So where do they come from?

Anyone who has visited Corfu can't have failed to notice the colourful groups of Gypsies in the towns and villages. Often travelling around the island, they sell everything from water melons and plastic chairs to carpets and terra-cotta pots. They are generally preceded by music and loudspeaker exhortations to come and buy. But who are these people and where are they from?

Greek Gypsies, also called Tsiganes, are part of the ethnic group known as Roma. The Roma are a distinct ethnic minority whose origins began on the Indian subcontinent over one thousand years ago. Why the Roma left India is clouded in uncertainty, yet they entered southeastern Europe in the last quarter of the 13th Century. Because they arrived in Europe from the East, they were thought by the first Europeans to be from Turkey, Nubia or Egypt, or any number of non-European places. They were called, among other things, Egyptians or 'Gyptians, which is where the word "Gypsy" comes from. The language spoken by the Roma is called Romani. It is closely related to the Sanskrit from which all modern Indo-Aryan languages are derived.

Most Greek Roma are indigent, living either as nomads seeking seasonal employment, or in makeshift settlements with no infrastructure whatsoever, like the one you may have passed in the Ropa Valley. Living in a legal limbo, Gypsy populations attempting to settle down have repeatedly faced social predjudice and harassment. In recent years, as land has become more expensive, forced and often illegal evictions of Gypsies from long-standing settlements by order of municipal authorities have become more frequent. Their access to the network of social services - such as education, health and social security - is also limited. It is estimated that 80% of Greek Gypsies, most of whom speak the Romani language, are illiterate.

Despite these problems the Tsiganes remain a vibrant part of life in Corfu and are definitely your best bet for a bargain if you are desperate for a set of purple plastic chairs!
 

Local Blue Flag Beaches

The Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label awarded to more than 2800 beaches and marinas in 23 countries across Europe and South Africa in 2002. The Blue Flag Campaign is owned and run by the independent non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education.

The Blue Flag is a symbol of high environmental standards as well as good sanitary and safety facilities at the beach/marina. The Blue Flag Campaign includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators.

In 2002, 2087 beaches and 737 marinas were awarded the Blue Flag, including the local beaches at Kontogialos, Glyfada and Ermones.
 

Athens 2004 Olympics unveils cartoon mascot inspired by an ancient toy

Athens organisers have unveiled a cartoon incarnation of an ancient doll as the mascot for the next Olympic Games. Twin siblings Athena and Phevos were inspired by a 7th century BC bell-shaped doll believed to be one of the world's first toys. Phevos, the male mascot, is another name for Apollo, the god of light and music.

His sister, Athena, is named after the goddess of wisdom and protector of the Greek capital Athens. The prototype doll with its endearing oversized feet is on show at the National Archaeological museum in Athens.
 

Whisky replaces ouzo

While Greeks put away more imported hard liquor every year than any other Europeans, local consumption of more traditional alcoholic drinks such as wine and ouzo is in decline.

According to the Federation of Greek Distillates and Alcoholic Beverages (SEAOP), whisky consumption in Greece has rocketed from an annual 7,200,000 bottles in 1981 to 31,032,000 in 2001.

The average Greek now downs 2.7 litres of strong alcoholic drinks such as whisky or vodka on an annual basis, topping the EU drinking league. Wine, and Greece's trademark aniseed-flavored ouzo, are dropping out of favour.
 

Weather

Archive Autumn 2001 Winter 2001 Spring 2002 Summer 2002 Autumn 2002

Editorial

A high-profile campaign to radically improve Greece's dismal road safety record is paying off according to traffic police data.

From the beginning of January to the end of August, road accidents fell by 15.7% compared to the first eight months of 2001.

Traffic police said 175 fewer people were killed since the beginning of the year in 2002, compared to 2001.

For years, Greece has had the worst road death toll in the European Union, prompting several short-lived campaigns to improve the way Greeks drive.

Now, according to Public Order Ministry officials, the latest drive is responsible for a decline in accidents in excess of target figures.

Traffic police have stepped up patrols of roads with a high rate of accidents, while simultaneously mounting a determined campaign to catch and fine dangerous drivers and motorists who refuse to wear seat belts or motorcycle crash helmets.

In the first eight months of this year, there was a 13.9% increase in breathalyzer checks compared to January-August 2001. But 7.7% fewer drivers were caught inebriated, a sign that warnings against drunk-driving have begun to sink in.

On the other hand, the seat belt and crash helmet campaign resulted in a 76% increase in fines for not using seat belts and a 60% rise in certified helmet offences.
 

As usual at this time of year everyone associated with pelekas.com would like to wish you all enjoyable and peaceful seasonal festivities wherever in the world you may be. We look forward to meeting some more of you here in Pelekas next year.
 

Changes to phone numbers in Greece

As of November 3rd telephone numbers in Greece have changed. If you are calling from abroad you will need to insert a "2" after the international prefix (+30). For those calling internally, replace the initial 0 of the 10 digit number with the digit 2.

For example if you are calling the old Corfu number 06610 12345 it is now 26610 12345 and from abroad it is now +30 26610 12345.

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