Greece, Corfu Island || t.kakavoulas on Instagram

If I follow you to the river Send my blues out to the sea Will you stay with me forever? Will you chase me in my dreams?

Today's Flickr photo with the most hits: Corfu old town.

Corfu, Old Town

IG: xrysa_mou

Roofs of Corfu town. Greece by Caspar Tromp

Discover Ionianqueen's Marina View Apartments in Corfu Old Town

In the heart of Corfu Old Town, discover Ionianqueen's Marina View Apartments, where luxury meets serenity. Nestled among historic cobblestone streets and Venetian architecture, our apartments offer modern comfort with timeless charm.

Discovering the Marina View Apartments:

Imagine waking up to the gentle caress of the Mediterranean breeze, with panoramic views of the azure sea stretching as far as the eye can see. Our Marina View Apartments are meticulously designed to offer a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling ambiance of Corfu's Old Town. Each apartment is thoughtfully furnished with contemporary amenities, ensuring a seamless fusion of style and functionality.

Unravelling the Charms of Corfu Old Town:

Step outside our doorstep and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Corfu's history and culture. Wander through the labyrinthine alleyways adorned with bougainvillea-draped balconies, and stumble upon hidden treasures at every turn. From the imposing Old Fortress to the vibrant Spianada Square, every corner of Corfu Old Town is steeped in stories waiting to be discovered.

Indulge in Luxury at Ionianqueen:

At Ionianqueen, we believe in offering our guests an experience that transcends mere accommodation. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a family retreat, our Marina View Apartments cater to every need and desire. Relax by the shimmering pool overlooking the marina, or savor delectable Mediterranean cuisine at our on-site restaurant. With personalized concierge services and attentive staff at your beck and call, your stay with us is bound to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Embark on a Journey of Discovery

Corfu Old Town is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets lined with artisanal shops and quaint cafes, or embark on a leisurely stroll along the promenade as the sun dips below the horizon. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a respite from the ordinary, Corfu has something to offer to everyone.

Book Your Stay with Ionianqueen Today

Indulge in the ultimate luxury experience amidst the historic charm of Corfu Old Town. Book your stay at Ionianqueen's Marina View Apartments and immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled beauty and tranquility. With breathtaking views, impeccable service, and an ambiance that exudes warmth and hospitality, your journey to Corfu begins here. Experience the magic of Ionianqueen and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Ionian Queen not only provides Marina View Apartments in Corfu but also offers the best car and boat rental services. You can also enjoy a thrilling Jeep safari in Corfu. Book now!

Empress Elisabeth of Austria and her Corfiot palace through the eyes of the Greek royals.

Greece was destined to offer the Empress Elisabeth the hospitality of its soil. She chose Greece as the country where she would hide herself and her sorrow. At Corfu she bought a site of ground from an old Corfiote Statesman called Braïla, and on it she built the Palace which she called "Achilleion", after her hero Achilles, whose statue was in the middle of the top garden terrace, and represented him at the hour of his death, drawing the arrow out of his heel. When in Corfu, it was understood, she was to be strictly incognito, and her wishes were always respected. One day, suddenly, when we least expected it, she arrived at Athens, having travelled by the ordinary steamer, and called at the Palace accompanied by a lady -in-waiting. She asked the porter whether she could see the King and Queen. On the porter's inquiring who she was, she replied she was "the Empress of Austria." Whereupon we were brought down to verify that statement . It seemed impossible╴but it was the Empress of Austria! Needless to say she obtained her interview, and after half an hour's conversation she took her departure, insisting that her visit should not be returned by my parents. As she was anxious to study Greek culture, she decided to learn modern Greek, and applied herself to the task with great energy and perseverance. She engaged a tutor for Greek conversation. Her first was Dr. Christomanos, an author and poet, who wrote a charming life of the Empress, which was translated into several languages. Her last was Count A. Mercati, who afterwards became Master of King Constantine's household. Accompanied by her tutor, the Empress used to go off on a five or six hours' walk, all over the island; and even for the picturesque ceremony of combing and brushing her hair the tutor had to be present, talking Greek to her all the time. She learnt to speak Greek quite faultlessly. In the arrangement of her house the Empress took great pride, setting up the statues of all her new "Gods"; Sophocles, Euripides, Plato and Aristotle. She also had a statue of Heine, the poet, erected in a shrine. When the Kaiser bought the Achilleion, he at once banished Heine, and raised Achilles from his recumbent position into a standing War Lord, with gilded helmet and shield, so that the first sight of Achilleion should be his glittering helmet. It is a pity that the Empress tried to improve the natural beauty of the spot. Her lack of taste, I may even ungraciously say her eccentricities, were almost an eyesore. There was a grotto of artificial rock and mirrors, destined as a home for monkeys, who luckily never came to inhabit it. Though the island abounded in oranges, she sent to Italy for her fruit. The view from the terrace over all the plain of Corfu, with its olive groves groups cypresses on one side and the sea and the mountains of Albania on the other one of the most exquisite I have ever seen.

The memoirs of His Royal Highness, Prince Nicholas of Greece and Denmark, My fifty years, 1926.

I was a child when the Empress came to Athens and saw her only once or twice, but I remember her more vividly than many people I knew far better. I imagine it was the same with everyone who came in contact with her. Her brilliant, beautiful and restless personality left an indelible impression. She was so enchanted with Greece that she decided to build a villa in Corfu. The site she chose could not have been more beautiful, about twelve miles outside the town, set on a high hill overlooking the sea on one side and a chain of mountains on the other. But she was too impatient even to look at the plans and gave the architect carte blanche. So instead of the simple cottage she had intended he erected an orate and hideous palace lavishly adorned with frescoes, statues and bronzes of every description. This atrocity cost the Austrian Govemment twelve million crowns, I believe. The Empress's life was dominated by the fear of losing her beauty. As she grew older it became an obsession. Hours were spent every moring brushing the glotious brown hair that she wore gathered into two great plaits coiled around her head. This hair-brushing was a matter of solemn ritual. Any hairs that fell out during the process were carefully collected and presented to the Empress on a silver salver. If their number proved to be too many the entire day was blackened to her. Once a captain of a Russian gunboat reported that he had seen a yacht coming into the Piraus harbour with a woman seated on the deck whose mass of hair reached down to the ground while two attendants stood behind her brushing it. " That could only be the Empress of Austria." said my father, when he heard the story. Later in the day a carriage drove up to the Palace and a mysterious visitor was announced, a lady who refused to give her name. It was, as we expected, the Empress Elizabeth. She insisted on preserving a strict incognito while she was in Greece, although it seemed rather unnecessary, since everyone knew who she was. She detested nothing so much as being photographed, or even looked at for that matter, and always carried a large fan with her on her walks, so that she could unfurl it and hide her face from the passers-by. The Empress was a fine woman in many respects, far finer, I think, than most of her biogtaphers have represented her. Intelligent, intuitive, sensitive, she had all the qualities to make a great empress. But she was tragically lacking in a sense of proportion. Even in the small issues of everyday life she had no idea of modera-tion. She could not take anything up without making it a mania. While she was in Corfu she set herself to learn Greek, although she had gone there to rest. Now Greek is a complicated language and its study is hardly to be recommended as a restful pursuit. The Empress certainly did not regard it as such either for herself or any one else, for she wore out her two teachers, Count Mercati and Mr. Christomanos. Every day she walked ten or twelve miles with one or the other, talking Greek all the way and, even during the hair-brushing ceremony, one of them was always present reading to her. Her figure became another obsession with her. Although she was exaggeratedly slender when she came to Greece (she weighed, I believe, only seven stones) no Hollywood film star could have followed out a more Spartan regime. Her constant dieting made her irritable and depressed. Even when she lunched with my mother and father she would often eat nothing but a salad and some fruit, and she would start off immediately afterwards on one of her exhausting walks, skimming over the ground like a restless, beautiful wraith.

The memoirs of His Royal Highness, Prince Christopher of Greece and Denmark, 1938.

European cities still known by exonyms in English

by u/Aofen

Cities still known by exonyms in English tend to fall into a few categories:

Many cities in the Low Countries have traditional English exonyms. Many of these, such as Flushing for Vlissingen or Harlem for Haarlem have fallen out of use, but larger cities still tend to be known by their exonym. Most towns and cities in North Belgium were historically known by French exonyms, but are now currently known by their native Flemish names. The exceptions to this are Bruges, which is fairly large, and Ypres, which is widely known for its significance in WWI

Many major cities across Europe are known in English by their French names (i.e. Cologne, Belgrade, etc.) and a smaller number of cities are known by Italian influenced names (i.e. Vienna, Corfu, or Aleppo).

Some cities in Germany that were historically connected to the UK have English exonyms. The British King was also the monarch of Hanover and Brunswick during the rule of the House of Hanover, and Heligoland was a British colony from 1807 to 1890.

Towns in Greece and the Levant are often known by historical versions of their names, with exonyms sticking around because of the cultural importance of Ancient Greece and the Holy Land in the Anglophone world.

It becomes harder to distinguish between endonyms and exonyms in countries that do not use the Latin Alphabet, but the use of exonyms for cities generally fades as you move away from Europe and the Middle east.

Some prominent cities outside of this map known by exonyms in English include Bangkok for Krung Thep, Havana for La Habana, Batticaloa for Maṭṭakkaḷappu, and Vientiane for Viangchan

Strolling through old town Corfu, Greece

Greece, Corfu Island by chris_kap.21 on Instagram. 

Jan 9 - Day #10 - Fortnight of Books

The book I read but have already forgotten:

The Ghosts of Sherwood by Carrie Vaughn

The idea is that Robin and Marian's young children must have courage and save the day. I remember enjoying it, but it just hasn't stuck with me at all.

Book with a scene that left you reeling (written in such a way as to avoid spoilers but they're there if you squint:)

Hard to pin this down, but a few scenes that left me reeling/mildly surprised me but I want to mention them anyway:

Who turned out to be the narrator Tress of the Emerald Sea (it's given away in the first part, but it definitely caught me off guard! And then I said, "Of course."

The over-the-top ridiculous evil of Hagen in Didrik of Bern. And Krimhild sending her little child over to Hagen's table in hopes Hagen would be annoyed and decapitate him, so that Attila the Hun would get angry about the murder and be moved to attack.

The origin of the Fangs and the way the characters' paths crossed with it in North! or Be Eaten.

Halloween Night in The Perilous Gard. And THAT FINAL SCENE!

From the Corfu Trilogy: The unceremonious arrival in Corfu Town. Meeting the Rose Beetle Man. Leslie's court case. Larry's friends showing up at 2 AM. Boating on bioluminescent water. The fire in Larry's bedroom.

Several scenes in The Hunger Games but I can't pick them out individually just now.

Fitzroy telling Will Hardy to run in Wayfarer.

"Murder in the Cathedral" was not only much better than I'd been led to believe, but much easier to stay focused on!

When the Creeping Shadow stepped over the chain. And all the end-of-book cliffhangers from that series.

Longing for Robin Hood, and "Where have you been?" in The Last Unicorn.

Like, half of The King of Attolia. The dogs, the stairs, the kiss, the undoing of a certain house, the skill, the intent, the mercy, the end. And Sophos doing you-know-what at the end of A Conspiracy of Kings. I am afraid that after a certain point, the reveal "And it was Eugenides!" becomes less surprising, though never the less welcome.

Greece fires: Satellite images and maps show extent of damage

25 July 2023

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes and abandon holidays on Greek islands including Rhodes and Corfu as fires spread across the region.

In Rhodes, a black scar has been scorched across the middle of the island to the southern town of Kiotari.

Satellite images show the extent of the damage to the popular holiday resort.

The flames have destroyed many homes and businesses in the town.

The fires have been burning since last week on Rhodes, where temperatures have reached 45C.

More than 30,000 people have fled the flames on the island since the weekend, Greece's largest-ever wildfire evacuation.

Some 16,000 people have been transported across land and another 3,000 evacuated by sea, police say. Others have had to leave by road or use their own transport.

They include thousands of tourists who had to make for temporary shelters like sports stadiums before getting the emergency planes laid on by travel companies.

But with Greece in the middle of a long spell of extreme heat that has increased the risk of wildfires across the country, Rhodes is not the only place that has been affected.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says the country is "at war" with the wildfires and warns it faces "another three difficult days ahead" before temperatures are expected to drop.

Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilia says fire crews have been fighting more than 500 fires across the country over the past 12 days - including in Midea on the mainland.

Firefighters also say the situation in Corfu and Evia is not totally under control.

Satellite images show smoke blowing from fires on the blackened hills near Kassiopi in the north of Corfu.

And Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands, has been also been put on high alert because of an extreme risk of fire.

The situation in Greece is the result of a heatwave across southern Europe and northern Africa that has helped create dry conditions and also let fires take hold in Sicily, Croatia, Algeria and Tunisia.

The situation would have been "virtually impossible" without human-induced climate change, scientists say, adding it has made the heatwave in Europe 2.5C hotter.

By Chris Clayton, Dominic Bailey, Tural Ahmedzade, and Kate Gaynor

Corfu island, Old Town - Greece

IG: xrysa_mou

Have you ever heard of the Vlacherna Monastery on the Greek island of Corfu?

It is located on its own island off the coast of Kanoni, just a few kilometres south of Corfu Town.

It was built during the 17th century and is one of the most iconic landmarks of Corfu. The Monastery is actually a small church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, connected to the mainland by a small bridge, and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Now, let me share three interesting facts about the Vlacherna Monastery that you might not know:

1. The Monastery is not only a religious site but also a cultural one. It has been featured in many movies, TV shows, and documentaries, including the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only".

2. The small island where the Monastery is located was once a popular spot for fishermen to sell their catch of the day. Today, you can still see some fishermen selling their fresh catch from the small pier near the Monastery.

3. The Monastery is also home to a small museum, where you can learn more about the history of the Monastery and the island.

If you're planning a trip to Corfu, I highly recommend visiting the Vlacherna Monastery. It's a peaceful and serene place with breathtaking views of the sea.

Don't forget to take a stroll around the Monastery and enjoy the beauty of the gardens. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a boat tour around the nearby Mouse Island, another beautiful landmark of Corfu.

Experience Tranquility and Luxury at Marina View Apartment Hotel

Nestled along the picturesque waterfront of Nafsikas, Marina View Apartment Hotel stands as an epitome of elegance and comfort. Offering a unique blend of modern amenities, breathtaking views, and impeccable service, Marina View is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience to cherish.

Luxurious Accommodations Step into a world of luxury as you enter the well-appointed apartments at Marina View. Each unit is designed to exude comfort and style, featuring contemporary furnishings, plush bedding, and ample living spaces. Whether you opt for a cozy studio or a spacious penthouse, every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure a memorable stay.

Breathtaking Views Wake up to panoramic views of the marina and skyline from the comfort of your room. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to flood in, creating a serene ambiance that instantly rejuvenates the senses. Whether it’s sunrise or sunset, each moment offers a spectacle of colors that paint the sky, providing a backdrop that’s nothing short of mesmerizing.

World-Class Amenities At Marina View, every convenience is at your fingertips. Start your day with a refreshing swim in the infinity pool, overlooking the tranquil waters of the marina. Stay active at the state-of-the-art fitness center, equipped with the latest equipment for a satisfying workout. After a day of exploration, unwind at the spa and indulge in a pampering session that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Gastronomic Delights Satisfy your culinary cravings at Marina View’s dining establishments, where a world of flavors awaits. From gourmet cuisine to casual fare, there’s something to please every palate. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with waterfront views, savor delectable seafood specialties for lunch, and unwind with handcrafted cocktails at sunset. With an array of dining options, Marina View ensures a gastronomic journey that’s as memorable as it is delicious.

Explore the City While Marina View offers a tranquil retreat, adventure awaits just beyond its doors. Explore the vibrant cityscape and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Nafsikas. Discover iconic landmarks, bustling markets, and hidden gems that showcase the city’s diverse heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or simply a lover of exploration, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Conclusion In a city where luxury meets tranquility, Marina View Apartment Hotel stands as a beacon of excellence. Offering unparalleled views, luxurious accommodations, and world-class amenities, it’s the ultimate destination for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, Marina View invites you to indulge in a world of comfort, elegance, and serenity that’s beyond compare.