ISSUE NUMBER NINETEEN – COMMENCING SOMETIME MAY 2004

As the season is about to commence we would like to share with you the delights of Mak during the closed season.

Any one ever been to a green house warming party? It's a great way to spend a warm November afternoon. Tim and Franz upon completion of their green houses invited everyone to a bbq in the field next to their green houses - the view was stunning and the weather fantastic. [Pictures when Pointy Head gets back - can't open them!]

Christmas Day was celebrated in traditional style courtesy of Ann and Mark and sportingly of Mikle who dressed up as Father Christmas. Presents were distributed from an old olive sack [we like to be traditional where we can]. Driving through a very quiet Mak on Christmas Day with Santa in the car was interesting - the expressions on the faces of some of the locals were quite bizarre!!

Can't resist this one - even little Ratso got pressies - Cocktail Queen actually mailed him a doggie Christmas Stocking - he just loved that squeaky bone.

Whilst Ed was holidaying in sunny climes Mak enjoyed snow - the most snow in the village anyone could remember and some of the old boys here are over a hundred years old.

SNIPPETS OF IRRELEVENT THINGS

IMPORTANT INFO RECEIVED FROM A GUEST - so far this seasons award goes to Sally and Gerry from the Great Ponsonby B & B in Auckland, New Zealand - they asked if Mittens the resort cat was tax deductible. "What!" I said. Yes, in New Zealand the cat food and vet bills are. Apparently the cat is "The Rodent Control Officer". Will let you know what the Greek Tax Office say about it…

You might also recall that there were various Mak reunions over the winter first Susan, Clive and Phil at Copt Heath Golf Club in the Midlands.

And just so you don't think we are totally exclusive see the photo of Sue, Jan, Diane and Mat in the pub by the Bus Station at Victoria.

The above is part of the most complicated journey from Manchester to Mak [without driving] Try this National Express to London another bus to Dover, Ferry to Calais, bus to Osnabruck, train to Dusseldorf, flight to Stuttgart, flight to Athens [delayed on runway 3hrs due to snow] miss connection in Athens, fly to Heraklion then cab to Mak - where Len kindly met me and carried my bags up the stairs. If you can beat this please let me know.

CULTURE
I guess everyone has seen Big Fat Greek Wedding? Apparently everything is cured or fixed with Windex. For the first time last week I heard a genuine use for it in conversation - the subject was tics on dogs - "if you can't get Frontline use Windex"

There is always excitement in the village - a few days ago The Coast Guard picked up illegal immigrants off Koufonissi - apparently they are now somewhere in Sitia - we do not think they wanted to be dropped off there as no one lives on Koufonissi - there is no water; the odd fisherman stops by - AND THAT'S IT.

Other exiting things include the attack by a Fiat on the front wall of Villea - those Fiats must be tough this one drove off - but we found him!!!

Easter Celebrations

By the pool as usual - fortunately fantastic weather, everyone gathered to take their turn at "turning the lambs on the spit" fortified by early raki and mezes. We feasted magnificently on lamb [see above], kokoretsi [local delicacy of... - you don't really want to know]. A large May fish and plenty of other goodies and of course lashings and lashings of wine.

Vassilis and several guests danced into the pool and continued to dance after their dip.

The party continued until late I am advised that the last departures were about 3 am!!! That was the Greeks by the way - finished the foreigners off good and proper.

Don't forget where you should be spending Easter next year [Greek Easter is at the beginning of May].

As you can probably all tell, Ed is now the proud owner of a digital camera and can actually get the pictures from the camera onto the computer and from there into the e mess[well some of the time!].

And finally I can't resist this picture of Paparazzi,our resident pointy head preparing to cheat at quiz night !!!

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