Friday 31 October 2008

Monday 20 October 2008

COMMENTS ABOUT AZOGIRES IN POETRY

We had a visit from a renowned Poet and author from the UK, Mr Jim from Oldham,
and he donated these rhymes to us.


ALPHA

In peace on a hill far away from the crowd
I found this small place and I'll tell you out loud
It's a quaint sort of place full of old fashioned style
And you'd settle and like it if you stayed for a while.
There's no traffic noise, there's no radio blast
It's almost like living way back in the past
Where people are friendly, and genuine too,
If you want to find it here's what you must do.
Go to Azogires village on the Island of Crete
Go into the Alpha and get you a seat
And there settle back you will soon be at ease
The Alpha, in Paradise,
We need places like these.

.........................................................................................

I feel as though I've been adopted
By a village in far away Crete
The village is really quite tiny
It doesn't have a main street.

It's just a collection of Houses
And some rooms for rent up a hill
But there's quite a collection of Churches
And it's generally peacefull and still.

We can eat and we can drink at the Alpha
When we gather there most every night
Some folks play a game of Backgammon
And the otherfolk put the World right.

I only came here for a few days
Everyone made me feel at home.
That is just how I feel, I'm adopted
As if I should settle not roam.

I'm trying to go back there shortly
To renew all my friendships and then
I am sure that I'll really enjoy it
Again and again and again.

Shall I tell you the name of the village?
You might capture the feelings I got,
The village is called Azogires,
A wonderful, magical, spot.


Thank you Mr. Jim, any errors are mine. Come back soon we need you and your Poetry.

Sunday 19 October 2008

THE FESTIVAL OF ST.JOHN THE HERMIT IN AZOGIRES

The weather was great this year on St. John the Hermit's festival.

About 60 people showed up and most of them remained after for the traditional feast that has been taking place for the past 300 years; a feast that has been handed down from generation to generation of the
Koukoutsakis family.

Since St. John is our family protector, this year as every year, Tony cooked some of the most delicious steaks I've ever had in my life and furthermore, the wine was great.

You should come next year on the 8th of October!

And don't forget that the Hermit is one of the most powerful Saints in Crete so, if you need something in your life just call out to him and he will help you.







THIS YEARS FESTIVAL OF THE 99 HOLY FATHERS IN AZOGIRES

Over 1000 people visited Azogires this year on the 3 days festival of the 99 Holy Fathers, which started on the evening of Monday 6th October and finished on Wendesday afternoon. It was a true and Mystical festival unlike any other ever seen in the past ten years.
After the Church service everyone went to the cafe for traditional evening festival.
On the photos you can see the Priests prepairing for the sacred ceremonial service

Tuesday morning the worshipers waitng for the start of the service

The bones of the 99 Holy Fathers it is said that they hold secret healing powers


Inside the Church

Saturday 18 October 2008

THE NEW BOOK EXCHANGE IN AZOGIRES

At last a book exchange in Azogires!

It's the Alpha Cafe "Bring a book - Take a book" programme and it's free!

"Now the locals and tourists have something to keep them going on cold winter nights" says Mr. Arthur Jarvis resident of Azogires.

"I agree" quoted Mr. Martin Webster, also resident of our village.

Next time you're in town, why not bring and take a book of your choice?



GRAPE STAMPING SEASON IN AZOGIRES

This year like every year, the residents of Azogires took part in the stamping of Grapes in order to make Raki and Wine.
A Cretan tradition for over 3000 years, as you can se on the photo the stamping is done by a Lady. The Ladies were always preferered for this kind of work because it is considered good luck.
In the Ancient days this was done by a virgin so that the Wine will take upon her innocence and become luscius and sweet. Don't forget to check back on the blog in a Months time for the Raki making.

HARRIBOBS AND MANDAKI IN AZOGIRES ONCE MORE

In a suprise visit from the most famous couple on flikr, Mandaki and Harribobs visited our village once more. We hope to see them again next Summer.