I don’t know whether you have seen the furore that has erupted in Corfu over Strictly Come Dancing winner and news reader Natasha Kaplinsky's £1.5m villa in the north-east of Corfu? Evidently she and her husband bought a resort property off-plan in 2008 which is now being completed in a way that utterly blocks her neighbour’s sea view.
They have complained to the local council and the Greek ombudsman about this, insisting that the section blocking their view should have been restricted to one storey. According to reports they are considering court action to reduce the size of what they call ‘the
‘monstrosity’. The developer evidently has told other residents in the area the property is ‘totally legal’ and in accord with all planning procedures.
Short of a miracle, or an enormous act of kindness on Miss Kaplinsky's part, this looks set to become a real issue, one that may well include a long drawn out legal battle, costing an arm and a leg and perhaps achieving little or nothing for the unfortunate complainants.
It reminds me all too clearly of an unhappy case that was brought to my attention a number of years ago now. This time the offending property was in Crete but was much the same problem. An older couple had bought a delightful apartment on the island and were planning on spending time there with their children and grandchildren. Soon after buying it they returned to Crete to find that a block of flats had been erected, totally obscuring their sea view.
Let’s face it, when you buy a property such as this the view is probably 90 % of the attraction and to lose that makes a nonsense of your purchase. So…how do you avoid this?
There are cases when people have done their due diligence but have been given the wrong information or perhaps money has crossed palms or some such, but the point is you really do need to do your homework on this one.
Possibly I have mentioned this before, but someone phoned me before my last visit to Crete. He asked me if I could possibly find out whether his intended purchase seemed wise: as it happened I found myself outside the afore-mentioned property with an estate agent/developer. When I asked for his opinion, he replied that they were building a set of apartments between it and the sea, totally obscuring their sea view…’nuff said and disaster averted!
You need to retain a lawyer when buying property in Greece, one that is totally independent of the vendor. You can see why it is crucial here – it would not be in the best interests of the vendor if it was pointed out to you that you are about to lose the view that you are buying the property for!
Make sure that your lawyer (or you) looks at the planning regulations and finds out (and obtains in writing if possible) exactly what is permitted in terms of building on that empty plot between you and the sea. Even if there is an old, dilapidated building on it, you may want to make sure a developer can’t buy the property and replace the old building with a block of flats.
Speaking personally, if building started on a plot that would affect my view I would be inclined to tackle the builder immediately (via your lawyer preferably) to ensure that the building regulations were being adhered to. Far better to try and get your lawyer to intervene at this point than to leave it until it is a fait accompli would be my thinking…
I have had a very interesting email from Haydn which I will be addressing shortly. It deals with estate agent’s commission…
‘Til then, bye for now and have a happy week!
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Greecebuyingguide.com
Thursday 24 March 2011
Thursday 17 March 2011
Trying to clear the ‘heir’ in Greece
Today I sat down at my desk today wanting to write something about wills and inheritance tax in Greece – I know I have already chatted about this some while back but it really is important. But within a few short moments my head was reeling with all the various options, restrictions and regulations.
All this to say that if you have property in Greece I cannot stress two points strongly enough: firstly, if you are over 18 and of sound mind (!) you should draw up a Greek will that deals with your property in Greece. And secondly, you will need the assistance of a really good English speaking lawyer who knows and understands property inheritance law in Greece and who will advise you accordingly.
When I tell you that all property inheritance claims have to be made through the courts in Athens you will understand why I stress this. This includes cases where the person leaving the property in their will is neither Greek nor living in the country plus person inheriting the property lives out of the Greece, regardless of their nationality.
A while back, one of my readers approached me with a problem: her husband had died, leaving a property in Greece and no Greek will. She had pursued the matter FOR YEARS with no success…At the time I knew a really good lawyer and I put her in touch with him. She later told me that at last she had sorted the matter out but when I tell you that the matter took five long years you will understand why I am encouraging you to do this sooner rather than later.
Two points are of primary importance: firstly, how much inheritance tax you pay has nothing to do with whether or not you have Greek citizenship. For property located in Greece, the ownership and property rules apply the same to both Greeks and non-Greeks.
Secondly, who inherits what share is determined by the citizenship of the deceased. If the deceased had Greek citizenship (or dual citizenship – Greek and another), then there are certain laws which govern inheritance of property that have to be adhered to. If the deceased was not Greek, then it is the law of his/her citizenship that will determine who inherits what or how much.
If you own property in Greece you would be well advised to get a will drawn up in Greece that relates to your Greek property. You need to make sure that it does not render null and void anything that has been stated in your UK will – if you have one. Again, a really good lawyer would be the person to advise you here.
There are three choices you have in terms of drawing up a will in Greece. The first is the Holographic Will. This is the one that we all know, handwritten by you in your own language and signed. Bear in mind that any and all alterations should be signed – if they are not, they will be disregarded. Ideally it should entrusted to a notary public (simvoleografos) or a lawyer for safekeeping.
The second choice is the Public Will. This is written by a notary public according to your instructions and signed by you. It takes place before the notary public and three witnesses or two notaries and one witness. It will then be read out loud by the notary public, signed by you and then lodged by you or handed a notary public or a lawyer for safekeeping. If you do not speak Greek an interpreter must be present.
The third and final option is the Secret Will which you have written and signed before a notary public and three witnesses or two notaries and one witness. The secret will is not read out by the notary.
Wills may be cancelled or modified at any time and a new will automatically cancels a previous one.
Many Greek parents choose to transfer property rights to their children before their death in order to take advantage of tax-friendly legislation – this is yet another reason to get a lawyer involved and to see if this option would perhaps suit you. In Greece, the gifting of property to children (regardless of their age) by their parents renders it either tax-free or subject to reduced tax costs so this may be an option that is worth pursuing. I hasten to add that the parents retain the rights to the property until they die!
I saw a rather amusing heading to an article I read called ‘The EU is trying to clear the heir’ – so now you can see where I found my blog title this week!
What the European Commission is saying in its 11-page Green Paper that deals with the process regarding succession in cases where there is an international dimension is that the growing mobility of people in an area without internal frontiers (namely the EU) and the increasing frequency of unions between nationals of different member states are a major source of complication in succession to estates. The EU is proposing the creation of central EU-wide register of wills and they also seem to think it may be a good idea to allow the future deceased to choose the law applicable to their succession, with or without the agreement of their heirs – we shall wait and see on this one.
I’m sure your head is reeling with all this - I know mine was – but I think this highlights how very important it is to get a will drawn up in Greece if you own property there, and to have it all clearly explained and laid out from the beginning by an experienced lawyer.
This comes with best wishes and my hopes that all is going well for your property plans.
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/
All this to say that if you have property in Greece I cannot stress two points strongly enough: firstly, if you are over 18 and of sound mind (!) you should draw up a Greek will that deals with your property in Greece. And secondly, you will need the assistance of a really good English speaking lawyer who knows and understands property inheritance law in Greece and who will advise you accordingly.
When I tell you that all property inheritance claims have to be made through the courts in Athens you will understand why I stress this. This includes cases where the person leaving the property in their will is neither Greek nor living in the country plus person inheriting the property lives out of the Greece, regardless of their nationality.
A while back, one of my readers approached me with a problem: her husband had died, leaving a property in Greece and no Greek will. She had pursued the matter FOR YEARS with no success…At the time I knew a really good lawyer and I put her in touch with him. She later told me that at last she had sorted the matter out but when I tell you that the matter took five long years you will understand why I am encouraging you to do this sooner rather than later.
Two points are of primary importance: firstly, how much inheritance tax you pay has nothing to do with whether or not you have Greek citizenship. For property located in Greece, the ownership and property rules apply the same to both Greeks and non-Greeks.
Secondly, who inherits what share is determined by the citizenship of the deceased. If the deceased had Greek citizenship (or dual citizenship – Greek and another), then there are certain laws which govern inheritance of property that have to be adhered to. If the deceased was not Greek, then it is the law of his/her citizenship that will determine who inherits what or how much.
If you own property in Greece you would be well advised to get a will drawn up in Greece that relates to your Greek property. You need to make sure that it does not render null and void anything that has been stated in your UK will – if you have one. Again, a really good lawyer would be the person to advise you here.
There are three choices you have in terms of drawing up a will in Greece. The first is the Holographic Will. This is the one that we all know, handwritten by you in your own language and signed. Bear in mind that any and all alterations should be signed – if they are not, they will be disregarded. Ideally it should entrusted to a notary public (simvoleografos) or a lawyer for safekeeping.
The second choice is the Public Will. This is written by a notary public according to your instructions and signed by you. It takes place before the notary public and three witnesses or two notaries and one witness. It will then be read out loud by the notary public, signed by you and then lodged by you or handed a notary public or a lawyer for safekeeping. If you do not speak Greek an interpreter must be present.
The third and final option is the Secret Will which you have written and signed before a notary public and three witnesses or two notaries and one witness. The secret will is not read out by the notary.
Wills may be cancelled or modified at any time and a new will automatically cancels a previous one.
Many Greek parents choose to transfer property rights to their children before their death in order to take advantage of tax-friendly legislation – this is yet another reason to get a lawyer involved and to see if this option would perhaps suit you. In Greece, the gifting of property to children (regardless of their age) by their parents renders it either tax-free or subject to reduced tax costs so this may be an option that is worth pursuing. I hasten to add that the parents retain the rights to the property until they die!
I saw a rather amusing heading to an article I read called ‘The EU is trying to clear the heir’ – so now you can see where I found my blog title this week!
What the European Commission is saying in its 11-page Green Paper that deals with the process regarding succession in cases where there is an international dimension is that the growing mobility of people in an area without internal frontiers (namely the EU) and the increasing frequency of unions between nationals of different member states are a major source of complication in succession to estates. The EU is proposing the creation of central EU-wide register of wills and they also seem to think it may be a good idea to allow the future deceased to choose the law applicable to their succession, with or without the agreement of their heirs – we shall wait and see on this one.
I’m sure your head is reeling with all this - I know mine was – but I think this highlights how very important it is to get a will drawn up in Greece if you own property there, and to have it all clearly explained and laid out from the beginning by an experienced lawyer.
This comes with best wishes and my hopes that all is going well for your property plans.
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/
Thursday 10 March 2011
Your favourite place in Greece
No doubt the reason that you are reading this blog means that you love Greece but what I have found in chatting to fellow Grecophyles is that each one of us has their favourite place. In a country that has some of the worlds most ancient and wonderful archaeological sites, spectacular beaches, great walks and more islands than one could see in a lifetime, I find that most of us keep going back to the same places time after time. Why is this, I wonder?
I can only speak for myself. For me it probably comes down to two things: firstly, I chose what interests me and, if I have got it right (and generally l I have), I find that my chosen spot has all that I want and more. And secondly, it’s the people I meet on the spot and become friendly with. I can honestly say that I have never spoken to someone who, after spending time in Greece, doesn’t feel that they have made a new friend.
My visit to the island of Sifnos, a few years ago now, summarises all that is kind and generous-spirited about the Greek people in a place that heaven surely can’t beat!
I travelled alone to the island some years ago, over Easter. I stayed in the village of Apollonia - it stands along the slopes of a hill surrounded by white Cycladic homes and churches – there are 365 on the island if my guide book is to be believed!
It was spring and the hillside was a mass of poppies and other lovely wild flowers. I walked over the hills, along lovely pebbled pathways from one end of the island to the other. I was sometimes quite alone, only passing the occasional man making deliveries to a nearby restaurant on his donkey, who would greet me enthusiastically and offer me delicious nibbles to chew on. The delightful thing was that the bus service was great so I’d walk to my destination and then bus back – after, of course, a truly wonderful meal, usually taken at a restaurant practically IN the sea!
I ate breakfast and dinner in the same restaurant in Appolionia. On my first visit there, the family dog came and sat companionable next to me – he was clearly worried that I may have felt a little lonely. Next time, the child of the family joined me, colouring book and crayons in hand. Fast forward a few days to me, the dog, the child and the grandparents all sitting happily grinning at each other – language difficulties stopped us from actually conversing, but hey – who needs words? We smiled a lot. They would peer at my guide book and point out pictures of what I simply HAD to see…anything majorly important was translated by their son behind the counter.
Come Easter and I was taken by the hand and led to the church to celebrate with the family. Then back to the restaurant, where I was presented with dyed red eggs and a wonderful plate of the special Easter lamb dish. When it came time for me to leave, Granddad – playing with his komboloi, muttered a few words to his son behind the counter. Turns out that the car was to be taken off blocks and I was to be driven to the port of Kamares to catch my ferry. So off we set, dog barking, child and entire restaurant waving. Once there I was plied with Greek cookies and sweets, both cheeks were firmly kissed and I was waved off on my ferry!
Suffice it to say that when I wanted to introduce my children to the delights of Greece, I took them to Sifnos…
As you read this are you remembering similar acts of friendship and kindness? That is what makes Greece so wonderful to visit – and to live in. Do let me know if you have a similar story to tell – I am going to be collecting accounts of what it is like to visit and to live there from a number of people that I will be meeting in May and will report back you with their tales!
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/
I can only speak for myself. For me it probably comes down to two things: firstly, I chose what interests me and, if I have got it right (and generally l I have), I find that my chosen spot has all that I want and more. And secondly, it’s the people I meet on the spot and become friendly with. I can honestly say that I have never spoken to someone who, after spending time in Greece, doesn’t feel that they have made a new friend.
My visit to the island of Sifnos, a few years ago now, summarises all that is kind and generous-spirited about the Greek people in a place that heaven surely can’t beat!
I travelled alone to the island some years ago, over Easter. I stayed in the village of Apollonia - it stands along the slopes of a hill surrounded by white Cycladic homes and churches – there are 365 on the island if my guide book is to be believed!
It was spring and the hillside was a mass of poppies and other lovely wild flowers. I walked over the hills, along lovely pebbled pathways from one end of the island to the other. I was sometimes quite alone, only passing the occasional man making deliveries to a nearby restaurant on his donkey, who would greet me enthusiastically and offer me delicious nibbles to chew on. The delightful thing was that the bus service was great so I’d walk to my destination and then bus back – after, of course, a truly wonderful meal, usually taken at a restaurant practically IN the sea!
I ate breakfast and dinner in the same restaurant in Appolionia. On my first visit there, the family dog came and sat companionable next to me – he was clearly worried that I may have felt a little lonely. Next time, the child of the family joined me, colouring book and crayons in hand. Fast forward a few days to me, the dog, the child and the grandparents all sitting happily grinning at each other – language difficulties stopped us from actually conversing, but hey – who needs words? We smiled a lot. They would peer at my guide book and point out pictures of what I simply HAD to see…anything majorly important was translated by their son behind the counter.
Come Easter and I was taken by the hand and led to the church to celebrate with the family. Then back to the restaurant, where I was presented with dyed red eggs and a wonderful plate of the special Easter lamb dish. When it came time for me to leave, Granddad – playing with his komboloi, muttered a few words to his son behind the counter. Turns out that the car was to be taken off blocks and I was to be driven to the port of Kamares to catch my ferry. So off we set, dog barking, child and entire restaurant waving. Once there I was plied with Greek cookies and sweets, both cheeks were firmly kissed and I was waved off on my ferry!
Suffice it to say that when I wanted to introduce my children to the delights of Greece, I took them to Sifnos…
As you read this are you remembering similar acts of friendship and kindness? That is what makes Greece so wonderful to visit – and to live in. Do let me know if you have a similar story to tell – I am going to be collecting accounts of what it is like to visit and to live there from a number of people that I will be meeting in May and will report back you with their tales!
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/
Thursday 3 March 2011
A few of the Rules of the Road!
I promised that I would address the more serious side of driving in Greece – the rules and regs that you need to know beforehand - so here goes.
* Drivers must be 18
* Seat Belts must be used by front-seat passengers, although with Greece's high accident rate I would suggest that everybody in the car wears one
* Children under 10 are not allowed in the front seat at all
* Speed Limits: These are just a guide - always obey the posted limits, which may vary:
- Urban areas: 30 kmph-50 kmph
- Outside cities: 68 kmph-110 kmph
- Freeways/Expressways: 75 kmph-120 kmph
* EU citizens can use their own driver’s licences. Other nationals should have an International Drivers License, although in practice, a recognisable photo license is generally accepted
* Roadside Assistance: ELPA (the Automobile and Touring Club of Greece) offers coverage to members of AAA, CAA and other similar assistance services. Check with your home automobile assistance provider for information on using the ELPA shared services in Greece before your trip. ELPA numbers once in Greece are 104 and 154. For 24-hour information to foreign motorists regarding driving in Greece dial 174
* Driving your own car you will need a valid registration, proof of internationally valid insurance (check with your insurance company!) and your driver's licence
* Emergency Numbers: For visitors to Greece, dial 112 for multi-language help. Dial 100 for Police, 166 for Fires, and 199 for ambulance service. Operators will stay on the line in case the tourist requires translation assistance
* Mobile phone usage: It is now illegal to use a hand held mobile phone while driving. Violators can be stopped and issued with a fine
A few tips:
- Narrow winding roads in Greece can often mean that journey times are rather longer than might be expected from distances calculated from a map, so make allowances for this.
- Petrol stations in Greece are fairly plentiful except for some remote areas. They offer a variety of services to travellers but do bear in mind that the toilets are sometimes not great! They sell unleaded fuel and close around 7:00 PM on weekdays. Only very few are open after 10.00 pm. On Sundays and holidays you may have to drive a bit before you find an open garage. However, at least one petrol station must remain open in each area at night and on Sundays – ask a local if how have trouble finding one
- Although the speed limit is 120 Km/hour for the most part on the highways, many Greek drivers drive far faster than that. Indeed, if you abide by the speed limit you could find yourself the only car on the road doing so!
- When you access a highway do not expect other drivers to make way for merging traffic. Having said that, you might want to bear in mind the wise words of blog reader Dee, who has driven in Greece and comments that drivers entering a roundabout have priority and right of way, unlike in the UK.
- Alcohol tests are frequent and the limit is 0,50 mg. You will have to pay fines at the tax office in the area where the fine was issued so you will need to either pay immediately or make arrangements to pay by phone etc. Officials will pursue you to the UK to chase up unpaid fines – be warned!
- Greece, like every other country, suffers from theft. Car radios are sometimes stolen along with contents carelessly left in cars; make sure that you conceal things (or better still remove them altogether) and lock your car behind you.
All the best and take care.
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/
* Drivers must be 18
* Seat Belts must be used by front-seat passengers, although with Greece's high accident rate I would suggest that everybody in the car wears one
* Children under 10 are not allowed in the front seat at all
* Speed Limits: These are just a guide - always obey the posted limits, which may vary:
- Urban areas: 30 kmph-50 kmph
- Outside cities: 68 kmph-110 kmph
- Freeways/Expressways: 75 kmph-120 kmph
* EU citizens can use their own driver’s licences. Other nationals should have an International Drivers License, although in practice, a recognisable photo license is generally accepted
* Roadside Assistance: ELPA (the Automobile and Touring Club of Greece) offers coverage to members of AAA, CAA and other similar assistance services. Check with your home automobile assistance provider for information on using the ELPA shared services in Greece before your trip. ELPA numbers once in Greece are 104 and 154. For 24-hour information to foreign motorists regarding driving in Greece dial 174
* Driving your own car you will need a valid registration, proof of internationally valid insurance (check with your insurance company!) and your driver's licence
* Emergency Numbers: For visitors to Greece, dial 112 for multi-language help. Dial 100 for Police, 166 for Fires, and 199 for ambulance service. Operators will stay on the line in case the tourist requires translation assistance
* Mobile phone usage: It is now illegal to use a hand held mobile phone while driving. Violators can be stopped and issued with a fine
A few tips:
- Narrow winding roads in Greece can often mean that journey times are rather longer than might be expected from distances calculated from a map, so make allowances for this.
- Petrol stations in Greece are fairly plentiful except for some remote areas. They offer a variety of services to travellers but do bear in mind that the toilets are sometimes not great! They sell unleaded fuel and close around 7:00 PM on weekdays. Only very few are open after 10.00 pm. On Sundays and holidays you may have to drive a bit before you find an open garage. However, at least one petrol station must remain open in each area at night and on Sundays – ask a local if how have trouble finding one
- Although the speed limit is 120 Km/hour for the most part on the highways, many Greek drivers drive far faster than that. Indeed, if you abide by the speed limit you could find yourself the only car on the road doing so!
- When you access a highway do not expect other drivers to make way for merging traffic. Having said that, you might want to bear in mind the wise words of blog reader Dee, who has driven in Greece and comments that drivers entering a roundabout have priority and right of way, unlike in the UK.
- Alcohol tests are frequent and the limit is 0,50 mg. You will have to pay fines at the tax office in the area where the fine was issued so you will need to either pay immediately or make arrangements to pay by phone etc. Officials will pursue you to the UK to chase up unpaid fines – be warned!
- Greece, like every other country, suffers from theft. Car radios are sometimes stolen along with contents carelessly left in cars; make sure that you conceal things (or better still remove them altogether) and lock your car behind you.
All the best and take care.
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/
Thursday 24 February 2011
Safe driving in Greece
A while back we successfully navigated the process of getting your car registered in Greece – I thought that I had better write a few words on driving in Greece - once experienced never forgotten, so ‘they’ say!
Let me hit you with the bad news first: Greece has the highest accident rate in Europe - what does that tell you? That this is going to be an experience that quite possibly you won't forget in a hurry... On second thoughts, perhaps the use of the word 'hurry'- and indeed 'hit' - aren't altogether the best words to use here - forget I said them...
Tip one from experience: remain calm, while all about you are decidedly not. Greek drivers are notoriously erratic, impulsive drivers. Changing lanes without indicating, tail-gating, hooting, ignoring red lights, travelling too fast on wet, sometimes snowy, narrow, one-lane roads are all par for the course: did I mention that you should remain calm?!
There is also something macho about the Greek male psyche that demands high-speed, reckless driving... You probably didn't know that what you thought was a yellow emergency lane is actually another road lane, just slightly narrower? I jest...but you would be forgiven for thinking so. I must confess that the many little road-side shrines, heaped with flowers, that mark accident spots, do little to calm one's fears.
So...a few tips, especially if you are used to driving on the left hand side of the road:
* Drive on the right hand side of the road!
* Remain calm
* Ignore the ill-tempered hoots from other drivers
* Know your route in advance to alleviate dithering
* Practice the left-across-the-traffic turn in your driveway first – I had difficulty with this!
* Master driving through a circle on the right hand side - this was a concept that personally I never got down pat
* Avoid rush-hour traffic, especially in Athens. Actually anywhere, come to think of it...
* And here is my most important one: test that your hooter works - do not set off on your journey until it does...you may need it. Technically, it's illegal in towns and urban areas except in case of emergencies, but trust me, no one in Greece seems to be aware of this
It reminds me that years ago I once told my partner that there was something seriously wrong with my car. When he pressed me on the subject, I told him that the hooter was not working. A pained look crossed his face: suffice it to say that I would do better driving in Greece than he would...
All this has been in a slightly joking mood but later I will follow up with some more serious stuff: a few of the rules of the road.
Take care – and drive safely!
Best wishes,
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Greecebuyingguide.com
Let me hit you with the bad news first: Greece has the highest accident rate in Europe - what does that tell you? That this is going to be an experience that quite possibly you won't forget in a hurry... On second thoughts, perhaps the use of the word 'hurry'- and indeed 'hit' - aren't altogether the best words to use here - forget I said them...
Tip one from experience: remain calm, while all about you are decidedly not. Greek drivers are notoriously erratic, impulsive drivers. Changing lanes without indicating, tail-gating, hooting, ignoring red lights, travelling too fast on wet, sometimes snowy, narrow, one-lane roads are all par for the course: did I mention that you should remain calm?!
There is also something macho about the Greek male psyche that demands high-speed, reckless driving... You probably didn't know that what you thought was a yellow emergency lane is actually another road lane, just slightly narrower? I jest...but you would be forgiven for thinking so. I must confess that the many little road-side shrines, heaped with flowers, that mark accident spots, do little to calm one's fears.
So...a few tips, especially if you are used to driving on the left hand side of the road:
* Drive on the right hand side of the road!
* Remain calm
* Ignore the ill-tempered hoots from other drivers
* Know your route in advance to alleviate dithering
* Practice the left-across-the-traffic turn in your driveway first – I had difficulty with this!
* Master driving through a circle on the right hand side - this was a concept that personally I never got down pat
* Avoid rush-hour traffic, especially in Athens. Actually anywhere, come to think of it...
* And here is my most important one: test that your hooter works - do not set off on your journey until it does...you may need it. Technically, it's illegal in towns and urban areas except in case of emergencies, but trust me, no one in Greece seems to be aware of this
It reminds me that years ago I once told my partner that there was something seriously wrong with my car. When he pressed me on the subject, I told him that the hooter was not working. A pained look crossed his face: suffice it to say that I would do better driving in Greece than he would...
All this has been in a slightly joking mood but later I will follow up with some more serious stuff: a few of the rules of the road.
Take care – and drive safely!
Best wishes,
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Greecebuyingguide.com
Thursday 17 February 2011
Coping with those VIPs – your kids!
So…you’ve decided to follow your dreams – or that great job offer – and move to Greece! And if you have children, the good news is that they generally adjust far quicker to a move than most adults.
The younger the child, the easier it is for them to adapt. It is generally acknowledged that children up to the age of seven are able to absorb what goes on around them very easily and language is usually something that they can pick up without too much effort. That is not to say that older children will not be able to cope, merely that it may require more effort on their part.
The essential thing is that you are enthusiastic about the move and that you include them in the preparations. If they think that you as a family are undertaking a huge adventure together, this will go a long way to making the move seem like something to look forward to rather than to dread.
Discuss the move with them and talk about what they can expect to find on arrival. Highlight the advantages of the move and point out that family and friends will be keen to visit them in their new home, where it will be up to them to show them around their new country …
Leaving friends behind is never easy but today, with the Internet, Facebook and emails, it is a whole lot easier. Just make very sure incidentally that when you decide to rent or to buy a property that you have access to the Internet.
A few points that are worth remembering:
- Encourage children to learn about Greece in advance. Perhaps get an atlas and have a look at a map, read them a book about the country or you could perhaps take them to a Greek restaurant
- Take photos of their new home and area if they have not yet seen it yet so that it looks familiar on arrival
- I am a digital online photo album addict. Give your child a cheap digital camera and tell them to make an album of their journey from the UK to their new home…This comes with a warning – it’s addictive!
- Greek lessons before you leave the UK will mean that they will have a good idea as to what is going on once they attend school
- Arrange to visit new schools and meet teachers before the first day of school. When my daughter was young, her new school always appointed a ‘mentor’ for each new child – someone in the class who had been at the school for a while and could show her the ropes. You may suggest this…?
- Provide children of all ages with a notebook that they can write down all their friend’s email addresses and contact details to take with them. You may find that the computer, with all these vital details, gets damaged in the move
- There is nothing as comforting as a pet for younger children. Failing that, a favourite toy at hand at all times!
For older children it may be a little bit more difficult. Apart from just the language, there are the social aspects. Teenagers need backup from their peers and have usually formed a close group of friends from whom they get this. Leaving their friends and changing schools will be challenging – I can vouch for this personally as I did it many times and can still remember the feeling of isolation. BUT – given time - it all settles down and, with your support and over time, they will adjust and be happy.
I hope that has given you a few ideas. Remember, kids really do adjust very quickly – I know that the only problem my Swedish friend now residing in the States has is to make sure his five year old kids remember their mother tongue!
Happy week to you and we’ll chat soon,
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Greecebuyingguide.com
The younger the child, the easier it is for them to adapt. It is generally acknowledged that children up to the age of seven are able to absorb what goes on around them very easily and language is usually something that they can pick up without too much effort. That is not to say that older children will not be able to cope, merely that it may require more effort on their part.
The essential thing is that you are enthusiastic about the move and that you include them in the preparations. If they think that you as a family are undertaking a huge adventure together, this will go a long way to making the move seem like something to look forward to rather than to dread.
Discuss the move with them and talk about what they can expect to find on arrival. Highlight the advantages of the move and point out that family and friends will be keen to visit them in their new home, where it will be up to them to show them around their new country …
Leaving friends behind is never easy but today, with the Internet, Facebook and emails, it is a whole lot easier. Just make very sure incidentally that when you decide to rent or to buy a property that you have access to the Internet.
A few points that are worth remembering:
- Encourage children to learn about Greece in advance. Perhaps get an atlas and have a look at a map, read them a book about the country or you could perhaps take them to a Greek restaurant
- Take photos of their new home and area if they have not yet seen it yet so that it looks familiar on arrival
- I am a digital online photo album addict. Give your child a cheap digital camera and tell them to make an album of their journey from the UK to their new home…This comes with a warning – it’s addictive!
- Greek lessons before you leave the UK will mean that they will have a good idea as to what is going on once they attend school
- Arrange to visit new schools and meet teachers before the first day of school. When my daughter was young, her new school always appointed a ‘mentor’ for each new child – someone in the class who had been at the school for a while and could show her the ropes. You may suggest this…?
- Provide children of all ages with a notebook that they can write down all their friend’s email addresses and contact details to take with them. You may find that the computer, with all these vital details, gets damaged in the move
- There is nothing as comforting as a pet for younger children. Failing that, a favourite toy at hand at all times!
For older children it may be a little bit more difficult. Apart from just the language, there are the social aspects. Teenagers need backup from their peers and have usually formed a close group of friends from whom they get this. Leaving their friends and changing schools will be challenging – I can vouch for this personally as I did it many times and can still remember the feeling of isolation. BUT – given time - it all settles down and, with your support and over time, they will adjust and be happy.
I hope that has given you a few ideas. Remember, kids really do adjust very quickly – I know that the only problem my Swedish friend now residing in the States has is to make sure his five year old kids remember their mother tongue!
Happy week to you and we’ll chat soon,
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Greecebuyingguide.com
Wednesday 9 February 2011
Greece and the financial crisis
I don’t think it’s any secret that Greece is at a financial crossroad at the moment, with an urgent need to make dramatic changes all round. And they are doing that. Greece's three creditors, the European Commission, the European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund - known collectively as ‘The Troika’ – have been tasked with keeping a very close watch on Greece’s finances as they determine the state of the economy prior to releasing each section of the huge loan that was granted to bail Greece out.
The IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Khan said in an interview with Kathimerini, the Greek daily newspaper, that if Greece can maintain the momentum of reform, investors' confidence will grow, and through the gradual return of competitiveness will follow growth. He added that he thought that strengthening tax administration and coming down hard on tax evasion was crucial, both because it will help increase needed revenues but, more than this, it will help enhance a sense of fairness.
There has long been a feeling by the man in the street in Greece that the rich get away with murder in terms of tax evasion and that they are being asked to pay for this. Well, that’s all about to change.
According to Transparency International, the global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption, the unrecorded or ‘black market’ economy in Greece could be worth an eye-watering 40 per cent of the country's GDP! According to Transparency International this would mean that the projected tax revenues of €54bn (£46bn) for the fiscal year 2010 should be €21bn higher – and that’s a lot of money!
How does all this affect you?
Well, doctors, lawyers and other professional people plus restaurant and hotel owners are coming under fire from the government, but also owners of ‘undeclared’ swimming pools are being investigated, and this may well apply to you.
We really do live in an Internet age don’t we? They have traced these ‘swimming pool offenders’ with the help of Google Earth! For instance a wealthy suburb in Northern Athens revealed 425 villas with pools but only 170 had been legally declare. Do bear this in mind if you have/are buying a property with a pool or you are thinking of building a pool won’t you?
The government is hoping to raise about €500m by offering an amnesty on unpaid taxes going back 10 years and it has decided to put tax declarations online for public scrutiny.
The SDOE, Greece's financial crimes squad, maintains that MPs were among the worst tax –dodgers – this is something that the Greek people have long thought and has caused enormous resentment.
Then too, in a move that bears out what I have long been saying, holiday properties that have been let out without declaring the rental income are also going to be followed up. This means of course that they do not have the EOT license that is essential if you want to rent your property out legally in Greece. Today more than ever this really is imperative, unless you want to be caught with an enormous tax bill plus a huge fine! The SDOE has promised to chase up these people, and that includes ex-pats who live abroad.
All this can only make Greece a better and a fairer place in which to live, and certainly a happier place for the man in the street…You do not want to be inadvertently caught up in this so do check with a good lawyer what your tax obligations are.
On a lighter note, a victim of the credit crunch would seem to be my favourite Greek drink, ouzo. It has seen its market share shrink in recent years, mainly due to cost. VAT hikes and additional alcohol taxes have upped the price and people have less money than they had – I certainly know the feeling! I know it’s an acquired taste, but do give it a try - it’s up to you when you are over in Greece next to save our beloved ouzo!
Have a happy week ahead – I am busy preparing my much-anticipated trip in May – are you planning to visit Greece this summer?
Warm wishes,
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Greecebuyingguide.com
The IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Khan said in an interview with Kathimerini, the Greek daily newspaper, that if Greece can maintain the momentum of reform, investors' confidence will grow, and through the gradual return of competitiveness will follow growth. He added that he thought that strengthening tax administration and coming down hard on tax evasion was crucial, both because it will help increase needed revenues but, more than this, it will help enhance a sense of fairness.
There has long been a feeling by the man in the street in Greece that the rich get away with murder in terms of tax evasion and that they are being asked to pay for this. Well, that’s all about to change.
According to Transparency International, the global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption, the unrecorded or ‘black market’ economy in Greece could be worth an eye-watering 40 per cent of the country's GDP! According to Transparency International this would mean that the projected tax revenues of €54bn (£46bn) for the fiscal year 2010 should be €21bn higher – and that’s a lot of money!
How does all this affect you?
Well, doctors, lawyers and other professional people plus restaurant and hotel owners are coming under fire from the government, but also owners of ‘undeclared’ swimming pools are being investigated, and this may well apply to you.
We really do live in an Internet age don’t we? They have traced these ‘swimming pool offenders’ with the help of Google Earth! For instance a wealthy suburb in Northern Athens revealed 425 villas with pools but only 170 had been legally declare. Do bear this in mind if you have/are buying a property with a pool or you are thinking of building a pool won’t you?
The government is hoping to raise about €500m by offering an amnesty on unpaid taxes going back 10 years and it has decided to put tax declarations online for public scrutiny.
The SDOE, Greece's financial crimes squad, maintains that MPs were among the worst tax –dodgers – this is something that the Greek people have long thought and has caused enormous resentment.
Then too, in a move that bears out what I have long been saying, holiday properties that have been let out without declaring the rental income are also going to be followed up. This means of course that they do not have the EOT license that is essential if you want to rent your property out legally in Greece. Today more than ever this really is imperative, unless you want to be caught with an enormous tax bill plus a huge fine! The SDOE has promised to chase up these people, and that includes ex-pats who live abroad.
All this can only make Greece a better and a fairer place in which to live, and certainly a happier place for the man in the street…You do not want to be inadvertently caught up in this so do check with a good lawyer what your tax obligations are.
On a lighter note, a victim of the credit crunch would seem to be my favourite Greek drink, ouzo. It has seen its market share shrink in recent years, mainly due to cost. VAT hikes and additional alcohol taxes have upped the price and people have less money than they had – I certainly know the feeling! I know it’s an acquired taste, but do give it a try - it’s up to you when you are over in Greece next to save our beloved ouzo!
Have a happy week ahead – I am busy preparing my much-anticipated trip in May – are you planning to visit Greece this summer?
Warm wishes,
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Greecebuyingguide.com
Thursday 3 February 2011
Altered Homes Solution – or not?
After months of discussions, the Greek government finally revealed its plans to introduce a scheme that will allow homeowners to pay a penalty to protect illegally converted parts of their homes from demolition and channel the proceeds toward the creation of more green spaces. You have no doubt heard the horror stories coming out of Spain…?
Environment Minister Tina Birbili presented the details of the program; it means that those parts of a home that were originally planned as balconies, garages or basements but have since been turned into living space (known as “imyipaithroi” or semi-open in Greek) can now be legalised. The homeowner, in return for paying a penalty, will be given documents that officially allow the use of this space in its current state for the next 40 years without threat of demolition or further fines. Note to self: one does wonder what happens in year 41?
It is a reality that over the years the construction industry has taken advantage of loopholes in the law to build homes with much more living space than was actually permitted. This meant that builders increased their profits while buyers paid less in taxes. Most flats took advantage of a few square meters of "semi-open" space and incorporated it into a bedroom, bathroom or living room and basements or lofts in houses have often been utilised as living rooms.
In order to check on this, inspectors and officials from town planning offices will be sent out to check on buildings and impose fines on anyone not declaring their illegally converted areas. The success of this new law will be determined by whether proper inspections are carried out and, if inspectors find illegally altered areas, owners are actually called to book and made to pay fines.
The amount to be paid will be calculated according to the size of the area in question, whether the home complies with zoning regulations, the value of property and whether the house is the owner’s main residence.
There is, however, a serious underlying problem that could cause the government’s plans to backfire. Much like in Spain, many homeowners feel a deep sense of resentment at having to pay fines for properties they bought in what was considered by all to be a totally legal fashion, after town-planning offices, land registries, lawyers and notaries had signed off on the deal. On top of this, the real culprits, namely the developers and builders, are going unpunished. The majority of the properties were illegally built or altered before being sold, and yet not a single developer or builder is facing penalties or legal action.
Who can blame the property owners for being furious?
"The crucial question concerning these regulations is whether citizens will abide by them in the face of a state that is unreliable and has been pushing illegal construction for years," Yiannis Alavanos, head of the Technical Chamber of Greece, wrote in the Kathimerini newspaper. Harsh words indeed.
The law already appears to have hit problems; it seems that Greece’s highest administrative court has already declared the law unconstitutional so it remains to be seen if anything comes of it. In the meantime, just be aware of this ongoing wrangle.
Have a happy week ahead!
Best wishes to you
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Greecebuyingguide.com
Environment Minister Tina Birbili presented the details of the program; it means that those parts of a home that were originally planned as balconies, garages or basements but have since been turned into living space (known as “imyipaithroi” or semi-open in Greek) can now be legalised. The homeowner, in return for paying a penalty, will be given documents that officially allow the use of this space in its current state for the next 40 years without threat of demolition or further fines. Note to self: one does wonder what happens in year 41?
It is a reality that over the years the construction industry has taken advantage of loopholes in the law to build homes with much more living space than was actually permitted. This meant that builders increased their profits while buyers paid less in taxes. Most flats took advantage of a few square meters of "semi-open" space and incorporated it into a bedroom, bathroom or living room and basements or lofts in houses have often been utilised as living rooms.
In order to check on this, inspectors and officials from town planning offices will be sent out to check on buildings and impose fines on anyone not declaring their illegally converted areas. The success of this new law will be determined by whether proper inspections are carried out and, if inspectors find illegally altered areas, owners are actually called to book and made to pay fines.
The amount to be paid will be calculated according to the size of the area in question, whether the home complies with zoning regulations, the value of property and whether the house is the owner’s main residence.
There is, however, a serious underlying problem that could cause the government’s plans to backfire. Much like in Spain, many homeowners feel a deep sense of resentment at having to pay fines for properties they bought in what was considered by all to be a totally legal fashion, after town-planning offices, land registries, lawyers and notaries had signed off on the deal. On top of this, the real culprits, namely the developers and builders, are going unpunished. The majority of the properties were illegally built or altered before being sold, and yet not a single developer or builder is facing penalties or legal action.
Who can blame the property owners for being furious?
"The crucial question concerning these regulations is whether citizens will abide by them in the face of a state that is unreliable and has been pushing illegal construction for years," Yiannis Alavanos, head of the Technical Chamber of Greece, wrote in the Kathimerini newspaper. Harsh words indeed.
The law already appears to have hit problems; it seems that Greece’s highest administrative court has already declared the law unconstitutional so it remains to be seen if anything comes of it. In the meantime, just be aware of this ongoing wrangle.
Have a happy week ahead!
Best wishes to you
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Greecebuyingguide.com
Wednesday 26 January 2011
National Parks in Greece
As you no doubt know, walking in Greece is one of the most enjoyable things you can do – I will be doing this on Corfu and hopefully Crete on my next visit and have a couple of wonderful books on the subject to review too so watch this space!
Some of the loveliest parts of Greece are those dedicated to the preservation of the flora and fauna. These areas would provide endless interest during holidays or indeed if you chose to live nearby. Less than 1 in 40 of Greece's islands is occupied, which in many cases means that nature has been left undisturbed and many rare animals and birds have too. Thousands of migratory birds use the islands as a stop-over point annually. They lie between Africa and Northern Europe and a huge variety of birds can be seen – a veritable bird-watchers paradise.
Incidentally – a quick tip here: get yourself a bird identification book in Athens if you are passing through. It may not always be possible to get your hands on one in smaller towns.
Here are just a few of the national parks:
Prespa Lakes:
This is in the northwest mainland and includes the two lakes of Mikri and Megalo. Statistics show that over 260 species of birds have been recorded here, including pelicans, storks and herons. The park also has brown bears, grey wolves, lynx and otto. I must say that it is one of my life’s ambitions to see wolves – perhaps I will include this in my next visit.
Pindos National Park:
This park is near the Pindos Mountains in North West Greece. Eagles, brown bears, wolves, wild cat, boar and red squirrels have been spotted here.
Vikos Gorge:
This is part of the Vikos-Aoos National Park in North West Greece. Here the concentration is mainly on flora, with maple, cherry and elm trees plus a huge variety of flowers and butterflies. The recommended time to visit is between April and November – any later and you risk snow.
Mount Parnassus:
Much of this mountain is part of a national park and has a wonderful variety of both flora and fauna. Birds abound and birdwatchers are in their element here.
Dadia Forest:
A stunning 36 out of 38 of Europe's predatory bird species have been observed here, including vultures, eagles and owls. The park is quite near the Turkish border.
Mount Olympus National Park:
Flowers such as orchids, tulips, violets and lilies and the many accompanying butterflies abound here. Also you may see deer and wild boar plus wild cats and squirrels.
Samaria Gorge:
I have driven alongside this gorge in Crete and can testify to it being a lovely spot. Along the 16 km walk you can see endless bird life, fauna and flora. Walks are arranged and include walks for most ages.
These are just a few of the many natural glories of Greece that you may want to check out next time you visit Greece. Enjoy!
Incidentally, I want to pass on an urgent warning: I recently spoke to a very annoyed and disillusioned GBG reader who has bought land in Greece. His purchase was a disaster as the land is not big enough to build on, although he was assured by his lawyer that it was. His advice: ALWAYS have a GPS survey done and get the borders of your property agreed to - and signed off by all your neighbours – BEFORE you sign anything or put down deposits.
We always recommend that you get yourself an independent lawyer, which this buyer did…but…the lawyer didn’t physically go out and actually measure the land. Pleas bear this in mind if you are going to be buying land won’t you?
All the best in the next week…
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Greecebuyingguide.com
Some of the loveliest parts of Greece are those dedicated to the preservation of the flora and fauna. These areas would provide endless interest during holidays or indeed if you chose to live nearby. Less than 1 in 40 of Greece's islands is occupied, which in many cases means that nature has been left undisturbed and many rare animals and birds have too. Thousands of migratory birds use the islands as a stop-over point annually. They lie between Africa and Northern Europe and a huge variety of birds can be seen – a veritable bird-watchers paradise.
Incidentally – a quick tip here: get yourself a bird identification book in Athens if you are passing through. It may not always be possible to get your hands on one in smaller towns.
Here are just a few of the national parks:
Prespa Lakes:
This is in the northwest mainland and includes the two lakes of Mikri and Megalo. Statistics show that over 260 species of birds have been recorded here, including pelicans, storks and herons. The park also has brown bears, grey wolves, lynx and otto. I must say that it is one of my life’s ambitions to see wolves – perhaps I will include this in my next visit.
Pindos National Park:
This park is near the Pindos Mountains in North West Greece. Eagles, brown bears, wolves, wild cat, boar and red squirrels have been spotted here.
Vikos Gorge:
This is part of the Vikos-Aoos National Park in North West Greece. Here the concentration is mainly on flora, with maple, cherry and elm trees plus a huge variety of flowers and butterflies. The recommended time to visit is between April and November – any later and you risk snow.
Mount Parnassus:
Much of this mountain is part of a national park and has a wonderful variety of both flora and fauna. Birds abound and birdwatchers are in their element here.
Dadia Forest:
A stunning 36 out of 38 of Europe's predatory bird species have been observed here, including vultures, eagles and owls. The park is quite near the Turkish border.
Mount Olympus National Park:
Flowers such as orchids, tulips, violets and lilies and the many accompanying butterflies abound here. Also you may see deer and wild boar plus wild cats and squirrels.
Samaria Gorge:
I have driven alongside this gorge in Crete and can testify to it being a lovely spot. Along the 16 km walk you can see endless bird life, fauna and flora. Walks are arranged and include walks for most ages.
These are just a few of the many natural glories of Greece that you may want to check out next time you visit Greece. Enjoy!
Incidentally, I want to pass on an urgent warning: I recently spoke to a very annoyed and disillusioned GBG reader who has bought land in Greece. His purchase was a disaster as the land is not big enough to build on, although he was assured by his lawyer that it was. His advice: ALWAYS have a GPS survey done and get the borders of your property agreed to - and signed off by all your neighbours – BEFORE you sign anything or put down deposits.
We always recommend that you get yourself an independent lawyer, which this buyer did…but…the lawyer didn’t physically go out and actually measure the land. Pleas bear this in mind if you are going to be buying land won’t you?
All the best in the next week…
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Greecebuyingguide.com
Thursday 20 January 2011
A trip down memory lane…
A few days ago I found my memory wandering back to a trip I took to Crete, some years ago now.
I had a particular interest in visiting a lovely small town called Tzermiado - it is on the plateau of Lassithi, surrounded by windmills. A friend and I stayed a night in a delightful pension there and had a wonderful time, making the acquaintance of the restaurant owner where we had supper.
I had been talking to him about John Pendlebury, the British fighter who had stayed behind to lead the resistance after the British pulled out of Crete during the Second World War. “Blebbery!” the young owner exclaimed – that was the name the Greeks had called him. Off he raced home to collect an old calendar that I just had to have (it had an old wartime photo of Pendlebury) leaving us in charge of the restaurant…only in Greece! I have the calendar still, all these years later…
We also took an absolutely unforgettable drive between Moni-Preveli/ Plakias/ and Frangokastello. Sheep milled about in the road, heads bending with the weight of the bells around their necks that tinkled as they walked.
We saw endless vistas of calm sea below, broken only by the wake of an occasional boat. Olive trees grow right down to the road, with black nets tied under them to gather the falling fruit. It was 25 degrees in early May and we didn't see another tourist all day.
Legend has it that at a certain time of the year ghosts walk the beach of Frangokastello. We had lunch on a painted, upturned wheel right on the sandy beach - but sadly no ghost sightings that day...!
The road from Vouvas is eye-popping: you look down on the road curling beneath you like a snake. As we spun by we noticed that lovely white villages have signs out with rooms to rent - note to self - come back and stay there!
We saw lots of lovely little churches with red Byzantine-looking cupolas, not the usual Greek blue domes - a hangover from when the Turks ruled. To view a really lovely Byzantine church close up we drove down a green, green narrow little lane with just two faint tyre tracks, lined with poppies and blue thistles. So narrow was it that we had to push the car mirror flat against the side of the car to get through to the church.
Cypress trees dotted the landscape like exclamation marks and the air was heavy with the smell of sage and rosemary. There were oleander trees in bloom everywhere, outlined against the blue, blue sea below...We caught glimpses of goats, perched on high mountain crags, gazing down at us from dizzy heights and eagles soared way above our heads. Once we rounded a corner and found three large exclamation marks painted in the middle of the road...someone with a wicked sense of humour!
These are the things one never forgets – are you planning a trip to Crete this summer? I am, and I am like a child again, virtually counting sleeps!
Best wishes with your travel plans – do let me know where and when you are planning to go…
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Greecebuyingguide.com
I had a particular interest in visiting a lovely small town called Tzermiado - it is on the plateau of Lassithi, surrounded by windmills. A friend and I stayed a night in a delightful pension there and had a wonderful time, making the acquaintance of the restaurant owner where we had supper.
I had been talking to him about John Pendlebury, the British fighter who had stayed behind to lead the resistance after the British pulled out of Crete during the Second World War. “Blebbery!” the young owner exclaimed – that was the name the Greeks had called him. Off he raced home to collect an old calendar that I just had to have (it had an old wartime photo of Pendlebury) leaving us in charge of the restaurant…only in Greece! I have the calendar still, all these years later…
We also took an absolutely unforgettable drive between Moni-Preveli/ Plakias/ and Frangokastello. Sheep milled about in the road, heads bending with the weight of the bells around their necks that tinkled as they walked.
We saw endless vistas of calm sea below, broken only by the wake of an occasional boat. Olive trees grow right down to the road, with black nets tied under them to gather the falling fruit. It was 25 degrees in early May and we didn't see another tourist all day.
Legend has it that at a certain time of the year ghosts walk the beach of Frangokastello. We had lunch on a painted, upturned wheel right on the sandy beach - but sadly no ghost sightings that day...!
The road from Vouvas is eye-popping: you look down on the road curling beneath you like a snake. As we spun by we noticed that lovely white villages have signs out with rooms to rent - note to self - come back and stay there!
We saw lots of lovely little churches with red Byzantine-looking cupolas, not the usual Greek blue domes - a hangover from when the Turks ruled. To view a really lovely Byzantine church close up we drove down a green, green narrow little lane with just two faint tyre tracks, lined with poppies and blue thistles. So narrow was it that we had to push the car mirror flat against the side of the car to get through to the church.
Cypress trees dotted the landscape like exclamation marks and the air was heavy with the smell of sage and rosemary. There were oleander trees in bloom everywhere, outlined against the blue, blue sea below...We caught glimpses of goats, perched on high mountain crags, gazing down at us from dizzy heights and eagles soared way above our heads. Once we rounded a corner and found three large exclamation marks painted in the middle of the road...someone with a wicked sense of humour!
These are the things one never forgets – are you planning a trip to Crete this summer? I am, and I am like a child again, virtually counting sleeps!
Best wishes with your travel plans – do let me know where and when you are planning to go…
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Greecebuyingguide.com
Thursday 13 January 2011
How does your garden grow?
Perhaps you have purchased your new holiday home in Greece – or maybe you are still dreaming of doing so. Either way, one of the things you will need to think about is the garden. A visit to a holiday home, for either yourself or your tenants, should be a pleasure - relaxing and restful. The last thing you want to be doing are all those garden chores that you have left behind at home. Let’s face it, a property with a garden needs a bit of forward planning as to how you will care for it.
There are a number of options. You can either do it all yourself, get a local management company to take care of it or employ a local gardener on a part time basis - or indeed on a full time basis, depending on the size of the garden! What ever option you chose, you do not want a garden that requires hours of work on your part. If you decide to employ someone, you need to factor this cost into your budget incidentally.
Best case scenario would be a low maintenance garden that requires a minimum of attention, one that requires not too much upkeep generally and that will be fine with only a once or twice a year pruning or clipping and after that very little work for the rest of the year. The main thing really is to plant indigenous trees and local plants that are suited to the climate and that are not going to require constant care and watering. Plants that can withstand a drought are the best bet - things like perhaps Rosemary, Sage, Lavender and Agapanthus - perhaps even succulents?
There are bound to be many lovely gardens around you and gardeners like nothing better than comparing notes – lean over that garden fence and ask some advice: you may just make a new best friend into the bargain! Also perhaps you can pop into local plant nurseries nearby - they would be able to give good advice.
Try typing in 'Greece Gardens' on the Internet for a bit of input. I found a website that had a month by month analysis of what's going on in the Greek garden...I also found the following sage advice: “Gardening in Greece has many advantages: mild winters, lots of sunshine and an active garden all year round. But along with the plusses there are some minuses, such as: no rain for at least five months during the hottest part of the year, incessant weeds, and the need to have a continuous floral display somewhere in the garden throughout the year. In order to accomplish this, the garden has to be heavily planted up with:
- Drought resistant plants
- Bulbs to extend the flowering season before and after the summer
- Vines, shrubs and trees to offer shade to plants less able to cope with the strong sun
- Ground covers to reduce the temperature of the soil, maintain moisture in the soil, and to control the spread of weeds”
Just remember however that there may be a rainy winter around the corner...so make sure they can cope with that too...no one said it was going to be easy, did they?!! But I bet there are a few gardening clubs there too...and what a good way to make friends!
Bye for now, and warm New Year wishes!
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.greecebuyingguide.com
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