beyond the mountains

This piece starts out 30,000 feet above greek ground. The now infamous satellite picture of the flames raging is literally recreated in front of my eyes, and the combination of “Indian in Me” by Cobblestone Jazz playing in my headphones renders it even more horrendous. Now that I am back, and that everyone wonders what the “hell” happened to their country this summer, during which 66 people have lost their lives, theories (conspiracy and others) have emerged… and I question… Someone told me the other day “you know Greg, there are always fires BEFORE election period…”, some kind of rule of law which in my head sounded like “there are always fights between supporters AFTER an Italian football game”. What do I know? Indeed Prime Minister Karamanlis has decided on August 15th to call for early elections, initially scheduled to take place in March 08’. Even though many analysts had predicted this very “strategic” move a long time ago, everybody seemed surprised and the MP’s were called bac...

Been a while now that I haven t properly posted an article or pictures, but now that I have had time to look thoroughly at my new host country, Greece, I am ready to speak out... You might or might not know that Greece is one of the "best student" in the EU classroom. GDP reaching above 4.6% (double the average of most EU mammuth) and a budget deficit below 3% as agreed during the stability and growth pact within the [Maastricht] treaty framework. This very academic statement has the purpose of underlying one thing... The EU taxpayers' money has been used extensively in Greece, and since the entrance of Romania and Bulgaria in the family, Greece's prospects regarding future investments in South East Europe are looking bright. On the tourism side, Greece is practically virgin... I know it must sound surprising, but if you are already planning your retirement, I would seriously look at buying a blue and white house on one of the 2005 islands that form the Hellenic Repub...

The Island of June If you're feeling the need of real relaxation, In a climate that's lazy, a perfect vacation, Away from the snow and the slush that annoys you, Away from the worries and cares that destroy you, Try Nassau, the Island of June. There are bluest of seas at your door to enthral you, With no sudden temperature changes to gall you, And laziness comes on you, quietly stealing Along with a cheerful, a 'world's all right' feeling, In Nassau, the Island of June. -'A Song of Nassau" by Fred Winslow Rust

2 Dias en Cuba, Con Muchas ganas de volver... Mucho mas divertido todavia con Mr Moore...

Nassau has neighbourhoods that range from exclusive enclaves for the extremely wealthy to slums inhabited by the chronically unemployed and underemployed. Construction materials are roughly evenly divided between limestone and wood. The upper class consists of wealthy business owners, corporate managers, professionals, high-ranking government officials, and some foreign citizens. Historically, this class was composed of Britons, white Bahamians, light-skinned Bahamians of mixed race, and a few Americans and Canadians. Most were self-consciously British in speech and behavior. In addition, we are led to believe that "the upper class today includes many more residents of African ancestry. Emulation of the old colonial elite is less common. The middle class consists of small business owners, some professionals, civil servants, and lower-level corporate managers. This generalized depiction of The Bahamas stands in stark contrast and contradistinction to other scenarios that depict The...