Country Archive
Should I Pay $64,000 for a Mediterranean Ruin?
Date: 11/30/2007
Friday, Nov. 30, 2007
Crete, Greece
Read more about Greece in International Living Postcards--your daily escape
From the far side of the narrow main road, my back pressed up against the building opposite to get as much perspective as I could, I looked at the “house” expecting to see a donkey’s tail swishing through the gaping hole of the doorway. Except most donkeys would be more particular. For one thing, they would probably prefer a roof...especially as this was a mountain village likely to be dusted with snow come Christmas.
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The Olive Harvest
Date: 11/27/2007
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007
Crete, Greece
Read more about Greece in International Living Postcards--your daily escape
I walked over the pale brown earth at the edge of Crete’s Mesara Plain. There was little evidence of last year’s harvest, just a bare scattering of olive stones. Because each olive in Greece is valued for its precious oil, only a few escape the finely webbed black netting placed around each tree to end up drying on the ground.
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Step Back in Time in This Little-Known Greek Town
Date: 10/22/2007
Monday, Oct. 22, 2007
Chios, Greece
Read more about Greece in International Living Postcards--your daily escape
Blame the Greek weather gods, but I’ve only two nights and one full day to explore Chios. September can get windy in the Northeast Aegean. Very windy. The ferry I originally planned to take from neighboring Lesbos remained anchored in the mainland port of Piraeus.
See More [+]Six things you should know before buying a property in Crete
Date: 03/28/2007Most of the guidelines for buying property in your own country hold true when acquiring a home in Crete—with a few extra points specific to this sun-drenched island.
See More [+]A second home in sunny Crete?
Date: 02/27/2007The ancient island of Crete enjoys some of the longest summers in Europe, explaining part of its appeal for visitors from the north.
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No Presents, No Decorations, No Christmas Lights
Date: 12/18/2006Except in the cities, Christmas isn't such a big deal in Greece: no exchanging of presents; no Christmas decorations. We always observe a simple, no-frills holiday season. The only hint of sparkling Christmas lights will be the stars.
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