Ithaka Bound

The Wind, Dear Lord, the Wind…

The locals will tell you that its the Meltemi, a refreshing wind from the north that blows for ten days in August.  Translation for Americans and other non-Greeks:  its too chilly to swim and it blows for most of the month.  Too chilly to swim in the Cyclades in August?  I couldn’t believe it either.

When [...]

Roma Children

These kids were so great–happy and smiling despite their circumstances.  I’m posting a lot of photographs, just in case they should have access to the internet someday.

© 2009, Ithaka Bound. All rights reserved. Photos and text are copyright protected.

Feast of the Assumption

If you’re ever in Tinos during the Assumption, this is how it works:
First, you buy a big towering candle to take up to the church with you. Buy one of the 5ft. candles for 3 Euro to make sure God sees you.

Then, you crawl on your hands and knees on a rubberized pad about a [...]

Time of the Gypsies

The Feast of the Assumption on 15 August is  a huge holiday in Greece and Italy, but I had no idea that it was a huge Roma ( Gypsy*) holiday as well.

© 2009 – 2010, Ithaka Bound. All rights reserved. Photos and text are copyright protected.

Island Hopping: Tinos

I thought I’d do the post for Tinos while I wait for Priscila’s ferry to make its way from Kymi.
Tinos has been the Lourdes of Greece since a prophecy was fulfilled and an icon was found on the island.  A palatial church was built especially to house the icon.
I am extremely skeptical when it comes [...]