κοπανέλι (kopaneli). This is the first in a series of Greek words that I have heard or read, and which have caught my attention. Apparently, κοπανέλι relates to a style of embroidery, but I heard it in the context of food. In Greek a chicken leg is called a chicken thigh (μπούτι - bouti), and... Continue Reading →
Irish music scene Episode 2
Slowly getting it together. The two Greek-based contacts still have not got in touch, but my old friends haven't let me down. Three have rallied to the cause, a fourth is based in Bulgaria, and we are encouraging a fifth! We have also found a venue, Riley's Irish Bar in Perea. The first session will... Continue Reading →
The Irish music scene in northern Greece
There is a good band locally called Tir Fada. The members are Greek and they play Irish and Scottish music to a very high standard. However, there is no session scene so my target is to 1) find a venue and 2) find a viable number of musicians. I am on two websites, www.tradconnect.com and... Continue Reading →
Introduction
The name of the blog is inspired by the Irish song from WWI called "Salonika". Irish regiments were stationed outside Thessaloniki (the Greek name for the city). The chorus goes: So right away, so right away, So right away Salonika, right away, me soldier boys. As you can see, I have changed “right” to “write”... Continue Reading →