I'm sure you've heard about bio-products, they are expanding in Europe and many people prefer them to conventional ones.

This 'green' turn in our lifestyle shows we, consumers, become more and more aware of the benefits of real food that is natural and chemical free.  The latter aspect is the one that makes me eager to buy this kind of products, despite their high, at times, price.

In Corfu you can find bio products in big supermarkets like 'Demetra' markets. 

What can you get?

Honey, olive oil and a range of herbs. 

Sometimes there are vegetables and fruit available. 

Also you can get wine, pasta, sauces and jam.

You can get cookies and toast as well.

For online shopping, try

www.econews.gr  where you can find the best prices. This is a Greek site, though, but I hope they will create an English version sometime in the near future.

Also, at www.bioshop.gr

you can find a big variety of natural products.

To view the site in English, click on the British flag at the bottom of the page.

More sites in Greece:

www.dionet.gr

for bio products in Greek big cities

and

www.bio-hellas.gr  (Sorry, Greek only!)

for more information on bio products.

 ---------------------------

What do I buy for my family?

Olive oil, herbs, honey and wine.  These are the essentials for the every day meals.  I don't buy jams because I make my own, but I do buy cookies made with olive oil and spices.  I get them from Demetra market in the town.

Enjoy them!

Lia

http://lianametal.tripod.com

Posted by liametal at 11:34 AM EDT

Updated: Saturday, 24 March 2007 12:07 PM EDT

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The other day I found a couple of giant lemons on my lemon tree.  I didn't have a camera with me at that time, but I carried one at home, so here it is!

Posted by liametal at 1:04 PM EDT

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Honey is procuded by local beekeepers on the island.

Get  jars of local honey from big supermarkets all over the place.  You can find them in 'Demetra' markets , 'Markato' at Saroko square in the town centre or 'Sconto' markets.

One popular brand is 'Dennis the Corfiot (see picture below),while local honey is also produced by 'Melissokomiki' association.

Posted by liametal at 1:56 PM EDT

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Liston is located in the heart of Corfu town and offers the visitor a fantastic view of the two squares of the town.

The numerous cafes under the achades are a popular meeting place for both young and old.

On Saturday all the cafes were full of people.

It was bright sunshine!

Posted by liametal at 7:26 AM EDT

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A view from a flat in central Corfu town.

Posted by liametal at 1:56 PM EDT

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There is a big theatre in the centre of the town which is used for a variety of cultural events.

Here, concerts, ballet performances, operas, school plays and a lot of other performances take place throughout the year.  This theatre is also used as an art gallery at times, and certain art exhibitions take place.

Some cultural events:

13th March

In the old castle of Corfu a speech will take place on the skill of story telling.

 18th March

A concert of 'Dimodokos' choir is taking place in the theatre.

Until the 2nd of April

will last the art exhibition of Tania Agathou and Costa Tombrou

at the Coriot Gallery (Avramiou Street).

In the new castle

Jazz concerts go on on Monday evenings at 9.30.

CINEMA

At Orfeas cinema the film

300 is on.

In 480 BC Xerxis tries to conquer Greece.  So, the battle at Thermopilles starts.

Posted by liametal at 2:17 PM EDT

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There used to be two cinemas in the town, but now there's only one, Orfeas cinema, which is open all year round.  There's also a smaller hall, Foinikas, which is used as a summer open cinema and an indoor theatre. 

Posted by liametal at 2:08 PM EDT

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Here is a map of the town.  If you can not view the streets properly, magnify the picture.  I am looking for a better picture to display here, but meanwhile you can use this one.

Posted by liametal at 8:00 AM EST

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Easter is round the corner, so visitors are getting ready to invade the island!

Shopkeepers get ready and new shops spring up here and there.  I've found the following article on a blog, so you can get a taste of the Easter celebration in Corfu.

 Enjoy!

Easter in Corfu

A Greek island's tradition:

The most famous tradition is taking place all over the Island, in the Holy Saturday at 11 a.m. when the first bell of the First Resurrection is heard. At that time local people throw pots out of their windows, smashing them onto the streets below. Those special made ceramic pots, called "botides" can be more than 1 meter tall and they are filled with water to make a louder crash. The noisy custom lasts for 3-5 minutes and is watched by thousands of people, mostly tourists, as Corfu is the most popular destination in Greece for Easter holidays.

There are different theories about the origin and the explanation of this custom. The first explanation for the custom has a religious meaning, as a representation of the Evangelic books that refers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ with the words: "Resurrect o Lord and crush them as ceramic utensils". The second explanation gives to the custom a Venetian origin, as Venetians ruled the Island in 15th and 16th century : it is a variation of an old Venetian custom of new years eve, where they used to through old stuff from the window, so that the new year will bring then new ones. And the third one gives it a pagan provenance, as Easter time is the time when nature starts its new year and re-awakens after winter.

Now, before you go run over to that page, let me tell you that this is the most interesting site, even though it threatens to make you dizzy. It's a site of panoramic photography. When you click on links to full-screen versions, like this one of the pot-smashing in Corfu, you get this large photograph which you can move 360 degrees around, as well as up and down. It's quite amazing. But like I said - make sure you're sitting down. Which I hope you would be anyway. (Unless you're at that office I saw on the news that's structured around treadmills and a track, so you can take a meeting on the track or check your email on the treadmill.)

Posted by Amy Welborn | Permalink

Posted by liametal at 7:30 AM EST

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Out of the town there are a lot of interesting places to see, and one of them is Pantokrator, the highest mountain on the island.  It is 918 meters high and has a small monastery on the top of it.  There is a wonderful view to all directions from up there.

On the way to Pantokrator the road is winding and narrow but lies between endless olive groves which are the green beauty of the scenery.

On the mountain there are a lot of villages easy to reach by car, motor bike, bicycle or on foot.  Walkers usually follow the route:  Ipsos beach, Ayios Markos, Korakiana, Dassia and back to Ipsos from a different road.

Pantokrator is for those who love the countryside and its tradition. Visitors can admire the breathtaking view of the green olive groves and the sea, as well as the magic sunset and dawn. Ideal for relaxing and enjoying natural living in a friendly atmosphere.

WHERE TO STAY

You can find a room near the beach, a hotel, a villa or a camping on the mountain.  Many local houses rent rooms for a night or more, and children are always welcome.  If you choose to stay in Corfu town, get the green bus to Ipsos or Korakiana village.  It takes 30-35 minutes.

Further information:  For hotels, rooms etc contact the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) at 06610 37520.

WHERE TO EAT

Along the beaches of Ipsos and Pyrgi are several restaurants , fast foods and cafes, while on the mountain there is a good restaurant at Korakiana villlage called ‘Luna d’Argento’ offering folk music in the evenings.  Moreover, you can find small cafes in the center of the village , as well as a grill room.  Ayios Markos has one tiny cafe overlooking the fields and beaches beyond.

WHAT TO EAT

Try traditional dishes such as ‘pastitsada’, ‘mousakas’ ,’sofrito’ and salads.  Local wine is offered in many places, while the ‘baklava’ cake is worth trying.

WHAT TO BUY

Souvenir shops are plentiful along the beach but not on the mountain.  Herb lovers should buy fresh oregano, camomile and mint leaves gathered from the top of the  mountain.  In Korakiana village  they sell ‘Koum –Kouat’ , a kind of tiny citrus fruit in heavy syrup, as well as Koum-Kouat drink.  They are local products as well as ‘Mandolato’ (almond bars) and ‘Mandoles’ (almonds coated with honey).  Local honey is also excellent.  Lace tablecloths, leather shoes, wallets and bags are very popular ,too.

Posted by liametal at 11:50 AM EST

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