Hydra Travel Blog - News & Editorial For Hydra Island Greece

Hydra's Carnival Kicks Off 2025 Season

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 15:42:17 GMT

Good weather, great costumes & lots of fun

Having spent the last three months in hibernation during, what for me must be, the quietest winter in twenty-five years, yesterday was a bit of a rude awakening. Hydra hit carnival mode at full blast with a smashing turn out, some really good new costumes and everyone had lots of fun.

The 2nd of March 2025, was a warm, bright day, very spring like with no rain. Everyone gathered in Votsi Square from 14:30 and once the music horse (impressively calm and seemed to understand that it wasn't a riot) had fully functioning speakers, the procession set off at about 15:00.

With one of my favourite groups, I think they were Hobbits, beating their drums, the procession wound it's way up Lignou Street to the first stop at the Language School. Here, Sotiris and Kiki greeted everyone with refreshments and a dance couple who demonstrated how to Salsa which certainly got everyone moving.

Moving on the next refreshment stop was at the beginning of the inland road from Kamini to Vlichos just behind the Kamini primary school. A good excuse for another top up and some Greek dancing. The cats who normally sunbathe in the area, scarpered from the noise without stopping to grab snacks, such was their horror!

Down to the road alongside the Pirofani for another slightly longer break with more dancing, some baklava and yet more photos and catching up with Kamini friends who didn't come into town for the start. This was the home base of the Tzibis family who hand made their Fly costumes which were another of my favourites. With their enormous eyes, I am not sure how they managed the steps without accident!

The last stop on the way back to town was at the Kodylenia much to the delight of those still having lunch. Their afternoon must have been so tranquil and calm until about five when the hoards of carnival goers arrived to shatter the quiet.

And finally, the parade arrived back into Hydra harbour at about 5:30 ish for the start of the party with yet more Greek dancing and a concert. Amazingly, the blue, rather impressively made up group of Water World Avatars still had their ears at the end of the parade. For me, I think they should get first prize for this year's carnival costumes if only for the effort with face painting and attention to detail.But then I loved the foresty look of the Hobbits so I'm still undecided.

I confess, my knees were killing me by the time we got back so I 'legged it' home at about 6, although I could hear the fun continuing until 9ish.

A smashing start to the 2025 season, and today, it was colder it didn't rain and so everyone walking through the town this morning carrying their kites were assured of perfect windy weather for the traditional kite flying after lunch for Clean Monday.

Wishing everyone a good lent and looking forward to seeing you this coming summer. Warm regards, Kelsey

Get Your Takeaway Smoothies Here

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 07:30:28 GMT

Changes at the Rabias Supermarket for 2025

The lovely Anastasia is making quite a few changes for 2025 and is still busy in anticipation of the new season.

To keep everything as fresh and clean as possible, she's moved the fruit and salad produce inside clearing many of the stands and umbrellas from the street.

Her biggest innovation though is the introduction of her takeaway smoothie and fruit salad bar. All will be made with fresh ingredients to order and will be a smashing addition to your beach or hiking picnic hamper.

Freshly prepared smoothies & fruit salads alongside all your supermarket grocery shopping. Open 7 days a week. Free deliveries.

Contact Anastasis from her listing on the Hydradirect Directory.

Magic 1 - New Fast Cat Service for Hydra From Piraeus

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 07:40:59 GMT

Hydra to Ag.Marina (Aegina) day trips possible too

This Thursday, 13th June 2024, Magic Sea Ferries start their new route connecting Piraeus, Aegina and Hydra with their new fast cat passenger service.

There are two return trips per day on the route and you can book tickets online at www.magicseaferries.gr to get e-tickets. Tickets cost €37 each way for a standard seat for an adult.

Piraeus - Hydra, 1.5 hours

08:25 - 9:55 or

16:10 - 17:35

Hydra - Piraeus, 1.5 hours

10:05 - 11:30 or

17:45 - 19:15

For those who want to visit Aegina from Hydra without having to go into Piraeus first, this new service is a great addition (and long overdue from my point of view!)

The timings of the route mean that it's possible to visit Ag Marina for a day trip with a good 6 hours to explore the area of Ag Marina on the north east coast of Aegina.

Depart from Hydra at 10:05 - 50 min journey and you can be in Ag. Marina at 10:55

Coming back, leave Ag. Marina at 17:00 and arrive on Hydra by 17:50

Ag. Marina is set in a huge, sheltered bay with an enormous, sandy beach that sheves gently into the sea with a sandy bottom. It's very safe for young families and a delight for people like me who hate getting into the sea when you have to stagger over stones! There are umbrellas and sunbeds to hire but you can also just throw your towel down as there's plenty of space if you just want a quick hour or so two swim and dry off in the sun.

All along the seafront and even with some on the sand, there are little cafes and restaurants for a late breakfast or lunch.

And you can take the local bus or taxi to the close by Aphaia Temple for a culture and heritage fix. The Temple of Aphaia is dedicated to the goddess Athena and is located on a pine-clad hill overlooking the bay of Ag. Marina. This is one of the most impressive architectural structures of ancient Greece that you can find outside of Athens and well worth the visit. It was built in 480 BC and 25 of the original 32 Doric columns still stand due to the skill of the restorers. There's also a museum on the site for lots of good information. And if you turn around with the temple at your back, the scenery is stunning and you'll get some fantastic photos.

There are many hotels, guest houses and pensions in Ag Marina so if you want to stay overnight there's lots of choice. But in July and August, you will for sure need to prebook. The local bus (which is a very comfortable air-conditioned coach) goes hourly from Ag Marina to Aegina Town (main port) on the north west coast of Aegina and takes approximately 30 minutes.

Regards, Kelsey

Hydradirect.com Changes To Meet New Demands From Visitors & Island Businesses

Sat, 25 May 2024 17:49:49 GMT

Real estate has moved & visitors will be able to get in direct touch more quickly with businesses

Hydradirect.com has been running for 25 years now, and sometimes even I can't find what I'm looking for because the site is huge.

So for my own sanity, because I have expanded my real estate work to include the other Saronic Islands as well as Hydra, and to make Hydradirect.com easier for visitors and businesses to use, I have started to split the content in two.

Hydradirect will continue to develop as a tourist and visitor source of information and a great place for Hydra's businesses to showcase themselves. And everything to do with real estate I have moved into my new site called www.Saronic.Net.

My new company, SaronicNet IKE PC is a Greek registered, private limited company, but it's still just me! Now I have a registered address in Athens, a super accounting team and best of all a terrific technical team who will automate a lot of the really boring stuff I used to get buried with.

This means, now it's all set up, I'll be able to get out and about hunting down property for sale, writing news stories, helping the new generation of business men and women on the islands to get started with their promotion and of course offering even more personally verified insights.

An Aside: Rather amusingly, while I was searching for something completely different, I came across a couple of screenshots online that came from 2002 when Hydradirect started but with the name Saronicnet.com - it was a bit of a blast from the past for me, and I laughed to see such a basic, minimum of about 20 pages. At the time, it was the height of sophistication, technically advanced and the only website on the internet for Hydra. It goes to show that I always had plans to expand my reach. Honestly though, I didn't expect it to take 25 years!

Of course you've guessed, I will be using the revamped, streamlined Hydradirect.com as a template for the new direct sites I'm launching for Aegina, Poros and Spetses.

The 'Direct' sites will have essential information in the form of fact pages, 3 different types of adverts for the islands' businesses to choose from to show on the category pages and editorial posts from me with my insights and results of fact-finding that I think are worth sharing.

From my new Saronic.Net website for real estate, I showcase the locations I operate in now. For each location, there will be a link to that location's Direct site. I won't have advertising on Saronic.Net but will maintain a list of reliable lawyers, engineers, notaries, etc for my sellers and buyers. It will be more appropriate to have construction, trades and home service suppliers on the Direct sites for each location, so the 'Property Marketing' category will be expanded.

So, for the next four weeks, please don't be worried if you see lots of changes. If you find something I've accidently 'broken' something, please email me just in case I haven't picked up on it.

I wish Hydra's visitors, businesses and Hydradirect users all the very best for the summer season. And thank you all for your support and encouragement.

Warm regards, Kelsey

Breakfast with the Dolphins

Thu, 16 May 2024 05:20:12 GMT

Trust Manos of the Neso Seataxi to know where to find them

Years ago, I was sitting at the Hydronetta, almost on my own, enjoying the morning light, and to my delight an inquisitive dolphin came right up to the platform below me. A young man, who had been sweeping the bar, and I flew down the steps and eagerly started slapping the surface of the water (like you see them do in films) in the vain hope that we might encourage the beautiful creature to come closer.

The dolphin rolled and turned to look at us. But unimpressed by our empty hands, decided that the absence of a fishy treat just wasn't worth putting up with interacting that early in the morning with two excitable humans.

Slowly, almost taunting us, the dolphin leisurely swam away leaving us stunned, breathless and smiling from ear-to-ear.

From that day on, I have realised only now, that whenever I look at the sea or walk the coast road, I subconsciously look for dolphins. To feel that wonderful, energizing excitement that even a glimpse of one causes.

So when I saw Manos' video, I laughed at myself because unbidden my hand was slapping my desktop and I was leaning in towards Manos' clip in an attempt to get closer!

I know dolphins have a similar effect on others and I have shared Manos' video here in my latest post and also on his Neso Sea Taxi page, so others can book him for a dolphin breakfast trip. There are no guarantees of course, but Manos certainly knows the right time of day and where to go to find them.

Thank you to Manos and Dominique for posting their wonderful video.

Harriet's Hydra Horses Back In Action

Fri, 03 May 2024 00:06:54 GMT

Sharing what to watch out for so it doesn't happen to anyone else

After a rather traumatic week doing battle with FB hackers, Harriet has managed to create a new personal profile ( Harriet Jarman ) which you will recognise as her new one because she's used her gmail address (the old one was hotmail), and a new business page for Harriet's Hydra Horses .

Sadly, she hasn't been able to retrieve 11 years worth of daily photo uploads of her happy trekkers, or rebuild her 7000 strong fan base.

If you are a fan, please visit her new pages to like and follow her. And if you have any photos (historical documents!) please share them with her. The links I've added in the first paragraph are to her new profiles which are still just numbers ie, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558988318659, because they are new and she hasn't got enough followers yet, so you know you are on the right pages.

Harriet isn't the only one to have had to deal with this problem and we want to warn people about the link that she inadvertently clicked when she was tired at the end of the day and had the sun in her eyes. Below is a screenshot of the message that Harriet received. If you get one like it DON'T click the link! Notice the mis-spelling of Metateam which is a giveaway.

Not that it's very helpful after the fact, this article describes the exact scam that affected Harriet. See https://cybernews.com/security/facebook-users-targeted-copyright-infringement-scam/ Sadly Facebook were no help at all and just sent her around and around in circles. Pleas for help just encouraged more hackers to come forward. So all Harriet could do, was start again from scratch and chalk it up to experience.

To all our friends and family, please take care and don't fall into the same trap!

Thank you to everyone for their support and sympathy. Regards Kelsey (Harriet's Mum)

EMERGENCY HarrietsHydraHorses FB Accounts have been DISABLED

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 14:12:24 GMT

Harriet has been hacked - if anyone can help to reinstate, please contact her.

Harriet's Hydra Horses' Facebook page has been hacked and disabled. Facebook has been no help whatsoever. Harriet is distraught and would sincerely appreciate any help from a techie fan who might be able to get her up and running again.

On Saturday, Harriet inadvertently clicked a link in FB Messenger that said her Facebook account was about to be deleted. The consequences of being tired and looking at her phone in the sun so she didn't recognise a suspicious message in time, are terrible. Her personal FB account and her business, Harriet'sHydraHorses account have both been deactivated. All her posts and photo galleries created over the last 10 years have gone. Along with over 7000 followers who can no longer see her.

Even though she has disappeared off Facebook, be assured Harriet is still in business. You can still reach her through her website Harrietshydrahorses.com which is hosted on Hydradirect, and you can still reach her on Instagram. Sadly, it seems that she can no longer be contacted on Messenger, so please email harrietjarman@hotmail.com or mobile/whatsapp +(30) 6980 32 33 47.

If there is any technical expert in the world who has knowledge of how to get a Facebook account back, Harriet and I would really appreciate you getting in touch.

Warm regards, Kelsey and Harriet

Hydra gets €400,000 Exception Price Due to Low Population

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 06:15:19 GMT

Foreign Investment for Greek Golden Visa & Rules Have Been Confirmed

As I wrote early in the month, the Greek Golden Visa has been overhauled in an attempt to address the housing crisis especially in the Attika region. After much debate in the Government, the final changes have been confirmed for future applicants. Personally, I don't think Hydra will really benefit as the already low full time population of the island means that the investment value has been discounted. Given that sellers have already been marketing their real estate for much higher than the threshold, it's not going to make a huge difference. However the new rules for application might cause a pause for thought. But, again in my opinion, until the runaway train that is AirBnbing is curbed, prices on Hydra will continue to rise because of the expectation of sellers, and buyers will still invest because holiday renting gives a much better return on investment than residential letting.

Investment Value:

Hydra €400,000

Aegina, Poros & Spetses, €800,000

Methana, Galatas, Ermioni, Kranidi and areas between, €400,000

Golden Visa Application Rules:

Full investment value must be spent on one property per application.

No short-term holiday letting allowed (50,000 fine if GGV applicants caught Airbnbing)

Minimum floor space must exceed 120 m2

So not much that will change for Hydra other than those properties that aren't bigger than 120m2 which will no longer qualify buyers looking to obtain the visa. And again, this still won't deter many because buyers of Hydra properties aren't really interested in the GGV primarily.

August is the deadline to complete any ongoing sales contracts and applications for the previous 250k threshold before the new limits start.

Please contact me for further information, regards, Kelsey

1 Hour, €350 - thank goodness the taxi came back on time

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 19:40:53 GMT

A Typical Morning For Me Living on Hydra

I really shouldn't be let loose in a garden centre without vigilant supervision. But I did at least ask Panagiotis, my favourite Ermioni taxi driver, to come back for me in 1 hour. Unfortunately, 1 hour was more than enough time for me to gleefully get side-tracked and overly ambitious about what I can actually cram into my garden.

The Dimarakis Garden Centre in Kranidi, is a new one to me and I thank Dino Bradlee for the recommendation. What a massive selection of really healthy plants to choose from. And I also appreciated the knowledgeable friendly help from Christina who spoke English but more importantly, garden-speak. She knew immediately what the plants I wanted were in Latin not just Greek. And what soil they like and which ones like full sun or shade. My list was for 3 night blooming jasmines (with the wonderful perfume that you only ever smell after the sun has gone down), and a decent sized plum tree. We went straight to the right place in the neighbouring field serenaded by geese honking in alarm and across the camomile lawn (that made me very very jealous) Being a hands-on gardening enthusiast, my nails are a mess and I couldn't help notice that Christina had a perfect manicure. "I don't actually do digging or planting", she laughed when I mentioned her nails, "I just do the admin and garden planning". I then proceeded to add herbs, another bougainvillea, some daisies, geraniums and quite a few other plants to try out in my shady corners. Christina's job included totting up my bill and kindly taking off 10% for me. I only felt mildly guilty and convinced myself that I was no longer hungry for lunch as I emptied my purse.

As there was no way I'd manage to carry everything home, Christina arranged a lorry (honestly, really more of a van, a small one) to deliver to Ermioni on Friday so it could all come across on the Georgia supply boat to Hydra for Saturday. That sorted, Panagiotis and I headed off for essential supplies in Ermioni. Shopping done and new keys cut, guilt was overcome by hunger pangs so I headed to my familiar waiting place, Maria's Taverna. It's at the end of the jetty where the Dolphin and Christos Ferry boats dock, so I can see them coming. And today, there on the outside jetty was the Georgia being loaded.

Lack of food had obviously made my brain function more slowly. Having watched for at least 10 minutes, it suddenly dawned on me that something was amiss. Surely today was Wednesday, so what's the Georgia doing in Ermioni? Its normal days are Tuesday and Friday. But as it turns out, fortuitous for me. I would get my plants sooner if Christina could get a wriggle on.

Having checked that the van could be loaded immediately and dispatched with all haste, I took a brisk walk around the harbour to get an explanation from Fanis Mavroumatis who has been the captain of Georgia for a few months now, as to why he was in Ermioni on the wrong day and to beg him to delay leaving to the latest possible time.

It's times like this that having good inside knowledge about how Hydra works, comes in handy, but even I had forgotten that the Hydra's Trail Event happens this coming weekend. So today would be the last pick up for the Georgia for a week because they can't unload on Hydra this Saturday. Phew, just missed the possible agony of my poor plants wilting on a quayside for a week!

Fanis reassured me that he would definitely still be there for my tender delivery as the lorries from Athens hadn't arrived yet. And yes, there would be room for my plants. And yes, yes he would make sure they were protected and not squashed. And YES, he would phone me if there was even the slightest hint of a hitch!

Feeling chuffed I headed back to wait for the Dolphin and to send a message to Nikos my muleteer to let him know he had at least four mule loads to bring up to my garden tomorrow as early as he could.

So that was my morning, fairly typical of life on Hydra. I even noticed that the Christos Ferry ticket price has gone up to €10 this year.

And this afternoon, because it was too hot to garden, I managed my emails, nagged a few people to get things done and rattled off half a dozen phone calls. But by 7 I was out prepping half a dozen tub planters ready for new occupants tomorrow.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you want details of Ermioni taxis, garden centers, key cutting or getting your deliveries to Hydra.

Best regards, Kelsey

Increased Investment Value & New Conditions for Greek Golden Visa

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 15:14:48 GMT

Excellent News For Locals

The minimum property purchase price to qualify for the coveted Greek Golden Visa for the Attika area, is set to increase to €400,000 and on some islands/areas it could be as much as €800,000.

Most of the Attika area which includes the Saronic Islands, has until now, only needed a €250,000 investment to qualify and no conditions but happily for the local communities, this is about to radically change.

The increases are still under discussion in the courts and Greek government departments but the word is that it will happen in 2024 for sure anytime between May and September. So anyone who is interested in buying to qualify for a visa at today's much lower entry price, are going to have to get a move on or substantially increase their purchasing budget in the very near future.

At the moment, even though the Saronic Islands come under the Attika administrative zone, it's not clear whether Hydra, Poros, Aegina or Spetses will qualify for the discounted threshold of 400k so it still remains to be seen if any of the Attika Islands increase to much higher 800k.

What is for sure is that in addition to spending the qualifying value to be able to apply for a Greek Golden Visa (GGV), the new conditions include:

A minimum living space size of 120m2 for the property bought
No short-term holiday renting - so no Airbnb return on investment

But GGV applicants will be able to offer their investment property as a residential annual rental, so the estimated 57% of foreigner owners of property throughout the Attika area will still be able to get a small return on their investment by providing much needed local housing. I can't help but cheer at this stage for the local communities and businesses who have been really struggling in the last 5 years to find anywhere to live or put their staff!

So for non-EU foreign investors, the glory days of cheap investment to get extended European travel have almost closed. For those seeking a Greek Golden Visa, it is now less attractive as an investment and this in turn will reduce the number of sales of the lower priced properties. Of course it's not going to stop foreigners from buying but they just won't be able to get their GGV unless they comply with the new conditions. The benefit being that locals might be able to get a foot on the property ladder.

(Please note that these conditions for buyers who aren't interested nor need a GGV, do not apply. EU residents or non-EU buyers can still buy a property as an investment. It's just that non-EU buyers won't qualify for a visa unless they adhere to the conditions above.)

Since the visa's introduction, the Greek Government has had a massive increase in revenue generated. However, attracting foreign investment through property ownership has seen a massive hike in real estate prices, specifically in the lower end of the market which means that local Greeks can no longer afford to buy. Great for the finance ministry but not for communities. Large areas of Attika mainland have been bought up especially by far-east foreigners who bought sight unseen simply as a 250k cost of getting a GGV. They never visit, nor maintain the property and don't even rent it for local accommodation. There are small blocks of 12 apartments in parts of Athens (Attika) where there's only one apartment lived in - quite isolating to say the least!

But the housing crisis for locals and workers has not just come about because of Golden Visa purchases.

Greece has gone through a radial change over the last 10 years and everything has happened very quickly. The GGV isn't the sole reason for the shortage of residential letting or entry level purchasing for communities.

ENFIA, the annual property tax came into being about 10 years ago. For many pensioner owners who had over time, inherited multiple properties, selling-off or passing on before they passed away was their most obvious solution as they couldn't afford to pay multiple annual tax bills with their low pensions. Pensioners are no longer keeping property to pass on to family as they got married. The kids have to buy for themselves or rent. And that is very difficult for them still as prices have inflated faster than income.

The phenomenon of holiday renting with massive annual incomes compared to residential annual income has reduced the local housing availability horribly. It's impossible to 'force' locals to annually residential let for an average income of €300 per month when platforms such as AirBnb give them the ability to have a €20,000 plus income per year.

The introduction of the Greek Golden Visa simply added more strain. Properties that by any correct and sensible valuation should have gone on the market for €150,000, overnight jumped up to €250,000 just to cash-in with non-EU buyers who wanted to qualify for the GGV. And as a real estate agent, I along with all the others, cannot 'force' sellers to drop their prices when it's obvious that foreign buyers will pay far more than the locals.

So, I for one, am very relieved that the Greek Government have taken measures to impose higher qualification investment and better conditions attached to obtaining the Greek Golden Visa. It will take the heat out of the market and allow a better balance.

And happily, we'll still be welcoming foreigner homeowners because whatever the price, Greece is still one of the best places to be a homeowner!

For more details, please don't hesitate to contact me , regards Kelsey

TAP Certificates No Longer Needed For Real Estate Sales

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:25:21 GMT

Should make the sales process easier and quicker

To streamline and speed up the sales process for real estate, the Greek Government have removed one of the documents that had until now been necessary but frequently the most difficult one for sellers to obtain.

The TAP certificate is a statement that the seller of the property does not owe any community tax to the local municipality.

Until now, all sellers have been required to obtain a fully correct and paid up TAP certificate for the property they are selling, which had to be presented to the Public Notary before the final contract could be signed.

From now on, the TAP certificate will no longer be required.

This should help the majority of sellers throughout the country to get their document folders together much more quickly.

However, any debt associated, ie any historical underpayment, will be allocated to the person named on the previous electricity bill as owing any debt. So the Government will seek payment from a person rather than the debt registered against the property. So anyone who knows they declared less m2 (as shown on their electricity bill) rather than the correct m2 on the Digital ID used for the sales contract, should anticipate having to pay arrears after completion of a sales contract.

If you are unsure of what is necessary, or need clarification, please don't hesitate to contact me . Regards, Kelsey.

Wonderful Relaxing Afternoon at MBR

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:46:05 GMT

Seven years in the making - I offer my congratulations

The Mandraki Beach Resort nestled in Mandraki Bay has been a labour of love and perseverance for owners and Hydra residents, Arthur and Janis Fitzwilliam. Much anticipated, after seven years, the resort in all aspects is fully open and for me, it is one of the most relaxing treats on Hydra. I sincerely applaud the results.

The hotel rooms along the back of the beach are beautifully appointed with every complimentary convenience, each with their private, shaded courtyard and large Jacuzzi. The tower suites offer not just extra space but quite remarkable views.

The new, excellent, drought-resistant planting already softens the walks and walls. It bodes well for a really sumptuous display next year.

The sandy beach, I am already familiar with. Its comfortable beds, set well apart so your not right on top of your neighbour, are just as inviting as previous years. Melodic music joins with the murmur of friends chatting and the happy laughter of children enjoying the gentle sandy slope into the enticing shallow sea.

Lunch at the Captain's Restaurant was delicious and viewing the work of Bea Bonafini in the new gallery in the main tower next to reception added another dimension to the conversation.

But for me, all of the above is really enhanced by the excellent friendly staff, led by the indomitable Desi who as general manager oversees everything to ensure the highest quality of service.

I am so happy for Arthur and Janis, and to have experienced first hand, the reality of their vision having come to fruition.

Book Signing with Jeff Koons on Hydra Harbour

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 06:26:07 GMT

With a small sketch as well as a signature

Yesterday morning (20 June '23), brought about another event, of the packed Miaoulia Festival programme on Hydra, with Jeff Koons signing his artbook Apollo. This beautifully compiled book, packed with fantastic photos provides a wonderful story of the development of what is sure to be one of the most loved and highly visible landmarks on Hydra.

Mr Koons very kindly illustrated each and every book he signed with a quick sketch which everyone agreed made it worth the wait in the queue roasting in the sun!

Later in the day, the official Municipality acceptance of his and Mr Dakis Joannou of Deste generosity to the island was also conducted with yet more signatures and another visit to the slaughterhouse. But like so many others on Hydra, I was happy to have been able to personally add my thanks to the official line. The island more or less unanimously wanted the spectacular Apollo Wind Spinnaker to be a permanent feature above the Deste Slaughter house. And the seemingly bottomless generosity of Dakis Joannou has bought the gorgeous sun god and dedicated it to the island. It's exciting enough to pull into Hydra harbour anyway, but now the excitement is signalled a little earlier when the glittering, rotating arms surrounding the face of Apollo come into view sparkling in the sun.

From https://www.artbook.com/9786185039394.html

Jeff Koons: Apollo

Edited by Massimiliano Gioni, Karen Marta. Text by Daniel Birnbaum, Jake Brodsky, India Ennenga. Interview with Jeff Koons, Dakis Joannou, Katerina Zacharopoulou.

Documenting Koons’ multisensory homage to the sun god, a timeless dialogue with ancient history

The definitive record of Jeff Koons’ (born 1955) Apollo Wind Spinner, his transcendent offering to Apollo, this volume brings together lush plates of the eponymous 2022 DESTE exhibition alongside an essay by Daniel Birnbaum and an extensive interview with the artist by Dakis Joannou. Koons’ multisensory installation shone a light on the interwoven history of Greek myth, readymade sculpture and contemporary art to wide acclaim—so much so that the inhabitants of Hydra voted unanimously to have the work remain permanently installed on the roof of the DESTE Slaughterhouse building.
The many threads of this particular story are explicated here through a detailed "glossary of terms," tracing references from Plato to Duchamp and enlightening the reader on one of Koons’ most distinctive works of the last decade.

New on Hydra - The Lemon Trees

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 05:48:54 GMT

One of the prettiest buildings opens as a cafe & bar

The ground floor of one of the prettiest buildings in Hydra town has been opened by Helen Mavroudakis who presents her Lemon Trees Cafe and Bar, a great alternative to being on the port and with a really unique Hydra feel.

The interior has a bygone atmosphere and it's lovely to see Helen's grandmother's antiques taking pride of place. With a few modern pieces added, the cafe has a very homey feel to it especially as you will get such a friendly welcome from Helen and her boyfriend Emilios.

From 8 until 2, this is a place to call in for coffee or tea, a snack and a chat under the shade of the lemon trees. At night the atmosphere changes and becomes part of the huge party that's evolved with so many bars and restaurants in this part of town. So after 6, this is a great spot to come and enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail and come back later for a drink, take in the street party to see and be seen.

Details

The Lemon Trees Cafe & Bar

Helen Mavroudakis

Mobile: +(30) 6982 651 268

Email: thelemontreeshydra@gmail.com

Hours: 08:00 - 14:00 & 18:00 - 02:00 daily

Interesting Lessons from Dimitrios Antonitsis

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 10:19:35 GMT

At the Opening of the Hydra School Projects 2023

Yesterday evening (Sat, 18 June) saw this years opening of the much anticipated Hydra School Projects 2023 presentation from Dimitrios Antonitis of 'Lessons Learned'. He always surprises and delivers thought-provoking works from various international artists, and this year is no exception.

Unusually, for this year only, because none of Hydra's school buildings for various reasons were available, the HSP exhibition is being held in the 'Agora', The Old Market Place, at the back of the harbour, in the succession of rooms in the centre of the square.

But as usual Dimitrios' trademark school books are supplied to help explain the work of the artists in the show. I wouldn't dream of trying to comment about all of the pieces because I'm not an expert. But of course I have my favourites.

Anna Pangalou is a performer focusing on sound. She opened the show using her distinctive voice combined with 'props' such as copper blades, a copper net with seeds that look like blackbirds caught in it and rather disconcertingly even used the air-conditioning unit of one of the shops that backs onto the square. Being quite deaf, I can't offer an opinion as to whether it sounded good, but did notice that the rest of the audience seemed as disconcerted as I was. Anna hunched over the air-conditioning unit that was going at full blast and combined her voice with the noise. The expressions on everyone's faces reflected my own - one of trying to mask confusion with a neutral, uncommitted, 'I'm prepared to wait and see' look of guarded composure. The performance ended with Anna walking out of the Agora dragging her copper blades behind her, leaving a stunned audience, silenced and not at all sure whether it was the end and should they applaud or not. An interesting if not slightly perplexing performance that I enjoyed being exposed to.

I found the fluidity of the sculptures of Adonis Stoantzikis very appealing. The shapes feel as though they are naturally born of the earth, squeezed and contorted over-time and not at all contrived by human hands. Almost as though you've come across a fossilised clump of petrified mud in the sea that trapped and preserved small crustaceans long ago. All the more impressive to me because Stoantzikis creations are made with polymer clay, glass, bronze, coloured powder and plaster.

The deceptive simplicity of My Light (2019) by Ode Jaune resonated for me. The elegance of the hands and attention to form are far from simple and to get the degree of expression and feeling, for me is a signature of Oda's work. I love the way she puts an emotion in place with no explanation so you can decide for yourself. The beautiful hand draped languidly over a flame, seemingly oblivious to pain makes me feel as though in spite of the chaos in the world, it is possible to retain a sense of peace if you try hard enough. The clenched hand reminds me to be strong and supportive. Yes, this piece definitely 'speaks to me'.

Walking into one of the exhibition rooms with the entire back wall taken up by a wave of intricately placed mosaics in sheets of marble by Christina Nakou, just blew me away. I could stand mesmerized by her sea of detail for hours. The sea naturally changes its mood as often as human moods change so this is what appeals to me with this gorgeous work. I love art that has layers and provides me with depths of impressions that can become my own depending on my thoughts and emotions and not necessarily what the artist intended.

Many thanks Dimitrios for presenting another show of artists' work that we'd be unlikely to ever see without traveling a lot. And thank you for exposing us all to ideas and lessons to shake up our preconceived ideas.

Hydra School Projects @ Old Market, Hydra

June 17 - September 17 2023

Daily - 11:00 - 14:00 & 19:00 - 22:00

Information: +(30) 693 802 4554

Exploring Hydra's Coastline with GnG Cruises

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:08:10 GMT

And their much loved evening cruises have started up again!

Finally, Hydra's unseasonal weather has settled down and the wonderful George and Giola of GnG Cruises have been able to restart their much loved "Around The Island" day cruises.

You'll find them moored before 11 each day (opposite the clock tower) if you want to chat before you commit. But after that they'll be on the open sea exploring Hydra's coastline, making lunch, passing refreshments around and of course, stopping at the gorgeous, natural coves and bays so you can go for a swim.

The Around The Island cruises come back to Hydra harbour by 17:00 if you want to chat then, or you can find more information and their contact details here in Hydradirect on their page: https://www.hydradirect.com/Gnghydracruises

And, Giola and George told me that most likely their Sunset and Stars evening cruises will restart this weekend, Saturday 10th June, weather permitting and so long as enough people want to go. So if you want your pre-dinner cocktail onboard to start your weekend off with a fun and romantic start, contact George and Giola right now!

Latest Ermioni - Hydra Crossings

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 06:27:06 GMT

New Timetable for the Christos Passenger Ferry

Extra crossings with the Christos Passenger Ferry have been added to the timetable for those wanting the Ermioni and Hydra connection.

The timetable is only shown on the back end of the boat!

No, you can't pre-book so please arrive 15 mins before the scheduled sailing time to make sure you get onboard. But you can phone Chrisos the day before to let him know if you have a group larger than 4 that need to board together. Read more to get his number.

Please also note that the ferry can only sail if the weather permits, so at the beginning or end of the high season, keep an eye on the weather and if in doubt phone Christos just before you set out to make sure he can sail.

May Day Update

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 10:44:42 GMT

Spring Bank Holiday Weekend Events

Even though it's a holiday weekend, or more likely because it is, Greece's shipping unions are on strike on Monday 1st of May. So no Hellenic Seaways cats or dolphins will be sailing to or from Hydra.

For visitors and guests temporarily stranded on the island for slightly longer than anticipated, the sun has come out just time for the live music event at the Enalion Restaurant today's lunch at 14:00.

And tomorrow, lunch at Marina's Taverna has live guitar music and the weather forecast predicts wonderfully sunny weather.

The first of May, May Day , isn't just a political bank holiday (although as the boats always seem to go on strike on the first it seems like it|) but is a cultural day as well. It's when locals spend time out in the glorious Hydra countryside, collecting flowers which are woven into wreaths to decorate above front doors of homes and shops. So it's very much an annual event on Hydra!

My new shopping Hero, Taxi Driver, Panagiotis

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 09:36:04 GMT

Introducing Panagiotis Develekos in Ermioni

Yesterday I went on boat ride with my daughter and son-in-law to Ermioni. We were on a shopping mission to get everything needed for their new bathroom. Not having a car on the mainland meant we had to call a taxi to go on to Kranidi. Hence my introduction to the lovely Panagiotis.

I'm not the easiest of passengers and nervous of bad drivers, so I was relieved immediately by his excellent driving. Also, I have an annoying habit of asking to stop for unscheduled call-ins or photo ops. Panagiotis waited far more patiently than Harriet and Vassilis!

We were collected from the jetty at Ermioni at four-ish in Panagiotis' comfortable, clean Mercedes, with only short delay while Harriet and I dashed into the only supermarket we know of that reliably stocks Heinz Salad Cream (we're English and can't help ourselves), and then off on a fifteen minute pleasant drive to the M-Max Solutions plumbing, tiling, gardening and tool supply shop just outside Kranidi.

As Panagiotis didn't have anything else booked he was happy to wait for us. And that was really helpful because over the couple of hours we were there, we made use of the huge boot his car has. We filled it with everything from a shower tray, a garden spray pump for me, a tap for Isabella and a big hose for Stamati. It's almost mandatory for anyone on a supply run to add in a few things for fellow-Hydriots. So I can confirm that visitors with lots of luggage won't have a problem with the size of Panagiotis' boot!

While I was waiting for Harriet and Vassilis to finish up, I made arrangements with Panagiotis to stop off on the way back at the Arapakis Garden Centre to pick up some Scented Stocks. So as Panagiotis pulled off the road, our lovely driver seemed to understand that my breezy ascertion, "I'll only be two-minutes" was code for ten minutes and I ignored Harriet's cynical eye-rolling. Five new plants, a rose bush, snap-dragon and thirty minutes later with the plants carefully tucked away in the capacious boot, we were back on the road.

We dropped Harriet at yet another shop round the corner from the jetty so that Vassilis and could load our purchases into what then looked, a much smaller boat than we'd arrived in!

Fearful of the survival chances of my plants now the wind was getting up, I was positively gleeful to see that Hydra's wonderful Georgia Supply Boat was still on the jetty loading. "Babis, Babis please can you take my flowers for me", I called as I struggled on board looking like a slightly mad, mobile shrubbery. Babis, well-acquainted with my lunacy having transported most of my garden including grass turfs, grinned indulgently and carefully stowed my latest precious cargo in his cabin.

Harriet back and everything on board it was time by 7:30 to finally say goodbye to Panagiotis and pay him. He asked for €30 which we happily topped up to €40 as a thank you for all his hanging around, friendly help and good company. Lovely man!

So whether you're a visitor to Hydra needing a transfer to or from the airport, or wanting explore the Peloponnese, or you're a home-owner needing supplies, Panagiotis is your man.

You can find all his contact details on Mainland Taxis under Getting To Hydra.

Hydra's Greek Independence Day

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 12:54:33 GMT

Proud, Patriotic & Happy in Every Way

GID, 25 March 2023, was a glorious day on Hydra. The beautiful weather and none of the travel restrictions and Covid worries seemed to have brought many more people out than seen over the last three years. So there was a really joyful patriotic atmosphere filled with pride and happiness.

On Friday, wreaths were laid at various monuments, the children held practice recitals at their schools with audiences limited to parents, and in the late afternoon, the leading yachts opening season boat race arrived to fill the harbour with their sails and fluttering flags.

Saturday morning in the town was buzzing with happy chatter with groups of children adjusting their uniforms and traditional costume before marching to the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on Hydra harbour.

First, there was the mass and church offering, then politicians, heads of the island's services and the priests joined the children in the courtyard. The rousing speech describing the War of Independence, given by a guest speaker was well received and applauded.

After blessings from the church, the band played before everyone observed a minute of silence to remember the fallen. Wreaths were laid against one of the monuments by each of the public services. And this was followed by readings from the top balcony by Hydra's children.

At the end of the service, everyone moved to the harbour to watch the student's parade. Even the youngest children are included. The nursery infants in their eye-catching costumes lead the way followed by older school children, students from Hydra's merchant marine college and finally Hydra's band who play throughout brilliantly.

This year, my grandson was actively taking part in the parade for the first time, so I was also one of the proud gathering of adoring family at the end of the parade photo opportunity. It was super!

And to wind up the morning, the Hydra Greek Dance school performed some traditional dances starting with one to the theme music of Hydra, Psarapoula.

So with Sunday seeing the return leg of the boat race, with all the shops and restaurants open, Hydra's 2023 season has well and truly started.

Visit Hydra soon and please like the Hydradirect channel for more videos. and for more information about all aspects of Hydra, see www.HydraDirect.com

Warm regards, Kelsey

Hydra Episode of Daisy Jones and the Six

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:34:52 GMT

Shot on Hydra, May 2023

The Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones and the Six is available now on Prime Video.

Season 1, Ep 7, Track 7: She's Gone, was in part filmed on Hydra in May 2022. It was a large production with 150 cast and crew who had to be accommodated over on the Peloponnese and boated over daily because they left it far to late to book rooms!

Based on the New York Times best-selling novel, Daisy Jones & the Six follows the story of a 1970s band fronted by two feuding yet charismatic lead singers, Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne. Set to the soundtrack of original music, this is the story of how this iconic band imploded at the height of its powers.

Well done to lots of Hydriots who got hired as extras. I managed to get screen shots of some of them. And a big applause to Arabella Ross who managed to find such excellent locations that really show the island off well.

Here's the link to watch: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0PTTLRQF3LB1X2N0OTNY32CH6S/ref=atv_hm_hom_c_cjm7wb_2_1

Fundraising Concert From New Homeowners

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 13:17:10 GMT

Maya Homburger (Violin) and Barry Guy (Double Bass)

It was pleasure and smiles on Hydra Port on Friday 16th of September when friends met musicians Maya Homburger and Barry Guy off the tightly packed Neso Sea Taxi to welcome them to Hydra as new homeowners. Delicate packages were distributed to willing hands, mules loaded and then, in true Hydra style, walked up the hill to the couples' newly refurbished Hydra home.

These two musicians are great supporters of the Music Club of Hydra and the first thing they have set up is a free to attend, fundraising concert a week after they arrive, almost before they've unpacked! It's hoped that not only will people attend to meet and welcome this friendly couple to Hydra, to enjoy a quality music concert but also to donate a contribution to the Music Club fund.

February Fun

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 10:20:55 GMT

At last we're getting closer to Spring

It has felt like a very long winter but slowly the weather is starting to give us blue skies more regularly, businesses are beginning to get ready to open and life on Hydra harbour is starting to bustle again with it's 'normal' happiness.

Pink Faces, Numb Toes

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 10:25:49 GMT

There's just enough white stuff to build a mini-snowman

Snow on Hydra is rare, but this year we've had more than I've experienced in twenty years, and if you don't mind hiking up the hills, enough has settled to enable a respectable snowball fight.

Happily for me, because I'm not too fond of the reality of snow, my more enthusiastic Daughter and Grandson had no qualms at hiking up Mount Eros this morning to build a snowman.

Watch out Harriet, incoming snowball about to be launched at you!

Hydra's summer visitors are always shocked to see cold, wet and very overcast photos and forget that the island does have a winter. It's not boiling sunshine and clear blue skies all year!

This year after record summer temperatures, the pendulum has swung more extremely. We're suffering through chillier weather on some days than my Mother in the UK has had to put up with.

Today, I am watching the Eucalyptus trees dancing a jig in the wind that's swirling freezing rain in gusts that blow from every direction, making it impossible to use an umbrella. The sky has been replaced with a thick, duvet-like covering that threatens to dump more white stuff soon.

Being so close to the sea means that the snow hasn't settled in the town and harbour. Instead, anyone who has to go out, is treated to stinging rain and slippery roads. But like Harriet and Anastasis, I am sure a few other lunatics are prepared to brave the elements and venture up the hills in pursuit of fun, pink faces and numb toes. Rather them than me!

Winter Weather Has Clamped Down Hard On An Exhausted Hydra

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 21:14:55 GMT

At the end of November, I managed a fast 5-day break off the island with my daughter Harriet to visit my Mother in the UK. It was a long-overdue visit to introduce my four-year-old grandson in person (Skype just isn't the same) to his Great-grandmother.

During our short holiday, the stress of restrictions changing in transit and our concerns about inadvertently catching, or worse passing on, the virus meant that neither Harriet nor I could enjoy our break 'in-the-moment.' Though in hindsight, we all had a smashing time. We made beautiful memories that we will treasure all the more because of the difficulties.

On the beach near Great-grandma's house - you can probably tell from Anastasis' expression that his Mum should have been paying more attention!

But there was a collective sigh of relief once we safely returned home to Hydra. Our recent experience, had us marvelling at the determination shown by so many visitors who endured such a palaver to visit Hydra this summer.

For me, returning to Hydra on the 4th of December has drawn a line decisively separating a lively summer from a winter of hibernation. And I think it is fair to say that most people on Hydra feel the same, all anticipating a much-needed recharge of batteries for the next three or four months.

The latest restrictions imposed by the Omicron variant combined with particularly rough winter weather, causing Dolphin, Cat and Ferry cancellations, have effectively conspired to put islanders in a much more relaxed mode. There's always a silver lining to every cloud I find.

Having had a record-breaking summer's business season, islanders are happy and very relieved. But everyone is so exhausted that, unusually for Hydra, the island is not as open during the winter this year. A few intrepid visitors have booked to come for Christmas and the New Year, but they should understand, Hydra is much quieter than usual.

Many of the understaffed restaurants & businesses were running on fumes by the end of November and simply won't be able to keep it up over the winter. It was impossible to recruit seasonal staff last Spring because of the restrictions. So most businesses only had staff coverage for single shifts, with many owners working sixteen-hour days, seven days a week with no time off.

Photo courtesy of the Isalos Cafe

Business will continue as usual at the Isalos Caf e . Ifigenia and Ioannis have already made it festive, and they will be open every day and night for good food, drinks and most importantly, cheerful company.

Cosmas of Oraia Ydra Restaurant will be open over the winter with a special Christmas menu of 3 courses at €40 for the 24th. He has a New Year's Eve menu for €45 per head. The restaurant will not be open on the 25th of December nor on the 1st of January. For the rest of the winter season, Oraia Ydra will be open Thursday - Friday (16:00 - 22:00), Saturday (13:00 - 22:00) and Sunday (13:00 - 17:00).

Popi will be open 7 nights all winter - booking is a good idea though as there's limited space.

Popi at To Geitonikon will be open for evening dinner only (18:30 - 22:30) every day of the week, including Christmas and New Years Day. With so few venues available, I strongly recommend booking in advance. In addition, the port will be kept cheerful with the En Plo , Bandera , Gogo, Hydra's Corner, Le Grande, Yamas & the Cool Mule outlets opening during the day. At the moment, the island's bars are all closed, although some might open for last-minute evenings. (Lisa just mentioned that it's likely that Kostas will open the Amalour for New Year's Eve, so lookout for their FB posts.)

All supermarkets, bakeries, groceries and butchers are open at regular hours. Quite a few retail shops are opening with limited hours that will vary depending on how many people are around and the weather.

Hellenic Seaways is currently only operating one Cat to and from Hydra per day. Alpha Lines will restart in the Spring. However, the Freedom passenger ferry will continue to operate four crossings per day so long as it's not too stormy to get across to Metochi or back.

Relatively, Hydra has been quite a safe haven, but we have had our fair share of sadness with several locals who have died because of Covid. In addition, as such a small community, everyone is aware of those islanders who are still in a hospital alone on the mainland suffering from the impact Covid has had on their health. And quite a few islanders are worrying about relatives who have caught the virus elsewhere in Greece but are not allowed to visit. Everyone is very mindful of those families who have lost loved ones, and I add my sympathy and condolences.

The schools on Hydra opened in September with precautions which was a relief to many hardworking parents. But it's been a bit of a double-edged sword. Having been so isolated for so long, with parents dousing their children in antiseptic and taking all the precautions recommended since March 2020, it's as though all of Hydra's children have been more susceptible to sharing annual colds. This year's RS virus style cold has spread to nearly half the island. Even I have succumbed to the violent coughing fits, a high temperature with a blasting headache that made me paranoid enough to reach for a Covid self-test. Happily, the result was negative, but it has prompted me to admit that maybe I have reached the age when an annual flu-jab is advisable. So visitors be warned: avoid mini-Hydriots, especially if they are runny-nosed or coughing.

The vaccination program on Hydra has been very well taken up, with the majority of over 12s being done and older age groups having had their boosters. After Christmas, vaccination for the five-year-old plus children will also start.

So for Hydra's winter visitors, please read my updated Covid Travel update s for the latest rule changes. Anticipate needing your vac-certs & PCR tests and masks, very changeable weather, Hydra's blooming countryside (rain & sunshine has brought on a Spring effect) beckons, shops will be open. And there will be at least two or three places to eat and socialise when you want some company.

Stay safe and happy holidays, regards, Kelsey

RIP Michael Lawrence

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 21:03:30 GMT

Sadly, Michael died this evening at about 21:00.

Last Will & Testament

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 08:08:53 GMT

Get It Published

Whether you are a Greek or non-Greek inheritor of property on Hydra, you must have a Will correctly published in the Greek courts.

You may have a notarized new title with a statement claiming that you have accepted the inheritance. You may have paid the inheritance tax due. But if the Greek court did not publish the Will, there is a risk that you could lose your inheritance if another Will (legitimate or forged) is submitted and published as the Last Will & Testament by someone else at a later stage.

I am writing this article because I have come across two disasters this year that stopped house inheritors trying to sell properties they thought they owned but hadn't had their Will s published.

The first was a local Greek family, and the second was a non-Greek Testator (the person who wrote the Will) who left a Greek property to a non-Greek inheritor.

On Hydra this year, a local family asked me to market their house for sale. They had a Public Will : It consisted of the testator's Last Will & Testament executed before a Notary Public. They accepted the inheritance and even paid the inheritance tax due. But they did not have their Will published in the courts at Aegina as they should have done.

The first I knew of a problem was when a man I'd never heard of phoned me to ask why I was marketing his house for sale. Alarmed, as you can imagine, I asked for the particulars. He explained that he had presented his Holographic Will to the courts. In the absence of any other published Will, it had been upheld by the court. He had paid the inheritance tax and had a title in his name. It was a hand-written will, entirely by the hand of the testator, who wrote the date of the Will, and signed it to verify its content.

The Hydriot family are contesting the hand-written Will, but until the courts rule, neither party can sell the property.

The second issue that I encountered this summer concerns a non-Greek Testator leaving a Greek property, in a non-Greek Will, to non-Greek family members. Again, the inheritors did not publish their Will (in either country), although they too had a notarized title saying they'd accepted the inheritance and had paid the tax due. They also asked me to market their property for sale, and I'd found them a buyer. But the buyer's lawyer discovered they'd omitted publication and rightly flagged the risk to his buying client.

This case isn't quite the same as the Hydriot issue. The risk here is that, at some future date, another Will might be published and upheld. And if the lawyer's clients proceed to buy the property, it will be impossible to publish the Will after the transfer to the buyers as the new owners. The solution is that the inheritors must go through the 3 phases of publication with the Athens court, which will take a minimum of 6 months. Once published, then it will be safe for the buyers to proceed. But in the meantime, the property sale is on hold.

So it should be noted by all that if you have inherited a property in Hydra (Greece), you should publish your Will, whether it's a Greek one or not, through the Greek courts to minimise the risk of your Will being contested.

Being English, I know this process as 'Probate'. It's similar to reading the banns if you are marrying or a decree absolute if you're divorcing. It's a process with enough time built in to ensure that others can come forward if they contest the Will much the same as reading the banns over time, allows anyone to come forward if they know of a reason why the bride or groom shouldn't marry.

It takes a minimum of 6 months to ensure that anyone with another contesting Will has time to come forward to allow the court to rule on which Will to uphold.

It would appear that the non-publication of a Will in Greece is possibly overlooked because there seems to be no time limit for a Will to be contested so why bother going through the courts unless it's necessary. However, if inheritors have published their Will, the risk of any court overturning what was upheld is minimized. So, in my opinion, it is worth waiting 6-12 months to make your inheritance as secure as possible. And to spell it out, if you don't publish, you leave yourself wide open to someone presenting a fraudulent hand-written will which might lose you your inheritance!

Greek Inheritance Law is regulated by the Hellenic (Greek) Civil Code, Art. 1710 – 2035. It is similar to French and German Inheritance law, but it is radically different from English and American inheritance law. Greek Inheritance Law provides the passing of the deceased's property to his legal heirs in two ways: by virtue of a Will or through the Greek rules relating to intestacy. A non-Greek Will made by a non-Greek will be accepted by the Greek courts so long as it is notarized as a true translation from the original. But make no mistake, the Greek court must publish it, so the inheritors are as secure as possible, whether it's a foreign or local will. Upon the passing away of the testator, the Will has to be probated before the competent Court (Aegina for locals) or before the competent Embassy or Consulate (for non-Greeks) in order for the Greek Will's content to become known to anyone.

Also, it should be noted that even if there is no Will, a Zero Will should be published (much the same as declaring a zero income on your annual tax return).

After 2013, Hydra (Greek) Wills should be declared at the Aegina Court. Pre-2013 Wills should have been declared both in Aegina and Athens. Also, local Wills can be processed by Hydra's KEP office.

All foreign Wills (that is, not made by someone Greek even if written in Greek) must be declared in the Athens court even if the inheritors are Greek.

For anyone who has been alarmed by my article, please don't hesitate to contact me . I am happy to put you in touch with some legal advisors for further clarification.

Regards, Kelsey

Emergency Helicopter

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 19:48:10 GMT

The stuttering sound of the emergency helicopter always fills me with a sense of foreboding. The number of emergency rescue flights is quite limited and so only really serious cases can be air-lifted to hospital on the mainland. So I send my sincere best wishes and hopes for a good recovery to whoever needs it this evening and all my sympathy to their family who must be very anxious and worried.

200th Anniversary Miaoulia Festival 2021

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 09:30:21 GMT

Reenactment was nearly as dangerous as the original death-defying manoeuvre

Last night, (26 June 2021) Hydra Island celebrated the end of this year's Miaoulia Festival with a huge presentation telling the story of the decisive role that Admiral Miaoulis and other Hydriots had during the Greek War of Independence 1821. This year's reenactment was even more lavish than other years because it was part of the Greek Nation's 200th-anniversary celebrations 1821-2021 and the President of the Greek Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, was in attendance.

This year, because of lower visitor numbers and locals avoiding large gatherings (many stayed at home and watched from their terraces) I found enough space to watch and film from the best position I've ever had in 20 years of enjoying this celebration.

For me, it was all the better because I could share the excitement with my 4-year-old grandson. It was Anastasis' first close-up experience and he yelled and clapped his support throughout from what turned out to be ring-side seats.

We were right next to Pan Lembessis who was waiting next to the boat that later took the Hydriot crew on their stealthy trip out of the harbour to reenact the destruction of the Ottoman Flag Ship. My little Anastasis was firmly convinced that Pan and the crew really were going out to battle when he earnestly wished Pan good luck and stay safe. For those who have never experienced Hydra's Miaoulia Festival, Hydriot Pan who for years has noisily and gruffly organised boats mooring in the harbour, has become somewhat of a mascot taking part in the annual reenactment to steer the Hydriot 'fireship' to the Ottoman flagship as Admiral Miaoulis did 200 years ago.

Pan and the crew needed all of Anastasis' good wishes. The small boat carrying about 15 'crew' was almost blown up alongside the 'flagship' which exploded within seconds of ignition. When Pan returned, he was spluttering with indignation, calling down all sorts of curses on the head of whoever had packed the explosives too close to the top on the Ottoman Flagship. "I had to throw myself to the bottom of the boat so it didn't take my head off" he grumbled. It turned out that the reenactment was nearly as dangerous as the original death-defying manoeuvre!

The greeting of the President and the narrative of the story was enhanced this year with projections against the front facades of the larger buildings around Hydra harbour. From most of the harbour though, it was impossible to see what was happening on the Eastside where the key activity took place because the harbour was so crowded with yachts! So I hope that the organisers won't mind one personal request for next time to have a live-broadcast cameraman to film and project more of the speeches and activity so that more people can enjoy what happens.

The firework show this year has to be the longest and best ever. The music and coordination of the 'dancing' fireworks were seriously impressive and from above the harbour, the show must have been even more spectacular.

I would like to add my personal thanks and congratulate the Municipality and huge team of organisers of this year's spectacular 200th Anniversary Celebration. Given the restrictions and headaches caused by the Covid crisis, they managed to still create an event to be truly proud of.

Anastasis was almost tongue-tied with admiration when we rushed to congratulate Pan on his safe return to the quayside. In spite of Anastasis being almost as tall as Pan now, Anastasis will forever think of Pan as a giant of a man!

US Ambassador Unveils New Street Name on Hydra

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 18:39:53 GMT

US Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt unveils a Hydra street sign during a naming ceremony today in honour of American Philhellenes William Washington and George Jarvis.

Today, Hydra hosted the US Ambassador to Greece Mr Geoffrey Pyatt and his wife Mary. The Ambassador was met at mid-day by the Mayor and members of the municipal council.

The Ambassador was invited to the island to unveil a street name and later this evening to take part in a lecture as part of the 200 Year Greek Independence celebrations.

The street name unveiling took place on the east side of the harbour. Music was provided by the U.S. Army Europe & Africa Band.

The ceremony was opened by President of the Municipal Council, Anastasia Mavromati. Then Mayor Koukoudakis and the Ambassador walked up a couple of steps at the bottom of the street, to unveil the new street name. And the short ceremony was concluded by the Ambassador’s reply.

During her address, Anastasia incorporated the words of George Koukoudakis when he made his proposal during a municipal meeting in September, 2020. It’s an interesting piece of history and I really appreciate Anastasia forwarding it to me so I could include it in my blog. (See below).

The Ambassador was clearly happy to be on Hydra and made a gracious reply of thanks. My thanks to the US Embassy’s website for posting his reply so promptly so I could include it here too. (See below).

Before the arrival of the Ambassador, I had a chance to speak to some of the band. I asked if they travelled with the Ambassador, but apparently not always. They travel all over Europe representing the US at all sorts of functions. After the ceremony they moved along the harbour to find some much needed shade and continued to play for audiences at the cafes. I look forward to hearing them play again this evening. The photographer who was with them will be posting video and photos on their Facebook page, click here .

Opening Address:

The On September 11, 2020, the Mayor of Hydra, Mr George Koukoudakis proposed that the street from the front of the ground floor of the School of Fine Arts and ends at the port of Hydra should be named after William Washington and George Jarvis.

Mr Koukoudakis justification for his proposal was read today by the President of the Municipal Council, Anastasia Mavromatis during the unveiling of the new street name by Ambassador Pyatt. Mr Koukoudakis was quoted as saying:

“Studying the history of the island, the confirmed presence and the contribution of Americans William Washington and George Jarvis not only to the revolutionary action of the Hydriots but also all Greeks, creates the moral obligation to give them the recognition they deserve.

William Washington, a graduate of West Point, arrived on Hydra during the Revolution and, among other things, enjoyed the appreciation of Lazaros Kountouriotis, in whose house he was hosted for a long time. Following a relevant suggestion by Lazaros Kountouriotis to the Revolutionary Government, among other things, Washington was assigned a mission to recruit Irish mercenaries.

William Washington is said to have been the nephew of the first US President George Washington. In his personal diary, which was saved, he describes Hydra with special praiseworthy comments and especially Lazaros Koundouriotis. In fact, according to the suggestion of the director of the Historical Archive and Museum of Hydra, Mrs. Dina Adamopoulou, at a conference on American Philhellenism, William Washington is buried in Hydra in the parish church of the Assumption of Christ.

The second American Philhellene to fight with the Hydriots is George Jarvis. According to the records of the Emmanuel Voulgaris family found in Ermioni in 1982, Jarvis, a medical student in Germany, arrived on Hydra on April 3, 1822 and boarded a ship in the Hydra fleet. He even took part in a series of naval battles. At the same time, through a series of letters he sent to his father, the US consul in Germany, he spoke warmly and enthusiastically about the Greek Revolution. As a result, his father sent similar letters to the American Government and provoked the organisation of fundraisers in favour of the Greek revolutionaries.

As a minimum tribute I suggest the street that enters in front of the ground floor of the School of Fine Arts and ends at the port of Hydra to be named after William Washington and George Jarvis.

This action of our Municipality in combination with the events that we plan in cooperation with the American Embassy in Athens to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the Greek Revolution, I believe will significantly contribute to the revival of the of the historical relations of Hydra with the USA.

The Ambassador’s Reply:

"Thank you for welcoming us all today, but also for honouring our Philhellenes in this way.

I want to start in particular by thanking the Municipal Council and the Council President for the Resolution which was passed.

I was on Hydra with my wife Mary about a year ago and the Mayor gave us a grand tour of the island and all of the history of the Greek War of Independence that was written on this small rock, and the enormous sacrifices of the community of Hydra for the cause of independence. I was able to learn not only about the pivotal role that Hydra played, but also the real heroic support which was provided by young Americans who rallied to the cause of the Greek War of Independence.

So on this very special day for Hydra, but also for the United States, just a few days before our Fourth of July Independence holiday, I can’t think of any place better to be to celebrate the Greek bicentennial and the two hundred years of ties between our two countries.

I’m especially happy that I am able to share this occasion with a lot of colleagues from the American Embassy who came out for the day, and not just family members and employees, but parents, Geoff and Tracy Keogh, Geoff’s parents are here as well. And we are so proud to be able to share this occasion with all of you.

I also want to say a very special thanks to the members of the U.S. Army Europe & Africa Band who have honoured us by coming out here today, again demonstrating the strength of the ties between our two countries and our two armed forces.

I’ll have more to say about this, this evening at the seminar, but I would just like to underline something that President Biden emphasised on the occasion of Greek Independence Day, which is the centrality of the democratic values that our two societies share in common. There are many countries that contributed to the Greek Independence cause, many other great powers, but the United States was unique because our support for the Greek Revolution was founded not in great power politics, but in our shared democratic values.

So we had, as the Resolution of the Council describes, two American philhellenes William Washington and George Jarvis who came here to this island, who died in Greece in the cause of freedom. And I think it’s enormously significant that we are now able to commemorate this on the street.

I was talking to another American citizen, an American expat who lives here on Hydra, and she was asking what’s the story, why the street has been renamed. I am very hopeful that many other people will come here, will walk down this street and they will learn the story of the American philhellenes, which is not well-known either in Greece or in the United States.

Two hundred years after William Washington and George Jarvis laid down their lives in the cause of Greek Independence, the ties between our countries are stronger than they’ve ever been.

I know that President Biden is deeply committed to further deepening that relationship and I am very proud that this small but historically important island plays a part in that story.

So Mr. Mayor, thank you very much and thank you for honouring all of us."

Fire on Hydra

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 16:12:06 GMT

At Mandraki

Early this evening at approximately 18:00 a fire broke out at the Mandraki landfill site on Hydra Island.

The island's emergency volunteer firefighting service have rushed to the scene.

Vangelis Gionis of the sea taxi, Seabird, was on the water and captured this video.

Hopefully quick action will prevent the fire spreading.

Mycrown Opening on Hydra

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 13:00:16 GMT

Alpha Bank corner now renamed!

For those of you who have been wondering what was happening to the 'landmark' corner on the harbour when the Alpha Bank closed its branch in February, all was revealed last evening.

Sophia De La Chovel, of the family who also own the Brooks Bros., My Ydra shop on the other side of the harbour, opened her MyCrown Art Collection on the East corner of Hydra Harbour on Friday 18th June 2021.

There was a small informal, early evening gathering to mark the event but because of the Covid restrictions it wasn't a party and was very low key.

The ground floor space has been refurbished with good lighting to display the work of various Greek artists which I was assured will be added to and changed on a regular basis.

Rather intriguing, it is also possible to buy cushion covers made from repurposed shirts. Owners of shirts that they no longer wear can bring them to the store to have the fabric remade as cushions, table napkins or mats that can be embroidered or not as you prefer.

The www.mycrowncollection.com website is still under construction but I feel sure it will be 'live' very soon.

The friendly staff will be waiting to greet you during normal Hydra shop opening hours. They can be contacted by email at mycrown@itapparel.gr or on the phone +(30) 22980 54031.

I wish them all the best for a successful future.

Music Switched Back On

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 06:13:08 GMT

And we can stay out later!

We've reached the middle of June and it's beginning to feel like summer has begun properly. The cafes around the harbour have customers and the boats and cats are bringing visitors to the island in more familiar numbers. It's wonderful to welcome those residents home, who hadn't been able to return sooner because they were locked down in other countries, and to catch up on over a year's worth of news!

Even though the last week brought changeable weather, including a rather exhilarating thunderstorm, temperatures have risen as confirmed by the cicadas in my garden who only start zithering when it reaches 30 degrees.

All the shops, beaches and out & about fun are fully operational again with lots of planned events such as the Miaoulia Festival, Museum events, DESTE and Hydra School Project exhibitions confirmed. (See the What's On Calendar for dates, etc.)

There are still limitations and restrictions but as you will see below, it's getting easier to feel closer to the 2019 normality on Hydra.

As of Saturday, 12 June 2021:

Music at restaurants, bars and cafes is allowed again outside for venues that host seated customers. (€5000 fine for 1st violation, a 15-day suspension of operation for 2nd violation.)

The night curfew will shorten by one hour and be in force between 01:30-05:00 . The curfew will remain in place until the end of June.

The audience capacity for venues hosting live shows and theatre performances in outdoor spaces will increase to 75% . At all events, mask-wearing is mandatory .

Also, from July the limit of guests at weddings and baptisms will rise from 100 to 300 .

Mask-wearing (over mouth and nose) when walking around outside and if you go inside is still mandatory. This is still the most hated and onerous requirement but is proven to be vital in the battle to keep the number of cases down so the hospitals aren't over-burdened. The last thing anyone wants is for the season to be shortened by having to go into lockdown again!

Wearing your mask as a chin strap or elbow protector does not count and you could be fined €300. This preventative measure applies to everyone whether vaccinated or not. The purpose is to reduce the risk of droplets containing the virus from spreading more widely especially now when people have to speak louder to be heard over music or when they call to each other when separated in a crowd or walking along the harbour. Please respect this requirement and comply to help keep Hydra Covid free this summer so everyone can enjoy themselves.

Keep safe and have fun on Hydra, regards, Kelsey

GAWF 2021

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 15 May 2021 13:40:43 GMT

Equine Vets on Hydra This Weekend

The hardworking and dedicated equine vets from GAWF (Greek Animal Welfare Fund) arrived on Hydra this weekend taking the first opportunity now that the Greek domestic travel restrictions have been lifted, to visit providing care for the island's hard-working horses, mules and donkeys.

Vet, Kostas, attended for his first visit and was impressed with the condition of the animals he checked over on the first morning.

Aris, the blacksmith, returned for what must be his seventh visit to tend to the hooves and feet of our equines. He was his usual lovely laid-back self and well used to resolving the issues of Hydra's hoofed workers.

When I arrived to capture some coverage, the dentist was rasping the teeth of one of George's horses - who it has to be said, disliked the process as much as Harriet's horse, Rouli, disliked the vet on sight. Watching the equine dentist having a battle of wills with George's horse made me think of Garry Draper who is sadly missed. And I couldn't help feeling sorry for the dentist attending this year as his only thanks for the effort he made was to have his tools thrown at him and have his hand bitten by the horse he was trying to help. It brought a whole new meaning to 'never work with animals'!

Kostas was optimistic that at least another ten horses would be added on Sunday to the 'seen list' in addition to the 18-20 dealt with on the first day. However, I suspect that the number of horses, mules and donkeys attending this session won't be as high as normal given that it's the first weekend that muleteers will be able to get some work in the port after 6 months of lockdown.

I left Kostas with Harriet of Harriet's Hydra Horses as they were about to give a check-up to Harriet's horse Rouli who is the most gentle boy ever except he hates vets with a passion. I take my hat off to this dedicated team of animal lovers!

Thank You To Hydradirect & The Radio Program Links

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 15 May 2021 08:51:22 GMT

From Joel Bronner of RFI

Joel Bronner interviewing Kosmas at Oraia Ydra this week

Dear Kelsey,

As promised, here are a few links to the reports that you can find on RFI's website.

I'll send you next week the link to the last one that will be broadcast on Tuesday.

Thank you very much again for your time and your great help.

I hope I'll have the occasion to come back to Hydra for a bit longer next time!

Have a great weekend,

Joel

Here is the first link to the 2'30 story centered on vaccinations and on the 'covid-free island' plan.

https://www.rfi.fr/fr/podcasts/reportage-international/20210513-gr%C3%A8ce-lancement-de-la-saison-touristique-avec-des-%C3%AEles-z%C3%A9ro-covid

Here is a second link to a 1'15 story about life restarting siga-siga.

https://www.rfi.fr/fr/europe/20210513-covid-19-en-gr%C3%A8ce-avec-la-r%C3%A9ouverture-des-terrasses-la-vie-reprend-peu-%C3%A0-peu

And here is a third (1'15) about the expectations regarding this touristic season after a peculiar previous one.

https://www.rfi.fr/fr/europe/20210514-gr%C3%A8ce-reprise-officielle-de-la-saison-touristique

Lifting the Travel Restrictions on 14th May 2021

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Wed, 12 May 2021 21:47:10 GMT

Lifting the Greek Ban on Movement to coincide with the reopening of tourism

Greek Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Akis Skertsos on Wednesday announced that restrictions on domestic travel in Greece will be lifted on Friday, May 14, but that rules will apply for travel to the islands for both residents and visitors.

Non-essential intra-regional movement (travel between regions) has been banned in Greece since the country’s second lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) .

Rules to travel to the islands by ferry & plane

People in Greece (residents and foreign visitors) will be allowed to travel to the Greek islands by ferry or plane only if they have one of the following:

– a vaccination certificate (stating that 14 days have passed since full vaccination for Covid-19)
– a negative PCR test performed less than three days (72 hours)
– a negative rapid antigen test taken 24 hours prior to travel
– a negative self-test taken 24 hours prior to travel.

PLEASE NOTE: the requirements above apply to Hydra residents travelling between the mainland and island, as well, (irrespective of the reason for your trip, so even if going to a genuine medical appointment).

Skertsos added that those who have recovered from Covid-19 can present a certificate issued two months after their recovery (valid for nine months).

The staff of ferry and airline companies will be responsible to check that passengers are carrying the required documentation before boarding.

The rule will be in force for all travelers, Greeks and foreigners, including children over 5 years old.

Passengers who prefer to travel with a negative self-test must declare the result before traveling on the selftesting.gov.gr platform.

It is noted that no rules apply for travel to the islands of Evia, Lefkada and Salamina.

PLF for travelers from abroad is mandatory

Skertsos also said that the submission of the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) by all passengers of international flights to Greece remains mandatory.

The PLF, which is submitted before travel, is expected to include a space for passengers to enter their Covid-19 certificate information regarding vaccination status or negative PCR test result. (A further announcement regarding the additional data on the PLF is expected to be made by the authorities.)

Domestic travel by car

For people in Greece traveling between regions on the mainland by car, Skertsos said there is a strong recommendation for them to take a Covid-19 self-test before and after their trips. However, this remains optional and as the deputy minister said, car passengers will not checked while on the road.

Skertsos did not mention rules involving travel by train.

The lifting of the ban on domestic travel coincides with Greece’s official opening for tourism with no quarantine requirement for vaccinated travelers or those with a negative PCR test.

Further announcements on how Greece will open its gates to international travelers are expected to be made by Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis on Thursday.

Hydra Interviewed for French Radio

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Tue, 11 May 2021 16:12:12 GMT

Joël Bronner of RFI (Radio France International)

Yesterday felt closer to a 'normal day' for me at Hydradirect than any for the last 15 months. I was asked to help a reporter to make contact with people on Hydra for his radio program. So yesterday, I did more running around town with an even bigger smile than normal and had lots of fun filming the interviews. It was a real breath of fresh air for me!

Journalist, Joel Bronner of RFI (Radio France International) arrived on the island in the morning and we spent nearly 6 hours meeting people from different business groups in town. What he wanted to ask was how the island had been affected by the Covid crisis last year, what everyone was anticipating for this year in advance of fully opening for tourism, and finally how the island's vaccination program was going. As ever, I went into overdrive to make sure he had a good representative selection of people to interview. The poor man was exhausted but very happy when he left the island in the afternoon.

Joel's radio broadcast will air on French radio next week. And even though he gathered so much information, his program slots only total about 6 minutes, so he will have to prune the 4 hours of recorded interviews quite ruthlessly. But he very kindly agreed to let me follow him so I could capture the highlights for everyone involved to share here.

The experience of watching Joel at work for radio rather than film was also an eye-opener for me. As he said, the interviews are important, but he needed to collect background noise to add atmosphere. So we had fun with Dimitris running the engine on the Alma Libra , Robi slapping menus on to tables at Kai Kremmidi and I even had to walk up and down with one of Harriet's horses, Rouli , to get the clip clop sounds for Joel. At the Isaolos , we almost had too much background noise with all the happy chatter and cups clinking that had Katerina huddled so close to Joel's microphone that I could hardly catch any of her words on my video. But my favourite was asking Cosmas who is in the midst of deep cleaning his kitchen at Oraia Ydra to make convincing cooking and service noises!

I really enjoyed listening to what everyone had to say. Angelos of Turquiose eloquently summarised our optimism for a better season than last year. Spiros of the Hydra Homes Shop (AKA the Plastic Man) sent Joel on his way with a Hydra flag as a momento to remind him of his visit. And I thank our Mayor George Koukoudakis for allowing us to interrupt his work on the planning of the Miaoulia Festival, which will take place from the 25th - 27th June 2021.

Even I have had to edit a lot of the material I gathered for my blog video, but I will send everyone a bespoke little video of all the clips I took.

My only regret was not being able to introduce Joel to Mary Katsika and the medical team who are still in the thick of vaccinating the 20-year olds on the island and just couldn't take time out. However, I will be interviewing them at a later date. Just to clarify, as George mentions, 100% of all those who have asked for the vaccination will have had it by the end of May. Mary has confirmed that this is about 65% of the population so far.

Thank you to everyone for their collective cooperation and for presenting Hydra so well. In fact, the only disappointingly uncooperative element to the whole day, were the silent animals. Not a bray from a mule nor even a purr from a street cat. Only the ducks were vocal as they chased off some pigeons. Ducks? Ducks .... not exactly what you expect on Hydra!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy time on Hydra this season.

Open Now, Opening Later

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 08 May 2021 20:05:24 GMT

From the 3rd May, the Greek Government lifted the restriction for restaurants, bars and cafes. However, on Hydra, not all have opened as there just aren't enough customers to make it worthwhile. (See the list below.)

Most of the Hydra shops are open again with just a few exceptions.

Today the organised beaches were allowed to reopen with restrictions. But the beach boats servicing Bisti and Ag. Nicolaos won't restart until later in May when there are enough people around.

Until the 15th May, the curfew is still 23:00 and no music is allowed in bars or even on beaches (so pack your headphones).

All the Hydra Harbourfront cafes are open all day until 22:45.

Restaurants are only allowed to serve outside and with a maximum of 6 per table (so no parties) and no music.

Everyone still must wear masks and have SMS option 6 with them. (Option 6 is supposed to be valid for 3 hours, but I think that requirement has been 'binned'.) And the news is reporting that the SMS system will be suspended on the 15th May. (Which would make sense because tourists aren't going to buy a Greek mobile and very few will know about the paper option!)

These are the open restaurants, etc., that I checked with today:

Mandraki 1800 during the daytime but phone ahead for evenings

Psaropoula 12:30 - 22:45

Kai Kremmidi 12:30 - 20:00

Kodylenia 12:00 - 22:45

Pirate Bar 06:00 - 15:00 (food served from 09:00 - 14:30) & 18:00 - 22:45

Psinesai 12:00 - 22:45

On the 15th May, rumours hint that the curfew will at Midnight or possibly abolished. If this is the case, then everyone will stay open later.

Opening a little later will be:

Caprice Friday 14th May, 18:00 - 22:45

Oraia Ydra Thursday 13th May 12:00 - 16:00 & 18:00 - 22:45

Il Casta Friday 14th May, 18:00 - 22:45 (but might be Saturday)

Piato Monday 17th May Hours to be confirmed later

Paradosiakon 20th May, 12:00 - 22:45

Mandraki beach resort (beach and restaurant) 15th May

Xeri Elia 15th May

Pirofani 2nd June, 18:00 - 22:45 (So long as Theo's flight doesn't get cancelled)

To Geitonikon 15th May 11:00 - 15:00 & 18:00 - 22:45

1821 Bar end May

Please note, these are the times that everyone above hopes to maintain daily but I would recommend a quick call just to make certain on the day. Not everyone has managed to get all the staff they need yet!

Kali orexi everyone!

Non-AMKA Residents to Verify Documents at KEP

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Fri, 07 May 2021 05:05:44 GMT

Applies to Emvolio registered AFM holders

Hydra's foreign residents with an AFM, who have applied for a Temporary AMKA number on the Emvolio.gov.gr site and have recently received an SMS message to visit KEP (on Hydra) in order to verify their information can make an appointment by calling Hydra KEP: 22983 20260 to get their AMKA number. Please note that this is for the foreign residents who have an AFM tax number (ΑΦΜ) and have already registered on Emvolio.

The SMS message will be in Greek, so please don't ignore it so you don't miss out. If you see EMVOLIO & KEP in the message, I think it's safe to assume you should phone Vangelis of KEP and ask what documents you need to bring with you.

Until recently, only foreigners visiting Hydra or locked down in Greece without an AFM could obtain their temporary AMKA from the KEP office. It is good to see that now the backlog of Emvolio registered AFM applications can be processed more quickly via KEP.

To date, the AMKAs already verified via the KEP office have taken about 21 days to be active (recognised) on the Emvolio site, so it's only another step forward to getting an appointment to be vaccinated. But at least now, foreigners will know that within a short period after visiting the KEP office, they will appear on the Emvolio system and will be offered a vaccination appointment.

I can only assume that this new procedure also applies to all other areas of Greece and again, it is only for those who have already applied on the Envolio site and have an AFM. And only if you have received an SMS on the mobile phone number you supplied when you made your application.

Partial Reopening on Hydra

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Mon, 03 May 2021 16:41:02 GMT

Coffee taken sitting down

Today for the first time in almost six months, it was possible to sit down, order a coffee and drink it from a proper cup without walking around with it.

It's such a simple thing but certainly, on Hydra, it's the little things that make up most people's daily routines. You finish your shopping, then you can stop for coffee. You've done a job, you get coffee. Bank or post office visited, you need a coffee. And for some people, you get up and your day doesn't start until you have coffee in front of you on the port. It's not just a refreshment. It's the time when everyone stops to enjoy the port, to see who's around, to catch up with friends and to have human contact that, even the most reclusive person agrees, has been hard to cope without since November last year.

So today, Pascha Monday, 3 May 2021, the Greek government allowed Cafes, Bars and Restaurants to reopen. And quite a few people on Hydra came to town for the simple pleasure of morning coffee.

There are still restrictions and of course as tourism doesn't open until 15 May, very few of the restaurants or bars feel it's worth opening until then.

For a start, it's just a local release. The nationwide movement ban and requirement for essential work and emergency travel only, means that officially visitors still can't get here for another twelve days. Everyone must still wear masks, inside or out-of-doors. Only six people can sit together unless it's a family bubble. But when you are sitting, you can take your mask off. And everyone must still use the SMS permit system with number 6 as their reason for being out. Six has been the number we've all been using to go out for personal exercise. Obviously in this case it's now the number needed to exercise arms (lifting cups to mouth), and squatting as an alternative to walking (bending at the hips in order to sit on a chair).

Now that the cafes at least have reopened, along with the shops, and the children can return to school on the 10th, it feels as though we're getting reacquainted with 'normality'. Having a dress rehearsal, so we'll be ready when tourism restarts on the 15th.

Best regards, Kelsey

Althea Garden House, New for 2021

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 01 May 2021 15:07:21 GMT

If you're struggling to find somewhere for August on Hydra ....

Let me make a recommendation

The Althea Garden House has just gone live on the Hydra Holiday Rental market. And it's well worth considering for family or friends to share especially if you prefer not to hike the mountains to get a great view. Although not of the sea, the 180 degree views of the town and mountains are mesmerising. Sitting on the terrace you'll kick yourself if you forget to pack your sketch pad!

The house sleeps 6 guests in total comfort with everything you might need for a smashing stay at any time of the year.

For full details please click this link Althea Garden House to contact Irini to book your next Hydra trip.

Livechat Goes Live on Hydradirect

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 08:48:30 GMT

For quick questions about Hydra

To make it easier for my Hydradirect users to get the information they need more quickly, I've added a Livechat feature to the site. So when I'm online anyone can ask me a quick question in real time without having to fill in a 'contact me email'.

You will see the new feature as a round image of my photo at the bottom of your screen whether you're using a desktop, iPad, tablet or mobile phone. Just click the photo, enter your name and type your question. If you're reading this page, you'll be able to see it now in the bottom right corner of your screen.

As there's only me behind the site, you will only get an answer immediately when I am working at my desk. If I'm out, you'll be able to type your question and it will be queued for me to answer as soon as I return.

I hope you find it useful and I look forward to answering your quick questions about our wonderful Hydra Island, Greece soon.

Regards, Kelsey

What To Expect For The Next Three Weeks

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 20:14:29 GMT

Lots of changes to restrictions

Hydra is making things ready for the 15 May 2021 reopening, despite the Pascha restrictions.

TRAVEL BAN (23 April - 10 May)

On Hydra, most full-time residents and business owners are back on the island, as well as a few 2nd homeowners who arrived just in time to beat the movement ban that started yesterday and won't end until 10 May!

The Greek Government are determined to keep any flare-up of the CoVd crisis to a minimum over the Pascha week. Roadblocks are in operation to prevent people (Greeks or visitors) from circumnavigating the ban, especially between Athens and the islands, with police waiting to catch anyone willing to risk trying to reach Hydra via Metochi. Hefty fines apply. The only permitted reasons to travel to or from Hydra until 10 May are essential trips to your normal workplace (with a digital permit) or emergency health reasons (including trips to medical centres for vaccination appointments at Kranidi or Galataas). 2nd homeowners are not permitted to return to Hydra from now until this emergency movement ban for Pascha is lifted. See press release here: https://www.kathimerini.gr/society/561340756/epicheirisi-pascha-stin-poli-aystiroi-elegchoi-sta-diodia-drones-kai-prostima/

Confusingly, all the transport routes (Hellenic, Freedom & Alpha Lines) will continue operating but with emergency restrictions. Just because they are running, it doesn't mean that pleasure trips are allowed. The routes are still open in case of emergencies only. It doesn't matter what your nationality, whether your country is on the 'don't need to self-isolate for 7-days' list, or you have a folder bursting with documents to prove you own a house on Hydra. Until 10 May, you cannot travel on to Hydra.

PASCHA ARRANGEMENTS

Hydra's Orthodox Church has published the revised timetable for the Pascha services. Because of limits on participants allowed to attend, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary will be broadcasting the services 'live' on the church's Youtube channel. Everyone is encouraged to subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrPtMmUh3xr-wPT59WlD8Xg to participate in the services from home at the followiing (Greek) times:

Holy Thursday, 29.04.2021 17:30 Sequence of the Holy Passions

Good Friday, 30.04.2021 07:30 Sequence of M Hours and Vespers of Apostasy 18:00 Sequence of the Epitaph of Lamentation

Holy Saturday, 01.05.2021 07:30 Vespers and Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 20:00 Sequence of the Resurrection

Easter Sunday, 02.05.2021 11:00 Vespers of Love

If you intend to join online for this most beautiful time in the Orthodox calendar, don't forget to light your brown candle on Friday, and a white one for after the Resurrection on Saturday to mark the sign of the cross over your door.

On Hydra, anyone attending in person will have to double mask and maintain the required distance from each other.

The limited spacing inside the churches will mean that as much of the services as possible will held outside, including the Epitaph crucession, but still with minimal attendance. The Saturday midnight resurrection has been brought forward to 9 pm to comply with the Pascha week curfew of 10 pm. As the restaurants will be closed, families will have their traditional Margaritza soup and crack red-dyed eggs together at home.

LOCAL PASCHA SUNDAY GATHERINGS

As restaurants are not permitted to open, a family can gather with another family for indoor, at-home gatherings for a maximum of 9 people. However, larger families (or two), up to 12 people, can gather in outside spaces. To quote the prime minister, you can meet in your home garden, on the beach, in a park or countryside. And home self-diagnostic tests should be carried out beforehand for everyone attending. Tests are available from both the Gavalas and Rafalias pharmacies .

CURFEW

From now until 3 May, the curfew is 10 pm. From 3 May, the curfew will be 11 pm.

SOFT OPENING OF CAFES, RESTAURANTS & BARS FOR LOCALS

All types of catering can reopen on Easter Monday, 3 May. Restrictions will apply. But at last, it will be possible for locals to meet, sit outside with friends for those much-missed coffee catchups, have something to eat, and a celebratory drink!

Some of the cafes have already been offering takeaway refreshments and food throughout the long winter. But I can't wait to be able to sit down at the Isalos for my elevenses coffee without having to take it away!

Ifigenia has already announced that she is open now at Kai Kremmidi from 12:30 - 20:30 each day for takeaways. She has festively decorated the restaurant (in true Ifigenia style) to lift everyone's spirits, and she will be providing Pascha hampers and picnics as well as her usual delicious menu to go.

But it is not likely that many outlets will fully open on the 3rd. Given the minimal number of potential customers locally on the island, most of whom are being very careful not to spend what little money they have, it just won't be worth fully opening for some places. For example, I already know that the Pirate Ba r will be open for coffee and drinks but not for food. Though perhaps Fiona could make some of her delicious carrot cake? Angelos (of Turquoise ) and I have begged and twisted Wendy's arm enough to ensure at least one batch of Apple Crumble as an 'occasion'. We have dibs on the first two pieces!

Quite aside from there not being enough locals to go round all the restaurants, etc., many still haven't been able to organise staff anyway. Travel has been challenging but now that appointments for vaccinations are underway, there's an additional dilemma deciding whether to stay where they are and have the jabs before they come, or get here, then worry about getting vaccinated if possible on the island. And the protocols for whether it is mandatory for those in catering is still a little unclear.

And of course, many suppliers can no longer get to the island or even deliver supplies during the traditional holiday period, so reopening on Easter Monday, 3 May, is not likely to be universal on Hydra.

VACCINATIONS

The 2nd doses for the 60+ group are done. Most of the 400 or so in this group now have their vaccination completion certificates.

Hydra's residents with underlying medical conditions started their vaccinations just after the 60+ group, with quite a few opting to go to Galatas or Kranidi rather than wait for the 2nd group session on Hydra. Many of the ex-pats and temporary residents who were struggling to obtain AMKA's have been sorted. A few who registered very late will have to wait about three months until the system churns out their numbers.

The 1st dose for the much larger 18-59 Hydra group of about 860 people is well underway, but most likely, the under 28-year-olds won't get their appointments until after Pascha. So with four weeks between the 1st and 2nd dose on Hydra, we won't be fully vaccinated until the beginning of June. Contrary to Government quotes in the press, some people on the islands have not chosen to have it because the vaccination is not mandatory. The reality on Hydra will be approximately 65% of the population rather than the ambiguous 'all' mentioned in the papers.

BUILDING WORKS AND SHOPS OPEN

Taking advantage of the dry Spring and nobody around to disturb, the Municipality has forged ahead with repairs to the harbours, water and sewage systems. Shopfronts and signs are being spruced up and repaired. Repainting the steps is a tradition that I miss on Hydra, so I applauded Leonides when I saw him outlining the steps with white at Psinesai the other day. The shops have been open for a couple of weeks now. Even though there haven't been many customers, already shops like Turquoise , Ydra Premier and Adonis have got new fashion on the rails to tempt you with this summer.

NO MORE COVID CASES ON HYDRA

And finally, everyone will be pleased to hear that there are no longer any Covid cases on Hydra. Everyone affected by the March outbreak has fully recovered, except one who is making good progress but still in hospital on the mainland.

Until at least 3 May, everyone will continue to wear masks both inside and outside. People are allowed to go for walks with up to 3 people or their family bubble. Everyone must still observe social distancing, and pay special attention to the maximum number of people in shops, etc.

Pleasure boats and yachts are banned until further notice.

Visitors, including workers and 2nd homeowners, will be allowed to travel back to Hydra after 10 May, again for essential business or emergency reasons. And I confirm that it is not mandatory to have a vaccination completion certificate to enter Greece, although it will most likely help speed up your journey. But it is compulsory to have either a vaccination certificate to prove completion 2 weeks prior to travel or a neg. PCR 72hr test and to complete your passenger locator form. There is a testing centre, Therapia , on Hydra for visitors who will need testing for their return journeys.

Greece opens to all international travelers with proof of vaccination or negative PCR test result conducted 72 hours before arrival on May 15.

Greeks will be allowed to travel domestically on May 15 .

So be assured, even though visitors still have to wait until 15 May, Hydra is getting as ready to give everyone a big, safe, welcome back.

Only 23 days to go!

Regards, Kelsey

Movement Between Mainland & Hydra Banned Till 10th May

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 21:22:50 GMT

Strict Movement Rules In Force During Pascha

Has Greece Been Open For Tourism Since the 19th of April? No, Not Really!

As of today, the 23rd of April 2021, the movement between prefectures, including to and from the islands, is completely banned, except for work (with online permits) or vital health reasons, until the 10th of May 2021.

Anyone who arrived on Hydra recently using their 'once only, return to permanent home' reason for coming to Hydra will now have to stay until the movement ban ends on the 10th of May.

Even though the government seemed reluctant to say it, I suspect the intention of relaxing the border restrictions from the 19th of April was more to allow essential workers and business owners to get back into the county than to invite holidaymakers specifically. Greeks aren't allowed to travel freely in their own country until after the 10th of May unless it's for essential or emergency reasons. So that's a big hint that despite the relaxation of self-isolation rules for EU countries, the US & UK etc., these 'essential or emergency' reasons apply to tourists as well.

Specifically for Hydra, travel into the country since the 19th of April without self-isolating or proving residency has been vital for business owners. Many holiday-letting homeowners, shopkeepers and hoteliers have been desperate to get back to the island to prepare their businesses for the holiday season. Many companies on the island need to get their staff back so they can operate. Having been closed for six months, everyone needs to get up to speed with supplies, not all of which can be ordered online but need meetings with suppliers. These are all 'essential' business reasons that require more freedom of movement. So allowing border crossings by air and land since the 19th of April without 7-days isolation was an essential move toward getting Hydra (and the rest of the country) ready to open for tourism after the 14th of May safely.

And now that the complete ban on movement between the mainland and Hydra is in place, it is impossible for anyone to travel to Hydra even if they own a home here. There will no doubt be some indignant people who intended travelling this week. But even if you show your E1, E9, Title Deeds and all your other documents, you won't be able to say you're returning to your permanent home simply because it's not allowed and would beg the question of why you weren't already in it! Again, the earliest time you will be able to return to Hydra legitimately will be the 10th of May. And tourists from the 14th of May 2021.

In an interview, the prime minister set the general tone: " Do not have any doubt that there will be strict controls at the exit from the cities, especially at the exit from Athens", he said, warning that "the fines will be hefty".

As for the alternative route to Hydra, umm think again. There will be strict controls on the tolls along the national roads Athens - Corinth where Traffic Police will carry out meticulous checks on each passing driver and passengers.

Hydra Still Closed To Tourism

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 12:40:19 GMT

But Everyone Is Getting Ready To Safely Open 14th May 2021

In the last couple of weeks, people have inundated me with enquiries wanting to know if they can come to Hydra. Even Hydra's holiday homeowners have been asking if they can accept April bookings. But wishful thinking fueled by speculation in the press has not forced a speeding up of the cessation of the Greek lockdown.

Today's Government announcement partially lifts restrictions for ESSENTIAL & EMERGENCY travel from the EU and a few other countries. Individuals from those countries need no longer self-isolate for 7-days upon arrival. But this does not mean that people (from those countries) can enter the country for holidays or pleasure trips. The lifting of the 7-day isolation for those who have been fully vaccinated OR have a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to departure has been made to enable easier travelling for essential or emergency trips from those countries only.

The latest relaxation of the 7-day isolation requirement from a few countries should not signal 'permission' to book holidays on Hydra during April or even over the Greek Pascha weekend.

Just because you don't have to self-isolate for 7-days doesn't mean that the other restrictions won't apply to you. You will still have to prove ownership if you say you are travelling from Piraeus to Hydra to stay in your own residence. The Greek Government has asked even Athenians who own 2nd homes on Hydra to NOT travel between their homes unless absolutely essential. The hotels, guest houses, pensions and therefore Airbnb-style private holiday-home rentals have NOT been given the go-ahead to resume business. The restaurants, cafes & bars are not permitted to reopen yet. Shops other than a limited number of food and essential goods stores, are allowed to operate only click and collect sales.

And for everyone who is already on Hydra, the restrictions are still as they have been for months. SMS permits required to go out, no groups, parties or meetings, limited numbers, social distancing, no accompanying loved ones who need hospitalisation, church services and funerals with limited attendance, all with masks both inside and out, no visiting each other's houses other than with social bubble families, limits on the number of people in sea taxis even.

The Greek Government are trying to speed up the vaccination program, especially on the islands. But there are limits to how fast this can be done. On Hydra, slightly over 60% of the island's population will have been fully vaccinated but not until mid-May at the earliest.

Given the current level of high alert within Greece, where the virus is still causing many cases and deaths daily, it stands to reason that the country is not open for tourism until the still quoted 14th May 2021.

As much as I sympathise entirely with everyone who is getting desperate to return to some semblance of normality, realistically, it is not possible yet. Until at least 26th April 2021, the Greek Government has made it clear that you can only travel into the country for essential and emergency reasons. This doesn't include holidays or pleasure. In the strictest interpretation, this also applies to 2nd homeowners who would normally migrate to the island at this time of the year.

For the last month, the Greek Government has been asking Greeks not to make plans to travel to their 'family' island or countryside homes. Even Greece's churches have already modified how they are going to hold Pascha services online without congregations again this year. For the 2nd year, the country's most significant religious observance will have Greeks staying at the homes where they have spent the last 6 months in lockdown.

The aim of all the restrictions and to not open for pleasure travel either domestically or internationally until the 14th May is to safe-guard the vital summer season for everyone.

This is how things stand today (19th April), but as the world knows, changes are happening daily. So who knows what restriction might, or might not, lift next week. I will continue to strive to clarify the latest 'rules'.

For now, as a parting piece of advice, I'd say to everyone, stay at home until 14th May unless it's truly essential, and hang on in there for a little longer.

Please see my latest Travel Requirements and Covid Updates for more information.

Regards Kelsey

Update on Hydra's Covid Position

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 18:41:46 GMT

The Indefatigable Mary Katsika

Today my brain has been juggling multiple loads of seemingly contradictory information. By evening, I had a headache coming on that had nothing to do with my 2nd vac jab last weekend!

So joining the ranks of the reported 27% increase in Greek smokers since the outbreak of Covid, I went for a combined walk/shopping trip to pick up another packet of ciggies to relax the tension a bit. (With my SMS permit and mask, of course.)

Much to my delight, Mary Katsika, Hydra's Deputy Mayor of Social Services, was taking her turn to mind the family shop. And better still cheerfully agreed to catch me up on some statistics between her juggling shop customers and taking phone calls from Hydriots registering belatedly for the latest Hydra group batch of 18-59-year-old first vac jabs.

It has been Mary's extra job on top of her normal municipal duties to coordinate the registration and appointment times for all the on island vaccinations. With all that entails, it's not an easy job and I take my hat off to Mary for having risen to the challenge so well.

As of the middle of next week, 400 Hydra residents will have had their 2nd jabs. (60+ age group plus emergency and vital service people.)

There are currently 846 registered for the current Hydra group (18-59 year olds plus a few older people who didn't register for the previous group). The 1st vaccination jabs for this group started this week. It's hoped that they will all have their first jabs by Pascha. (This will mean about 60 a day, so it might be more realistic to hope for just after Pascha!)

So by the end of May, 1246 people will have been fully vaccinated as part of the 'on-Hydra groups'.

Add another approximate 200 to account for those Hydriots who opted to go to Athens, Galatas or Kranidi when their groups were called, on the Emvolio site.

So we should have had approximately 1446 Hydra people 'double dosed' by the end of May.

As this equates to over 60% of the island's population, it's hugely encouraging. And Mary told me this evening that people are still calling her to be added to the list. So perhaps the percentage will be higher.

Mary also confirmed that some of the 27 non-AMKA residents who did as asked and registered back in January via the Emvolio.gov.gr site for an emergency AMKA, have received their SMS delivered numbers and Mary has now been able to add them to the list for vaccination in this latest group . Again, if you don't have an AMKA and haven't already applied for one on Emvolio, please do so immediately. Alternatively, you can contact the KEP office (as announced in today's press), but as it's all done digitally now, it will be best to use Emvolio. It does work but is taking about 3 months to process. There is no way to circumvent the system. You might miss a group vac session on Hydra, but once you have your emergency number, you will be able to get an appointment in Galatas or Kranidi.

Next, Mary and I discussed the nasty little outbreak of March. Happily, everyone who was affected has recovered. We are now down to only 1 positive case in isolation on Hydra. Sadly, Giannis Belegris, Hydra's Deputy Mayor, is still in hospital but better than he was and slowly improving. I am sure I am not alone in wishing him a speedy and full recovery.

I would personally like to add my thanks to everyone else on Hydra who recognise what a fantastic job Mary is doing. It is not easy to organise minute by minute appointments at the last moment with none of the wiggle room that Greeks usually apply to time-keeping. And at the same time, to help with the family business, run her own home and deal with her other municipal responsibilities. She has my complete admiration. And my thanks for taking the time this evening to keep me informed.

Please visit my pages CoVid Updates and Travel Restrictions for more updates.

Hang on in there everyone, just a bit longer and hopefully we will be ready to welcome everyone back safely after the 14th May.

Regards, Kelsey

Non-Greeks To Get Temp AMKAs

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 12:22:32 GMT

A Step In The Right Direction

After a long, uncertain and frustrating wait, it seems that the government are addressing the issue of the emvolio.gov.gr site not allowing many non AMKA residents to obtain one. Having said that, I can confirm that I know of 2 non-AMKA Hydra residents, who applied on the emvolio site for their numbers back at the end of January, who received their temp AMKA's by SMS on the 13th April. So more or less 3 months to process. But they have now both been added to the Hydra group session that's just started this week. So excellent news for those who registered.

As reported in the Ekathimerini online newspaper today ( https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1159342/non-greeks-to-get-temporary-amka-to-be-able-to-get-self-test-kits/ ) it seems that now people who do not have a tax registration number (AFM) or a police ID card can be granted a temporary social security number (AMKA) from Citizens’ Service Centers (KEP) to obtain self-testing kits by registering on the relevant digital platform.

To get an AMKA, interested parties must have an Expatriate Special Identity Card, a birth certificate, a passport and a temporary or permanent residence permit. The amendment will be voted on Thursday. This sentence would seem to imply that the newly issued AMKA will enable the holder to get vaccinated as well as obtain self-tests. "The same amendment sets out the procedure whereby a coronavirus vaccination appointment can be made by those who have obtained a temporary AMKA."

I have no idea whether this latest report will be in action immediately, but I suggest that anyone on Hydra who still needs an AMKA should contact the KEP office as soon as possible.

Contact: Vangellis

Email: d.ydras@kep.gov.uk

Phone: 22980 53782

Alpha Lines Speed Cat Launched Today

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 10:01:28 GMT

Great news for Hydra locals and visitors

Great news because this new local company can give the Blue Star/Hellenic Seaways monopoly some much needed competition. It's to be hoped that Alpha Lines will raise the bar so that all the Argo Saronic Islands, not just Hydra, can enjoy more frequent and reliable transport links with the mainland. With lower prices, crew stowed luggage and uniquely a sundeck to enjoy while travelling, I for one will choose to travel with this new local company out of preference.

This mornings first trip to Hydra was a little later arriving than anticipated but probably to be expected as wrinkles in the procedures will need to be ironed out. And it didn't help that the loading barge (doing repair work on the harbour) made it a tight squeeze getting in. This meant that the Speed Cat had to reverse out so the Freedom ferry (to Metochi) could leave to make room for the enormous Speed Cat.

Everyone disembarking looked and sounded happy!

Prices : One-way seats start at €28.50 .

Choice of seating : 4 choices of seating & pricing.

Discounts : You'll be impressed!

Journey time : 1 hr 15 mins (if no stop at Poros) or 1 hr 50 mins.

Voucher for luggage : The crew stow and unload to the quayside for you. (Arrive at least 15 mins prior to departure please.)

Sundeck : Uniquely, there is a sundeck for passengers to use in transit if they want to be outside for part of the journey.

Animal friendly : To keep pets safe during the crossing, secure cages are provided on the sundeck.

Internet : Full internet access is available onboard throughout your journey.

Bar & Refreshments : Available at the on board galley or can be served at your table in Business Class.

Frequent Passengers : Join the Alpha Club to collect points towards bar discounts and/or free tickets.

Specification: Speed Cat I, was built in 2002, is 11 x 43 m and carries 301 passengers. Made in France, designed with "wave piercing" technology for a more comfortable ride even if the sea is boisterous.

For full details and direct booking please visit Alpha Lines .

Safety-First Summer Preparation

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 10:10:49 GMT

Getting Ready to Reopen Safely on Hydra

Despite the changeable Spring weather that seems to have brought more wind but not enough water this year, Hydra's businesses are cautiously optimistic that, as planned by the government, the island will be ready to safely reopen for visitors in mid-May.

Having managed to stay well clear of the CoVid pandemic for most of the last horrible year, it was perhaps inevitable that the island would succumb to a small outbreak in March, frustratingly close to the time when we hope to open.

At the moment there are 22 active Hydra cases. Everything is under control with 19 mild cases still in home-isolation on the island, but sadly, 3 patients are in hospital on the mainland. The Mayor and one other person have now recovered and with negative tests have been allowed to leave isolation. The EODY government team visited the island on Monday and Tuesday this week. They conducted 312 voluntary tests. Only 1 positive case out of the 312 was found, which I've accounted for in the still active cases.

Although these statistics are miniscule in the world's figures, on Hydra where everyone knows each other, concern for those affected is magnified with best wishes for a good recovery uppermost in everyone's minds.

Having almost lived in a protected bubble on Hydra for so long, the March outbreak has served as a timely reminder on the island to hang-on for a bit longer and take precautions even more seriously. There is a sense of determination to knock this outbreak on the head so that we can keep our friends and families safe as well as to be able to safely reopen for business to welcome much missed visitors back.

While businesses are starting to decorate and refit their premises, the vaccination program for the island is well in hand. In March, 232 over 60's had their first Vac Jabs with their second doses due to start imminently. And vaccination of essential personnel has been ongoing since the 21st March. Registration for the island's 18-59 is still happening this week and already the percentage of those eligible to register is showing an increase on the last group with some who missed the opportunity last month signing up this time around. There is still no word yet from the Government Health Ministry as to a date for the 'collective' vaccination for the latest group to start, but hopefully the first doses will be administered by the end of April.

The aim is to have everyone on Hydra who wants the vaccine to have at least the first dose by the beginning of May to provide as much protection as possible for a safer reopening.

Safety precautions such as hand sanitizers, limited numbers for shop entry, the use of masks and limited social contact are well established on the island now. The Bexis/Kritikos supermarket is the first to install a sanitizer dispenser combined with a temperature-taking feature for their customers to use. And visitors will be able to buy a variety of masks and handbag size bottles of sanitizer from lots of shops while they are here. Precautions have become much more of an automatic habit (especially reinforced by everyone's apprehension with the up-close and personal nature of the outbreak) and is likely to continue well into the summer so visitors will be kept safer too.

As far as it's been possible to find out, most of the shops, restaurants and businesses on Hydra intend reopening this season, so visitors will be happy to see all their favourite places and people.

Many of the 2nd home owners who normally migrate back to the island in March, in light of the island outbreak and the mandatory 7 day self-isolation immediately on arrival, have opted to wait until the cases on Hydra have recovered, delaying their returns until after the Greek Orthodox Pascha at the end of April. This will greatly reduce the risk of possibly bringing contamination as well as their luggage with them and everyone on the island appreciates their consideration.

As with last year, the Greek Government have already asked the population to not travel outside of their full-time homes to avoid (re)contamination of the islands. So again, this year's Pascha will be a low-key, at-home celebration.

A note of good news though, instead of cancelling the much loved Hydra's Trail Event this April, it has been moved to the end of May . Personally I think this is one of the most exciting annual events hosted by Hydra. I am thrilled that the new date will mean there will be more supporters around to encourage the participants. No doubt there will be restrictions but as a substitute for shouting my support from behind a mask, I have already ordered some noisy clapping machines!

All-in-all, Hydra is working hard on all fronts to get ready to welcome everyone back to their favourite Greek island as safely as possible.

Looking forward to seeing you this summer.

Regards, Kelsey

Getting Non-AMKA Residents & Long-Stay Visitors Vaccinated

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:11:32 GMT

Let's Try For Some Patience!

I cheered when the Greek Government announced plans at the beginning of the month to extend vaccinations to residents & even long-term visitors who do not have an AMKA social security number. But I confess, I did inwardly groan because planning and actually having a platform in place, I know to be two very different things!

Realistically, if you want to be vaccinated but don't have an AMKA, you will have to wait. The Emvolio.gov.gr site is the only platform managing the vaccination appointments for the whole of Greece. It is miraculous, given how fast it's been implemented and the intensity of the volume of use, that it hasn't crashed already. But despite the Greek Government's wish to protect all citizens AND non-registered ASAP, adapting the programming of the Emvolio system so that it ties in with all the tablets used by the administering doctors and nurses is a huge undertaking that will take at least another month, in my opinion, to work properly. And I would also ask foreigners, especially, to remember that Greece has a population of 11 million fully registered people to vaccinate but so far has only had a fraction of the required doses delivered. There has to be some sensible prioritisation.

Even for registered AMKA residents who had their first jabs on Hydra last week, flaws in the system have shown. It will take a while, as with any first-time released computer system, for it to work.

If you don't have an AMKA, you can do a few things for yourself to get your social security number. Yelling at the Hydra Mayor is not one of them (or any other municipal leader) and won't achieve anything. The Greek government Ministry of Health controls the entire system.

If you registered for an AFM after October 2009, then it is very likely that you already have an AMKA number on your TaxisNet account. Please speak to the accountant or lawyer who makes your E1 annual declaration to ask them to look. Also, ask for your TaxisNet username and password, which you will also need.
If you have checked your TaxisNet account and definitely don't have one, then you can register through the normal channels (www.AMKA.gr but it's all in Greek so you might have to ask an accountant or lawyer to help you). OR you can apply for a NORMAL AMKA through the current version of Emvolio.gov.gr. Either way it could take 1-3 months to get one. Again be patient.
OR if you don't have an AFM or are a non-resident stranded on Hydra, OR you've applied for a NORMAL AMKA through normal channels but are still waiting for a reply; Wait until Emvolio.gov.gr publishes a button on the site to let anyone still unregistered to obtain an EMERGENCY AMKA number. (This has not yet happened as of 23 March, 2021 but will eventually.)

See the images below, which I have screen copied in Greek and English. And remember that you will have to apply in the original Greek version (that is, you can't translate the webpage with Google and use it in your own language as it won't work if you try to submit.)

The Municipality of Hydra is well aware of the non-Greek residents on the island without AMKA social security numbers. But they have no more idea of when it will be possible to get these people registered for vaccination than you do!

Nor does the Municipality know when or if there will be an on-island registration for the group of people who have high-risk medical conditions.

But as soon as the Ministry of Health tells them, the Municipality will announce it. Then, it would be likely that there will be a call for any residents eligible to register, as before in February, by phoning a hotline. But again, please be patient because no one, including the Mayor, has a crystal ball.

The rural doctor's surgery on Hydra following on from last week's session is now vaccinating essential service people such as health and emergency personnel this week. Not even they know when it will be possible to start vaccinating non-AMKA people or those with medical conditions or even what group will be next. It is a totally fluid situation that is changing daily.

So, as I hope you will have understood, please be patient. Everyone is working flat out to try to get anyone who wants to be vaccinated done.

From the week commencing 3 April 2021, the 2nd dose vaccinations for the 282 people done last week will start.

Visit www.emvolio.gov.gr

This is the Emvolio screen in Greek, with the button (at the end Εδο meaning to click here to apply for a NORMAL AMKA.

This is the Emvolio screen translated into English.

You will need to click the last button labelled Αν δεν διαθέτετε ΑΜΚΑ παρακαλούμε ακολουθήστε τις οδηγίες εδώ . which will take you to the next screen.

The opening paragraph says "In case you belong to the current vaccination period and do not have an AMKA or your AMKA number cannot be identified by the system, please fill out the form below, to check your request and receive information with instructions."

Complete this screen as follows

Επώνυμο (Last name)
Όνομα (First Name)
Πατρώνυμο (Father's first name)
Έτος γέννησης (Year of birth)
Αριθμός εγγράφου ταυτοποίησης (Identification document number)
Είδος εγγράφου ταυτοποίησης (select Type of identification document)
Ανήκετε σε Ευπαθή Ομάδα; (Do you belong to a Vulnerable Group?)
Αιτία προβλήματος (Cause of problem *)

Δεν εχω ΑΜΚΑ (I do not have an AMKA)
Έχω ΑΜΚΑ αλλά δεν έχω ΑΦΜ στην Ελλάδα (I have an AMKA but I do not have an AFM number in Greece)
Έχω μόνο Ευρωπαϊκή Κάρτα Ασφάλισης (I only have a European Insurance Card)
Είμαι πολίτης ξωτερικού που εργάζομαι στην Ελλάδα (I am a foreign citizen working in Greece)
Είμαι πολίτης εξωτερικού με άδεια παραμονής στην Ελλάδα (I am a foreign citizen with a residence permit in Greece)
Είμαι πολίτης εξωτερικού που βρίσκομαι στην Ελλάδα χωρίς άδεια παραμονής. (I am a foreign citizen who is in Greece without a residence permit.)
Έχω ΑΜΚΑ αλλά δεν φαίνομαι δικαιούχος στο σύστημα (I have AMKA but I do not seem to be a beneficiary in the system)
Έχω 2 ΑΜΚΑ (I have 2 AMKA)
Έχω διαγράψει το ένα από τα δύο ΑΜΚΑ αλλά και πάλι δεν φαίνομαι στο σύστημα (I have deleted one of the two AMKAs but again I do not appear in the system)
Έχω ΑΜΚΑ αλλά έχω λάθος ΑΦΜ καταχωρημένο (I have an AMKA but I have a wrong AFM number registered)
Δεν ξέρω αν ανήκω στην ευπαθή ομάδα Τύπου Α (I do not know if I belong to the vulnerable Type A group)
Άλλο θέμα (Another subject)

9. Συμπληρώστε τον ΑΜΚΑ σας εφόσον υπάρχει. (Fill in your AMKA if available.)

10.Συμπληρώστε τον ΑΦΜ σας εφόσον υπάρχει. (Fill in your AFM number if available.)

11.Τηλέφωνο επικοινωνίας (Contact Phone, hint, make sure it is a GREEK mobile phone because it won't work with a foreign number. If necessary go and buy yourself a cheap pay-as-you go phone which will be good for sending your SMS permits too)

12.Εmail επικοινωνίας (Contact email)

Υποβολή (Press Submit)

Again, make sure you complete the Greek version of the screen using my screenshots of translation to guide you.

Once submitted, you will have to wait probably from 1 - 3 months to get your registered NORMAL AMKA number. Unfortunately, as there is no AMKA office on Hydra to visit in person, this is the only way to get one. However, if you can be patient for just a little while longer, it is likely that within a month or so you will be able to get an Emergency AMKA via a new button on the Emvolio.gov.gr site.

Hang on in there, everyone!

Regards, Kelsey

Roundup of Hydra's Current State of Affairs

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 15:11:22 GMT

A Difficult Fortnight But Still Optimistic

The last couple of weeks has seen an outbreak of Covid on Hydra, a house fire and the start of the island's vaccination program. Despite the continuing status of high alert with ICU's stretched to a critical-point, the Greek Government has announced new testing measures and the relaxation of a few restrictions. Here's how Hydra is affected.

From April, the Government will supply all pharmacies throughout the country will Rapid Self-Test Kits for distribution. So all Hydriots with an AMKA Social Security number will be able to go to the Gavalas or Rafalias pharmacies each week to collect a free-of-charge test. The results will help provide much-needed data, and anyone with a positive test will quickly know to self-isolate to minimise the spread of the virus.

Today, March 21, 2021, churches can open their doors wider to congregations, with 1 person per 25 m2 allowed inside. So on Hydra, that means 20 people at a time inside the main Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in town. Everyone else will have to socially-distance outside and take turns to rotate inside.

The curfew times have been changed to be the same, whatever the day of the week. So even at weekends, you can be out (with permit SMS) until 9 pm and from 5 am.

Fishing by residents from land or a local small boat is allowed again using SMS permit number 6.

And hairdressers and beauty salons are allowed to reopen by appointment. Thank goodness because I, for one, have been sporting a 'wild-and-woolly' look for far too long!

On March 18, 2021, at 14:00, a fire broke out on the second floor of a house in a small lane in the centre of Hydra Town. Locals in the immediate area rushed to help, calling our wonderful Volunteer Emergency Services, who, by 15:00, had it well under control and completely out by 15:20. The flames reached high above the house, and the fire burned fiercely. Miraculously no one was hurt, and everyone's fast action ensured it didn't spread to the neighbouring buildings.

T he whole of the 2nd floor was gutted along with the roof. Smoke and water damage has finished off the ground floor, and the house is completely uninhabitable now. I passed by yesterday and commiserated with one of the owners who, with a friend, was still clearing bags of charred debris well into the evening. I also double-checked to ask if they had enough help. And of course, they had, explaining that there were more willing hands than for safety reasons could be allowed in the ruined building at any one time.

As of today, we have 8 active confirmed cases of Covid on the island. All are locked in home isolation, and all who had been in contact with the affected having ongoing tests but so far have proven negative. Sadly, one of the patients had to be transferred as an acute case to a mainland hospital ICU and intubated. Everyone's prayers, positive thoughts and well wishes for his good recovery are being sent to him and his family. This brings the number of confirmed cases on Hydra since the start of 2021 to 13.

Within a couple of days of the outbreak, the island's group vaccinations started for everyone born in 1961 or older that registered with the municipality in February. From Saturday 13 to Saturday 20, March 2021, 282 residents with AMKA social security numbers were given their first dose jabs of the Pfizer vaccinations. The second doses for this group will take place the week commencing April 3, 2021.

Groups that are at more risk because of their jobs, such as the island's emergency services, have been given any excess doses, so the vaccines sent haven't been wasted.

Many residents and some long-term locked down visitors who don't have an AMKA number will have to wait until the Government's online Emvolio.gov.gr site is fully operational to accept them. Anyone of eligible age, without an AMKA, should keep checking the site, so they see when they are allowed to register. And foreign residents with an AFM should contact the person who deals with their TaxisNet account to see if they already have one without knowing it!

The Emvolio.gov.gr site is now open for all people of any age with an underlying health condition to be vaccinated. However, at the moment, they can only get an appointment off-island at Galatas of Kranidi. This is causing some consternation as this vulnerable group don't want to put themselves at more risk by travelling to the mainland.

However, the vulnerable and non-AMKA groups should, in my opinion, wait a couple of weeks because I do know that the Municipality is trying to resolve this issue so that these groups can be vaccinated on Hydra soon. Dare I say it ... logic might suggest that waiting until the first week of April when this months 2nd Vac Jabs will take place would seem likely?

In the meantime, just because our relatively small outbreak is under control and a proportionally large percentage of vaccinations has started, everyone must still take care. The vaccinations aren't properly effective until after the second dose. We still have to wait a few more days to see if any contacts with those in isolation also show symptoms. And there are still people travelling between the island and the mainland.

Everyone must still use masks, socially distance and have a permit SMS when they are out.

We have to hang on a bit longer before we can travel for pleasure on and off the island, as at the moment, movement is still only permitted for essential and emergency reasons.

For the second Covid year, no carnival was held on Hydra, but some families managed some Clean Monday kite flying fun. And the long Lenten period leading up to the Greek Orthodox Pascha celebrations has started.

To our lovely visitors, Hydra is missing you as much as you are missing the island. Everyone here is getting more optimistic about hopefully seeing you after May 14, 2021.

Pre-Book your Return COVID PCR test on Hydra

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 18:39:15 GMT

No need to go leave a day early

Smashing news for all of Hydra's visitors who are determined to visit this season because they missed out last year!

I have just spoken to Nikos Krypotos of the privately run Therapeia Medical Center who has confirmed that because of the crisis, he will now visit Hydra on whatever days necessary to carry out the blood tests necessary to got CoVid PCR tests done so long as people book in advance.

I have it on good authority from two island residents who have already used this service that it works well. They were impressed with the professionalism and got their results by email within the 24 hours without any worries.

Click this link CoVid PCR pre-booking email form to pre-book for the end of your holiday so you are covered for your return journey.

This is great news for Hydra's visitors who won't have to go into Athens a day early and will be able to spend every last possible moment enjoying Hydra!

Intentions to ease lockdown

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 15:43:28 GMT

Not guaranteed - but what is being anticipated

Today the Greek press is reporting that Greece plans to lift Covid-19 restrictions in the retail sector and open schools before the end of March. And to begin to re-open the tourism sector in May ahead of the vital summer season, as government spokeswoman said on Monday. The decision hinges on epidemiological data, Aristotelia Peloni told reporters. In the mid-term, as vaccinations progress, the government plans to allow outdoor dining in April and to restart tourism, after Paska in May, which accounts for about a fifth of Greece’s economic output and employs one in five people.

Tighter SMS Controls

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 19:10:30 GMT

The rules governing the system of applying for permission to leave home during the lockdown by sending a coded SMS to the 13033 hotline become stricter tomorrow to contain the rising transmission rates. The rules also apply to Hydra.

As of 6 a.m. on Thursday, trips to the supermarket (Code 2) or the bank (Code 3) will have to be restricted to the municipality of residence or within a 2-kilometre radius from home.

Leaving the house using the oft-abused Code 6, which is intended for personal exercise or walking a pet, will have to be on foot (and people can no longer use their car or any other form of transportation) to leave home for this purpose.

Inspections will be tightened for violations of Code 4, (helping someone in need like an elderly relative) and stricter enforcement of the rules allowing workers to travel to and from their place of employment.

One measure is being loosened. The weekend curfew is extended for an extra hour, so now from 19:00. to 05:00 the next day.

2,702 new cases of CoVid infection were reported today, a new record for 2021. (EODY) also reported 40 new deaths over the last 24 hours. The total number of deaths in Greece has reached 6,597. Attica, Greece's most populous region, remains at the pandemic's epicentre with 1,269 new cases today. The healthcare system in the region is also under the most strain.

At the beginning of the week, authorities also extended the hard lockdown to the 15th of March 2021. Given the current escalation of new cases and deaths, it will most likely be further extended.

The new measures were announced at a press briefing on Wednesday by Deputy Minister for Civil Protection Nikos Hardalias following the daily bulletin on the course of the pandemic, which showed a spike in new cases, hospital admissions, intubations, and deaths.

Hope on the Horizon

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 08:01:34 GMT

Just a hint of good news

The upcoming tourism campaign to promote Greece abroad is expected to be ready by the end of March, the secretary general of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) , Dimitris Fragakis, said on Tuesday. Fragakis said that Greece is depending on a high percentage of last minute bookings to boost tourism’s recovery this year, adding that he expects recovery to begin after the Easter holiday in May . “If all goes well, towards the end of May we will see the first recovery of Greek tourism. This year will be a better year overall compared to 2020 … Last minute bookings will be much more this year than pre-scheduled bookings,” he said. (Source: Greek Travel Pages )

Meanwhile for Attika (therefore Hydra) the current hard lockdown is extended to 06:00, March 8, 2021. So no pleasure travel, wearing masks at all times, social distancing, bars/restaurants/cafes remain closed, retail shops/museums, etc still closed and restrictions still in place.

Throughout the winter 20/21 lockdown, travel has been permitted but only for emergency and essential reasons. Anyone entering the country is required to have a negative CoVid test, passenger locator form and has been and still is required to self-isolate for 7 days. For specific details please see Destination Greece Health First .

Up to the end of February, there have been 4 confirmed cases of CoVid on Hydra Island. All were isolated and contacts followed up. Control and health care on Hydra has been good. However, cases on mainland Attika at the moment are still too high, hence the hard lockdown being extended by another week.

Vaccinations in Greece have been speeding up since started at the beginning of 2021. By February 27, 2021, 914,336 vaccinations have been carried out. (See the Greek Government Appointment site Emvolio ). Specifically on Hydra, residents of 60+ have been invited to attend clinics at Kranidi or Galatas to start their vaccinations. However, many of the island's older generation have opted to lockdown in Athens this winter and so have been vaccinated there. The remaining over 60's on the island signed up (during the week 15 - 22nd Feb via a dedicated line organised by the Municipality), to be 'mass' vaccinated at the same time by a special team who will visit the island. As of yet, a date for the mass Hydra vaccination of over 60's has not been announced.

Rumours of vaccinations being compulsory for travellers coming into Greece has been refuted by the Greek Government. Yes, the Prime Minister has been pushing for a standardised vaccination travel certificate but he has publicly stated that though it may make it easier to process travellers through entry points, it is not a mandatory requirement.

Greece as always, is putting health & safety first, not just of its own people but for visitors. In spite of the changes that have been put in place, when you come for your next holiday, you will still be greeted with the familiar warmth and friendliness, but from now on, with extra care for your well-being.

I hope that Mr Fragakis is correct and the country will open for tourism immediately after Pascha. However, on Hydra, visitors have been provisionally booking their accommodation, intending to confirm closer to their time of travel. Many holiday rentals for the high season are already full. Thinking positively, I suggest that visitors don't leave it much longer to enquire about accommodation so they're not disappointed.

I will continue to update my Covid Alerts and Travel Requirements pages as things change but please remember to cross reference with your country of origin and travel operators requirements too.

Keep safe, keep well and keep your fingers crossed for 2021.

Alpha Bank Hydra Branch Closes

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 01:12:22 GMT

Thank you for your excellent & friendly service

After more than 2 decades (if I remember correctly) the Hydra branch of the Alpha Bank has closed and today were vacating the premises. I understand the business reasons for the branch closing. Still, all the same, as it's 'my' bank, I shall sincerely miss the Alpha Team who have over the years consistently provided such excellent, friendly service. I wish them all the very best at their new jobs.

Hydra still has two other banks, the Piraeus Bank (the newcomer) and the National Bank of Greece, which seems to have been established on the island beyond living memory.

All the Alpha clients still have their online account access and bank cards. But if they need to have a face-to-face meeting, they will have to visit Piraeus. I understand that an Alpha ATM machine will stay on the island, but I have yet to discover where and if this is definite. Similarly, I am not sure which rumours about who and what business will take over the building are actually definite!

People on Hydra are disappointed that the Alpha Bank has made this decision. They provided career employment on the island, which is now lost. Going into the branch and speaking to someone you actually knew was much more comfortable than having to deal with a computer screen that doesn't chat or make suggestions. Hydra's other-worldliness was one of the last refuges from computerisation.

Because of changes forced on us because of the Covid crisis, globalisation digitally has sped up, and Hydra is no longer immune to its impact.

Greece has accelerated digital implementation across all areas of life. Imposed preventative restrictions have compelled people to conduct their banking online and at ATM points without entering the branches. This rapid shift to machine banking, replacing in-branch activity, has almost 'obliged' the Alpha bank to close the Hydra branch. It no longer has enough face-to-face business to justify the staff and rent overhead.

Similarly, for the island to have had three banks, was even in 'normal life' a little excessive. If analysed from a strictly financial accounting perspective, Hydra simply didn't have enough clients to generate enough profits to sustain three banks. Only time will tell whether there is enough for two.

Again, I hope the smashing Hydra Alpha branch staff will soon be settled with new jobs. And I thank them again for all their friendly help. They will undoubtedly be missed.

14 MILLION For Hydra's New Sewage System Secured

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 13:43:41 GMT

Decades of determination finally pays off

The amount of 14,333,794.83 Euros has been secured with the Ministry of Development and Investment to build a Biological Treatment System on Hydra.

This news is fantastic for Hydra. For years, this essential work on the island's wastewater/sewage treatment has been urgent. But it has taken decades of effort from previous Mayors and their administrations and the perseverance of our current Mayor and his team, to have brought it all together with an excellent result finally.

I spoke briefly this afternoon to Mr George Koukoudakis, the Mayor of Hydra . He said, " Now we can start getting tenders for the work. It will be open to many European companies to quote for the job, and the project will take decades to finish. I expect to need at least 5-6 months to get all the proposals. So the work won't start immediately. "

Happily, as Mr Koukoudakis mentioned on his social media page today, he and his colleagues have also made sure that all their ducks in a row. Even though we will probably have to wait until the end of 2021 for the work to start, everything is in place for success.

Building on the previous administration's work, Mr Koukoudakis obtained the required permit from the Archeological Service in 2016, which is always a tortuous negotiation. The Council of Ministers' final decision, handed down in March 2020, has solved the location issue, for a very fair price to the landowners.

Even amid the uncertainty and chaos of the Covid crisis and restrictions, it has been very warming and thrilling to get such fantastic news today.

I give my congratulations and thanks to George for his determination to materialize this long dreamed of 'project' into a reality. And I appreciate the effort of all the people who have worked with the same aim for so long.

Bravo!

Latest Travel Restrictions

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 09:39:35 GMT

The Essential Question to Ask First - Is it Essential

Having been bombarded in recent weeks by people who want to know if they can come to Hydra (now or in the near future) I have added a new page to my site Latest Travel Requirements in addition to my Covid Updates page which I've been maintaining since March 2020.

World wide, the amount of rules and regulations that everyone is bombarded with at the moment is horribly confusing and let's face it a bit depressing and very miserable for everyone. No one has a crystal ball, not the Greek Government and certainly not me. But I do know that eventually as we get closer to the summer months on Hydra, when enough vaccinations have happened and the statistics show a decline in Greek cases, people will be able to travel to Hydra again.

Travel will be possible again but at the moment (today) the only question to ask is whether it is essential or an emergency. I have to point out the obvious and state that at the moment travelling for holidays, leisure or simply because that's what you normally do at this time of the year, does not fall into the category of essential or emergency. This will change, just not yet!

So I have added my new Latest Travel Requirements to help those who are longing to get back to Hydra to quickly see what the current rules are and I will announce any good news to let everyone know as soon as it is possible to visit legitimately.

In the meantime, hang on in there and keep safe.

Covid is on Hydra

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 21:14:38 GMT

At least 1 case confirmed

A case of Covid-19 has been confirmed on Hydra.

Upon returning home to Hydra (from abroad) and after experiencing some symptoms the patient visited the Koulourion Hospital and was given the test which was positive. He is now in isolation.

People who the patient has been in contact with since arriving on the island have been visiting the hospital to get tested. As of this update, it is not known if anyone else has been infected.

So all residents of Hydra are asked to take even more extra care to continue using masks and take precautionary measures such as frequent hand washing, use of antiseptic etc and of course keep social distancing. And any residents returning to the island from abroad, should make sure that they self-isolate for the required 7 days even if they had a negative pre-travel test result.

Jeff Koons on Hydra, Postponed Again

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 12:20:33 GMT

Designer of "Guilty" Owned by Dakis Joannou of the Deste Foundation

Love it or hate it, the distinctive boat "Guilty" is an extrovert visual announcement of Deste Director, Dakis Ioannnou's presence on the island when it's moored up. Jeff Koons was the designer of Guilty's eye-catching paintwork.

But sadly, for the 2nd year, the much anticipated Deste Foundation Slaughterhouse Summer Exhibition featuring the design work of American artist Jeff Koons has been postponed due to the CoVid Crisis.

"Guilty on Hydra" © Kelsey Edwards

As with the postponement of 2020, the Deste Foundation anticipate that international travel and continuing Covid restrictions will still be as difficult in 2021. So given the worldwide interest in the work of Jeff Koons, they have decided to move the dates to 2022 in the hope that travel will be easier and more people will be able to attend this important show.

About Jeff Koons

Jeffrey L. Koons is an American artist recognized for his work dealing with popular culture and his sculptures depicting everyday objects, including balloon animals – produced in stainless steel with mirror-finish surfaces and including the puckers.

For more information about the artist please visit JeffKoons.com and The New York Times (Article).

Last year, the Jeff Koons exhibition was replaced by the "199" Exhibition of Kostis Velonis. The Deste Foundation still intend holding a summer show this year. Details will be announced closer to the time.

Reference Sources :

Jeff Koons (Wikipedia)

Jeff Koons (Own Site)

Dakis Ioannou (Wikipedia)

DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art (Own Site)

Kostis Velonis (Wikipedia)

Kostis Velonis (Blog Spot)

Lockdown Extended Indefinitely But Stores To Reopen

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 18:23:05 GMT

Just in time to be able to shop for warmer clothes!

As was more or less expected, Greece has extended the current strict restrictions indefinitely. The only exception is that more of the local shops are allowed to open with strict measures. Nursery and junior schools reopened last week but senior high school is still being conducted online from home. Still in place is no travel outside own residential area, short trips only for essentials with your SMS/permit, ID and mask. Social distancing still required and the night-time curfew is still in place.

The slight relaxation allowing local shops to reopen comes as temperatures have dropped dramatically and many people will be able to get warmer clothing etc without having to rely on internet orders. The Government are mindful of the urgent economic need to get the commercial side of life open as soon as possible. But with the health system stretched as far as it is at the moment there's still a need to keep restrictions tight.

Keeping Hydra Connected

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 09:18:45 GMT

Kostas & George of the OTE

Nearly a year into the CoVid pandemic, I find that even I struggle with the sense of disconnection. And I'm used to living on my own and have worked from home for over 20 years. So you would think I would have adapted more quickly than most to such isolation. But Covid restrictions limiting any meaningful time with people physically, even for me, is now harder to cope with. Put simply; I miss everyone. I miss the goings-on, I miss the range of conversations, I miss fresh input. I miss sitting in the port watching the street theatre.

Coming home on Thursday after my combined shopping/walk outing, my stomach lurched with panic when I saw my gate open and the OTE engineers 'doing something' to the phone lines in my garden.

The instant image of not being able to reach people on the internet made me feel nauseous. For me, the most positive thing about the whole ghastly situation is to be thankful that Hydra has such an excellent communications system in place. Not being able to work or keep in touch over the internet in these times, just doesn't bear thinking about!

So I for one applaud Hydra's two engineers, George and Kostas who have worked like Trojans during the crisis to keep Hydra's phones and internet connections working.

Reassuringly, seeing my horrified expression, George's first words to me were "it's okay, your internet is working". Phew, what a relief! Although being paranoid, I couldn't resist galloping inside to double-check.

So what were they doing in my garden?

Our two unsung heroes were checking the lines to make sure the children have access to school.

THANK YOU, George and Kostas, for keeping us all connected. You help to make life during this difficult time much easier for all of us.

Mushrooming

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 12:31:55 GMT

Tasty Off-Season Fun

During the off-season months on Hydra, mushroom foraging is eagerly anticipated by many locals who enjoy the substantial and tasty fungi that erupt under the pine trees on the first sunny morning after a day of rainfall.

And that's about as much of a hint to locate them that I'm going to give!

I now understand why Hydriots closely guard the secret of their preferred 'spot'. Competition to be the first to find a patch of mushrooms is fierce. It's much more hard work to find them than I'd imagined. So I too will be as stingy about the location that my son-in-law showed me last Tuesday.

My family and I set out at about 9:30 and reached Harriet & Vassilis' favourite spot after an hour's walk. To our dismay, at least three people had arrived earlier than us and were already packing crates and large baskets laden with giant mushrooms on their mules.

"There will be more", pronounced Vassilis confidently. He grinned wickedly at me and pointed at the almost impenetrable undergrowth when I asked which path we were going to take.

The undergrowth, strewn with ankle-twisting small rocks and barb-wire like prickly Gorse bushes, meant that very soon we were all separated as we each concentrated on scanning the ground taking our own 'paths'.

In the background, we could hear the cheerful 'clonking' of goat bells which we added to with calls of our own to keep in touch. Our calls turned to excited yodelling when, despite our late arrival, we did find some of these exquisite delicacies.

My Grandson, Anastasis, was good at spotting mushrooms perhaps because he is closer to the ground! We found about five different varieties; all dismissed as inedible or poisonous, as well as the correct edible type. It was easy to tell the difference as the correct ones are very distinctive.

Now that I've done it once, I know that in future I will need a basket or bucket, a small knife and gloves when I go foraging.

A bag to collect is no good because the mushrooms get quickly damaged and squashed. The trick to keep them pristine is to lay the mushrooms upside down in layers in a basket or bucket.

A small knife used to cut the stem without disturbing the earth under the mushroom means that more will pop up next time.

And at least one glove is needed because the mushrooms like to grow in the prickly drifts of pine needles under the trees and below the sharp Gorse. Rummaging with bare hands can be painful.

Using a stick turned out to be very useful too.

We spent a happy couple of hours searching and found enough for a meal.

Harriet and I had been enviously eyeing the heavily laden basket of Damnianos. He very kindly pre-empted us not being able to resist mugging him when he shared some of his with us. So, in the end, we had enough to make a litre of soup as well.

I can now highly recommend 'mushrooming' as another leisure activity for anyone who is contemplating an off-season break on Hydra Island.

Kali Orexi

Reference: I am fairly certain that these are Chanterelle Mushrooms based on the information I found on this site: GoCycle Rather appropriately, the word chanterelle comes from the Greek word Kantharos, which means cup, a reference to the mushroom’s shape.

Phase II Kamini Erosion Project

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 15:24:51 GMT

Lots of new fishing spots

Hydra's summer guests find it difficult to envisage anything other than millpond calm, crystal clear water tempting them to escape the blistering Mediterranean sun. Gentle wavelets only occasionally ruffle the glasslike sea from passing boats or catamarans. Visitors tend not to comprehend the extreme difference during a rollicking winter storm. But even on a mild, sunny Autumn's day, the wind chases powerful sea-horses that rush and foam as they break against the harbour walls and sheer cliffs along Hydra's coastline.

Hydra Island shimmers above water year-round with swan-like serenity belying the frantic activity that constantly erodes beneath the surface. The summer's gently lapping sea quietly weakens walls below the waterline. Then the winter storms rage in to take advantage of the weakened state, smashing then dragging the wall and jetty foundations to the depths.

As you might imagine, the Hydra Municipality and authorities, have to wage an on-going war against the elements to preserve the gorgeous step-back-in-time appearance that everyone loves about Hydra. And, of course, to keep the harbours and jetties safe enough for people to use them without collapse.

One of the latest erosion-prevention projects is the wall that protects the pretty landmark harbour at Kamini.

With funding of just under half a million euros from Piraeus, this four-month project is being managed by engineer Petros Vasakos under the Hydra Municipality's auspices.

Inspired by some photos posted on social media by Maria Hanson (of the Hydra Windmill) and prompted by Tim Petras who is hosting the engineer at his half-finished home on the harbour wall, I spent a sunny but breezy December morning finding out more.

Petros explained (with Giannis Kitsos of the Hydra Diving Centre kindly translating) what the stages were.

First, the Macedonia Barge brought huge 40-tonne boulders across from the mainland. They have been carefully lowered about 50m away from the existing jetty wall, underwater just before the shoreline plunges to the depths.

Next, the barge made numerous daily trips to bring over medium-sized boulders that were dropped beneath the waves.

Giannis has been on hand for the project's duration to dive down to make sure everything is as it should be.

To avoid the smaller rocks, silt and even the medium-sized rocks that form the defensive foundation from being pulled away, a heavy-duty canvas and rolls of durable netting was next.

Giannis was responsible for being in the water to perform the fiddly job of tying and clipping the canvas and netting together. Onshore, he had help from Kostas. On the day I was there, somehow Kostas stayed relatively dry although his boots did get filled with water frequently!

The final stage is to cover the foundations, canvas and netting with massive boulders. These are piled so high, that from the inside wall of the harbour jetty you won't be able to see out!

To preserve the harbour, this is a vital project for Hydra. It's more or less completed now and ready for everyone to come and see it for themselves.

And one of the leisure upsides is that many of the top boulders are as flat as benches. It will be a fantastic place to fish off for next summer!

Neranja Jelly From Hydra’s Street Trees

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 17:35:06 GMT

Recycled stockings have their uses

Hydra shops don't stock Seville oranges. So twenty years ago, I was delighted to discover that Hydra's street trees are burgeoning with a delicious and fragrant substitute, the Neranja orange. There aren't any shops that sell muslin squares either, so I recycle my laddered stockings when I make marmalade!

The garden squares in the town, the Artist's and Political gardens being two of them, are planted with many citrus fruit trees where locals are welcome to forage. Twenty years on, I still revel in the simple joy of being able to pick a lemon, fresh from the tree on my way home from shopping!

I wholeheartedly approve of this Greek tradition to plant streets and squares with fruit trees. It's good for the bees and a great source of vitamin C for the locals. And it's more productive and helpful than less fragrant ornamental shrubs.

These days, the Greek diet is so much richer with Vit-C sources readily available, so much of this freely available fruit drops to rot on the ground and pavement as few people bother to preserve it now. These days, the insects on Hydra tend to be the biggest beneficiaries of this seasonal largess.

But there are still enough Hydra people like me who enjoy 'homemade' rather than 'shop bought' whenever possible. So I am not the only person who gleefully watches the fruit ripen in anticipation of binge fruit stewing in December and January.

The Neranja orange has a robust flavour with a slight underlying perfume that's incredibly fragrant and makes a very distinctive marmalade. The peel even when cooked is quite chewy, which is why I opt to make shredless jelly. The juice is so bitter that even the enamel on your teeth curls if you try drinking it. But it's packed with pectin which gives a superb and very satisfying jelly set to the finished result.

I generally make three batches a year. The first 12 jars go to friends and family as New Year presents and the third batch keeps me going for the year. Because the jelly is shredless, the preparation time is minimal, and as we're still in CoVid lockdown, I have enough time on my hands to make more. Fortunately, Vaso and Antonis at the Hydra Home shop stock glass jars with lids because I don't have enough to recycle. (Large hint to family and friends to return gift jars if they'd like them refilled!)

The final result is about six good-sized jars of deliciously fresh, bitter orange marmalade that isn't too sweet. Perfect for breakfast or an evening snack with a strong cup of tea.

So for my Hydra friends who don't have a method of their own to annually perfume their homes, here's my recipe that I am happy to share.

Don't be tempted to make too much at a time. There's nothing worse than sticky juice boiling over the top of the pan to clean up!

Equipment

You will need a pan that is at least 4-litre with a very thick base and a close-fitting lid.

A second large saucepan

2 small plates (in the freezer to get cold)

Large fine-mesh sieve

Large muslin 40cm square and a piece of string or my preferred choice - an old, (washed) stocking.

1 large dinner plate

Long-handled metal spoon

6-8 glass jars with lids (300 - 450grm capacity)

Ingredients

900g Neranja Oranges

1 large lemon

2.25ltr water

1.8kg sugar (nothing special, just ordinary granulated sugar will do)

Time: 4.5 hours, including 2 hours for fruit simmering.

When you collect the fruit, don't use the ones on the ground. The tough skin doesn't show any bruising from the fall, so you could end up lugging a kilo of fruit home only to find it rotten inside. Ideally, you want to pick the fruit straight off the tree. If it takes more than two twists to come off the branch, it's not ripe enough!

Method

Wash and dry the fruit to get rid of dust, etc.
Cut in half and squeeze the juice out.
Cut the peel into small pieces (about 1.5cm square)
In your largest pan, combine the water, juice, skin, pith and pips.
On a high-heat and the lid on, bring it all to boil.
Just before it reaches rapid boiling point, turn the heat down to a simmer so that the fruit pieces are just about still moving gently.
Simmer for 2 hours with the lid on so the water doesn't evaporate too much.
When you can easily squash a piece of skin between your fingers (use a long-handled metal spoon and blow to cool the piece before you handle), it will be ready for the next stage.

Put the second large saucepan in the sink with the sieve resting in it.
Gently pour the liquid and fruit pieces into the sieve.
Hold the sieve up and gently rock it back and forth until it stops dripping. Don't be tempted to press the fruit, skin, pith and pips in the sieve as this will make your final jelly cloudy. (It will taste just as good but won't be so gem-like at the end).
Put the strained fruit contents from the sieve in the centre of the muslin square, then pull the edges up and securely tie making a ball. OR, (tip handed down from my Mum) spoon the contents of the sieve into the toe of a stocking and knot it. Place the muslin or stocking on a large plate to cool.
Wash your original large pan, making sure there are no bits stuck to the bottom, rinse it well and dry.
Return the strained, clear juice to the cleaned large pan.
With the lowest heat, start adding the sugar a little at a time to the juice. Gently stir so the granules don't stick to the side with a long-handled metal each time until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Pre-heat the oven to 180c (to sterilise the jars)

When it's cool enough to handle, squeeze the muslin or stocking ball to extract the pectin. Squeezing is a messy and sticky job best done near the sink. As you squeeze the ball, lots of thin juice will come out first. Keep it on the dinner plate. Then a thick, yellow substance will ooze through the fabric between your fingers. This is the pectin that will make your jelly set. Scrape the pectin off the fabric with your fingers and let it collect it in a pile on your plate. You will need about 2 dessert spoons of pectin (the thick stuff). (Once you've extracted the pectin, the remaining 'mush' can be thrown away.)
Add the extra juice and pectin to the syrup pan.

Make sure that the sugar and pectin have dissolved completely. Even if a few sugar granules remain, it will burn and stick to the pan's bottom, which could ruin everything. It usually takes me 1 hour of occasionally stirring on the lowest heat from adding the sugar to it being entirely ready for boiling - don't rush this stage as it's the most vital. At this point, you have a syrup.

A 4 ltr pan is too small to reach the correct boiling point, so you will need to pour half the syrup into your other (clean) pan and put it to one side.
Put your jars (lids off) upside down in the oven to sterilise them so the final jelly won't become tainted even in a year.

Start timing when it just starts to boil like this

SAFETY FIRST

From this point, you must give your undivided attention. So send the kids away, ignore the phone and make sure you have immediate access to cold water in case you splash yourself with boiling syrup. And you will need to watch the syrup and clock very closely to avoid burning or boiling over, so you don't want any distractions.

Turn up the heat under the pan with the first half of your syrup and bring to a rapid boiling point. (You will need your extractor on or the window open because there will be a lot of steam.)
As soon as the surface starts bubbling quickly, start timing.
As the syrup gets hotter, it will bubble up closer to the top of the pan, right to the edge. If you think it will boil over, blow gently on the top. Don't stir or disturb it with a spoon. The syrup must boil as hot as possible for at least 8 minutes.
After boiling for 8 minutes, (keeping it on the heat) quickly take a plate from the freezer and using the long-handled metal spoon dip into the boiling syrup.
Drip about a teaspoon worth onto the plate. Carefully nudge the jelly on the plate with your fingertip. If it crinkles, then it is done. (Try to do the tests within 15 seconds.)

It will bubble up this much in 9 minutes if you are doing it correctly!

Most likely, it will still be runny, so continue boiling for another 2 minutes. Repeat the test. It should form a skin that crinkles by now. Also, the syrup will be alarmingly bubbling right at the top of the pan by now. (This is normal and desired - hence needing a bigger pan or boiling in two lots.)
As soon as you have a hint of a skin that crinkles, take the pan off the heat and let it cool until the surface is still (about 15 seconds).
Remove 4 jars from the oven. Turn the oven heat off but leave the remaining jars inside.
Carefully and very slowly pour or ladle a small amount of the syrup into the first jar. It will bubble frantically (it's normal) and when the bubbles subside, continue to pour slowly right up to the neck of the jar. Repeat for all jars (you might find that one jar isn't filled to the top, don't worry it will be from the next batch.)
Use a teaspoon to lift the foamy skin off the top and then put the cold lid on each hot jar. (Gloves or dry cloth imperative.)
Don't tighten the lid too firmly as it will get tighter when the jar cools and you will want to open it later. As the jars cool, you will hear the lids pop, and they will depress to give a perfect long-lasting seal.

I have ruined the 2nd half of a batch before by not cleaning the boiling pan, so you must wash and dry it before boiling the 2nd half.
Pour the 2nd half into the boiling pan, turn up the heat as high as it will go. As soon as it starts to boil, start timing. At 8 minutes, do your crinkle test. Boil for another 2 minutes if necessary. 'Jar up' as before. If you have a half-filled jar from the first half, remember to remove the foamy skin first before you top it up to avoid a white line in the middle.
Leave the jars to completely cool before you put a label on otherwise it won't stick.

If the jars were sterilised correctly, filled to the top and with a good seal, I have found the marmalade can stay perfect for 12 months. Although it has to be said, it is rare to resist a single batch for that long!

Warm regards to everyone and a Happy New Year for what I hope will be an easier 2021 for all.

Holiday Travellers To Enter 10-Day Quarantine On Arrival

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 06:38:50 GMT

Applies to any traveller between 18 Dec 2020 - 7 Jan 2021

Reported in Ekathimerini:

Travellers who fly into Greece during the holiday season will have to enter a mandatory ten-day quarantine on arrival, as well as submit to a rapid antigen test at the airport and produce a negative PCR test, government spokesman Stelios Petsas announced on Monday, as the government struggled to contain the second wave of the pandemic.

In a televised briefing, Petsas said the measure will apply from December 18 to January 7, 2021.

The self-isolation will include Greek students returning for the holidays from abroad, or anyone traveling for business or other reasons, he said.

The announcement comes as the health system remained under enormous pressure and after the third extension of most of the current restrictive measures until January 7.

Note from Kelsey:

Just to make it very clear, this new holiday season quarantine applies on Hydra (as well as throughout Greece) to homeowners whether Greek or not. As of yesterday, if you insist on travelling to Hydra, you must have a full CoVid test done prior to travelling, must have completed your pre-flight self-certification and might also have to submit to random testing when you land. In addition, from the 18th December you will also have to quarantine for 10 days.

It's a miserable situation but the fact is that the Greek Government recognise that the health system here is at breaking point and one of the few proven ways to reduce cases and deaths is to restrict movement. As with Pascha at the beginning of the year, I'm afraid Christmas is effectively cancelled too. Hopefully, the vaccinations planned worldwide will work well enough to enable freedom of travel in 2021.

Strict Lockdown Extended to 7th January 2021

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 18:11:10 GMT

Travel Plans to Hydra for the Festive Season Cancelled

Today Monday 7 December 2020, Greece has extended the current lockdown measures in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease until 7 January 2021, including a night time curfew and a ban on traveling outside home prefectures.

Schools, restaurants, bars, courts and ski resorts will remain closed until that date, government spokesman Stelios Petsas said during a press conference. He said the government will announce measures regarding churches, hair salons and retail stores later in the week.

The country’s pandemic death toll reached 3,000 at the weekend, with a high percentage occurring after November 1.

Nektaria Anchor Retrieval

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 10:27:37 GMT

A Brief Interlude from the Monotony of CoVid Restrictions

After a couple of 'soggy' days with lots of rain, Saturday 5th December dawned bright and sunny, and all was normal down in town. Except it wasn't!

The fishing boats were in a different place, the delivery boat didn't have much to unload, and there was a new addition to the harbour.

The Christos Nektaria II (building boat) was moored in the East corner providing a short interlude in the monotony of the CoVid restrictions.

Some years ago, the Nektaria lost its anchor and chains, which lurked on the harbour seabed, causing untold frustration to yachts whose own anchors were frequently snagged, adding to the tangle.

Sensibly, Hydra is making the most of the CoVid downtime to make it easier for yachties to moor when they visit the island in 2021.

Inevitable and Necessary - November CoVid Lockdown

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 13:58:31 GMT

Here We Go Again

N one of us can be surprised at the inevitability of having to lockdown again due the CoVid Crisis, as it tightens its grip on the world for a second round. As much as we would like to think otherwise, here on Hydra we are not immune to the virus. There were a few confirmed cases on the island and there are unconfirmed cases of a couple of families in total isolation already due to contact with visitors who were tested positive.

Grumblings about the restrictions imposed by the Greek Government that came into force today, are much louder than in the Spring. Not being able to go for a long Autumn walk, a hike, a horse ride, to go out on a boat to fish or head to the mountains for some hunting, seems like an overly restrictive imposition on Hydra given that we are relatively safe and have, in the main, stayed clear of CoVid. But I can’t help thinking that if my son-in-law had had his heart-attack in May this year rather than in 2019, my grandson might not have a dad today!

So to those who are grumbling about having to stay home and stay safe, I would ask them to consider how they would feel if they needed emergency medical treatment because of an accident while they were out and about, but it isn’t available? Or nearly as bad, it takes too long to get help to you because the emergency services are already over-stretched attending other emergencies? In my view, in spite of it seeming to be CoVid-safe on Hydra, everyone must acknowledge that other ‘day-to-day’ types of accidents are necessarily kept to a minimum. So by staying in, you not only avoid catching or spreading CoVid, you help to reduce avoidable accidents that could put the emergency services under even more stress. Let’s face it, having to go to a hospital emergency department for a smashed leg or cracked head where the medical teams are also having to deal with highly contagious CoVid, is not desirable.

Thankfully from an economic point of view, as soon as the Spring restrictions were lifted, Hydra was a destination preferred by visitors who could still travel. Even though business for the first half of the year was wiped out, everyone here cautiously reports that July - October was considerably better than expected. But with travellers arriving, it was inevitable that some cases reached the island. Our minuscule but mighty medical services dealt with all of them very efficiently. But I use the word minuscule on purpose. There is no ICU on Hydra, we don’t have the staff and facilities to be able to hospitalise serious cases. If necessary, serious cases have to be sent to the mainland. But as everyone knows, ICU beds in Greece (and common worldwide) are perilously close to being full up.

And so, with cases and deaths rising in Greece at an alarming rate, it is necessary for the Greek Government to impose a complete lockdown again. It is vital to protect the medical services so they can deal with CoVid cases as well as all the other conditions that they are confronted with.

I agree that it seems worse this time than in the Spring. It’s tough having to wear a mask all the time and to only go out for absolute essentials. But personally I would rather that than to potentially spread the virus to an elderly person who could die, or to needlessly take up the time and effort of the emergency and medical teams because of an accident that could have been avoided if I hadn’t gone out.

For those who can’t remember the specific restrictions or how to get SMS permits etc from the Spring, I have updated the CoVid - Hydra Updates page and will continue to keep it up-to-date for as long as necessary.

So to my friends, family and Hydra fans, I wish you well and hope you stay home, stay safe and stay sane during the November lockdown.

Hydra Harbour Cleanup

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 12:02:06 GMT

What's Going On Where We Can't See It

Many thanks to John Belegris (Hydra Municipality), the Hydra Diving Centre (Jannis & Akis), the divers of 'We Dive, We Clean' and to Hydra resident, Arabella Ross (who also dives with 'Aegean Rebreath) for helping to start the cleanup of Hydra Harbour. The cleanup survey was held on Saturday 31st October 2020. I give my particular thanks to Arabella for the excellent underwater video clips she captured for me.

The video (and photos) really emphasizes how important it is that a full 3-day session (as planned by J Belegris) is needed next Spring. Also, all boat owners are again asked to contact J Belegris if they have old batteries to get rid of rather than throwing them overboard. The municipality has repeatedly said that they will take them away without charge to dispose of them responsibly if they are called. A great initiative, but still a lot more to do.

New CoVid Precautions Announced for Greece

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 11:32:19 GMT

Will apply to November

As of Tuesday 3rd November, 06:00, and for the whole month, Greece will be divided into 2 zones rather than the previous 4. So, the Green and Yellow zones have now become the 'Surveillance' zone. The Orange and Red zones, have become the 'Increased Risk' zone. Hydra was moved from the orange to yellow zone a short time ago, so now the rules for newly formed 'Surveillance Zone apply to Hydra. The known measures will apply, some of which are being expanded. And Use a mask everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Restriction of traffic from 12:00 in the evening until 5:00 in the morning. 50% tele-work application in public and private sector. And complete distance learning in universities. No gatherings. And, of course, always distancing and personal hygiene.

At the moment, travel between prefectures are still permitted with the currently in place restrictions still applying.

P lease read all of today's announcement by the Prime Minister, K. Mitsotakis below.

Announcement by Prime Minister K. Mitsoutakis, today Sat 31 October 2020

"My fellow citizens,

I intended to contact you yesterday. However, the earthquake occurred in the Eastern Aegean and my interest immediately turned to Samos. The island endured. But, unfortunately, we lost two children. I express my condolences to their families and a speedy recovery to the injured. My thought, like all of us, is with them, there. The care of the state is there. And in a little while I will be there too.

Turkey also has many casualties and huge losses. I have already contacted President Erdogan. Emphasizing that, in addition to the difficulties in our relations, in these moments the unity of our peoples is paramount. Because, for us, the protection of human life transcends borders and differences. I thank him for the positive response to my phone call.

At the same time, however, the great threat that besieges the country and the planet remains the coronavirus. A month ago, I expressed the hope that we would be able to coexist with him, with precautions that would not substantially disrupt economic and social life. Unfortunately, this is not how things turned out.

My message today is what I wanted from the beginning not to have to do. But I am not allowed to close my eyes to the harsh reality. I must put the health and safety of the Greeks above all other options. This is the debt I owe and this is what I serve.

After a long period of stability, the cases are increasing exponentially in our country as well. And scientists warn that, soon, the new pandemic will shake the resilience of the National Health System. Testing not only patients but also our doctors and nurses.

So it is time for political decisions. And I will talk to you about them, wanting again to prevent the worst, which is already spreading across Europe. Just the day before yesterday, at the extraordinary European Council, we realized how difficult it is to manage the second wave of Covid-19, as everywhere the nightmare has returned more severe.

Just as in the spring we managed to repel the virus and in the summer we restarted the economy and tourism, controlling the difficulties, so now we have to move again proactively. And with a dynamic plan in November to claim a more optimistic December. With as smooth a social life as possible and more movement in the Christmas and holiday market.

Because, indeed, in the last quarter we went with only small discounts on our daily habits. And we did it. The data show that, even today, Greece is among the countries with the fewest cases in Europe.

It would be wrong, however, to rest on this. Because when the dramatic images of full hospitals lead us to realize the magnitude of the problem, then it will be too late.

Unfortunately, the coronavirus knows how to go through the cracks of the negligence of a few, which undermines the effort of many. And good weather ceases to be our ally, as we will soon spend more and more time indoors.

That is why we must act now. Now. Before the Intensive Care Units bend under the weight of endangered lives. Now. Where we have the ability to detect and track cases.

Now. We know that when we take quick and targeted action they pay off. Because there are cities that within a few days overcame the danger. While others, who had no problem and were inactive, as a result, are currently threatened.

It seems that we have not been able to tame the complacency from the collective success of the first phase. But the war on the coronavirus is not over. And so now we are called to another battle.

My fellow citizens,

From Tuesday morning and for a month, a program comes into force, according to which the territory is now divided into two zones instead of four: Surveillance and Increased Risk.

The first includes all the prefectures that until now presented relatively few cases, ie those that until today are in the "green" and the "yellow". The known measures will apply there, some of which are being expanded. And they are:

Use a mask everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Restriction of traffic from 12:00 in the evening until 5:00 in the morning. 50% tele-work application in public and private sector. And complete distance learning in universities. No gatherings. And, of course, always distances and personal hygiene.

The Increased Risk zone includes the areas that until today are not only in the "red", but also in the "orange". That is, all of Northern Greece but also Attica, from next week.

Especially there, in the previous settings the following are added:

The operation of all dining areas is suspended, except for the home delivery of food and the receipt from the store. The same will apply to the entertainment, culture and sports venues: Bars, cafes, cinemas, museums and theaters, as well as indoor gyms. Unlike in the spring, however, travel outside the prefecture is not prohibited.

In other words, the new rules, which will take effect at 6:00 on Tuesday morning, focus on the two outbreaks that have been found to favor the spread of the virus: entertainment and mobility. While maintaining the operation of industry, retail and schools throughout the territory. And services such as hotels and hairdressers remain open. Because there the data show that the problem is under control.

This is a necessary adjustment of our defense, as the attack of the virus manifests in waves. And we have to adapt in time. Compared to the first phase, now the traffic is free, without the need to send messages. Retail stores remain open, production continues uninterrupted and schools operate normally.

To put it another way, we are not talking about a total "freezing" of everyday life. Why I will repeat it: A universal lockdown is the last step, which would hurt the economy and society, while mining the next day of the country in many areas.

These are measures similar to those enacted by France and Germany, but which have previously been hit by tens of thousands of cases. And here we apply them earlier, insisting on tackling the virus as quickly as we can so that we always have the initiative of the movements.

Our complete plan for November will be presented in detail by the competent Ministers. And with it, an emergency program to support employees and companies, which will be tested by the new restrictions.

I remind you that to date the state is making up for the lost losses due to the pandemic. It continues to cover the insurance contributions of those who had to work part-time. He suspended almost all debts. And it strengthened the productive fabric of the country with many financial tools.

We will do the same now. The State has taken care to maintain reserves, as this crisis manifests itself on many fronts. And he will stand by those who face problems now. With compensations, loans, exemptions and facilities that will approach 1.5 billion.

Because if life remains a priority, the economy does not cease to be the one that must be kept alive to serve it.

I know that these measures are difficult especially for those who work in catering, entertainment and culture. I want you to know that, just like last spring, we will be with you. No one, no one will be left unprotected.

And, if the measures work, we will be able, in early December, to live in a smoother environment. Even more mature and aware.

My fellow citizens,

I close as I started. From the first moment I wanted to avoid this message. But the conditions demand it. The words end. And with them I hope the questioning of the real data ends.

So please leave the scientists out of any controversy. Because if we question their adequacy or, even worse, start accusing them of playing political games, then we are sawing the branch on which we are all sitting.

If we lose confidence in the experts, we will more easily obey the whims of easy and simplistic slogans. And I'm not just talking about the few "sprayed". But also to those who are justifiably tired of this many months of adventure.

Let legitimate political criticism, then, be limited to politicians. After all, I am the first to take responsibility for my decisions. I did not hide in the difficulties, I will not do it now. Now is the time for action by everyone and by each individual.

The State today presents its plan with the aim of staying healthy, until the vaccine marks the dawn of a new, bright reality. That moment must find us standing and united. Ready to overcome this national test, as only we Greeks know. We can and we will do it." Source newsit.gr.

Kamini Harbour Repairs 2020

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 09:45:11 GMT

Noisy But Essential

The peace and tranquility of the picturesque little harbour at Kamini has been necessarily interrupted this Autumn for essential repair work. Sea erosion from passing boats, ships and catamaran ferries in the narrow gulf between Hydra Island and the Peloponnese Mainland has been damaging the jetty that protects the harbour.

The Municipality has received a huge grant to undertake the work, which requires tonnes of rock to be deposited against the outer sea wall.

Each day, throughout the project, a large crane-barge loaded with various sized rocks, is tugged across the sea, secured against the jetty and then unloads. It's noisy and dusty but absolutely vital for the protection of our much loved little harbour.

Jorge Pérez Joins Hydradirect

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 12:56:33 GMT

Eco Jewellery Designer

As someone who is particularly keen to find ways of being environmentally friendly without sacrificing beauty and quality, I am delighted to showcase the gorgeous work of Spanish born, jewellery designer Jorge Pérez on Hydradirect.

Jorgos was born in Tetouan, Morocco. He studied at the Instituto Gemologico Español and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, then taught at the Le Arti Orafe Jewellery School (Florence, Italy).

Much of his time is spent travelling although during the summer he is based on Hydra working with the Koutsikou Concept Store who he designed a collection for.

He work is currently showing as part of the 'Origen-Gold For Future' exhibition in Barcelona where he will spend November 2020. This collective exhibition shows the work of a group of passionate professionals who make jewellery committed to environmentally friendly practices and social values. They are interested in knowing what is at the origin of the noble raw materials and their traceability. They share a vision of ethical and sustainable jewellery. For more information about this exhibition and its participants, you can follow their Facebook page or Instagram account.

You can see more about Jorge Perez and find his contact details to get in touch with him directly by clicking the following link.

What do a plate and a book have in common? ...

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 16:37:59 GMT

Rather shockingly, the last time I read a good book, it was two years ago when I took a break from technical manuals and immersed myself in Polly Samson’s ‘The Kindness’… twice. I felt transported by her lyrical and descriptive phrasing. The lives of the characters developed at a pace that compelled me to turn the pages. I was hungry to find out what Julian and Julia did, and thought, from their respective positions in the same situation. It’s all about betrayal, different perspectives and ‘more than one side’ to every story. Living on Hydra, where life is constantly under scrutiny and every situation real or otherwise is hotly debated from everyone’s point of view, ‘The Kindness’ was reassuring for me. It confirmed the normalcy of life’s perceptual misunderstandings. It’s a book of two parts and I feel sure, like me, you will read it twice so you can go back to assess it from your perspective as well. Were you too judgemental of Julia when reading from Julian’s point of view?

Cats, Donkeys & Fishermen

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 13:07:13 GMT

All back to its beautiful self on Hydra

As anticipated, in spite of more heavy rain, even louder thunder last night and though Jimmy and a few others were still cleaning off mud, today, Hydra was more or less back to its normal beautiful self.

The harbour cats were out in force along with locals to enjoy our winter sun and to welcome the fishing boats back into port.

I gather from Nikos our resident weatherman, that we've had more rain over the last 48 hours than we had during the disastrous storm of October 2015. But this time it wasn't as damaging because everyone had been more mindful to not leave obstacles in the streets.

Having said that, most of the houses that were flooded the night before, woke this morning to a repetition. I met quite a few harrassed house-managers rushing to check their charges and do it all again. I hope all you absent homeowners remember to show your appreciation. The responsibility of looking after someone's house is not easy!

Today was great for me to get some animal clips too. In the port, one of my favourite gingers obligingly rolled over in the sun showing his appreciation for his lunch and then I met a cute baby mule on the way home. He was out being trained with his mother and was particularly interested in my camera which made for a cute clip.

And the rubble that had collected in front of the football stadium steps had been beautifully cleaned.

So life on Hydra is back to normal.

I love living here - there's always something inspiring going on, even though nothing ever seems to change!

For more information about Hydra (and visiting during the off-season winter) please subscribe to my YouTube channel, follow HydraDirect on Insta and FB, and please visit www.HydraDirect.com.

A Bit Of A Mess

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 11:11:49 GMT

But everyone safe

A storm during the night of Wednesday 11th December 2019, complete with torrential rain, thunder, lightning and heavy hail, didn't cause as much mess as the Great Storm of October 2015, but it certainly left a mess!

SwimRun Hydra 2019

Sat, 16 Nov 2019 07:52:14 GMT

Even more gruelling in the heat

This year’s event happened in bright sunshine, great for spectators but not so good for the athletes because it was hot work running in a wetsuit! Hydra Harbour was the start and finish for both races. The initiation race was 9.4k with two swimming and two running sections between Hydra Port and Vlychos.

The core distance race was a gruelling 23.6k with three swimming and three running sections stretching between Molos and Mandraki.

Both races started at 8:30 from the port and the last pair competing in the core distance race crossed the finish line at about 14:30.

Each pair had to do the race attached to each other and they had to carry everything they needed with them. So when they were in the water, their running shoes were kept in the bag which floated behind then during the swimming sections. They are also allowed to have a float to use between their thighs when swimming which gets swapped for shoes during the running sections. Changing over between sections was nearly as much hard work as the actual swimming and running!

They even ate and drank on the run to keep their energy levels up.

On land and sea marshals were everywhere to keep everyone safe and going in the right direction.

As the race competitors were so spread out and cover such a distance, most of the supporters and spectators based themselves at the harbour cafes so they could applaud and yell encouragement to the pairs as they reached the finish line. And most of the competitors who finished the initiation race early, joined the cafe crowds to add their appreciation to the pairs still doing the core race.

The organisers monitored the races from the finish line and kept the music going throughout. They were constantly on alert for when the pairs were heading back. As soon as a couple were spotted coming round the west corner of the harbour, the music, cheering and whistling erupted to welcome the weary couples over the finish line.

The core distance was an especially gruelling race with mostly first-class competitors. So I really admired the three Hydriot pairs who took part. Even though Arabella and Kathryn came in last they deserved as much applause as those who came in first for their plucky bravery and determination to complete this very demanding challenge.

Bravo to the girls and all who took part. See you next year!

Patron Saints Day 2019

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 17:50:25 GMT

Beautifully Sunny

The evening of the 13th November 2019 was a wet one but the morning of the 14th was brilliantly sunny with everything fresh and bright. It was as though the weather was being kind to Hydra's community who turned out in force to celebrate Aghios Konstandinos the Patron Saint of Hydra.

For more information please visit Patron Saint's Day

For more information about Hydra's Patron Saint, please visit Ag. Konstandinos .

Walking to the Haramis Windmill

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 11:05:29 GMT

Welcome to my November Avlaki Walk

Avlaki is the very green, residential valley west of Hydra Harbour at the beginning of the Hydra to Kamini coast road. All views from the few houses on the gentle hillsides focus on Avlaki Bay. Both sides of the valley ridges have chains of windmills.

I started my walk leaving Hydra Harbour and taking the upper road above the ‘Periptero’ to visit the Sophia Loren Windmill which is one of the Hydra locations immortalised by the film ‘A Boy On A Dolphin’ made in the 1950s.

Continuing by the windmill and statue, I am walking parallel but above the coast road and just after the stone built gully bridge, I turn left up some small steps to continue to upper Avlaki. If I’d gone straight on at this point and taken the first right, I’d have gone down to the Techne Restaurant on the coast road.

I like walking around Avlaki because it’s not on a main route to anywhere. It’s peaceful and quiet. And to my eye, it’s tidier and more picturesque than some other areas of the island.

At the lower crossroads along the way I stopped to see how the huge tree in the middle of a wall was doing. The tree was there first so when the built the wall, they simply built up to the tree!

Following the path up, I stopped to photograph the prickly pear trees that over hang the street making it essential to look where you’re going so you don’t get the fine thorns in your hair. And I took a slight detour to admire one of the few real grass lawns on Hydra as well as to admire the views from the lower slopes which are covered with new pine trees.

Continuing up I visited the ruins at the very top of the hill that surround the church and Haramis Windmill. Walking up, you will see the island’s comms antenna on the east ridge of the valley but you can’t climb up to it from this side. The ruins are on your right as you walk up to the top of the hill.

This is an area much loved by artists and photographers. Throughout the summer you will often find group classes of artists painting together here in the evening light.

I met up with Elias at the ruined house so stopped for coffee and to admire his chickens and winter spring greens.

The Church of Aghios Antonios has a unique bell tower with three bells and passing down the left side of the church (the right side is a private entrance for some residential homes) I reached the landmark Haramis Windmill. If you do this walk, take care walking around because you will quite often meet a mule wandering by itself. They are harmless but avoid holding your hand out to them because they might mistake your fingers for food.

The mill is one of the few left on the island that still has someone living in the lower living quarters and has the original machinery in the actual tower. Sadly it doesn’t function as a mill these days though.

And if you’re brave enough to walk over the manure strewn paths, you can climb up to the highest mill platform (the actual mill was taken down years ago), where you can admire an incomparable 360 degree view. You look down into Kamini Harbour and along the coast over Dokos Island with Ermioni and Spetses in the distance. You can see all the way down the Kamini to Vlychos valley. Continuing round, you look down at the inland Kamini valley, at the area known as Four Corners and up to Kiaffa and the Agios Konstandinos church (Patron Saint of Hydra). High above Agios Konstandinos you can just see the top of the Profitis Elias Monastery above the pine trees. And as you turn, you look down into Hydra town and part of the harbour.

On my way back, I went via the inland route down to Four Corners passing the brown door on Kriezi Street where swallows annually nest in Spring time. And then down Lignou Street which is the main arterial route that connect Hydra harbour with Kamini.

The bougainvillea tree over the terrace to the side of the street is a welcome place to stop for a break and is so well appreciated that it is a landmark in its own right!

At the bottom of Lignou Street I stopped to photograph the plaque in the wall that shows a scull and crossed bones. This indicates that the re-interned bones of a priest have been laid to rest in the church that he was associated with. However, it also served to remind me that I was thirsty after a long walk and turned my mind to the Pirate Bar!

However, I’d forgotten that the Pirate Bar does open until 6 in winter evenings so I had to make do with a cuddle with Jack Sparrow the sweetest one-eyed cat on Hydra instead.

I hope you enjoy the video and it inspires you to explore Hydra on your next holiday.

Ochi Day 2019

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 07:54:56 GMT

Sunniest OXI Day in 20 years

Monday 28th October 2019 must be a record breaker for the most sun and highest temperatures for any Ochi day in the last 20 years.

The entire island seemed to come out to celebrate the day when Metaxa said OXI to Mussolini during WWII.

The port cats, with one persistent exception, fled to the side streets, mules were tethered off the port and cafes rearranged their tables and chairs to make way for the parade.

At 11, the racing yachts took off on the 2nd leg of this years end of season regatta, by which time the church service and wreath laying in the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was well underway.

While the children left the monastery to get into parade order, the 3 island cruise boat came in, leaning heavily to one side. While I got some photos, I gave the selfie stick to Pan who promptly misbehaved pretending to be a CNN reporter. (As you’ll see on the video.)

As usual the youngest children carried the Greek and Hydra flags leading the parade, proud to be included but looking a little overwhelmed.

Flags fluttered, snare drums rattled and those not holding their cameras wore out their hands clapping for the full duration of the wonderfully good natured event.

Hydra’s resident band played throughout and marched at the end of the parade bringing it to a close.

Thank you to all of Hydra for a marvellous morning.

Melina Mercouri Makeover

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 12 Oct 2019 08:21:10 GMT

2019 Renovation

The Melina Mercouri Hall on Hydra Island has been closed this year. A grant obtained by the Municipality has made it possible to totally renovate the hall and work has been carried out all year.

In addition to plenty of cabling for air-conditioning and better lighting, there is now a production control room, storage and toilets.

The hall will reopen for community productions, exhibitions and events in 2020.

Bouzouki Blues

Sat, 05 Oct 2019 21:00:00 GMT

Rebetika Festival 2019

In my opinion, the 2019 Rebetika Evening was best of all we've seen over the last 19 years!

Not only were the musicians and singer in the SOAR Band excellent, playing upbeat Rebetika, but they were happy to have members of the audience join in. Towards the end of the evening it became Rebetika Karaoke!

Lakis (of the 21st Century shop on the harbour) danced and Sophia (also of 21st Century) wowed everyone by singing. (My apologies, but much to my disgust my video camera battery died at entirely the wrong moment). Both were received with shouts of pleasure and loud applause.

Elena Vasileiadi went on stage and did a 'set' that got quite a few people jumping up to dance. Her voice was terrific and her playing the castanets was masterly.

The most unexpected guest was visitor Teresa Tudury who played a number of pieces and I suspect has created a new genre in music - Bouzouki Blues!

As usual there was a terrific set menu excellently served by the team of the Douskos Taverna.

It was a very memorable evening and I look forward to the 20th anniversary next year.

Meliti On The Mend

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 06:00:53 GMT

Update: Sea Turtle Rescue

The lovely Dimitris Fytilis (Marine Scientist) of Archelon, phoned me yesterday with an update on Meliti's progress. Our beautiful sea turtle (rescued off Hydra on 10, Oct) is comfortable and stable but it will be some months before the wound on her head has mended. It takes quite a while for the scale-like covering of her head to grow back.

Meliti is about 20 years old (so still a youngster) and apart from her head wound and still being scared in unfamiliar surroundings, she is in good health.

Her prognosis is good. But because we are heading into winter, sea temperatures will be too low for her to be returned until May next year when it's nearer 16 degrees. So she will be staying at the rescue centre in Glyfada for the next 6-7 months under the care of Dimitris. Eventually, she will be returned to the sea off the Peloponnese and hopefully will make her way back to her nesting ground safely.

The cost of caring for each rescued sea turtle is €110 per month.

Dimitris has sent some photos and I will be visiting the centre soon.

For those who would like to contribute towards Meliti's care, donations can be sent to Archelon's bank account as follows:
ALPHA BANK
STOURNARA 55,
104 32 ATHENS
GREECE
Pay: ARCHELON
IBAN: GR1601403580358002320000077
BIC: CRBAGRAAXXX
Please add Reference: Meliti Glyfada so your donation is sent to the correct centre.

For more information about these wonderful creatures please click this link: Sea Turtles Around Hydra

Hydra Twinned with Pylos Nestoros

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 04:54:52 GMT

Sharing history

On Saturday, October 20 at 12:15 pm, the twinning protocol with the Municipality of Hydra is to be signed under the Naval Authority organized by the Municipality of Pylos-Nestoros. The celebration will be attended by the Mayor of Hydra, George Koukoudakis Koukoudakis.

More specifically for the celebration: The Navarino Naval War comes alive 191 years later, through the over-thematic representation organized by the Municipality of Pylos-Nestoros, in the same place that happene d at that time, with the participation of traditional sailing ships from all over Europe, composing a setting with live historical narrative, even the impressive destruction of the Turkish-Egyptian flagship.

The four-day celebration commences on October 18, culminating in the representation of the Battalion at the old port of Pylos, on Saturday afternoon on October 20 at 19:30.

At a feast of a timeless character, the route to the creation of the modern Greek state is presented, the historic decisions of the Admirals, the diplomatic efforts and the great moments of the Battle of the Battle.

References

http://fonitisydras.com/info/endiaferonta/item/3003-adelfopoioyntai-ydra-kai-pylos-ston-eortasmo-ton...

See information about the area here: https://pylos.info/en/

Plastic Man's Temporary Shop

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 11:49:52 GMT

Adonis Kranidiotis got flooded

The shop of Adonis Kranidiotis sprang a leak during the unusually bad weather at the end of September 2018 and his roof needs to be repaired to make it water tight again. Being used to always receiving a cheery hello on my way into town each day, I was rather alarmed to discover he wasn't there. I always enjoy changes but there are some essentials like 'Adonis the Plastic Man's shop' that are a bit of an institution. So I was very relieved to discover that the contents of the entire shop and store room have moved along into a vacant building on Miaoulis Street. It's a temporary move into what used to be the old Zefyros Taverna building, for a three month period, until the repair work has been completed. Adonis, aka the Plastic Man, should be back on his usual corner by January 2019. In the meantime, you can be assured of his normal cheery smile at his temporary location.

Sunday Mass at Pevges

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 18:44:52 GMT

Ag. Nicolaos

This morning’s Sunday Mass was celebrated by Papa Jorgos at the tiny chapel of Ag. Nicolaos in Pevges on Hydra Island. Many locals made the one hour hike or ride to climb up to this happy valley. The service started at 7am with the congregation arriving in groups until 9ish, having to take turns to enter in order to light their candles. After Holy Communion and the final blessing, everyone was welcomed for coffee, a BBQ lunch and a little later for music, wine and dancing. A really beautiful Hydra morning.

Iraklis Arrives in Hydra

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Yelled Instructions As Usual

The slim, sleek lines of the 'Iraklis L' graced Hydra Harbour this afternoon.

The notion of Pan having retired his position on the island of chief 'yeller of instructions' can be dismissed. As usual, he was on the quayside calling out directions and muttering comments like, "I told them to drop anchor on the way in and swing about". It appeared to mean as little to them as it did to me. However, she moored nimbley enough and everyone enjoyed looking at her in the afternoon sun.

Caretta Caretta in Hydra Harbour

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Sea Turtle Rescue

Sadly this sea turtle had the misfortune to swim into Hydra Harbour this evening with a nasty bash on the head. It's not clear if the poor turtle was hurt in the harbour or not. Visiting yachties and concerned Hydriots were determined to rescue it. It was heartwarming to see so much genuine concern. The island's volunteer emergency services along with the Port Police got the sea turtle out of the water and kept it safe overnight so it could be transferred to the wildlife sanctuary on Aegina the following morning.

The sea turtles are an endangered species. Their latin name is Caretta Caretta, more commonly known as Loggerhead Sea Turtles. It's rare to see them swimming near Hydra. Even though they are reptiles and need to surface to breathe air, sea turtles spend all their lives in the sea. Only the females come onto land to lay their eggs each year. The island doesn't have any beaches suitable for laying eggs. There are a number of managed breeding sites on the Peloponnese mainland. For more information about them please visit: https://www.hydradirect.com/ caretta-caretta-sea-turtles

Hydra's Equines Get A Check Up

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

GAWF visit Hydra Island Greece

Each year in October, the equine vets from Animal Action organized by GAWF visit Hydra Island Greece to provide veterinary care for Hydra’s horses, mules and donkeys. This is an opportunity for any equine owners to have their animals checked over, to get advice on diet and care as well as to have their animals teeth and hooves trimmed. Paul McGlone of GAWF also took the opportunity to speak to Mayor about the long overdue shade for the mules that are tied up on the port.

Rebetika Evening

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Hosted at Xeri Elia (Douskos) Taverna

The annual Rebetika Festival is organised by Ed Emery of SOAS (University of London). He is a long-time enthusiast of traditional rebetika music and a great fan of Hydra Island. This year's closing party for the festival was as enthusiastically enjoyed by everyone who attended. The music was a little more mainstream this year with, dare I say it, a rather too cheerful sound instead of the more usual sad lament. There were some misgivings about the belly dancers too who were accompanied by a group of musicians from Estonia. However, by the end of the evening everyone was singing into their cups and a few Hydriots got up to show everyone how you are supposed to dance with Rebetika.

Paouri Photographic Exhibition

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Many congratulations to Sotiris & Kiki for their excellently presented Paouri Photographic Exhibition which opened last night. For those who weren't able to come to the opening party, the exhibition in the Paouri House between the Isalos and Skipper cafes on the harbour front, will be open every day from 11:00 until the 5th April.

Exhibition of photos collected by Madame Paouri, and preserved by members of her family was a fascinating insight of life on Hydra during the early 50's.

Carnival on Hydra 2018

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

A Round-Up Of A Wonderful Afternoon, Sunday 18th Feb 2018

The Sunday of the Carnival Parade this year was bright and sunny bringing larger than normal crowds out for a fun walk about the island. From Votis Square in the centre of Hydra Town, everyone started gathering at 2.30 with lots of noise and excited chatter accompanied by music from our excellent musicians that got everyone jigging. Our adorable Carnival Donkey was 'wire for sound' and waited patiently for Spyros to be helped into the massive 'head' that traditionally leads the parade. At 3 o'clock, Mayor George Koukoudakis marshalled everyone into order and the parade set off.

The first stop was the Hydra Language School (just above Four Corners) where everyone was welcomed by Sotiris, Kiki and the School Team. After refuelling with refreshments, the occasion and excellent music ensured lots of dancing that everyone enjoyed so much that the music had to be switched off and everyone had to be reminded that the parade had to go on!

From the school, the parade made its way down to Four Corners then turned into Hilary Square heading inland to Kamini. Yet more people joined the parade here as we headed down to the Supermarket and Pirofani square for some more refreshments. Happily, the Carnival Donkey also got a break and thoroughly enjoyed munching on some lovely fresh weeds.

Late lunchers were ready with their cameras as the parade passed Christina's Taverna and then it was on to the Kodylenia Taverna at Kamini Harbour. Dimitris and Eleni were ready with crazy spray, streamers and drinks for everyone. And the Kodylenia guests enjoyed the ten-minute invasion of dancing carnival goers.

The parade got a little strung out by the time it reached Avlaki and stopped at Spilia for everyone to catch up to enter the harbour together at about 4.30.

After some dancing and yet more photos in the centre of the port, the parade moved further along to the East corner of the harbour, where the municipality had food and drink for everyone. The star of this year's music was Vangelis Konitopoulos and his traditional band which was fantastic.

I confess that by six, I was in dire need of a strong hot cup of tea and I headed home but the sound of party goers, singing, music and occasional loud bangs followed me up the hill. The background noise was still apparent at 11 so it's safe to assume that everyone was still enjoying themselves until the early hours.

Quite aside from the weather being sunny and favourable, I think there are many people who need to be thanked for organising the best Carnival on Hydra for years. Municipality's carnival committee including the technicians and the people who look after the costumes and Spyros for wearing the head! Sotiris & Kiki of the Language School, the Kamini Supermarket, Dimitris & Eleni of the Kodylenia Taverna, Chris and the musicians, everyone who helped to make the food for the end of parade party and finally Vangelis and his musicians for accepting the Mayor's invitation to play for us. It was a fantastic day!

Click this link to see all photos of Carnival 2018 .

Father Christmas visits Hydra Island

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 15:28:12 GMT

It's rumoured that he actually lives on Hydra!

Father Christmas visited Hydra Island this morning (Sunday 17 Dec. 2107) much to the delight of children young and old. Christmas has now officially started on Hydra!

Yet again the wonderful team of Elves, led by Sotiris Iliadis and Angeliki Stroumbouli, directors of Υδραγωγής (Ydragogis) the charitable side of the Hydra Language School, hosted Hydra's very own Father Christmas this morning in town.

Rumour has it, that Father Christmas actually lives in disguise on Hydra Island all year! Where he lives is a closely guarded secret by all the 'big' children, to avoid upsetting the little children.

The Υδραγωγής 'Fund-raising for Education' Bazaar was in full swing, (and will be for another week) selling wonderful art and craft Christmas gifts. This was where Father Christmas had his 'Grotto' and the island's children waited patiently to sit on his knee for photo opportunities and to be given a Christmas gift.

The Hydra Language School is a private school for the instruction of foreign languages on the island of Hydra in Greece. It employs 8 teachers and has about 170 students. In September 2008 we celebrated the opening of our new space. The building consists of 5 classrooms, a computer lab and a large indoor space for school events and various activities. For more information visit: https://hydralanguageschool.wordpress.com/

Angeliki Stroumbouli was born and raised in Hydra. In 1998 she undertook the management of The Hydra Language School. She has been a 50% partner in The Hydra Language School and Hydragogy since 2006.

Sotiris Iliadis was born and raised in Athens. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in Shipping, Trade and Finance from City University in London. He lives permanently in Hydra where he has been teaching English since 2002. He has been a 50% partner in The Hydra Language School and Hydragogy since 2006.

SEE ALL PHOTOS

Zoe The Hydra Carpet Maker

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

A Happy Discovery

On an abortive search for Dimitrios Antonitsis, in need of a new photo for another idea I am brewing, I came across Zoe completely by accident (I have many happy accidents when out and about in Hydra!). Zoe is the oldest and last of the handmade carpet makers on Hydra Island Greece. Her workshop is completely dominated by two huge traditional looms, which have the working ends set up under the windows so she has light to work by. It is incredible to see how she works with her nibble fingers and happy smile. Amazing lady.

You can visit Zoe at her workshop most weekday mornings at the Old High School at the top of Lignou Street (aka Donkey Shit Lane). The entrance is on the left, opposite the step stairs (Kreize Street) that goes right off Lignou Street to the Four Corners Supermarket. The Old High School is no longer a working school but a community centre instead. When you enter through the street door, walk into the courtyard. If she is there, you will find Zoe in the little room off to the right hand corner of the courtyard.

A Gift For Hydra

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

What Fantastic People

Ioanna Papadopoulou , President and CEO Papadopoulou Foods (GR) in conjunction with the insurance company, Interamerican , have agreed to donate €15,000 PER YEAR to the Kouloureio Hospital “Panagia Faneromeni” Hydra, to cover the costs of providing emergency airlifts when urgent medical help is needed by Hydra residents and visitors. The Papadopoulos family are well known lovers and supporters of Hydra’s community. This is yet another example of their wonderful, practical and sensitive help and contribution to the well-being of the island.

Only emergency helicopters are allowed to land on Hydra legally. The football stadium in Hydra Town is where they land. Non-emergency, pleasure and transport helicopters are allowed to land on the tiny rocky islet of Kivitos, which is 300 meters off the beach at Molos. Passengers are then transferred to Hydra by water taxi.

Fakes!

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Lunch With Wendy

I confess that while delighted to accept the opportunity to sit with Wendy and Takis to continue the conversation over lunch, I was only cautiously enthusiastic about eating what was on the menu.

The Bouklas family run the popular Pirate Bar in Hydra Harbour and Wendy is a particular friend of mine. She, and husband Takis, had been away for a fortnight and so on their return, I strolled to town last Sunday to catch up with their news. I timed it well as Wendy had just about finished cooking lunch. Φακές literally translated as Fakes, pronounced as Fah-kehs, is a very traditional Greek staple dish made of small brown lentils. But, let's be honest here, when it's dished up, fakes does look suspiciously like porridge gone horribly wrong!

I found Wendy in the Pirate kitchen. "Oh good, you're still working, I'm starving," leapt out of my mouth before I'd taken in that she wasn't working on the usual Pirate fare but preparing a traditional family lunch. "You must stay and eat with us," she beamed while she drained the horta (that's boiled weeds to those not familiar with this Greek delicacy). Well it would hardly have been polite to refuse as I'd already admitted that I was very hungry.

Dokos Island is the small landmass, which is often described as the silhouette of a whale, that's just off the north-west coast of Hydra. It is within the area covered by the governance of Hydra's Municipality but as there isn't any electricity or mains water or roads even, those few with property there seem to just get on with looking after the island. The Bouklas family have a small 'dwelling', which they beat a hasty retreat to at the end of the busy summer season for a couple of weeks to 'recharge their batteries'.

From what I have understood though, rest and relaxation didn't play much of a part in Wendy and Takis' break as they are both keen on 'foraging', fishing, swimming (yes in November, mad I agree) and they also had to repair weather damage to their property.

In addition to weeding most of the hillside they reside on, they also added bags and bags of olives, which they'd picked off their own trees, to their return journey luggage.

So while I rummaged through assorted bags, boxes and tubs taking photos, Wendy brought me up to speed with the disgraceful amount of rubbish, washed up on the beaches, that she had energetically dragged into piles and then stood guard over when she'd made bonfires to get rid of it. And eventually we sat down to eat lunch!

First I tackled the weeds. Mentally pushing aside childhood memories of feeding my pet rabbit dandelion leaves with my Grandmother reminding me to wash my hands after so I didn't wet the bed at night, I prepared my horta in the prescribed manner. I seasoned with salt and pepper, squeezed lemon and drizzled olive oil, before taking a mouthful ... and being very pleasantly surprised . It was really tasty and tender, quite a strong flavour that gave me the impression it was full of iron. Yes it did have dandelions in it along with half a dozen other plants that grow wild on the hillsides, all of which are therapeutic or medicinal and very good for you. So now, while I wouldn't risk foraging, because I would be bound to pick something like deadly nightshade and poison myself, I will try it when it's in season at the tavernas in the future.

And then the suspect porridge! Now you have to understand that in sixteen years I have managed to politely avoid this dish in Hydra. This probably stems from years of English school dinners that included yucky 'pease pudding' and 'mushy peas'. Also I find pulses and dried produce quite baffling to cook with. I have tried, but do you soak them, for how long, boil or simmer them? And every attempt has ended with either a tasteless mush or worse, a gritty texture that no amount of putting it through a blender will disguise. I am however fond of baked beans, although at €3.95 for a tin of Heinz, the shelves of the supermarkets would have to be bare of any other food before I would relent and buy what I have always considered a cheap lunch for such an exorbitant price!

Well I should have known, because Wendy really is an excellent cook, that it would taste a lot better than I'd anticipated. I really, and I mean really, liked it. It had a pleasant well-rounded flavour, which wasn't as bitter as I'd expected. And it worked particularly well, as far as my taste buds were concerned, with the excellent homemade feta cheese crumbled in it.

Thoroughly converted, I eagerly asked for the recipe and instructions so I could cook it for myself. I didn't write it down and after double-checking yesterday only to become even more confused with extra instructions, I more or less just crossed my fingers today.

Recipe and Cooking Instructions

I started off with half a packet of lentils in a saucepan and covered them with enough water to boil them for five minutes. Then I strained the 'scummy' water off and put the 'clean' lentils back in a pan and covered them with the same depth of boiling water. Added a finely chopped, medium sized onion, 2 plump garlic cloves (finely chopped) and 4 bay leaves. Then after bringing it to the boil, I put the lid on the pan and left it to simmer for about 45 minutes. I prodded it optimistically a couple of times just to make sure it wasn't sticking to the bottom of the pan and when I tested it, the lentils seemed cooked through. In a cup I mixed a heaped teaspoon of tomato puree, a tablespoon of olive oil and a heaped teaspoon of flour. This seemed to do the final trick because up till then it had seemed a little 'runny', and it thickened up to the texture and consistency that I remembered Wendy's version was like. I also added some ground pepper and a little dash of red wine vinegar to top it off once served.

And the result you can see at the top of the article. And even if I didn't quite get it right, it was very tasty. Eureka, I have found a healthy and tasty substitute that I now prefer to Heinz Baked Beans! I doubt I will remember the correct pronunciation, but from now on I will say I am having Fake Beans for lunch.

The Candle Maker

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A Tribute to Mrs Maria Haramis

Sadly Mrs Haramis passed away in March 2017, my condolences to her family. I am leaving this article on HydraDirect as I wrote it in 2015 as a tribute to a very lovely lady.

After exclamations, hugs, kisses and the obligatory pinching of the cheek, I was welcomed into Kyria Maria’s ancient Candle Making Workshop. I first met Kyria Maria Haramis eight years ago and I was amazed then that a lady in her early seventies had such energy and dedication to produce candles for all the churches in Hydra still using the technique handed down over four generations. Having been away for five years, I was thrilled, when knocking on her door yesterday, (5th November 2015) to find not only was she in but she is still going strong in full production even though she is now in her late seventies!

The first thing you notice when the door opens, is a ‘wall’ of perfume, deep and honey scented, so you can almost taste it. Once your eyes adjust to the gloom, you’ll see that everything has a hazy, pale-orange tint from years of heated beeswax impregnating the very fabric of the building. Everything smells like honey, including Kyria Maria, who likes to work by the light from one window and rarely uses the single light-bulb that swings, stickily, from the high ceiling. The organized clutter, perches in piles around the sides of the room leaving the central floor space free for the seriously, dangerous-looking Gazani filled with molten beeswax.

Kyria Maria has been working as a candle maker for forty-six years. She worked part-time with her husband for twelve years learning the trade. Then, when her husband died in 1982, she continued the family business on her own, full time, in order to bring up her family. Her customers are the Greek Orthodox Churches of Hydra although she is happy to sell her handmade, traditional, beeswax candles to holiday-makers who want something unique to take home with them.

The entire process of hand-making candles has been passed down through the family. It is truly a cottage industry and a labour intensive one at that, which hardly breaks-even, let alone makes a profit, so sadly Kyria Maria feels that without an apprentice to hand the knowledge onto, she is probably the last generation of candle-makers in Hydra.

Every piece of equipment used is an original antique or has been reproduced in the likeness of the original.

Pure cotton string is used to make the wicks. Kyria Maria has a ruled piece of wood with a nail embedded at one end and a blade wedged upright at the required length. Starting at the blade, the string is measured to the nail, round it and back to the blade to be cut. This produces the required length to make two candles at a time.

The large, wide-brimmed ‘gazani’ (gaz-anni, cauldron) in the centre of the room is filled with lumps of beeswax, perched on a tripod over a gently hissing, camping gas-burner and left to heat until the wax is molten.

Above the gazani a heavy-duty hook, at the end of a chain from the ceiling, is used to suspend a wrought iron wheel, which has thirty pegs each holding a double wick, so sixty candles can be made at a time.

Attired in a full length apron, stiff with solidified wax, using a large ‘coutali’ (ladle) in one hand, Kyria Maria gently and slowly scoops the wax up and drizzles it down each wick while using her other hand to rotate the wheel. Alarmingly she does this without the aid of gloves and told me that she has never had an accident. The twinkle in her eye would indicate that she might have been fibbing.

After a rotation, she hangs the wheel so the layer of wax hardens slightly before adding another layer. Kyria Maria can have as many as ten wheels on the go at the same time. To complete a candle of the required thickness, the process must be repeated ten to fifteen times.

The next stage of the process is to trim and seal the candles. Watching is a little nerve-wracking as it’s obvious that Kyria Maria has never heard of health and safety in the workplace!

A mixture of wax and blue-green dye is combined in a precariously balanced pot over a camping stove on a small window ledge. A knife is wedged in the clutter so it’s also over the flame to heat. Once everything is viciously hot, she uses the knife to slice through the ragged bottoms of a bunch of candles (so they are all the same length) and then dips the ends in the sealing wax. Once done, the flame is switched off and any watching audience can breath a sigh of relief. Apparently this finishing touch is unique to the Haramis Candle Workshop and no candle leaves the premises without its’ trademark seal.

The candles made with this method of ‘pouring’, are primarily used for major church events such as name days and Good Friday at Easter.

The skinnier and shorter offertory candles that the congregation light when they arrive at church and put in the stands of sand you will see if you visit any church, are made using a bulk ‘dipping’ process.

Kyria Maria has another room to her workshop. It’s more of a narrow corridor with red-painted, flaking walls, which gives is a rather ‘infernoish’ atmosphere. Wicks laced on metal frames are suspended on wooden racks to be dipped. From a black charred gazani, a slim-line trough is filled with the melted wax using the coutali. Kyria Maria takes three metal frames of wicks at a time and dips them into the trough together. To complete their making, dipping is repeated five to six times. When the final coating of wax has hardened, she cuts the wicks off the frames and finally her unique sealing process is carried out.

Kyria Maria uses either pure beeswax, which she obtains from the Peloponnese or ‘migma’ (melted down candles mixed with pure beeswax). Pure beeswax is preferable, when she can get it at a reasonable price, as it binds more easily.

After weighing the finished candles by the kilo on her set of ancient, antique scales and weights, Kyria Maria wraps them up in newspaper and lays them on shelves ready to be sold.

On an average working day, Kyria Maria works for a couple of hours in the morning. Her hours increase when churches have special ‘name days’ or celebrations. The period leading up to the Orthodox ‘Paska’ is her peak time when her working hours increase to eight or nine per day.

Kyria Maria will happily (always with a smile) welcome any passer-by into her workshop whether you want to buy a kilo of unique hand-made candles from her as a real one-off souvenir of your Hydra holiday or you just want to watch her work.

Re-reading this post while transferring it over from the previous version on the HydraDirect site, makes me feel a sense of grief again not just at the loss of such a lovely lady, but also for the loss of the simple routine of making candles in this way. Sadly, Mrs Haramis' life-long work is no longer continued. Kelsey, 18 December 2017.

Olive Harvest

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Busy Time In Palamida

The gentle, pastoral scene worthy of an old master's painting belies the reality: it's an intensive, completely manual, hard labour process against the clock. You don't pick olives when you have an estate of two thousand olive trees. You rake them off!

Generations of the Voulgaris family, have lived in their rambling farmhouse to the side of the Palamida Bay, working their land and providing Hydra Island with a safe haven for all the little boats and sea taxis to be dry-docked, repaired and stored over winter.

Foremost, the Voulgaris are farmers. They have the most immaculately maintained kitchen garden I've ever seen and their free-range chickens are noisily busy in a huge field-sized pen with coops that are amusingly made out of boat wheel-cabins. The majority of their land is planted with over two thousand, well-established olive trees and this year has produced a bumper crop. Weather conditions have been perfect for olive growing, the unexpected, fantastic, late autumn sunshine has extended the picking window and the tiny insects that often 'spoil' the olives, haven't done as much damage as usual.

The current manager of the family business is Stamatis who, along with a small group of friends and relations, is responsible for collecting all the olives and getting them to the press in Ermioni, on the mainland.

The rocky, ankle-turning ground beneath the olive tree to be worked on is covered with huge, sturdy nets. Tapering, wooden ladders are wedged against the branches and then the team swarm up them brandishing their red, hand-rakes to attack the tree with all the enthusiasm of starving locust!

Precariously perched at the top of each ladder, which wallowed about as though at sea, the picker's unenviable task was to grab each flimsy, olive-laden branch and brush it with a downward stroke of their rake creating a storm of pinging missiles that tumbled and bounced in every direction - hence the requirement for very large nets.

Stamatis called, 'Put the camera down, grab a rake and get up that ladder'. Right, like that was going to happen. It was dangerous enough tiptoeing over the nets without tripping, trying to crouch under the tree to get action shots while being bombarded with a hail of bullet strength olives. Not a chance I was going to risk my neck teetering up a tree that didn't look strong enough to support a sparrow, in spite of the evidence to the contrary!

A tree took about twenty minutes to strip and once cleared was given a light pruning by Stamati while the team laid out more nets to tackle the next one.

Cleared of ladders and feet, the full nets were gathered up until the glistening, heap of black and green olives could be picked over and transferred into crates. Eventually the olives are put in sacks and piled on the dock ready to be loaded onto the boat to be taken to the mainland for pressing. (As an aside: you get black and green olives off the same tree, it's just a case of the black ones being riper than the green.)

The Hydra Tortoise

183:693452999 (Kelsey Edwards) — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Flora & Fauna on Hydra

The Greek Tortoise has populated most areas of Hydra (with the exception of the town and villages) but is surprisingly difficult to spot most of the time. Early Spring is the best time to look, when they have just woken from hibernation and are looking for food and a mate. One of the best places I know of, is in the fields either side of the path heading to Plakes from Vlychos beach. Once the tortoises have mated they go their separate ways. The females lay their eggs (about 15 each in 3 or 4 burrows), which they then abandon and head off to enjoy a solitary life for the rest of the year, at which point they become practically invisible in the landscape.