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Is this thread still alive? April 16, 2005 2:53 AM
Anyhow – hello out there, Angela and anyone else! Is it too late for people to introduce themselves and why they’re in the group? For starters, I rather doubt that there are other members who spend most the time in Nepal, with occasional forays to Norway (og hei på deg, Bodø-Marit!)…
Susila
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I am half Greek (my mom was born on Kos & raised on Rhodes), and I lived in Calabria, Italy for 2 years (I became a teen there), and been to Greece 3 times having lived there one time for 8 months. I was also born on a U.S. Air Force base in Libya, Tripoli.
deep dark hidden-agenda confession May 10, 2005 4:39 AM
Hell friends -
great to see such activity here!
And now the confession: I joined up not simply because of a long (first visit to greece: winter 1960/61) and deep love of the medieterranean area, but also because i may find myself in need of a place to be much sooner than expected.
I'd long entertained dreams of semi-retiring (I write and edit and translate via computer/internet and am flexible)to somewhere warm-ish in winter. No, i know the Med isn't HOT then, but anything is warmer than norway, and the cabin where I have lived most of the past 25 years routinely gets several metres of snow at a time, for about half the year.
Anyhow, my current work arrangement where I'm most of the year in Nepal may well change at short notice, due to the disastrous war here and the increasing impossibility of getting things done with even small-scale grassroots organisations like the one I work for here.
The requirements are very modest: just a roof, four walls, and electricity for the computer, plus access to internet somewhere near-ish. I don't need running water (haven't had that for some 25 years), or lots of space (one room is fine, that's how I live in Nepal, and my roadless log cabin in Norway measures about 30 sq. m... or really anything but a place with sun, relative peace and quiet, and the chance to keep my elderly bones warm during the winter.
So... any ideas, anyone? By the way, in case you hadn't guessed: I am not rich.
Hopeful hugs, Susila
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Are you too ederly to be a home caretaker ? There's many houses around Mediterrania which are used only during vacation and could need someone living there around the year (except summer months when weather is OK in Norway). Why don't you contact tourist offices in the countries you're interested in to see if they can guide you ?
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Hi, and thanks for the response.
Elderly, i don't know - I'm young enough to live in a roadless cliff-top log cabin in norway with no running water... but it depends on the project in question, I suppose.
That's certainly an idea, but ideally i'd like to find a place of my own - perhaps to rent initially, then buy - for the longer term. But maybe - I'm really not into hte idea of caretaking someone else's posh villa, but there are certainly possibilities.
Since the sort of place i was thinking of ISN'T fancy, it's unlikely to be on the regular market listings (Internet etc) - and more likely to be something that a friend of a friend just happens to know about, or it might be that neglected cottage on somebody's property that the family had simply written off, since foreigners seem to want air conditioning and running water and all that, and the young people in the family had moved away ....
Susila
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.. not really, but I did attend the introductory language course at the Thessaloniki summer school ages ago --- I hope it (the Greek, not the summer school) could be revived.
On the other hand, my Spanish should be OK - have lived and worked in Mexico, although that too was a good while ago.
And from Spanish I know the way to Italian is short - have had no trouble making myself understood in Italy (or in Portugal).
Greek IS more difficult... but I SO love the country!
Any ideas maybe? How about the Mani? Remember, I'm thinking of somewhere to be in the WINTER.
Love, Susila
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Helen, I'd happily try to re-learn Greek or whatever language.
After all, I'm currently based in Nepal and operating in English German and Nepali.In Norway I work in Norwegian as well. And have lived and worked in Mexico (Spanish) as well as in Tanzania (Swahili), with briefer work stays in Romania and in Portugal (and language courses each place).
Is it necessary to speak fluent Greek to start with? I'm not trying to run a business, only find a place to stay!
Susan
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Helen, I'd happily try to re-learn Greek or whatever language.
After all, I'm currently based in Nepal and operating in English German and Nepali.In Norway I work in Norwegian as well. And have lived and worked in Mexico (Spanish) as well as in Tanzania (Swahili), with briefer work stays in Romania and in Portugal (and language courses each place).Oh, and I was once an exchange student in Finland.
Is it necessary to speak fluent Greek to start with? I'm not trying to run a business, only find a place to stay!
Susan
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..for the almost-double posting. Remembered the Finland bit at the last moment.
The point was only that I would certainly immense myself in language studies, if only I knew where I was headed.
Anyhow - I'd love to hear more!S (aka Susan and Susila)
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My grandmother lives in Rhodes, Greece May 12, 2005 10:30 AM
She lives there alone with my uncle. He usually takes care of her. He is fluent in several languages including English & German. My grandmother on the other hand only speaks Greek, and knows a few words in other languages. My grandmother is blind. I can see if you can stay with my grandmother and uncle.
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Helen,
That sounds absolutely marvellous! I am very fond of 'old people' (myself, I'm just a spring chicken)... and, being very shortsighted (fine with glasses, no problem there) myself, have a special feeling for the blind. What's more, if it were a situation where the one person doesn't speak English, or would at least prefer Greek, that would be fantastic! The biggest problem when I'm abroad is that everyone wants to practise their English on me - not least since I'm an English teacher.
But Helen... at the moment evertything is still completely uncertain . I don't know how long my organisation will be able to hold out here in Nepal, but will certainly let you know as soon as I know anything!
However - as of today and until 23 May, when I'll be back at the office in Norway, I won't be online much - conference, workshop, meetings, and then travel.
So... let's talk again on or around 23 May? You can also contact me directly susila02@hotmail.com, in case Care2 is prblematic again.
Love to you all out there, Susila
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Is this where I check in ? October 13, 2005 10:24 PM
I have always had an afinity for the mediteranean. Some of the cultures and history seems to stir some memories for me. Not of having lived there persay or been from there but as if it were one of my favorite places to go in a past life.
I am especially drawn to Tuscany I love Tuscan food.
I will travel there soon and begin to sort out what these "Memories" are.
This will be a good place for me to start. Thanks, Rock
my Grandfather was Cretan (Pontus Greek), and others are Eurasian immigrant,there's between two enemies two sides sometimes both rushing me...(including my mom)my boss etc..
i was born in Istanbul Growth up in Izmir(Smyrni) & San francisco
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Hello! Great idea. I'm Sara. I live in Israel, although I am currently in Florida, but will be returning in the next five months. I miss it terribly and would love to visit more spots around the mediterranean. I have many friends who have traveled all around and all go on about the beauty of all the countries and islands.
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...and I'll be spending a week on Cyprus - househunting - at the end of April! Unfortunately it coincides with Greek Orthodox Easter, but I've been assured that, in true Greek style, any time is a good time when you're selling or buying!
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Well, I've found it - my little dream home in the Mediterranean! A small, enovated old stone cottage up in a tiny village in the hills of southern Cyprus, with views of the valley (vinyards and almond trees) and of the hills and the Troodos Mts beyond. Magical!
It was all a bit unreal, because I literally escaped from Kathmandu during the curfews and demonstrations and strikes in April, and arrived in Cyprus on a Friday evening. The next Monday morning I saw the property and knew immediately 'this is IT!'... and then started the technical procedures with lawyer, bank, etc.
I went back briefly in May, to buy some (very) basic furniture and 'get the feel'... the idea is to de-escalate my involvement in Nepal, and gradually spend more and more time in Cyprus, while continuing to live at my cabin in Norway during the summertime. I'm so happy!
Go eat, drink and have fun in the Taverna's! Be sure to report back to us. LoL!
I was in Greece visiting family, as a little girl. The children would follow in crowds pointing and saying with glee: "Americana, Americana!". My cousin told me not to go back, and to remember the way it was back then.
Thank you, 'Calm' - good to see that there are people out there in this rather quiet group!
Cyprus proved to be all that I had hoped for... Greek in culture (with Lebanese and other influences in food... mmmm!) but also very open to outsiders. It's experiencing a rapid tourism and building boom, but mainly along the coast, which was one main reason why I opted for a tiny mountain village. And already I feel I have real friends there - can't wait to get back!
As well with my dear Mom, and there is a story to go with it, as she has an identical twin she tried to get to take her place. LoL!
Sidenote to Susila H: I hear refugee's of any culture or denomination also like the Greek Hospitality nowadays. A big burden for a country that is trying to keep themselves together.
Calm, I have seen that also June 29, 2006 12:24 PM
When I was in Athens, there were many people from Russia, Saudia Arabia...and my mom tells me that when she was in Rhodes last year, most of the island are foreigners.
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Rhodes! June 29, 2006 12:27 PM
My Godfather is said to own all the Casino's on Rhodes! I only met him once briefly, when I was a little girl. My Mom raves about it being the most beautiful island in Greece, next to Salonica.
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OK, I am unabashedly anti-EU (Norway is a non-member, you know) but anyway... since Cyprus joined the EU, people from all of the now-expanded EU have been flocking to Cyprus. Some to buy holiday homes.... but unfortunately - and this applies especially to those from some member-states in Eastern Europe - some with less honest intentions. Up to now, Cyprus has had one of the lowest crime rates in all Europe....
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that's what I was told. It was long ago, almost 50 years, as he was older than my parents. I only met him once, when I was 10 years old, my Mom took me to Greece. Last I heard, he never got married or had children.
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My mom was born October 2nd 1942. My mom would have been around 14 years old then.
Hold on...I am calling my mom now to ask her.
I just got their answering machine.
My mom said she was going to mail me phone numbers, so I guess she may be in town with my dad. We are trying to find out how my ex-fiance died. It was just confirmed yesterday morning, and I have been crying since. Supposedly, he is buried in Neamakri, Greece.
I don't remember his name, and she did refer to the casinos being clubs too. Maybe they were illegal? She and her identical twin were learned in singing and dance.
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She was even on the Johnny Carson show once! August 22, 2006 12:55 PM
Singing in Geek, and her voice cracked! It was soooooo funny! She would get so mad, because we couldn't forget it! I've been hoping it will come out on a Tonight Show bleeper DVD or something.
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My mom called me back. She was at the doctor's office getting stitches out when I phoned her.
She said that she left Rhodes in 1964, and until that time, there was only one casino on Rhodes that was owned by a guy from Athens, and he had a wife and children. The casino was near the U.S. Coast Guard base.
My mom was from the city of Rhodes as well as the island.
Hi or greetings to you all, My name is Jennifer I live in Perth, Western Australia, and interested in how people think and live in different cultures and customs which is why I joined the group. I grew up in a disfunctional family life and have a twin sister, which is an ongoing process of healing from depression, and anxiety. I am a Christian but won't be bible bashing alright. I would like simply have contact with people from other cultures and customs and I guess their religion to in some ways. I have asked myself what culture do we have in Australia, and what does culture mean as well as customs too? So many of us here seem to be devoid of it which is maybe why so many drink alcohol, have so called booze parties, etc. I think that has become an aussie custom I think. Money that is spent on alcohol which could be spent on well deserving endeavours, but I guess that is my opinion too. And everyone has a right to do with what they earn as they like. But I find it hard to accept when it is spend on things that are for such self perpose things like operations for enhancing the body and face. That is just the one thing I don't like, but there is nothing I can do about it. Thank you for listen to me.
I'm from Turkey, and i live in İstanbul.I study English translation there.But i've also been learning Spanish and i think we all Mediterranean people have a lot in common. if anyone interested in Turkish culture or language,i'd be glad to help. Bye for now!
Hi Guys...I am a 31yr old south african living in spain...would love to meet and share experiences with other people from spain or other countries...i am still learning spanish but can understand quite a bit... Thanks