Messinias Greece in the top 20

National-geographic has listed Messinias as one of its top 20 places to visit in 2011


click on link below to see more
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-trips-2011-photos/#/4-messinia-region-greece-methoni-medieval-castle_30516_600x450.jpg

Strikes galore

It is seldom I have sympathy for the Government of countries. All too often we hear of corruptness and broken promises. However governing any country does require the co-operation of the people and as they are the same people who voted you in one would expect some basic support for policies that have to be introduced. I therefore do "feel" for George Papandreou, not that I am supportive of all his actions but because no matter what he does try and do there appears to be an inbred stubbornness in Greece to cause disruption. 

Now I am not against the right for peaceful demonstration, but the whole world is aware of the financial issues here in Greece....oh except for the Greeks of course!

Well its January, so the annual strike and disruption planned for the end of the month will be blockades by farmers and their tractors. Its happens every year just after olive harvest, but just before main growing season.  Now if I was cynical I would say at this time of year farmers get bored and want an outing with their mates and tractors!!!! Any excuse will do.

Then of course next Thursday is the Pan Educational Rally to mark the anniversary of the murder of Nick Temponeras by right wing youth extremists occupying a school in Patra. It occurred 20 years ago, most of the marchers will not have even been born then. I see this as an odd way to remember a school teacher, risking more civil unrest by marching through the streets. At the same time you would think current teachers would want to set an example to the youth; but no, the teachers unions are bring them out calling for a work stoppage so they can join in !

Indeed hardly a day goes by without some work stoppage somewhere in Greece, more often than not in the capital, Athens. If ever there was a country that now needs firm leadership and control of its unions, Greece is the one. Perhaps Mr Papandreou should plan a visit to Margaret Thatcher before its too late, because he's clearly getting dizzy by "turning" in all directions.

Home energy certificates

It never fails to amaze me how European laws are implemented (or in most cases NOT implemented) in Greece. Take the anti smoking legislation for instance, three attempts have been launched in as many years to stop smoking in public places, all have failed. I do not blame the locals that frequent bars and tavernas, I blame the owners and local authorities for  not implementing the law. The excuse given by local "enforcement" authorities "we can't monitor this, there are not enough of us".

Now do you think the same excuse will apply if Greeks ignore the newly introduced Energy Performance Certificate? Like lemmings the authorities have introduced new legislation effective from 9th January 2011 (the same that failed in the UK) that will enforce home owners selling their properties to have a survey carried out on their property (if over 50sqm) at an estimated cost of 1.85 Euros per sqm and a minimum cost of 246 Euros.  The certificate  will last for a period of 6 months. 

What would you do if it was your town square?

Many have said its puts Greek people in a very bad light. My own thoughts as a UK citizen living in Greece is that if this were to happen in Trafalgar Square Londoners would react exactly the same, as would French, Italians etc etc if it were their City.

The EU need to launch a massive public campaign in the counties where these people come from and show them what they must expect if they come any EU country illegally.......detention & repatriation immediately.

Those that use the correct procedures for immigration need to be treated differently and perhaps the Embassy's of the various EU counties should start becoming the first port of call for potential refugees before they plan their emigration.......

Illegal immigrants

In my previous posting I made reference to the EU supporting Greece in trying to prevent illegal immigrants from entering the country via Turkey. It appears no matter what the authorities try these people will always find a way and unfortunately there is always someone willing to take their money and "help" them.

This week in the very small tourist / fishing village of Finikounda, Messinias 56 illegal immigrants were stopped by the port authorities. A few miles further down the coast on the beach of Methoni another 102 illegal immigrants were arrested. The Greek owner of the boat mysteriously "got away".  Many of the 102 illegals at Methoni were thought to have made their way there on buses from the Athens location. All these people were planning to head for mainland Europe by boat....................

Having recently seen again the illegal immigrants camping in and around Patra it is clear this port is still being used as one of the main departure points to Italy. During my recent visit to the port police arrested people clinging to the underside of trucks boarding ferries. However the illegal camps are in strong evidence along the beach frontage. Perhaps the local farmers instead of planning protests against the government in January-February 2011 (it now seems an annual event at each New Year) should take their tractors and JCB's and plough the beaches, I recall the French doing a very successful job at Sangatte. 

EU Guards to Greece

At last the EU have taken action to help Greece try and stem the entry of illegal immigrants that are now numbering between 300-400 per day, many of them coming through Turkey. Greece has been receiving around 85% of Europe's total  illegal immigrants and can not continue to police the boarders without support.
The EU are placing armed boarder guards to support the Greek efforts made up from forces of several EU countries who will operate under Greek control