Azogires Raki - Brings the dead to life again!

The medicinal properties of Azogires Raki were demonstrated yet again in Carshalton, South London, on 27 December 2008.

As part of the by now world infamous "Isn't bloody xmas over yet?" Tourette by The (Insert Name Here) Mummers, The Turkish Knight, having been killed by St George in a most dastardly fashion, was brought back to life by a generous tot of Azogires Village Raki.

After three such killings and rebirths, each involving the consumption of far too much Azogires Raki, the Turkish Knight was last seen skipping down Carshalton High Street waving a plastic chicken around his head and singing a very rude song about a goat.

[The (Insert Name Here) Mummers are a group of men based in South London, who perform traditional English Mumming plays and whose avowed intent is to take mumming out of the schools and put it back in the gutter where it belongs. Their association with Azogires goes back as far as last Tuesday and they weren't invited to the Raki making party either.]

BREWING RAKI IN AZOGIRES

As in every previous year for the past 100 years, the distillary again did its magic in Azogires. For one more time the traditions were honoured, for one more time the Raki was made and for one more time everybody got pissed drunk.

That's what it's all about ???

Not quite; it's about getting together, having fun, enjoying yourselves and learning more about patience. Patience because that's what's required while the Raki comes out drip by drip by drip - that's what it's all about. In the meantime we cook potatoes, chestnuts, meat and even marshmellows - as my grandfather used to say "You can't eat on an empty stomach. " Or was it the other way round? Doesn't really matter, what matters is to be there with friends and family enjoying the mystical fumes and aromas coming from the pot.

THE 2ND AND 3RD INTERNATIONAL WINTER BACKGAMMON COMPETITION IN AZOGIRES

Yes, you heard right, its not just another Azogires a rumour, it's 100% true!

Just a few weeks ago in Azogires we had the Second International Winter Backgammon contest with contestants from 8 different countries all playing with great humour - and if that was not enough they had their very own Chestnut cook in Jessica Hale who made the best roasted Chestnuts I ever had.

1st prize winner was David Hale
2nd prize winner was Canadian Peter
3rd prize winner was Sakis from Lebanon

But this was not enough for our players who were hungry for more blood and demanded that we had a another competition - and so we did.

Once more they fought for their lives and tried to take each others heads off -they succeded! (Sorry, I'm in a bloodthirsty mood today!)

1st prize winner was Canadian Peter
2nd prize winner was David Hale
3rd prize winner was Sakis from Lebanon

(I know it all that sounds familiar but some people are unbeatable, although they did come close to losing to Horst Schaab and Martin Strellow! )

A SURPRISE PARTY FOR MAURA MORGAN IN AZOGIRES

Mrs. Maura had the shock of her life when she walked into the Alpha Cafe in Azogires and she realized that she entered her very own surprise party organized by her family all the way from Ireland. We all had a great time and we hope she will get another surprise in Azogires next year!

The phone was ringing and ringing and ringing all night long wishing her birthday greetings; family, friends and even the Leprechaun called.


This party was definitely in Irish style, even the decorations were specially sent over from Ireland under top secrecy. The only thing missing was a bottle of Guinness.

One thing I can say, I hope my party will be as good!

THE NEW AGE OF EASY RIDERS COMING THROUGH AZOGIRES

This is the new age of easy riders

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.

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.