25/005 Life in Northern Greece

February 28th 2025. A sombre day, the second anniversary of the Tempe rail accident when 57 people were killed. There were huge demonstrations in every town and city in Greece. Amidst calls for the truth and for the guilty to be punished, I picked up a few indications that there may be a growing awareness... Continue Reading →

25/004 Irish Music in Northern Greece

22nd February: February has been a busier month than anticipated. A session on the 9th, an Ice Swimming event on the 15th and 16th, and a gig tomorrow. Our session went exceptionally well. Our UK visitor from Akbuk in Turkey hasn’t regretted his visit. There was a huge crowd and a terrific atmosphere. We also... Continue Reading →

25/004 Greek Word – ακαταλαβίστικος

A quick one today. A word that popped up in this article https://www.iefimerida.gr/zoi/tragoydi-me-toys-akatalabistikoys-stihoys about lyrics Adriano Celentano put together in the early 70s. They were supposedly English but, in reality, they were gibberish (ασυναρτησίες). Celentano was trying to prove Italians would buy and buy into any American pop even it was total shit. It’s easy... Continue Reading →

25/002 Life in Northern Greece

12th January: Yesterday was a bright and sunlit like a May day in north Europe. Overnight, cold, wet and wind have taken over. Violence against women is in the news again. This time perpetrator and victim are described as elderly. The husband stabbed his wife in the throat while she was helpless in bed. She... Continue Reading →

25/003 Irish Music in Northern Greece

28th January. Because of the extra material, we did our pre-Christmas gig in three 45-minute sections. This gave the band two 15-minute breaks. It worked well. Our latest gig was two days ago. We reverted to two halves. It went well though, on reflection, I think 3 x 45-minute sections is better overall as it... Continue Reading →

25/003 Greek Word – πατσούρης  – a person who has let himself or herself go

An insult. Babiniotis lists the feminine form, πατσούρα, as the headword, and states the following: χαρακτηρισμός για συνήθως γυναίκα μεγάλης ηλικίας με γερασμένο και χαλαρό δέρμα και ατημέλητη. Επίσης πατσούρω έγινα πατσούρα από τη βροχή – my skin shrivelled up in the rain In www.slang.gr πατσούρω is even harsher as it adds ‘ugly’ to the definition. Ιδίωμα... Continue Reading →

25/002 Greek Word – γαλλικά = swearing

When you are about to drop or have just dropped an “F Bomb” in polite company, it is not unusual to excuse yourself by saying, “Excuse my French.” In much the same way in Greek, τα γαλλικά is a foul-mouthed tirade. Babiniotis: βρισιές: “ο ποδοσφαιριστής σε έξαλλη κατάσταση άρχισε τα Γαλλικά προς τον διαιτητή” =... Continue Reading →

25/001 Irish Music in Northern Greece

A Happy New Year to anyone reading this. November was a frustrating month. One step forward, two steps back. We have practiced the new material only once. Ken wants us to play on Dec 22nd, but I am unwilling to perform if we are under-rehearsed. Sunday, 5th January 2025. I am happy to report that... Continue Reading →

25/001 Life in Northern Greece

6th January 2025. I drew attention to two femicides towards the end of the year. On Christmas Day, there was a news report of another incident in West Thessaloniki (code for poor and a high percentage of immigrants) where a man from Sierra Leone attacked his wife in front of their three kids. One wonders... Continue Reading →

24/011 Irish Music in Northern Greece

Saturday 9th November. Our November session is tomorrow. We were supposed to have a band practice on Thursday, 7th, but two band members were missing, so I suggested we practise the new pieces for tomorrow’s session. Just as well. It wasn’t pretty! Again, it’s my fault as I have included too many new pieces. The... Continue Reading →

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