΟΣ
b
h
p
a
gr
oto Ανοιχτά από τις 9.00
h π.μ. έως αργά το
p
βράδυ για καφέ,
καλωσορίσατε! welcome! μεζέ και φαγητό
MILOPOTAMOS
Κύθηρα – Τσιρίγο – Πορφυρούσα Καλλιόπη Καρύδη &
Η Κυθέρεια, θεά του έρωτα τροφός (Ορφικά) Γιώργος Πετρόπουλος
Στην επαρχιακή οδό Χώρας-Καψαλίου >>
τηλ.: 2736-0-33397
On the Chora-Kapsali road
Απ’ του πελάγου τους βυθούς Διπλό του πόθου μου νησί
ψαρεύω ακόμα θησαυρούς Τσιρίγο, Πορφυρούσα
sea excursions to secluded beaches and secret caves εκεί που όλα είναι
Εφήβους και Μηχανισμούς. για σένα κάποτε μισή
glass-bottom
την Άνοιξη φορούσα. μέλι-γάλα
boat Διπλό του νόστου μου νησί
με τ’ αλμυρό ακρογιάλι Μες στις αυλές και τα παρτέρια
του ονείρου απλώνω το πανί Αστέρι μ’ έστειλε στ’ αστέρια pure Kytherian thyme honey
για τη δική σου αγκάλη. του έρωτά μου η ιέρεια gourmet Kytherian cheese
η Αφροδίτη η Κυθέρεια. θυμαρίσιο μέλι
Πα στου πελάγου τους αφρούς και τυριά παραγωγής μας
μπάλους χορεύω και συρτούς
produced in Mitata
με δυο θεές και δυο θεούς. ΑΝ.ΗΛ.
Yiannis & Eleni
Protopsaltis
Prior reservation is necessary 6974-022079
Kythera is a million magical worlds all rolled into one and all of Tel.: [phone]
them are waiting for you to explore. For ancient history buffs
the island is the home of the cult of Aphrodite, for nature lov- RESTAURANT
ers the luscious greenery intoxicates and the water-springs ZERVOS - MAGOS
refresh, romantics can confirm their inclination by collecting
KAPSALI
heart-shaped pebbles on beaches, for those who just want to
Our restaurant is popular with
sit and watch sunrise hues brushed across the sky can become
yacht owners and fishermen alike
an unforgettable photograph opportunity or you can sip a
RENT-A-CAR Seafood & Greek dishes
Greek coffee in traditional cafes while checking your email,
8.30 am to midnight
Friendly service for the spiritual types why not light a candle in remembrance
Island wide service • Airport pick-up of your ancestors. It’s all here and more… so dive-in and begin
Yiannis & Peter Defterevos O.E. your adventure!
tel.-fax: [phone], 31030, 31836
Mobile: [phone]/776799
www.greektourism.gr ENGLISH PAGES 2-16 • ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΕΣ ΣΕΛΙΔΕΣ 17-31 Antonis Zervos Tel.: [phone]

S T A Y I N G I N T O U C H
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PUBLISHER'S ABOUT US
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE NOTE Founding Publisher - Metaxia (Sia) Poulos is a big-
Dear Editor, picture person. having worked in Australia as a Press
My friend, the Greek poet Denis Koulentianos, recently sent me last year’s Secretary and Advisor to Government ministers and
Kythera Summer Edition. Every year he spends parliamentarians, her return to her parental homeland
his vacations on Kythera and regards the island gave birth to Kythera Summer Edition. With a passion for jus-
as a terrestrial paradise. After looking at your THINK GLOBALLY tice and enormous experience in community politics both in
magazine, I think my friend is absolutely right! ACT LOCALLY was the Australia and Greece, Sia is the powerhouse that brings Kythera
During his last vacation he translated some of Summer Edition to annual fruition. Sia is married to Dimitris Kyri-
catch-cry for change
my poems into Greek. Perhaps if there is space, you might like to publish akopoulos and they have a ten year old son, Alexandros.
that gave birth to the
one of my poems in either Greek or English? I wish you and Kythera Summer Feature Writer - Anna Kominos is a cultural junkie.
Environmental movement.
Edition all the best in your deeds and hope that in our difficult “crisis” time A seasoned Festival Organiser, she has wrangled the
So if you are looking for a
Kythera island will stay yet a “paradise” bringing joy to many souls! Sydney Comedy Festival, the Greek Festival of Sydney
way to contribute positively
Cordially yours, and the Antipodes Festival in Melbourne as well as
to the infinitely complex
Adolf P. Shvedchikov working for the iconic Enmore Theatre and Century Entertain-
and divisive issue of the
ment. Anna studied dramatic art and has performed in movies,
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT Greek Financial Deficit
television and theatre productions both in Australia and Greece.
Crisis, consider buying 100%
Anna’s Kytherian ancestry has inspired her writings for Kythera
Greek. Check the barcode of
TWENTY ONE YEARS AGO in England, we read Summer Edition for the last eighteen years.
any product you purchase
a newspaper article about Kythera. It described a Artist - Daphne Petrohilos studied at the respected
and make sure it starts
beautiful and rugged island with secluded beaches, Chicago Art Institute in the USA and has exhibited in-
with 520. This will ensure
friendly people and a lack of commercialization. Our ternationally in Dublin, London, Athens and of course
the money you spend will
first visit was in September 1989 and it was love at Kythera. An artist in all aspects of her life, Daphne is a
stay in Greece rather than
first sight. When it was time to go home we cried! So compulsive creator, and can always be found making
be syphoned offshore by
we came back the next year and the next, always day beautiful objects, be it crocheting lace, weaving a hat or ce-
corporate conglomerates.
dreaming about how great it would be to live here. ment-rendering a wall at her traditional house in Broggi. her
Use your purse and flex your
We decided that this would be the only place where artwork gives Kythera Summer Edition its impressive visual look.
purchasing power muscle.
we would marry and we did in 1993 at the Town hall To view more of her artwork log onto www.visitdaphne.com
in hora with the island’s mayor Mr Artemis Kalligeros Editor - Deborah Parsons lives most of the year in
conducting the ceremony. It was quite something Melbourne, Australia; the rest she spends on Kythera.
to show everyone our wedding certificate in Greek and well worth all the After dropping out of numerous university courses,
THE MOST authorative site
paperwork and bureaucracy that we had to contend with in England. Finally she discovered a passion for Greek music and joined a
about all you can see and do
in 2008 we realised that the only thing stopping us making our dream come band. Then she started doodling and became a graphic artist.
on the island. Always up-to-
true was ourselves! So we embarked on our very own odyssey and moved Then she started writing and it all made sense. She writes scripts
date with information!
to the island in February 2009. A year on we feel this is our home. We’ve for film and television. She loves DIY.
www.visitkythera.gr
experienced the island through the seasons. Every day brings fresh delights, Writer - Kallie (Kalliope) Zervos is one of over 100,000
whether it’s meeting new faces over coffee, trying out new recipes for the Kytherians living in the Diaspora. Residing and working
Collective
produce which our neighbours give us or enjoying the island’s local musicians in Sydney, Australia, Kallie has been involved in the
playing in the tavernas. So a big thankyou to the people of Kythera for your Tourism industry for more than a decade and currently works
Kytherian
friendliness, generosity and above all for helping us to be able to live our for the Sydney harbour Foreshore Authority and the Sydney
dream. Chris and Mary Consciousness Visitor's Centre. Kallie visits Kythera regularly and is passionate
about the island.
A 17 YEAR PLAN FOR KAPSALI Writer - Melina Mallos draws much of her inspira-
THE INTERNET is con-
tion from the Kytherian landscape. her professional
necting people at the
Back in 1993 when I was an over enthusiastic backpacker, I left Australia for speed of thought. With interests focus on examining childrens' engagement
Greece. After landing in Athens, I took the ferry to Kythera, my first port this in mind, a new way with art. Melina has been employed by the Queensland
of call, to see where my roots had begun. Both sets of grandparents were of sharing Kythera’s rich Art Gallery since 2001. She is currently undertaking
born on Kythera - harry Poteri, Antigone history and heritage a Queensland-Smithsonian Fellowship in Washinghton DC on
Cassimatis, James Anastasopoulos and An- has been established how museum experiences enrich chldrens' learning. Melina's
gela Varipaty. My backpacking friends and – through the Kytherian research will inform an education resource and teacher training
I had a fantastic time and, one night at the historian Facebook pro- program for early childhood teachers.
Varipaty house in Kapsali, we made a pact file. To date Kytherian Writer - Anna Giabanidis was born and raised in Eng-
that we would all return with our families historian has more than land by a Greek father and English mother. Always ef-
for my 40th. Our 17 year plan has worked 2,500 friends connect- fervescent, Anna now lives in a remote part of Kythera.
and now here we are in May 2010 celebrat- ing with a wide range of Keen to express her point of view, she has recently
ing my 40th on this magical island. It has Kytherians from around completed studies in British and European law and has set-up
been amazing to share this special place the world. This profile shop in Kythera. [email protected]
with all my family and friends. I arrived with which automatically dis- Writer - Pia (Panayiota) Panaretos was born
my English husband, Guy Auckland, and my plays snippets of history in Sydney, Australia of Kytherian parents. An
four children, Francesca (8), James (5), Ni- on people’s Facebook anthropologist who has worked extensively with
cholas (3) and William (2). From the 8th May, Kapsali was inundated with pages has united Kyth- indigenous communities in Australia, Pia is in Kythera writing
my husband’s family from England & Scotland, close friends from England, erians by overcoming her master's thesis on the subject of how the worship of the
my mum Alexandra Poteri, my brother harry Poteri from Brisbane, and my geographic and language Panayia Myrtidiotissa is essential to the Kytherian identity and
great friends from Kin Kin (Near Noosa in Queensland). We celebrated with barriers. how it unifies the Kytherian Diaspora.
my Kytherian relatives at Artena Taverna and danced in the street to a Greek
band at Kapsali. What a night to remember! I think I will have to make another
plan to return for my 50th!
Anita Poteri, Auckland, New Zealand
OBITUARY NICK TZORTZOPOULOS On 15th October 2009, after a long illness, Travel with books - Create with toys!
Nick Lefteris Tzortzopoulos of Platia Ammos passed away in Potamos, Kythera.
Bookshop • Toys • Gifts
Home-made breads,
Born in Karavas in 1939, Nick like many of his generation involuntarily left post-
Βιβλιοχαρτοπωλείο • Παιχνίδι • Δώρα
pies, sweets,
war Kythera as a 12 year-old and travelled to Australia to make a ‘better life’.
cookies Kondolianika, Kythera, tel.-fax: [phone]
Working in various cafes in Gladstone, Nick met Patricia, his wife of 51 years,
with whom he had seven children. Forever homesick, in 1979 Nick moved
back to Kythera with his young family, never TAVERNA
returning to Australia. Setting up home in
the abandoned Patrikeio Agricultural Col-
lege in Karavas, Nick and Pat were for many
international visitors the friendly faces that
eased foreign speakers into the nuances of
local culture. Later Nick and Pat relocated
to Platia Ammos where Nick indulged his
Vasilis & Eirene
passion for the sea. Always keen to lend a
Kassimatis
helping hand, his presence is still felt in his
Tel.: [phone]
beautiful diverse and fertile garden which
Photo of Nick Tzortzopoulos, was touched by his green thumb. Open 7 days, all day
taken by his son Elefhterios (Lucky)

L O O K I N G T O T H E P A S T F O R S T R E N G T H
GREECE IS THE WORLD HISTORICAL NOTE
KYTHERA IN 2010 is a unique microcosm made up of many different THROUGHOUT history,
worlds all happily co-existing. In a way it is a microscopic version of Kythera has been known
Greece with a hint of Australia blended with the old-world. Abuzz with by many names. Cerigo
the new ideals of a united Europe, Kythera has never lost its poetic was the title the Venetians
visual appeal. This is timeless. That’s why it is so easy to live here. bestowed on the island. In
GREECE IS NOW FACING its greatest crisis since World War II with ancient times it was known
the question of its sovereignity being played out in the boardrooms as Porfyrousa, a reference to
of international merchant banks. But don’t be fooled. This is an excit- the delicate murex shell col-
ing moment in history to be living in Kythera and Greece. Reading lected locally, that produced
through the 2010 Kythera Summer Edition will give you a positive the rare purple dye used
insight into what is really going on in Kythera. The passionate energy exclusively for the robes of
on hand will inspire many to see that the glass is not half-empty. royalty.
HISTORICALLY KYTHERA has been colonised by less than sympa- But where does the name
Kythera come from? During
thetic overlords such as the Phoenicians, the Venetians and the Brit-
the Minoan civilisation, the
ish. Great empires have all had their day in the sun here. Napoleonic
island of Thera (Santorini) in
France, Tsarist Russia and Nazi Germany have all plunged their flag
the Cyclades was the heart
into Kytherian soil.
of the Minoan culture which
THERE IS NO DENYING modern-day Greece has been ill-managed
flourished during the Bronze
at every level. This mismanagement has been compounded by the
Age. While excavating the
entrenched lack of social consciousness, especially among the over-
impressively organised city
inflated public service, which has left Greece vulnerable and on bend-
of Akrotiri on Santorini, head
ed knees. Greece has become the punching bag of Europe and the
archaeologist the late Spyri-
western world. You would think from the way it is portrayed that not
don Marinatos discovered
even hercules could lift its immense debt onto his shoulders, and yet
that the floors of aristocratic
the Greek national debt is exactly the same as that of the Australian
state of New South Wales. So what’s all the fuss about then? Well the houses were lined with os
squeeze is on and the Greek media, rather than offering constructive cKryuthsheread p mroudruecxe dsh Meullrse. xO dnyley etrohil
alternatives, do nothing but play the blame game while international and the port of Avlemonas ne P
alternative media sources, such as Max Keiser and Alex Jones, claim h
and Paliopoli were a Minoan ap
Greece is being held captive by terrorist merchant bankers. D
outpost. by
THIS SUMMER GREECE’S beaches are packed with young people sip- d
ping frappes and families sharing long fish lunches. however, come The name Kythera may have nte
originally began as Ki-Thera, pai
Oeccotonboemr,i cw chriesnis twhiell whaevaet heexrt ries mcoeo cleors tasn fdo rt hthee t oGurerieskts p heaovpele le. Wft,a tghee, in reference to its close ouse,
economic and cultural ties. h
hospital, school and transport cutbacks are already far-reaching. The ht
everyday person worries about their and their loved ones’ futures. Bthuet Mwien omaany cniveivliesra tkionno ww aass ari lig
The combination of irresponsible journalism and political cutbacks ud
wiped out by a massive o
has created an atmosphere of depression and anger. With Greece’s M
earthquake, approximately
history of bloodshed, struggle and poverty, these austere measures
600 BC. The tidal waves that
will bring unpredictable upheavals.
followed are believed to
THE KYTHERIAN DIASPORA can help support Kythera by partici-
have also wiped out Avlem-
pating in the ktimatologio (page 4). Many properties throughout
onas and Paliopoli.
Greece are willed by word of mouth. Properties not declared will
After the Minoans were dec-
be repossessed by the State. It is essential the Diaspora put up their
imated by this massive natu-
hands and claim what is rightfully theirs as the registration period is
ral disaster, the Phoenicians
limited. Fortunately Kythera has thorough archival Claims records.
emerged to take over the
So act now!
Minoan trade routes span-
DEFIANCE IS IN THE GREEK DNA. The ingenuity and persever-
ning as far as the northern
ance corralled by earlier generations to defy Nazi Germany has been
Black Sea. A maritme soci-
replaced by a hive of new activities. Old world values and knowledge
ety, the Phoenicians were
have been incorporated with contemporary projects to bring about
quick to close the gap left
positive change. The Karavas Water Project article (page 8) and
by the Minoans. They also
Jean Bingen's story (page 9) are great examples of the dynamism
brought with them their
shown by post-World War II Kytherians as they confronted adversity
Goddess of Love, Astarti,
with reforestation, infrastructure and water projects led by the dy-
who was to capture our
namic Jurgen and Anna Koksma.
imaginations as Aphrodite.
WATTEAU’S CLASSIC PAINTING Embarkment to Kythera depicts the
island of Aphrodite as utopia for the Romantic world. Then renowned
as an unreachable destination, Kythera in 2010 is now connected! As
ΜΑΡΚΕΣΑΚΙΑ, ΚΥΘΗΡΑ, ΕΛΛΑΣ, MARKESAKIA, KYTHERA ISLAND
you sit in most local kafenia (cafes) surfing the web, checking your
GREECE TEL: + (27360) 38250, ATHENS OFFICE: +(210) 6125430
email and updating your Facebook status, odds on you’ll quietly la- www.cerigo.com.gr e-mail: [email protected]
ment the once remote old-world of our grandparents who lived in
harmony with their natural environment. We can gain strength by
meditating on the struggles of our ancestors who, during 400 years
of occupation by the Ottomans, somehow managed to maintain their
language and culture and rise to create Modern Greece.
KYTHERA AND GREECE must draw on the courage shown by our
forefathers as we confront the complexities that await in October and
beyond. We need to move beyond the blame-game and peacefully
embrace positive choices. Icelandic parliamentarian Brigitta Jonsdot-
tir recently stood in solidarity with the Greek people when she said
“Today we are all Greeks!” The Global Financial Crisis is an incredible
test for both the Greeks and humanity alike.
CHORA KYTHIRA
8 0 1 0 0 H E L L A S
tel.: + 30 27360 39139
fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
w w w . c o r t e o . g r

K T I M A T O L O G I O
REGISTRATION OF LAND - ACT NOW require legal assistance, and MOUDARI LIGHTHOUSE
you must formally accept
by Anna Kominos
the inheritance before you
by Anna Giabanidis
can register the property. LAST WINTER, Sia Poulos and I set off with adventurer and
THE GREEK LAND REGISTRATION was initiated around four years ago, and has
Prospective Heirs with light-house keeper Andreas Anellos on a lengthy hiking tour
been surprisingly persistent in its efforts to record all property ownership. Is it
No Papers: If you are of across scrub and lose rocks, finally reaching the incredible
confusing? Yes. Can I forget about it and hope that it will go away? No. The Land
Greek descent, living outside Moudari lighthouse. Rising up and precariously perched just
Register (Ktimatologio) is slowly but surely sailing its barnacled boat towards
of Greece and have property a stone's throw from the cliffs, the lighthouse (also known as
Kythira. It is therefore vital to understand what must be done to register your
interests in Greece, but no the Fanari) is located north of Platia Ammos and just above
property. If not, you could risk losing it. As with any form of organisation in
legal papers proving this. the beach of Agios Nicholas.
Greece this is not an easy task; different processes apply depending on which
This applies to you if your The strategic position of the lighthouse has meant that whoever
type of ownership you have. So here is a (hopefully) clear overview of what
father inherited property lights the Kytherean straits rules the waves and in the 1800’s it
the Land Register is all about.
from his father, but you have was Rule Britannia! Built in 1825 and designed by British engi-
When does it come to Kythira? The date has not yet been decided, but no formal documents. Years neers, like many of the Kytherean roads and bridges built in this
local newspapers ago it was common practice period, the British used the enforced labour of locals, but even
and street banners to hand land down orally, so so the Fanari is a testament to visionary ingenuity.
will announce the it is not uncommon. Collect The lighthouse is 25 metres high and 5 metres wide, with a
event when it ar- as much information as pos- tiny encircling internal staircase that winds around the inter-
rives. You can call sible - any documents relat- nal wall. At the top of the staircase is an incredible lens that is
Greek embassies ing to the property, birth always lit.
and consulates for certificates and names. You Originally, the lighthouse was lit by fire using burning resin.
the schedule. The will need a lawyer to search Then a mechanism that fuelled the fire was introduced. Much
information pro- Greek records for any docu- like the mechanism of a grandfather clock, a chain almost as
vided on the ktima- ments. This also applies to long as the lighthouse had to be wound every two hours so the
tologio website is you if your family has passed fuel could keep fuelling the fire. Still difficult to reach on foot
not reliable, so do property down through today, all fuel had to be hand carried by the lighthouse keep-
not use it as your intestate succession. ers or on donkeys. Due to the alertness needed to fuel the fire
only source. Can I do anything now? Andreas explains there were always two lighthouse keepers
How long do I
Yes. You or an agent must
have? From the
visit the property to check
date of initiation,
it has not been trespassed
photo by Eleftherios (Lucky) Poulos
you will have 6
or built on. You must accept
months to register your property provided you are a non-resident of Greece
your inheritance if you have
(residents have three months). Missing the deadline will result in heavy fines
not yet done so. You must
and a subsequently much more difficult registration process. The deadline can
also know the location and
be extended by three months by application, but the time it is likely to take to
perimeters of the property
be granted will provide little benefit.
– collect any papers you can
What must I do? This depends on what status you have in relation to your find and get them checked.
property. Below are the various scenarios, and what you should do for each. Make sure that you secure
Outright Owner: If you have a document (deed, contract, title, will) which all claims to family property
places the property in your name – consider yourself lucky. You or your lawyer with documents in your fam-
will need to submit the following to the town/community government office: ily name; a piece of paper or
an application form (obtained from the town office or at www.ktimatologio.gr), handwritten Will stating “I
a copy of the document of ownership (will, title, deed), a certificate from the leave my estate on Kythera
Kythera Mortgage Office (Ipothikofilakio) that the property has been registered to my grandson Dave” will on duty at the same time. Passionate about his work, Andreas
in your name, and a fee of 35 euro for civil areas and 20 euro for subsidiary mean nothing. adds “each light-house still has an individual signal. They each
areas (garages, etc.). How do I accept my inher- use their own pause, a form of visual morse code, as prior to
Prospective Heir with Papers: If you have a previous deed in your father’s/ itance? You will need a law- technology and satellites, a sea-farer identified exactly where
grandfather’s name, or a will in his name leaving the property to you. You yer to apply to an Athens they were in the night. But just as unique as the lighthouse
can locate this and the property at the Kythira Mortgage Office and proceed court to claim your inherit- are the lighthouse keepers. Serious, playful and authentic,
with the Acceptance of Inheritance procedure (apodohi) (see below). This will ance. It is vital that you get lighthouse keepers have much in common with seafarers. Born
this done as soon as possi- and bred in Athens, Andreas epitomises this rare combination
P A H ble, otherwise the process essential for a lighthouse keeper, “To do this job, be alone so
elagia phrodite otel
becomes more complicated many hours every day… you need to know yourself, you need
Directly on the beach in AGIA PELAGIA and you risk losing the prop- to be able to enjoy your company. We are the sailors of the
erty. For more information shore, we live the sea and the winds!“
go to:
Air-conditioned rooms
http://www.ktima-
with balcony
toemporiki.gr/content.
telephone & T.V.
php?id=101#Inheritance
Breakfast & Bar
What if I have trespass-
Theodoros & Eleni ers on my land? Under
Chlambeas Greek law trespassers can
claim legal ownership to land
Tel.: [phone], 33927, 33928, Fax: [phone] if they can prove that they
e-mail: [email protected], www.pelagia-aphrodite.com
have used the property for
20 years or more (hrisikti-
sia). You will need a lawyer
to file a court action against
trespassers.
What if I am not in Greece
during the registration?
You can apply for registra-
tion by post, or through an
agent in Greece to whom
you give the power of attor-
ney.
What if I am in the middle
of a land ownership dis-
pute? All parties must reg-
ister the land in their names.
Afterwards, the proceedings
will continue and only the
court can decide whose it
finally is. This is contradic-
tory in terms, and depends
on your specific case so ask
your lawyer.

U N D E R W A T E R R A I N B O W
UNDERWATER ADVENTURES AROUND KYTHERA underwater torches are useful in provid-
ing illumination. Parts of the ship’s bridge
story and photos by John Fardoulis still exist, although they are gradually col-
lapsing. Currently the hull is still in one
piece, sloping diagonally back from above
The waters surrounding Kythera may appear
the surface, all the way down to where it
eerie if peering over the railings of a ship but to
rests on its keel, towards the stern. It is
see what really lurks below the surface diving
easy to swim from one side to the other
enthusiast John Fardoulis takes us with him on
underneath the hull.
an underwater adventure.
Empty holds are visible down the middle,
PRIOR TO 2005, Scuba diving (with tanks) was
with the bow quarter rising above the
illegal in Kythera without obtaining a special
surface. Waves splash against a partially
permit from the Underwater Archaeological
enclosed area where sunken parts meet
Ephorate. The law has since changed, opening
the surface, acting a bit like a cave and
up underwater Kythera to recreational divers as
making a loud, low pitched sound each
a virtually pristine, largely unexplored adventure
time a wave bounces back.
area. SCUBA stands for Self Contained Underwa-
If the Nordland wreck was located near
ter Breathing Apparatus, helped made popular by
Athens, or in fact any large city, dozens
Jacques Cousteau after the Second World War.
of people would be venturing over to it
By virtue of its location at the crossroads of the
each day. A number of other older wrecks
Mediterranean, Kythera has a rich maritime his-
are also located around Kythera but Scuba
tory, both as a trading place and navigational haz-
diving (with tanks) is prohibited without
ard. Dangerous weather patterns have haunted
a permit.
mariners for more than five millennia, causing
Dimitris Kourkoumelis from the Ministry of
many ships to sink around Kythera and its sur-
Culture’s Underwater Ephorate and volun-
rounding regions.
teers from the hellenic Institute of Marine Archaeology excavated a 400 BC
Kythera is fortunate to have remained virtually
wreck in the 1990’s on the northern side of Mikri Dragonara. They recovered
untouched, suffering little damage from pollu-
a number of stone anchors which are now on display in front of the Kytherian
tion. Being slightly remote has also protected its
Museum (which remains closed since 2006).
natural underwater resources. Kythera’s under-
Freediving/breath hold diving without tanks is allowed along most parts of
water seascape is similar to its terrestrial land-
the coastline, as long as those in the water don’t obstruct maritime traffic.
scape, mountainous, with steep drop offs in many
Scuba diving in port areas such as Kapsali, Avlemonas and a few other places
places. The water is a deep iridescent blue - think
is still restricted, particularly in zones where known shipwrecks of over 50
cult free diving movie “The Big Blue”.
years of age have been located by the authorities. Even still, at least 70% of
The wreck rising out of the water just off Dia-
the coastline around Kythera is now open to diving and is likely to attract a
kofti is the Nordland (cargo ship) which sank in
growing number of underwater adventurers in the near future.
October 2000. Being a "new" wreck and not in the
Spear fishing and Scuba diving (with tanks) remain separate activities by law.
path of maritime traffic, it’s legal to dive it. The
The reason for this is that using tanks to stay down an hour at a time, some-
Nordland wreck is a great dive and is pretty much
times more - gives a diver an unfair advantage.The port police once inspected
accessible to all levels of divers. Some parts of
our boat and told us that if they catch anyone with both tanks and a spear
the Nordland wreck can be seen from the surface
gun on the same boat, they will confiscate the boat.
and half way to the bottom, making it great for Open Water blue water. Less light trav-
Kythera is a mostly unexplored island, so don’t expect to see an abundance
divers, particularly with 25+ metre visibility being usual. More els further down towards
of fish but those who appreciate a rugged terrestrial landscape above the
experienced divers can venture down to the propeller which is the bottom, creating a
surface will find an equally dramatic deep blue seascape, with lots of small
located at a depth of approximately 28-30m in sparkling clear, darker environment where
caves, swim-throughs and reef formations to explore.
MARIA'S
MILL & SWEETS WORKSHOP
Παραδοσιακά εδέσματα της Μαρίας Swimming pool • Conference facilities • Exquisite views
στον αναπαλαιωμένο μύλο στις Καλοκαιρινές • Internet • Restaurant • Pool bar
In a restored 200 year old mill Στον αναπαλαιωμένο μύλο,
Maria bakes η Μαρία ψήνει
her delicious traditional sweets τα υπέροχα παραδοσιακά γλυκά της
(loukoumades, rosedes, (λουκουμάδες, ροζέδες,
xerotigana, spoon sweets). ξεροτήγανα, γλυκά του κουταλιού).
Visit the restored flour mill Επισκεφθείτε τον παλιό αλευρόμυλο
and see how the centuries old και ανακαλύψτε
machinery operated.. τον παραδοσιακό τρόπο αλέσματος.
για παραγγελίες
KALOKAIRINES, tel. [phone]
open 9.30 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. every day
Shop in CHORA, tel. [phone]
KAPSALI
KYTHERA

Tel. [phone],
210-6645304, Fax:
2736-0-31939
e-mail:
[email protected]
Πανοραμική θέα • Πλήρως ανακαινισμένα δωμάτια με T.V.,
κλιματισμό, mini bar • Internet • Αίθουσα συνεδρίων

A N T I K Y T H E R A - A N O T H E R W O R L D
THE LAST
ANTIKYTHERA
FRONTIER
BIRD OBSERVATORY
by Scott Leimroth
RUGGED ANTIKYTHERA is an annual stepping stone for
THE SMALL island of Anti
hundreds of thousands of migratory birds who each spring
Kythera, located 38 kms
and autumn make the arduous flight between Europe
ulis south east of Kythera, is and Africa in order to rest and refuel. Directly situated
o
d famous for a 150 AD ship-
ar on various migratory bird paths, the sparsely inhabited
hn F wreck carrying the Anti AntiKythera is ideally located in the open sea between the
y Jo Kythera mechanism (an Aegean, Ionian and the Cretan archipelagos.
o b ancient mechanical com- The massive concentration of bird numbers on such a tiny
phot puter found on the wreck). island provides ideal conditions for systematic research
nrise, Wonitlyh 4a 5w pinetoepr lpeo, ptuhlias trioarne olyf and study. The hellenic Ornithological Society (hOS) has
u operated the AntiKythera Observation Post since 2004.
a's s visited island with its beau- Knowledge is essential for conservation and unsurprisingly
er tiful and unique scenery is
h the primary purpose of the AntiKythera Observation Post
nti-Kyt othnee Moef dthitee rlraasnt efaronn. tiers of is to gather valuable data on Europe’s migratory birds that
A can be used to assist in their conservation.
ANTIKYTHERA has an early morning silence like no other place Between the 4th and 1st Each year, from March to October, the AntiKythera
centuries BC the island was
on the planet. A pirate hide-away for centuries, the powerful Observation Post attracts international volunteers who help
used as a base for pirates
land and seascape resonate with force. The winds rule this rocky with hands-on activities such as Bird-Ringing and Raptor
and the remains of their
migration monitoring, as well as the continual monitoring
outcrop and locals and visitors are at the beacon and call of
castle (Kastro) have been
and safeguarding of the Eleonora’s Falcon colony.
the seasons. The one exception of the year is the anticipated the focus of annual archeo-
During the process of Bird-Ringing, birds are carefully
celebration of local saint Agios Myron, held August 17, with logical digs led by Aris Tsar-
trapped in mist nests so that the necessary data can be
hundreds of Cretans and visitors breaking out the lyre and song avopolous. At the base of collected. Once the data is recorded, a special ring with
the castle a marble statue
for the all-night party. a unique code is placed on their leg and they are then
and the remains of a temple
released .
to Apollo were discovered.
The hellenic Ornithological Society (hOS) is a partner of
GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT ExCURSIONS
Byzantine grave sites and
BirdLife International. Founded in 1982, hOS is a nationwide
stone wine presses can also
TO ANTIKYTHERA non-government organization dealing exclusively with the
be found on the island.
protection of wild birds and their habitats.
Finds from the 2009 dig
AntiKythera’s fully natural environment makes it an ideal
IF YOU AND A GROUP include many amphora dis-
destination for those who wish to blend the enjoyment
of family and friends are covered alongside the new
of nature with the love of wild birds. The activities of the
considering travelling to road and in a cave which
AntiKythera Observation Post are supported by Greek and
AntiKythera and want to suggests the cave may have
international volunteers specialized in the study of birds.
avoid the time-consuming had some significance as a
For more information and application visit http://
journey by ferry, why not place where offerings were
www.ornithologiki.gr
book a one day round trip made. Some of the amphora
on the Glass-bottom boat pieces had stamps on them
and tavel there in comfort. which can help identify
Slicing hours off the voyage, their origin; one even had
friendly Glass-bottom boat the thumbprint of the
captain Spiros Cassimatis takes less than an hour to get you there in his state- maker still clearly visible on
of-the-art boat. A regular to the island, Captain Spiros offers sea-excursions the handle.
from June to September. An enthusiast of all things celebratory, Spiros makes The oportunity to visit
a whole-hearted effort, weather permitting, to travel there for the festivities Antikythera is a rare one
of Agios Myron (August 17). To book an excursion to AntiKythera on the but even rarer still is the
Glass-bottom boat, call Captain Spiros on 6974 022079. chance to participate in an
exciting archaeological dig.
CAFE - OUZERI Volunteers are welcomed,
for one day or for the
ARONIADIKA whole three weeks of the
dig. Besides the possibility
of discovering an ancient
Breakfast, coffees,
statue or coin, you will also
ouzo and meze, get to learn about the his-
sandwiches, drinks, greek tory of the island from the
sweets, ice-cream expert. Aris loves talking
about Greek history and
Πρωινό, καφέδες, taking people on guided
παραδοσιακά γλυκά, παγωτά tours of the castle.
For more information on
how you can become part
ΑΝΟΙΧΤΑ ΟΛΗ ΜΕΡΑ - OPEN ALL DAY
of this exciting opportunity
Theodoros Grigorakis - Tel.: [phone] on AntiKythera contact
[email protected]
...ένα σπίτι στα Κύθηρα...
• Purchases, Sales, Rentals
• Restorations
• Home maintenance and improvements
• Home management
Our clientele can
choose a mansion,
a kamara, an old stable,
a mixed farm, vineyard
or an olive grove.
Building blocks
available.
You can rely
on our experience.
P. Magonezos - D. Skevofylax
Aroniadika Tel./Fax: [phone] Athens Tel.: [phone]

A N T I K Y T H E R A - A N O T H E R W O R L D
SO CLOSE AND YET SO FAR dowry trunk with her hand- of Apollo and his
woven covers still inside, hunter sister Ar-
his tools leaning against the temis, the dense
by Daphne Petrohilos
wall. “That’s my patriko” he remains of an an-
LIKE MOST PASSENGERS travelling back and forth to Crete, I said, pointing to the clus- cient citadel, scat-
often find myself on deck as the boat pulls into the tiny harbour ter of low deserted houses terings of pirate
of AntiKythera. hypnotised at first by the strategic negotiations barely distinguishable from conquests, secret
needed to dock in such a tight bay, I am then overwhelmed the rocks and thorns upon fleeting things like
by the silent and barren landscape. There is something other- which they were built. he migratory birds and
worldly about the place. Everything is so minimalist in appear- smiled, “But nobody lives the sea tempests
ance. how could a place so geographically close remain so there now.” I was struck by for which the is-
aesthetically and socially removed from the ostentation that the peace in his voice. We land is well known.
has become the norm of modern day Greece? looked beyond the veranda It was all explained
We arrived shortly before dawn. The tiny port town of Potamos across the stony landscape as we passed a sin-
was still asleep save for the few locals who had come to greet towards the vague spectre gle olive grove, a
the boat. Their silence and tranquillity stood in marked contrast of the Peloponnese beyond. comparatively lush
to my mild separation anxiety as I watched the boat pull out This was where their sons and recognisably
of the bay. By dawn birds were circling above the water while and daughters lived, getting feminine dent in
fish darted beneath fishing boats and people ambled nearby, the schooling and atten- a spiritually mas-
their movements in perfect harmony with the island. I remem- tion they required. Like the culine landscape
bered Kythera as it once was before our hills were graded for extended families of most (also probably the
the concrete to set, before the rift with the landscape had residents, their children largest patch of
truly begun. would swing by for feast shade on the entire
But AntiKythera is not as isolated as it seems. The distance be- days or other community island). The dic-
tween Kythera and Crete is no more than 40 kilometres in either events infused with nostal- tates of climate is
direction and, weather permitting, these days the boat passes gia and pride. She opened also echoed in the
regularly. Besides isolation is just an umbrella term mostly used an old box of photographs tendency to build
to describe anywhere that hasn’t sold the dignity of natural spanning their long lives low to the ground,
balance and succumbed to the pressure of the times. together, black and white unfettered by pro-
AntiKythera is a small, aging community living contentedly with memories of long and pro- truding features.
what is on offer, something we next door take for granted as ductive lives so intimately The absence of frills
we continue to “progress”. entwined with the land. is not due to any
At lunch the few locals present at the one open cafe yawn at The wind stirred suddenly. lack of aesthetic,
the predictability of my questions: how do you manage? What On fierce days it can tear but rather to a pro- painted by Daphne Petrohilos
happens if ...? Instead they turn casually to stories of the mo- across the hills still draped nounced sense of
ment, and then ask me if I might be looking for a husband! with ancient terraces once the purity of function. Ruins of several windmills attest to a history of self
Later we stopped at a small homestead where a gentle, elderly used for growing fava and sufficiency almost impossible to imagine from a land so battered and crude
couple welcomed us with coffee made in their kitchen over a other sturdy legumes. The in appearance.
twig fire. It was a solid home, built on a protruding founda- weather here prevents any While it is a tiny population, AntiKythera isn’t yet dead nor was it ever. It
tion of bedrock with thick stone walls and a roof made from cultivation of trees except is a beautiful, odd place that holds to its principles, still singing love songs
layers of twigs covered with compacted earth. “No, it doesn’t in the shallow folds of a few and drinking small glasses of tsipoura all too early in the morning. Free from
leak,” he assured me, “never has”. They built it themselves sheltering hills. the clamouring of a superficial world, indifferent to the tourist looking for
when they were first married and over the years filled it with It all began to make per- the cliche of the forgotten paradise, AntiKythera turns its rough confident
possessions that covered the span of their lives together - her fect sense - the footsteps shoulders to the three seas and carries on.
in the world of
beauty is created just for you!
Studio
Ψυχολογία
presents:
με
χρώματα The
ονείρων Living Art
Collection
Poetic
Sculpture
Forms
ART to
WeaR!
Ivy-Lotus
inspired by
an ancient
Minoan urn.
Hand-dyed
silk chiffon.
Dr. Eufrosyne Keromiti, Th.D.
Art-Color Therapy as Meditation
Private or group sessions
Eufrosyne Atelier - by appointment: 698.215.3452
e-mail: [email protected]

P E A C E F U L W A T E R S
KARAVAS HISTORICAL WATER PROjECT ATHENS/KYTHERA: A WORLD APART
by Timothy Gregory by Anna Giabanidis
KYTHERA IS RENOWNED for its rich water resources. There is an abundance
IF YOU HAVE SPENT more old women hoist sheep up steep
of legends and stories associated with the various famous springs and water
than a few days in Athens hills in wheelbarrows. There’s al-
mills. These sites and buildings and the traditions associated with the use of
and in Kythera, you’ll know ways olives to pick, crops to tend
water have played an important role in the local culture of the island. In recent
years, however, many of these places have been abandoned and an under- that the two places are and … coffee to drink.
standing of the way in which they operate, both mechanically and socially, is worlds apart. Since arriving I feel welcome. Familiar faces eve-
slowly disappearing. here in the summer of 2009, rywhere. There are less people on
The Karavas his- I have noticed the vast dif- the island than there were in my
torical Water ferences between the life I apartment block in Athens yet I
Project has been used to lead and the one I could sneeze in Agia Pelagia and
established to lead now. I realise that I am those in Kapsali would say “bless
help preserve not the only one who has you”. I drive the narrow windy road
this knowledge been magically captured by home, held up by the occasional
and disseminate Kythera; I have seen many a herd of goats, beeping hello to
it to all those foreigner acquiesce to the people I know and stopping to let
interested in island’s powers. We are easy a ferret cross the road. I stroll into
Kytherian his- to spot, walking around my unlocked ‘cottage’ by the river
tory. As of with a glazed expression as in Karavas, and shoo scorpions from
the summer of if we can’t believe we found my bed. I sit in my yard and watch
2011, we will this paradise. Kythera is like the swallows play in the valley. I
start bringing a delicious secret. You want stroll through my garden and bury
small groups of to tell everyone about your my face in a freshly picked orange
university stu- precious find but don’t want from my tree. My mobile signal is
dents (mostly to risk spoiling it. This island out as usual so I climb onto the roof Photo by Eleftherios Tzortzopoulos
volunteers from is an irresistible temptress. and stand on tiptoes, waving my
photo by Lita Tzortzopoulos
Ohio State Uni- You come for a few days to phone in the air. The house is chilly so I chop firewood with a
versity in the United States) to Karavas to help clear overgrown vegetation check the place out and, whopping great axe and light the fire.
from the springs and watermills and undertake research on the various water before you know it, you’re With a frappe in my hand so thick the straw won’t move, I drive
installations and their use from both written source material and the personal marrying a Kytherian and to Kythera airport in a dirty rented Jeep and marvel at how I
knowledge of residents and former residents of the area. The team will also buying a property here. Just could fit my whole life into its trunk. I poke my head out the
systematically measure and photograph some of these features and make this how drastically my life has window and breathe the fresh air while a bee makes a bee-line
information available to the public in a variety of ways. changed? (pun intended) for my forehead. I wonder if I have taken enough
The places we seek to investigate are many and varied. While the watermills of ATHENS LIFE I strut down collared shirts and high heels with me. I don’t want to leave!
Kythera are already reasonably well studied, we intend to locate the remains the street in high heels and
of all the watermills in the Karavas area and place them on detailed compu- a neatly pressed suit as I try
ter-based maps. In addition, we hope to learn how the water was brought to to hail a taxi. A cute office
the mills and where it was stored before it was used for milling. There are at worker drenched in a cloud
least five known springs in the Karavas area: Magganou, Keramari, Amiriali, of Calvin Klein perfume
Portokalia and Krokodylos. All of these are still in use and are very important catches my eye as I admire
to the local community who regard at least some of them as having healing his carefully styled hair. I
and medicinal powers. Our aim is to record and map these springs and their walk through a crowd of
sources, and gather any oral information associated with them, including polished people, all immac-
legends and myths. Other important but neglected constructions are the ulately groomed.
cisterns in many private houses where water was stored for personal use. I feel anonymous. Strangers
Similar also in importance, but of a public nature, are the several structures everywhere. I could dance
where clothes were washed. Especially significant are the systems of irriga- naked in Syntagma Square
tion used for the perivolia; many traces of these, in various states of repair, and no- one would bat an
are still preserved and we propose to record these and investigate the means eyelid. I drive the asphalt
by which irrigation was regulated and administered. Comparisons with other freeway home, wait in traf-
water systems on the island, especially those in Mylopotamos, will undoubt- fic, beeping those who don’t
edly provide useful insights to pre-modern water management systems of a
move fast enough and stop-
private and communal nature.
ping to let a stray dog cross
The traditions and structures associated with water use are an important
the road. I buzz myself up to
part of the island’s cultural heritage. As we introduce university students to
my 5th floor apartment on a
proper historical methods and to Kythera’s beauties and treasures, we hope
busy Kifissia road and shoo
to play an important part in the preservation of this aspect of the island’s
away flies. I sit on my bal-
heritage. This will be a long term project and we look forward to a productive
cony and watch the endless
and fulfilling relationship with the people of Karavas and the wider Kytherian
river of cars pass by. I stroll
community. We hope that individuals who have any information they would
to one of the thousands of
like to share with us will get in touch so that we can discuss the project with
peripteros and buy a Diet
them in detail.
Coke. My wireless internet
We can be contacted by e-mail on:
signal is out and I fret about
[email protected] and [email protected] checking my Facebook mes-
sages. The central heating is
not warm enough and I ask
the lady upstairs to turn up
the thermostat.
Σπιτικές μαρμελάδες • Πίκλες • Ελαιόλαδο
With a Starbuck’s ‘Latte
• Ελιές με βότανα και σκόρδο Frappu Wotsit’ in my hand,
I travel to Athens airport in
a sexy black Porsche, my
life’s essentials jammed into
its ridiculously small ‘front
boot’. I can’t wait to leave!
KYTHERA LIFE I plod along
in flip flops in my com-
fortable jeans, and jump
onto my friend’s tractor.
A bearded farmer in dun-
garees followed by a cloud
of dust catches my eye as
home made jams • Marmalades • Pickles I admire his ruffled hair. I
stroll among familiar peo-
•Garlic & herb olives • Olive oil
ple, rough and shaggy, yet
CHERYL, tel. [phone] rosy-cheeked and strong as

G U I D E D B Y I N S P I R A T I O N
THE KOKSMAS AND THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES WATER AND TREES. STILL AN ISSUE IN 2010
by Jean Bingen, former team member.
IN 1958 the then Bishop of Kythera, the late
Meletios asked the World Council of Churches
WHEN jURGEN KOKSMA and his wife Anna arrived in April, 1960, Kythera
(WCC) in Geneva for technical assistance. In 1959,
was a relatively self sufficient agricultural island with one weekly boat to Pi-
civil and architectural engineer Jurgen Marten
raeus. Koksma, an architect and civil engineer in holland, had been contracted
Koksma arrived from holland to investigate the
by the World Council of Churches to help improve living conditions on the
possible community development of the island.
island. For this they were paid a living allowance of $US30 each per month.
Together with Bishop Meletios, Mr Koksma devel-
George and Anna were members of a conservative branch of the Protestant
oped an extensive program for the Dutch team’s
Church in holland. They spoke Dutch, English and German but not a word of
activities and involvement.
Greek and were dependent on interpreters. For the first three months they
Working as the team director, Mr Koksma, a
stayed with Bishop Meletios, who fortunately spoke good German. By the time
qualified architect and civil engineer along with
the Koksmas moved into a rented house in Chora, they had at least come to
his wife, Anna Jacoba Koksma-Lagendijk who was
understand the meaning of “siga siga”.
secretary and treasurer began the project that
George and Anna were immediately confronted by the lack of water on the
would become their life’s work as well as mak-
Bishop Meletios with Anna and Jurgen Koksma. island. There was no community water supply. Water for drinking and cleaning
ing Kythera there permanent
came from either public or domestic wells which were often contaminated
home. Anna Jacoba Koksma-
and caused illness. Rainwater ran straight into the sea as the hills were de-
Lagendijk was born in holland
nuded of any vegetation that could help run-off soak into the soil. Koksma
on March 4, 1911 and died in
determined to supply the villages with a reliable water supply, wanted to
Kythera December 19th, 1993.
place a cistern high above the village with a closed pipe system to the houses.
Jurgen Koksma was born in
But where was the water to come from and how could they pump it into a
holland on August 27, 1907
cistern with no electricity?
and died Kythera November
The first problem was to find a spring that could supply sufficient drinking
26th, 2004. They are buried
quality water all year round. The Team encountered various hurdles in their
at the cemetery of Agia Anas-
search. Some wealthy land owners refused access to potential water sources
tasia on the road between
whilst some villages had their own ideas about layout and construction. Even-
Potamos and Karavas.
tually Karavas, Logothetianika and Potamos were chosen as the first villages
The team worked from April/
to be surveyed for a real community water supply.
May 1960 through to Septem-
Not long after they arrived, the Bishop asked Koksma to look at the hospital
ber 1971. Over the years many
at Potamos and suggest improvements. According to the Bishop, the medical
people, supervising boards
Photos of the Dutch team kindly provided by Jean Bingen staff were inadequate, the building unsuitable and there was no clean water
and committees in Switzer-
supply. Koksma persuaded Phillips, a Dutch company, to donate an X-ray ma-
land, Greece and holland were directly involved in the team’s plans and achievements of
chine for the hospital while the Bishop managed to get new staff from Athens.
activities, on projects encompassing re-forestation, water pres- the WCC team on Kythera.
By September Koksma had drawn up plans to improve the hospital building.
ervation, roads and harbours, animal husbandry, education, Civil engineering projects
The following is a quote from Mr. Koksma’s weekly work diary to Geneva
religious themes, industry, social welfare, agricultural reform, undertaken by the team
describing his daily schedule.
technical assistance and the promotion of tourism. included community water
At 5.00 a.m. get up, 6.00 a.m. transport the Mitata dam workers, 6.45 a.m.
Over the years the team was strengthened by many technical supplies at Potamos, Logo-
transport summer campers to Potamos for hospital furniture painting and
assistants. The fateful meeting of Mr. W. Spliethof, who was thetianika, Karavas, Fratsia,
instruct on the work, 8.15 a.m. back to the dam, encourage the discouraged
teaching at the Arnhem Technical College and who had met Mr. Avlemonas and Livadi, sur-
sweating dam workers from 8.30 to 10.30, then back to the hospital and fin-
Koksma at an Inter-Church meeting in March 1961, suggested to vey and construction of the
ish the painting job. 12.45 p.m. back in Myrtidia. Washing and lunch ended at
the Board of Directors of the College that they send students to first extension of the wharf
2.00 p.m. Then a warm midday rest with many flies. 3.30 p.m. another journey
Kythera for work experience. This suggestion was successfully at Kapsali; the domestic
started. For the summer campers Lysol, paper and bread from Chora. Out of
adopted by the College from 1962 through to 1967. In 1967 Mr. school for girls in Milopota-
bread so had to go to Karavas! To Pitsinianika for eggplants, courgettes, pears
and Mrs. hornstra founded Kythera Vriendenkring Nederland mos; topographical survey
or grapes, tomatoes and onions. And don’t forget the salt and sugar! Eggs
(KVN). KVN members from all over holland helped to raise funds for the airstrip at Friling-
from Livadi. Be back for dinner and remember the bible study at 6.30. And,
for the WCC team at Kythera. At one point KVN had up to 400 ianika; a cheese factory at
oh yes, toilet paper, macaroni, medicines for diarrhoea and the mail. The mail,
registered members and used to produce and distribute the Fratsia; the Old People’s
the mail, the mail! And please, the spirit and the olive oil are finished and oh,
periodical IRIS to its members to keep them informed of the home in Potamos and the
Mr. Koksma, I am dying for just a tiny bit of chocolate. And haven’t they got
Local Council in Chora.
tomato ketchup and spam or at least a decent salami? And wait a minute,
It is fifty years since the
what do you say? The meat?! Yes, sure, I’ll remember. Yes and soap as well,
late Jurjen Koksma came to
yes, yes, nails and wire, wood and a saw, a bar and, and, and … so on.
Kythera. he was a man of
great foresight and immense
capability who contributed
unconditionally to the island
that became his home. For
Jurgen and Anna's ingenu-
ity to live on, it is important
that we remember their
contribution and the inspi-
All home grown! All tasty!
ration which guided them.
Experience and enjoy homegrown vegetables, olive oil and pork meat,
all grown on our 80 acre farm near Komponada.
Hand-made objects
We specialize in Aussie hamburgers.
Nickos and Amalia Cominos, TSIKALARIA, tel. [phone]
FOR SALE
ΤΟ ΣΠΙΤΙ ΣΤΑ ΔΟΚΑΝΑ
THE HOUSE IN DOKANA
Newly completed holiday
units with water views
Αυτοεξυπηρετούμενες επιπλωμένες κατοικίες
on Diakofti beach
στην ενδοχώρα των Κυθήρων
Self accommodating furnished apartments
on Kythera's inland ΠΡΟΣ ΠΩΛΗΣΗ
Πωλούνται μερικώς ή πλήρως
original
επιπλωμένα διαμερίσματα, με
ΤΟ ΣΠΙΤΙ ΣΤΟ ΚΕΡΑΜΩΤΟ light fittings θέα την υπέροχη παραλία PAHOULI CONSTRUCTIONS
THE HOUSE IN KERAMOTO made from του Διακοφτιού DIAKOFTI, tel.: [phone]
natural products και με άμεση πρόσβαση
ATHENS, tel.: [phone]
στη θάλασσα. Χτισμένα
Jens Gottstein mobile: [phone],
με γούστο και μεράκι.
Μαριάννα Χαλκιά-Λούπα ([phone], 693 2294169, e-mail: [email protected], Tel.: [phone]-848768
www.housesinkythira.com Spilies Kythera
10
E x H I B I T I O N S A N D A R T O N K Y T H E R A
WHAT MASKS DO WE WEAR? CULTURAL CERAMICS AT KATO LIVADI
EVENTS
by Dr Eufrosyne Keromiti THE ROUSSOS FAMILY has been producing ceramics at
The world is a stage and we merely the actors on the stages of our lives... MERCATO CHORA Kato Livadi for over twenty years. It maintains a Kyth-
So who is the real person behind the actor? erian tradition that has been passed down through four
generations of pottery-making by this family. You will find
THE LANGUAGE OF CLOTHES began the very first time a 30/7-5/8 Photographic ex-
Panayiotis working on the potter's wheel, daily turning out
prehistoric human tied an animal skin over one shoulder. hibition by Valerios Kalok-
traditional Kytherian designs as well as introducing new
Firmly, provocatively, haphazardly ... she was express- erinos
ones. Mother Grigoria attends to the glazing and firing in
ing her individuality, and thus saying something about 6-12/8 Art exhibition by
the kiln, whilst Maria delicately hand paints all the pottery
herself. Dressing is an elaborate game all humans learn Carolina Aslani
pieces produced in the workshop.
to play. It is the oldest game of all and is played wher- 13-19/8 Photographic exhi-
ever people live. The rules of the game change with bition by Dimitris Leventis
time, place and lifestyle but the object of the game is 20-26/8 Arts and crafts exhi-
always the same – to say something about yourself. bition by Despina Isaakidou
Finding your personal style means coming to grips 27/8-2/9 Photographic
with who you really are deep within. “Who is the unchang- exhibition by Eric Saros
ing person inside?” This is the question to ask ourselves. 27/8-2/9 Arts and crafts
Remember the saying “to thine own self be true”? exhibition by Therese
In Ancient Greek theatre, Masks were magical instru- Galanakis
ments through which you could experience the tran-
KATHLEEN jAY Art exhibition
scendental oneness with the universal forms. According
Potamos Cultural Centre (8-
to psychologist Carl Jung, since we are all actors on the stage of life, our persona,
11/8 and 19-22/8), Zeidoros,
the mask of our soul (the outer image), is” the essential facet” of our personality.
Kapsali (27/8-3/9).
These personalized message carriers, the masks we wear, can express or obscure
who we really are. They can be “mirrors of our soul”, “traps of our spirit” or “pro-
tection masks” for our essence. These very important “soul masks” transform GOLD
The Roussos workshop can be found in Kato Livadi on
the body’s outside appearance whilst also transforming the soul within us.
the main road between Livadi and Kalamos. Everyone is
The basic question we should ask ourselves is, “who is the one behind the mask CASTLE
welcome to call in and watch the family at work and
that I am wearing?” Who am I? How can I express who I really am by using the
choose from the vast range of products on display. Open
no-verbal language of dress to project my authentic image? Aristotle said, “The
every day. Tel.: [phone]
soul never thinks without an image”. In the fashion game, the language of
The Roussos gallery is conveniently located in Chora,
clothes can become a self-fulfilling self portrait.
just a short stroll down from the town square. here,
here is a suggestion I teach my students and clients. Think of creating a picture,
visitors can also inspect and select at their leisure from
a work of art. You are the canvas and your clothing, makeup, hair style and ac-
ONE OF CHORA'S most sce- exquisitely designed ceramics that have been made in
cessories, even your perfume, are the paints with which you create your own
the workshop. Tel.: [phone].
nic sites is the kamara (arch-
individual portrait. Just as each person has a distinctive way of speaking, so
way) just down from Chora's
too each person is uniquely God’s one-of-a-kind original work of art. Take your jEWELLERY ExHIBITION
town square. here you will
brush and your colours and paint paradise – then jump in! have a great journey!
meet Leonardo, owner of the
DR. EUFROSYNE’S FASHION & COLOR-ART THERAPY.
GOLD CASTLE. Leonardo, born
join one of her ART-COLOUR THERAPY classes here on Kythera.
in Melbourne, Australia, has
By appoIntment only 6982-153452 brought together Kythera's
largest collection of gold and
MIE VAN CAKENBERGHE silver as well as a showcase of
exquisite byzantine icons and
handmade worry beads. With
MIE WAS BORN and raised in Antwerp, Belgium
many years of experience as a
and studied Art at the Antwerp Academy. In 1996,
jeweller in Athens and Kythera,
after working in photo engraving for a strip maker
his success lies in his ability
and as independent fashion designer, Mie decided
to create jewellery for every
to pursue painting full time.
taste and pocket. Leonardo
Mie and husband pianist Fred Van hove came to
guarantees the highest qual-
Kythera for the first time in 1990 and, like many
ity workmanship at the most
others, each year they kept returning. They now
reasonable prices.
spend several months of the year on the island. Chora, Tel.: [phone]
While Mie has held several exhibitions in Belgium, AFTER MANY YEARS of vacations and explorations on Kythera,
her “art” first steps on Kythera were in 2005 when Dolly Boucoyannis presents a series of jewellery and items that
she ran drawing classes for children and adults in have been inspired by the wonderful images that capture the
Chora. She continued this in the summers of 2007, imagination on this unique island. Thanks to Yianni Tsimas’ gen-
2008 and 2009 with exhibitions at Zeidoros in Kap- erous offer, Dolly now has the opportunity to show her works in
sali and at the Potamos Cultural Centre. Mie’s style the beautiful space Yianni created several years ago at Arionadi-
can be described as Post-modern and is linked to ka. The Dolly Boucoyannis exhibition opens on Saturday
the worldwide realism movement more often seen evening, August 7, and runs until August 17.
in larger paintings. Part of the 2009 Kythera exhibi-
tion was based on old black and white photographs of people and families In the centre of Kapsali MANEAS GENERAL STORE
on Kythera. Mie’s intention was not to copy them but to give them a new located directly above
life with the colours with which she instilled them. The 2010 exhibition will the Banda Landra bar,
A KYTHERIAN INSTITUTION along with the Myrtidiotissa,
contain works in a similar vein, though this year Mie is adding small format you will find the Follow
Chora’s Kastro and the Moudari Fanari, Maneas General
landscapes. your Art gallery and
Store has the wow-factor and is a must visit. Just down from
Check out Mie’s website at www.artbymie.webs.com shop. Throughout sum-
the Potamos plateia you can browse and rummage through
Mie Van Cakenberghe, exhibition at the Potamos Cultural Centre, mer local and interna-
Maneas’ General Store, an apparent hickle-pickle of tools,
1–12 September 2010 tional artists present
cane baskets, kitchen homewares and antiques. Operating
impressive exhibitions,
since the 1930s, not much
including paintings,
has changed in Maneas
ceramics, jewellery,
General Store, except that
lamps and hand-painted
everything looks cleaner
clothes. The gallery also
and tidier now that niece
carries a unique collec-
Aliki Gerakitis has taken
tion of sculptures creat-
over the family enterprise.
ed from found objects
Uncle Panayiotis drops in
and materials. Come in
regularly and both Aliki
to browse and you just
and Panayiotis are always
might walk away with
keen to help. Stocking eve-
an outstanding one-off
rything from underwear to
piece of artwork.
hardware. Take the time
Follow your Art, Kap-
to search carefully to find
sali, tel. [phone],
that “something special”.
www.followyourart.gr,
Maneas Store, Potamos,
[email protected]
tel.: [phone]