Fine Wild Herbs
by sinequanon
Chios is known for the quality and aroma of its wild herbs. Before you leave the island make sure you buy some of the local wild oregano. It is by far the best in Greece. You will most probably not find it in super markets but at individual small grocery stores. Ask around. They will probably be sold with the stem. This is no problem. When you get home rub the oregano with your fingers off the stems.
Not only you will have this exquisite aroma on your fingers you will have a top rate herb to add this extra taste to your meals.
Here is a site about the origin of name, cultivation and uses of Greek Oregano http://www.greekproducts.com/greekproducts/oregano/index.html
Panygyria or Folk Dancing Feasts
by sinequanon
I cannot quite work out why people dance at someone's death but this is the case on many occasions on the deaths of certain saints but the biggest celebrations take place on 15th August, the date of the death of the Virgin Mary, according to the Greek Orthodox religion.
I think we Greeks find any excuse we can to dance! this is not an exclusive custom of the island of Chios but of the whole of Greece. If you have happened to be in Greece on 15th August you know what I am talking about! Everybody returns to their home towns and villages on that date to participate in the celebrations. I actually find it a great day to be in Athens as it is empty and quiet but that is another story.
On Chios every village organizes a "panygyri" a folk dance on the eve of the 15th August. Lots of food, lots of drinking and lots of dancing of course, to island dances. If you happen to be on Chios on that day, do not miss it. It is a great way to experience the local people, and participate at the dancing. You will not be able to resist. I assure you. Not only that, but you will have a great time like everyone else.
You will find the biggest and more popular "panygyria" at the south of the island where the most populated villages are. But my favourite are the ones that take place in the north west of the island on the mountain of Amani. These are much smaller but more original. They take place at the village square and last until dawn.
Nowdays unfortunately, modern instruments have replaced the original folk instruments, (violins, lutes, utes, kanonakia, see my Turkish pages on that as our instruments are very similar) thus giving out a more electronic/harsh sound but sometimes the village authorities invite famous folk musicians who still play the original instruments and that is a real treat to listen to!
If you stay far away from the villages make sure you have booked a room well ahead to crash at dawn when the music and dance and drinking have finished. Alternatively you could crash on a nearby beach.
Ag. Eirini-St Peace Small Lovely Beach
by sinequanon
A small sandy beach with lovely turqoise clear waters at the south of the island, close to the village of Olympoi. It takes its name from the tiny little church on the side. A lovely lonely feature on the ragged landscape. You will find this beach deserted at all times except for August.
As you are driving from the village of Pyrgi towards the village of Mesta you will find a signpost on your left hand side. Follow the dirt road down to the beach. You must have your own transport.
Take plenty of water, food and shade with you, you will find nothing there other than this beautiful little beach.
On your way back do not omit to visit the medieval fort-village of Olympoi. The most beautiful and authentic of all the medieval villages of Chios, my favourite. Sit at the traditional "cafeneion" at the center of the village next to the central fort and order a cheese omellete, ouzo and salad! Absolutely the perfect meal after a whole day on the beach!
Managro
by sinequanon
a veryyyyyyyyyyyyyy long sandy beach on the north west of the island. this is one of the beaches close to the village of Volissos.
the beach looks towards the open Aegean Sea so the waters are clear, cold and deep. a real treat to swim in those waters.
it is not the closest beach to get to of course but it is well worth the effort. If you have rented a room near by makes it all the more appealing.
Nearly forgot the most important part. Sunsets there can be magical.
happy swimming!
All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait...
by janetanne
Kiria Maria, 35 years young, lives with her elder parents in the village, and takes care not only of them, but of the church. When ever tourists come to visit the church, she runs down the steep stairs along the cliff, with the key to open the door of the church and to tell them the story of 'How the Village Got its Name.'
There is only one light in the church, but Maria does not turn it on straight away, Instead, she lights the candle that will show us the way into the far room of the church. It is not a room that has been built with bricks, but a room that was made 6,000 years ago from the dripping of stalactites on the ceiling of a Neolithic Cave!
From these Stalactites, a mysterious 'White Liquid' had dripped until just some recent years ago! This white liquid, like 'milk' dripped from two juxtaposed stalactites, that have been likened to the 'Breasts of The Virgin Mary.' There is a famous Myth that is told by Kira Maria, which gives even greater mystery to the Cave of Agia Gala....
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Ioannis Helios - Chios, Greece- Age 23- 1906-7?
Pensions Come, and Money Leaves
Women of Pyrgi stringing wild red tomatoes
Choirs of Angels from On High
