Hunt Valley Mediterranean Greek Festival this weekend June 20, 2007
Posted by grhomeboy in Greek Diaspora Festivals.comments closed
Hunt Valley Mediterranean Greek Festival, June 22-24, St. Mary’s Church, 909 W. Shawan Road.
Featuring Middle Eastern and Greek food and desserts, Greek wines, folk dancing, ethnic groceries and more. June 22, 5-11 p.m., June 23, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., June 24, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
For more info call Michael Tsakalos, 443-695-2636.
A hidden gem on the Island Of Knights June 20, 2007
Posted by grhomeboy in Architecture Infrastructure, Greece Islands Aegean.comments closed
Pano Lahania is quite simply a ‘one-off’ development on the Greek Island of Rhodes.
It has been designed and is being built in the traditional Greek style, with dense walls, beamed ceilings, arches and painted in the familiar colours that symbolise the Greek’s ‘joie de vive’. There is no other development of this nature being constructed on the island, aptly given by Zeus to Helios, the Sun God.
Being constructed by Cybarco Real Estate Development S.A, one of the major construction companies of Cyprus and with local offices in Greece, Pano Lahania has been designed to form an inseparable part of the old village, with the purpose of combining the traditional element with the conveniences of modern buildings. The town-plan, along with the streets’ layout corresponds to that of an old Rhodian village.
The 54 residences, apartments, maisonettes and villas, are scattered around a public square, thus creating a focus for village living. In addition, a centrally located convenience store will cater for the residents’ everyday needs. The architectural features were drawn from the beautiful neighbouring, properties of old Lahania, which has inspired numerous European writers and artists to take up residence. Each of the 54 properties is autonomous and has a unique design, whilst following the highest aesthetic standards.
The new residences couldn’t have been designed without the famous ‘votsalota’, the pebble stoned decorations of pavements that adorn both interior and exterior spaces of most old Rhodian homes. The high walls, elaborate chimneys, imposing gates and external stairways stress the houses’ traditional character, creating a stunning aesthetic whole.
Each villa has a large, private swimming pool and an extensive outside area, literally a pre-requisite of Mediterranean outdoor living. Covered parking is also inclusive. Respecting the environment, the region’s architectural tradition and the needs of modern man, Pano Lahania suggests an alternative proposal for those wishing to follow a traditional way of living in the environment of an Aegean village with all the amenities that a modern residence has to offer. Phase one of the development: Twelve, 2 and 3 bed properties are currently under construction, at the price range €167,000 – 286,000.
Lahania, a traditional settlement in south-eastern Rhodes, is an hour’s drive from the airport and 5 minutes from some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. The southern part of the island has remained untouched by the effects of tourist development. It is the most sparsely populated area of Rhodes and is covered by grasslands and woods. Idyllic beaches with crystal clear waters and scattered traditional villages make up the area’s unique character.
Of note are the neighbouring areas of Plimmiri and Prasonisi. Plimmiri beach, 4.5km, is arguably one of the best on the island. A natural bay and an area of ecological importance, Plimmiri is re-knowned as one of the breeding grounds of the marine turtle Caretta-Caretta. Prasonisi on the other hand is quite simply surfers’ paradise, ideal for enthusiasts as well as anyone with even a limited interest in water-sports. Both areas offer a full range of facilities. The nearby Apolakia Dam is an area of outstanding beauty and a wildlife haven.
For further information visit > www.cybarco.com
Greek Festival in Palatine June 20, 2007
Posted by grhomeboy in Greek Diaspora Festivals.comments closed
Gyros and more await celebrants this weekend at Greek Festival hosted by St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church at Palatine and Roselle roads in Palatine.
Amid the Greek dancing and music you’ll find beef and chicken souvlakia (kebabs) loukaniko (sausage), pastitsio (a lasagna-like dish), tiropita and spanakopita (cheese and spinach-stuffed phyllo), saganaki (flaming cheese), and all sorts of pastries, like baklava and loukoumades (deep fried and drizzled with honey). I’m getting dizzy just thinking about it all.
The festival, open 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday, will also serve Greek beer and wine at the taverna. Admission is $2; free parking and shuttle from Harper College (Roselle and Algonquin roads) and Marion Jordan School (Palatine Road and Harrison Avenue).
Those just wanting the taste of Greece without the crowds can opt for drive-though service at the Roselle Road entrance. Organizers say it takes about 5 minutes to place and collect an order.
The ultimate lifestyle choice among Cyprus coastline June 20, 2007
Posted by grhomeboy in Architecture Cyprus, Architecture Infrastructure, Cyprus Larnaca.comments closed
An elegant village complex has just been released in the South east coast of Cyprus by ELIAN Developers.
Eleni Gardens is a superb development of 47 self-contained, detached villas located in Ayia Triada only 10 minutes walk away from the quiet local beach. Currently on sale as an off-plan development, the first property investors’ benefit from a 15% discounted price of the actual market rate. Just over a month after its launch Eleni Gardens has less than half its properties available for sale.
Property investors looking to purchase in Cyprus will be very pleased to know that an elegant village complex has just been released by the well known company of ELIAN Developers. Following the recent sales success of Athina Gardens village, ELIAN Developers decided to build a similar project in the adjacent land. With new architectural details added to improve the features and attractiveness of each villa, Eleni Gardens was created.
Within blooming fields of olive and orange trees in the Ayia Triada countryside, Eleni Gardens will be settled with 47, two storey high, detached villas. Comprising 2 or 3 bedrooms, clean lines with a contemporary outlook and traditional finishing details, these properties will blend seamlessly within the surrounding area.
Designed to please, the development incorporates colourful buildings enhancing the Mediterranean appeal, bright open spaces in each property including private gardens and swimming pool ideal to relax and enjoy the life alfresco.
A discerning use of high quality finishing features creates a distinctive ambience ideal for a holiday home: fully fitted kitchen and bathrooms inclusive of a shower spa; Italian ceramic flooring and marble staircase; built in wardrobes lined with shelves in all bedrooms; air conditioning units in all rooms and double glazed wide windows throughout ensure that the natural sunlight is brought indoors to create a welcoming atmosphere.
The peaceful surroundings offer a variety of all necessary amenities from supermarkets to traditional tavernas and residents can reach the secluded beach and crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea within a short 10 minute walk. The more energetic can enjoy the various activities in the local area from water sports to boat trips along the Famagusta coastline or take a visit to the lively neighbour towns of Protaras and Ayia Napa, the historical Paralimni or the breathtaking area of Cape Greco.
Currently on sale as an off-plan development, the first property investors’ benefit from a 15% discounted price of the actual market rate. Just over a month after its launch Eleni Gardens has now less than half its properties available for sale, proving its incredible success in such a short period of time. Prices start from as little as CYP152,900.
More information can be obtained by visiting > www.eliandevelopers.com
Olympus Village in Cyprus June 20, 2007
Posted by grhomeboy in Architecture Cyprus, Architecture Infrastructure, Cyprus Paphos.comments closed
The Olympus development nestles on the high hills above Paphos, next to the traditional village of Tsada.
The homes there have been carefully sited so residents enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the Mediterranean countryside. These luxury properties are elevated from summer humidity, offering the benefits of a healthy climate and refreshing mountain breezes. Villas dot the landscape, offering open living spaces and large private patios with landscaped gardens.
Olympus Village offers custom-built three, four, and five-bedroom villas, with optional private pools and the luxury of underground telephone and electricity cabling.
For further information and the free Guide to Living In Cyprus call Leptos Estates’ office in London on 020 8883 2333.
For further information visit > www.leptosestates.com
Eco-friendly homes in Cyprus June 20, 2007
Posted by grhomeboy in Architecture Cyprus, Architecture Infrastructure, Cyprus Paphos.comments closed
Leptos Estates offer eco-friendly ways for overseas investors to buy into the Greek property market
Proudly Cypriot property developers Leptos Estates have been building on the sun-filled island for 47 years, and haven’t been backward in looking to the Ancient Greeks for inspiration as to how to make their developments more energy efficient and kinder to the environment.
Underfloor heating was originally perfected by the Romans and the Greeks, and the modern version is just one of the eco-friendly features in Leptos Estates’ new homes, alongside passive solar heating, making them attractive to buyers with green fingers on their chequebooks.
“Underfloor heating is around 30% cheaper to run than traditional heating systems, and in the warm Mediterranean climate of Cyprus, effectively heats the largest homes without the need for back-up radiators,” explains Leptos Estates’ Marketing Director, Pantelis Leptos. “At planning stages of all our developments we assess the ecological impact and look at what steps we can take to reduce the carbon footprint of our homes. With changes in materials, and legislation, this is always an ongoing process and there have been major steps forward in our industry in the last year alone.”
Leptos Estates’ commitment to ecological issues doesn’t just relate to their profit margin, however, as the company has just announced that they’re going to plant one million trees during their own Green Festival Celebration, which is slated to take place in Yeroskipou, Paphos. Indeed, the company has already planted a million trees in Paphos, and employs over 35 dedicated horticulturists. Cripes, they’ve even published their own guide to flora and fauna, entitled the Wild Flowers of Kamares and Agios Neophytos!
For further information about Leptos Estates’ properties visit > www.leptosestates.com
Is climate change a threat to cultural treasures? June 20, 2007
Posted by grhomeboy in Archaeology Greece, Environment.comments closed
A new international study suggests that global warming is a threat to monuments around the world
The stress that climate change can have on people is beginning to be felt. But a new international study has warned that there may be other victims as well, CBS News reports.
From the rising waters of Venice to the ancient temples of Greece to the archeological grandeur of Rome, and to the more modern wonders, global warming may hasten the destruction of some of the world’s most treasured buildings and heritage sites.
“The building is that canary in the mine that we can see and appreciate in terms of the change,” said study author May Cassar of University College, London.
And the canary is beginning to look decidedly ill. The study concluded that higher temperatures and humidity will speed up the corrosion of the Eiffel Tower’s ironwork, for example. And the warm, moist salty air will attack the fine stonework on buildings from the Parthenon to the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey.
“So what we will get within a hundred years is the fine detailing on buildings being lost,” Cassar said.
The damage, the report’s authors say, may in fact go much deeper and affect the very structure of the buildings.
“It will produce on the masonry and within the building’s material fracture and deterioration of the material itself,” Sabbioni said.
The point of the new study is that climate change may not only threaten our future, it may also threaten some of the most inspiring and important touchstones of our past. We may have to choose which of these monuments we try to preserve and which we allow to crumble and be lost forever.
“The notion that we can save everything for all time is, I think, one that we have to seriously think about because it’s unrealistic, we cannot,” Cassar said.
The message: See them now, because within 50 to 100 years, treasures that have lasted for centuries may look very different, or not be there at all.
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