Kalamata Blogs » Messinia and The Mani http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/ Kalamata Blogs » Messinia and The Mani Gregarius 0.5.5 en Messinia and The Mani: No Smoking Ban - AGAIN http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/08/31/No_Smoking_Ban_-_AGAIN Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:13:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/08/31/No_Smoking_Ban_-_AGAIN Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
As from tomorrow 1st September 2010, no smoking will be allowed in any public enclosed space and both smoker and owner/manager of the enclosed public space will be fined! That is if they are reported/caught!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: How To Shop Tax Free - Greece http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/08/20/How_To_Shop_Tax_Free_-_Greece Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:35:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/08/20/How_To_Shop_Tax_Free_-_Greece Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Refund points in Greece

Athens International Airport
Iraklion International Airport Crete
Thessalonica International Airport

www.global-blue.comAuthor: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Open Season http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/08/19/Open_Season Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:09:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/08/19/Open_Season Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Big Decrease in Tourism http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/08/19/Big_Decrease_in_Tourism Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:07:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/08/19/Big_Decrease_in_Tourism Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Naturally the economic crisis on a world wide scale means that people are not taking holidays like they used to and probably staying closer to home or going to other countries which have more attractive prices and also alround better service.

The folding of 3 UK charter companies within the last month has not helped either.

Maybe it is time for Greece to understand that it needs to work harder at providing excellent service in order to retain customers!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Messinia is Burning http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/08/19/Messinia_is_Burning Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:02:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/08/19/Messinia_is_Burning Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Early yesterday morning the alarm was sounded when fire broke out in the area of Brisses, Trifilias

A fire broke out around midday yesterday in the area of Desilla and moved over to Arkadia side burning a lot of forest.

Today a 33-year old Bulgarian will come up in front of the D.A. charged with arson with intent; he has supposedly admitted to starting 16 fires within that last few days!

Above taken from the local newspaper Tharros dated 19/8/2010Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Renting Out Your Home http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/08/06/Renting_Out_Your_Home Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:43:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/08/06/Renting_Out_Your_Home Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
If you are going to use a property management service then please ensure that they are a registered business  and can issue you with the official receipts/invoices.

A short to long term rental is anything from 3 months + and you do not have to have any licence from the E.O.T. but you do need to fill in and sign a standard Greek lease (you can purchases these at any stationers) in triplicate. The owner of the property then goes to their local tax office and submits the lease, it is stamped and signed, one copy is retained by the tax office, the other copy goes to the tenant (who can then arrange to have the electricity bill put in to their name for the duration of the lease - who can apply for a telephone line to the property and will also submit a copy of the lease with their Greek tax return), the last copy remains with the landlord who will also issue receipts every month on receipt of the rent.  All will be declared to the Greek tax office on a yearly basis.

If you are going to use an agent and a property management service then please ensure that the businesses are registered and can provide you with official invoices/receipts.

Note:  That should your tenant, for whatever reason, terminate the lease earlier than stated in the lease, then the landlord will need to get a personal declaration signed by the tenant stating that the departure is (particular date) and for (particular reason), the personal declaration must be with authenicated signature of the tenant.  This declaration is then submitted to the local tax office by the landlord to show that the property has been vacated.  The landlord must then ensure that the electricity supply reverts to their name.

If you really do have lots of friends and family to stay when you are not staying in your holiday home and you are not advertising your home as a holiday home rental anywhere in the world, then you have no worries.

If you are planning on building a house which you will work as a holiday rental then ensure that your civil engineer (who have all the rules and regulations for EOT licencing) draw up the plans accordingly and while the property is being built, the licence can be applied for!  Bearing in mind that the licence will be an additional cost on top of the building costs.Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: The Saga of Stench in Kalamata http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/07/17/The_Saga_of_Stench_in_Kalamata Sat, 17 Jul 2010 11:06:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/07/17/The_Saga_of_Stench_in_Kalamata Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
The rubbish dump has been opened for another 10 days with strike instruction that all 'juice' from the rubbish is to be squeezed out and deposited at the biological sewage depot and the rubbish then dumped.  Yeah right!

The big question is what happens after 10 days?  They haven't found a solution over the last x years and they are going to find the solution within the next 10 days?

Action is needed and a clever person came up with the solution - we all put our rubbish in our cars and dump it in front of the town hall.  Mayor's problem!!!

We also need to make an enormous effort to reduce our garbage by recycling (or do they pack it up and dump it in 3rd world countries?) and also invest in compost bins - big and small.

Kalamata will become the garden state!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: An Inexpensive Solution http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/07/16/An_Inexpensive_Solution Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:02:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/07/16/An_Inexpensive_Solution Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties  

www.hotelnevada.grPhone 27210 81811Santaroza Street, near to the harbourAuthor: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: The Stench in Kalamata http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/07/16/The_Stench_in_Kalamata Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:16:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/07/16/The_Stench_in_Kalamata Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Why am I writing about Morocco you might ask?  Well it is to do with rubbish and rubbish collection.  In Morocco back then we all had our large tin cans (with lid and handle) which in the evening was either hung on our entrance door out in the alley, or as some of the Moroccan families in the alley did, all the rubbish was thrown out in the alley which made interesting walking back to house in the dark! Not that I did since I was hardly ever out after dark.

Around 5am you would hear the rubbish collectors in the alley gathering and sweeping, so when we emerged around 730 to walk to school the alley was clean.


The stench in Kalamata these days is absolutely disgusting and disgraceful!  The rubbish is all over the place and with the time of year and the temperatures no one seems at all concerned about piling more rubbish on to the heaps.

My 'better half' (for want of a better word) told me that there was going to be a court decision sometime today and I did see a rubbish truck drive down my street but if they wanted to stop to gather the rubbish it was impossible since people have parked their cars in front of the piles of stinking garbage!

Kalamata was at one time considered  one of the dirtiest towns in Greece, it did clean its act up but it seems that the image has reverted to one of dirt and stench just in time for the International Dance Festival and all the other visitors to our town as well as any strays who might wander over or escape from the confines of Costa Navarino!

Update note: 19/8/2010 - Rubbish dump has been opened until September!!!!  Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: 1st Kalamata Jazz Festival http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/07/16/1st_Kalamata_Jazz_Festival Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:59:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/07/16/1st_Kalamata_Jazz_Festival Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: 16th Kalamata Dance Festival http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/07/16/16th_Kalamata_Dance_Festival Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:58:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/07/16/16th_Kalamata_Dance_Festival Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties 16th Kalamata International Dance Festival
15 - 22 July 2010
15 July @ 22:00 and 16 July @ 22:00
Amphitheatre Kalamata Castle

CCN-BALLET DE LORRAINE

16 July @ 20:00 and 17 July @ 20:00
Kalamata Theatre (next to Court House)

FRESH! NEW CHOREOGRAPHERS
.Pelma.Lia Haraki
Zoe Dimitriou
La Macana

16 July @ 20:00 and 17 July @ 22:00
Polikladikou High School Gymnasium (Agia Triada)

TROUBLEYN/JAN FABRE

17 July @ 20:00 and 18 July @ 20:00
Junior High School Paralias (Kritis Street)

ASSOCIATION DAM-CESPI

18 July @ 22:00
Amphitheatre Kalamata Castle

LES BALLETS C DE LA B


18 July @ 20:00 and 19 July @ 22:00
Polikladikou High School Gymansium (Agia Triada)

NOEMA DANCE WORKS

19 July @ 20:00
National Stadium of Kalamata

LEMURIUS

21 July @ 22:00 and 22 July @ 22:00
Amphitheatre Kalamata Castle

THEATRE DE SURESNES JEAN VILAR

Programmes and tickets can be found at the Cultural Centre on Aristomenous Street. Open 10-1 and 630-9pm every day (closed Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday)

Ticket bookings (Credit Card)
Phone 27210 25190 and 27210 25434
Fax 27210 97426

Ticket Prices ranging from 10 - 20 Euro


A variety of workshops are being held between 14 and 22 July






www.kalamatadancefestival.gr and email: mail@kalamatadancefestival.grAuthor: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: General Strike http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/13/General_Strike Thu, 13 May 2010 18:44:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/13/General_Strike Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Back page advises that the next 24-hour strike is planned for 20 May 2010Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Closure of Rubbish Dumps http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/13/Closure_of_Rubbish_Dumps Thu, 13 May 2010 18:43:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/13/Closure_of_Rubbish_Dumps Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
These last couple of days within the centre of Kalamata (around the 23rd March Square) work is being carried out to create large underground rubbish bins, like the ones near to the main square on Aristomenous street which is a great help I think.

Also during a week long street exhibition about recycling which was held some weeks ago I picked up details of a shop in Kalamata which has all kind of compost systems and educates everyone in to the usage of EM.  I wont even try to translate the bumph on this but I found it extremely interesting and will visit the shop soon to purchase my twin tubs for making compost (for apartments)

NaturAM

Vyronos and Sokratous 27 - 241 00 Kalamata
Phone 27210 86029
Fax 27210 86140
Mobile 6972 929124

www.naturam.gr

Email: info(at)naturam.gr

Aggelos Dimopoulos - is the ownerAuthor: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: A9 - Olympia Highway http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/13/A9_-_Olympia_Highway Thu, 13 May 2010 18:37:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/13/A9_-_Olympia_Highway Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties


Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: 12th May - Pharmacy Strike http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/12/12th_May_-_Pharmacy_Strike Wed, 12 May 2010 09:22:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/12/12th_May_-_Pharmacy_Strike Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Kalamata and Gialova... Bird's Eye View http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/12/Kalamata_and_Gialova..._Bird_s_Eye_View Wed, 12 May 2010 09:21:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/12/Kalamata_and_Gialova..._Bird_s_Eye_View Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Title:  Greekscapes - Aerial Atlas of Greece.Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Aegean - Flight Kalamata to Athens to Kalamata http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/12/Aegean_-_Flight_Kalamata_to_Athens_to_Kalamata Wed, 12 May 2010 09:19:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/12/Aegean_-_Flight_Kalamata_to_Athens_to_Kalamata Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Old Kardamili http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/04/Old_Kardamili Tue, 04 May 2010 20:03:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/04/Old_Kardamili Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties I am ashamed to say that early this morning it was the first time in my 17 years down in Messinia and the Mani that I actually took the time to wander up through the village to the area of Old Kardamili.

Beautiful!

The weather was glorious and then I wandered back down to have a delicious Freddo Cappuccino in Vangelis' cafe - ouzo messe on the square.Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Car For Sale - Kalamata Messinia http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/03/Car_For_Sale_-_Kalamata_Messinia Mon, 03 May 2010 18:02:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/05/03/Car_For_Sale_-_Kalamata_Messinia Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Citreon Berlinga (Red) - 2000 - 1.4cc - 158,000 klms

Recently serviced
MOT due in the fall
Crunched rear light casing
Mottled look paintwork
Missing side light and needs new tyres



SOLDAuthor: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Who is up to their tricks again? http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/04/20/Who_is_up_to_their_tricks_again_ Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:15:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/04/20/Who_is_up_to_their_tricks_again_ Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties Mickey Mouse paperwork has reared its ugly head again.

Heard of two serious cases last year and seems that we are heading for a third this year, not to mention all the undiscovered cases!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Kennels http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/04/14/Kennels Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:48:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/04/14/Kennels Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties I have to apologize to Helen and Phil for the great delay in posting this link.
For all dog owners - kennels!!!

www.messiniakennels-doghotel.com Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Economic Crisis - Greece - Messinia http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/04/06/Economic_Crisis_-_Greece_-_Messinia Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:23:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/04/06/Economic_Crisis_-_Greece_-_Messinia Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Similar conversations are surely going on within the rest of Europe, but to the Greek bonviveur and born arnachist, this is a BIG DEAL. 

Mind you if you had taken a walk along the seafront of Kalamata or along the Marina you would have gasped!  All the cafes and restaurants were absolutely heaving!  Service was bad and waiting time for a simple meal was an hour or more and then more for them to remember to draw up the bill which was ridiculously high!

So here is to similar scenarios over the summer especially for the hotels, restaurants and cafes!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Bazaar - Agios Andreas http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/04/06/Bazaar_-_Agios_Andreas Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:14:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/04/06/Bazaar_-_Agios_Andreas Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties SUNDAY 11 APRIL 2010
Kassimiotis Hotel, Agios Andreas11am - 6pm
Food and drink will be available and the items up for sale will include: 

Jewellery
Arts and Crafts
Antiques
Books, CDs and DVDs
Clothes (second hand)
Children’s Clothes
Children’s Toys
Plants and Herbs

There are still tables available, so if you would like to book one, please telephone697 337 9542Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Holy Week and Easter Sunday/Monday http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/03/30/Holy_Week_and_Easter_Sunday_Monday Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:05:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/03/30/Holy_Week_and_Easter_Sunday_Monday Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Easter time has arrived and you will have seen everyone spring cleaning and whitewashing frantically especially with the sunny spring like weather we have been having, and which will hopefully continue until well after we have roasted the lamb.

During Holy Week apart from the fasting, there are various church services on a daily basis and you will have to forgive my ignorance on what these services are and when, but I do know that on Friday evening at a certain time, all depends on the churches in your area, the Epitaph has been decorated with fresh spring flowers and will be paraded around the village/area/neighbourhood with followers.

On Saturday get yourself down to your local church around 1145 at night with your candle or lantern and wait for the distribution of The Light which has been flown in from the Holy Land - really!

Everyone wishes Chirstos Anestis and the response is Alithos Anesti translated to English is:  Christ is Arisen, He Truely Is.

Everyone then takes their little bit of Holy Light home and mark the doorway of the main entrance with a cross (a black mark from the smoke of the candle flame), the candili is then freshly lit with the newly arrived Holy Light and the lady of the house will make sure that it does not go out until the new light in the following year!  Everyone then breaks the fasting with breaking of the Easter Bread (similar to the Christmas Bread), the Easter soup (egg lemon entrails soup with lettuce and other green herbs) and cracking of the dyed red hard boiled eggs.

Sunday morning there is an early morning service (I have never been) which is supposed beautiful and then all come home to eat breakfast and then to commence the roasting of the lamb be that in the village oven or on the spit.

Alot of making merry, eating far too much, partaking of ouzo, tsipouro and wine, load music and Greek dancing!  If you are invited to join in - DO.

Kali Anastisi kai Kalo PaschaAuthor: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Corinth to Megalopoli - new road open http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/03/30/Corinth_to_Megalopoli_-_new_road_open Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:52:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/03/30/Corinth_to_Megalopoli_-_new_road_open Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
We now await with baited breath for the final stretch from Megalopoli towards Kalamata!

Feedback on road and the time it takes welcome please!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: St Patrick's Day http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/03/15/St_Patrick_s_Day Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:17:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/03/15/St_Patrick_s_Day Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties There is a chance to also see the band in Megali Mantinea on the 20th March, will post details shortly!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Increase of Value Added Tax (FPA) http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/03/13/Increase_of_Value_Added_Tax_(FPA) Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:57:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/03/13/Increase_of_Value_Added_Tax_(FPA) Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
The Value Added Tax is going to be increased by 2% and will probably, from what has been mentioned in the media, be implemented as from 15th March (although one would think it would be more logically to start it from 1st April).

So 9% goes to 11% and 19% goes to 21%, which will increase all our bills!

Start asking for receipts and making sure that you get them.

Also when pricing any work ensure that the professional includes the VAT (FPA) in the estimation/quote.Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Pay Parking - Aristomenos - Main Shopping Street of Kalamata http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/03/13/Pay_Parking_-_Aristomenos_-_Main_Shopping_Street_of_Kalamata Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:52:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/03/13/Pay_Parking_-_Aristomenos_-_Main_Shopping_Street_of_Kalamata Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
You will be fined and the fine is payable at the town hall for Kalamata.

There are mainly very large signs up showing which are the pay parking zones; so no excuse for not knowing about it.  Also it is written in English.

The zones for paid parking so far are the car parking areas of Kalamata near to market place but also lower down, the road of Nedontos, Sidorodromo (railstation street leading to square and around), Aristomenos.

The future areas which have been prepared for pay parking are:

The street of 23rd Martiou - where the English newspapers are (Papachristos)
The street leading up to Ipapanti (the large church below the castle of Kalamata)Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Could very easily read "Have you been conned by English-speaking people in Greece"? http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/25/Could_very_easily_read__Have_you_been_conned_by_English-speaking_people_in_Greece__ Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:44:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/25/Could_very_easily_read__Have_you_been_conned_by_English-speaking_people_in_Greece__ Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties , but the fact that English people have been taken in by English-speakers and been 'misguided' does happen in Greece also. Have you been conned by English-speaking people in Spain?by mark on June 3, 2009 google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad); Where is your money now?While perhaps not the most politically correct headline for a thread this is a very interesting and informative post which many people who live in Spain or visit Spain on a regular basis will be able to relate to. Unfortunately, it appears as though many English-speaking con artists are still operating in Spain with victims aplenty!
Background to the thread
The thread has been started by a forum member who spent two years in Spain himself and managed to avoid the English-speaking con artists but he is concerned that his elderly parents are moving to Spain and may encounter such people. While no names are mentioned there are a number of scenarios described in the thread which too many people will be able to relate to!
While the thread specifically mentions English-speaking fraudsters and con artists it is worth mentioning that the common schemes used to trick people out of money are also commonplace among Spanish nationals and other people in the country. The problem with English-speaking con artists is the fact that English-speaking visitors and expats will automatically have a higher degree of trust when hearing an English accent and may well let their guard down.

Common frauds to look out for
There are many common scams and frauds which appear to happen on an everyday basis in Spain which include:-
Second hand car fraud
While this particular scam seems to be happening all around the world there have been many instances of “ringers” sold as second-hand cars in Spain. For those not aware of the term “ringer” this is where two cars, possibly cars which had been involved in an accident, are welded together to create a one “normal looking car”. Very often this will see the undamaged half of each car welded together and sold as a standard motor vehicle.
Aside from the fact this is illegal there are also obvious safety issues as many of these cars have been known to literally split in two under normal driving conditions with many passengers and drivers seriously injured or worse. If you’re buying a second-hand car you need to check for signs of welding and in many cases it may be sensible to take along an experienced mechanic or car expert.
Lazy gardeners
There was one particular post on the thread which details how an English-speaking gardener had been hired for four hours work but assuming the owner of the property was out in the afternoon proceeded to do two hours work and spend the remaining two hours in his car. However, in this particular instance the owner was still in the property and had been watching the gardener in his car for two hours. She then blew his cover when he attempted to charge for four hours work and eventually he left without payment.
Electrical repairs
This seems to be very common scam in Spain whereby electricians are called to fix satellite dishes, videos and other electronic equipment, charge exorbitant fees only for the client to find out the new equipment is faulty or the problem has not been resolved. In many cases the electricians will return to the property and pin the blame on your “faulty equipment” and then proceed to charge even more to fix the problem “again”.
google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);Property scams
Timeshare apartments which do not exist, or are overvalued, new developments which are never finished and the like are property scams common in Spain. English-Speaking salespeople are often used to attract English-speaking tourists and expats into transactions which could leave them financially ruined or significantly out of pocket.
While the regulatory system has changed substantially over the last few years many people still seem to fall under the magic spell of these crooks and we hear terrible stories of retired people losing their savings and being left penniless.
The helpful stranger
Unfortunately many people who move to Spain for their new life they will come across the “helpful stranger” who will try to befriend them, help them and ultimately steal from them or worse. As we mentioned above, many English-speaking people who move to Spain are often more trusting toward other English-speaking people and have been known to let their guard down. These people are confidence crooks and will try to ingratiate themselves into your life, offer assistance and generally make a pest of themselves with ladies in particular a target of these con artists.
Solicitors and advisers
If you’re moving to Spain you are likely to need the services of a solicitor or professional adviser at some point. Unfortunately, with money often tight a number of expats have been known to go for the cheaper option which can ultimately cost them dearly. At the end of the day you get what you pay for and if you try to cut corners with regards to professional advisers and solicitors then you really are putting yourself in the lap of the gods.
One of the best ways to find a reputable professional adviser is by a referral from a friend or known acquaintance that you trust. However, if you are not in a position to have an adviser referred to you then you will need to do your own homework on the Internet and in the local press to see who has a good reputation.
Why are English-speaking con artists being singled out?
The reason why English-speaking fraudsters are being singled out in this particular post is the fact that instantly many English-speaking people will drop their guard and have a high trust level in people from their own country. This is how many of the fraudsters and con artists get your confidence, lead you up the garden path and then ultimately put their plans into action – whatever these may be.
Conclusion
Where possible, when you are looking for an electrician, a handyman, a second-hand car or a new property you should use people referred to you by friends and colleagues. If this is not possible then you will need to do your own homework using the Internet and local newspapers to find out who is trustworthy and who offers good value for money. Attempting to cut costs or going with the first person you see in the newspaper or on the Internet could prove very costly.
For those who also come across “unbeatable” investment opportunities you need to remember that the best investment ideas will not fall into your lap so if you come across a complete stranger promising you the earth then walk away as quickly as possible!
google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Greece - Economy http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/13/Greece_-_Economy Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:11:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/13/Greece_-_Economy Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties • Tentative response fails to impress markets as data shows eurozone stagnating Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Photograph: Pierre Verdy/AFP/Getty ImagesGeorge Papandreou, the Greek prime minister, today slammed the EU for displaying "timidity" in its dealings with the country as it grappled with its worst financial crisis in a decade.
In a live address to his cabinet following his return from yesterday's emergency summit in Brussels, the normally mild-mannered leader hit out at the lack of united support from the EU, saying the foot-dragging had exacerbated the load for debt-ridden Greece which has been hammered by markets in recent weeks.
"Greece is not a political or an economic superpower to fight this alone. The EU gave political support in the last few months of this crisis, but in the battle against impressions and the psychology of the market it was at the very least timid."
The union had, he said, been fragmented by multiple voices, differences and diverging statements. "There was speculation about our country which created a psychology of imminent collapse, prophesies which risked becoming self-fulfilling," he said. "There was a lack of co-ordination between various bodies of the union, the commission, the member states, the European Central Bank, even different opinions within those bodies."
EU leaders also failed to impress the financial markets with their tentative response to the Greek debt crisis and suffered another blow from fresh data today showing the eurozone economy stagnated in the last quarter.
With governments declining to put flesh on the bones of plans to rescue Greece from sovereign default, if need be, the markets again rounded on the euro, taking it to a nine-month low against the dollar at $1.3606 this morning.
Despite the market fever, however, leaders across the EU are quietly relaxed about the fall as they view the single currency as too strong. They are privately hoping for an adjustment against the dollar to boost European exports, not least in Germany, the world's champion exporter until recently overtaken by China.
Germany, the eurozone's key economy, defied expectations by posting no growth at all in the final three months of last year, meaning that the 16-country eurozone registered growth of only 0.1%, raising fears of a double dip recession.
Risking accusations of complacency, several of the eurozone's key leaders also see little threat to the currency's stability in the Greek drama, pointing out that Greece constitutes less than 3% of EU GDP. While Spain and Portugal, seen as other euro weak links, have severe problems, they are not confronting the kind of debt financing issues that the Greeks are struggling with. Spain and Portugual were not mentioned at Thursday's EU summit.
This analysis is feeding eurozone leaders' hopes that the Greek crisis can be contained, provided Papandreou seriously implements the outlined austerity package that is supposed to slash Greece's budget deficit by 4% alone this year.
For Greeks "the battle" had only just begun, Papandreou warned. "This battle isn't over," said the leader, hinting that austerity measures announced last week may be supplemented by further belt-tightening policies.
While the European Central Bank, the European Commission, and eurozone government leaders insist that Greece must meet the 4% target, privately they will settle for less provided the harsh therapy brings substantive returns.
Although the EU summit of 27 government chiefs on Thursday pledged "determined and coordinated action" to guarantee euro stability if need be, the compromise formula was hammered out at two smaller meetings of European leaders in advance of the summit which then rubber-stamped the deal.
The crisis management by small groups of key leaders, orchestrated by the new European council president, Herman van Rompuy, illustrated how such emergencies might be handled in the future in Europe, as there is a sense that summits of 27 leaders can be too unwieldy and indecisive.
Olli Rehn of Finland, the new European commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, said the EU needed to be bolder in monitoring member states' economic policies to avert a repeat of the crisis. "We urgently need deeper and bolder surveillance of economic policies," Rehn said.
But while European leaders wait, in the knowledge that Athens does not need to raise any funds on the markets until April at the earliest, the jury appeared still to be out on the European response.
"The EU's intentions are good, but the market would like details," said Kasper Kirkegaard at Danske bank.
Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Economics - Politics - Greece http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/12/Economics_-_Politics_-_Greece Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:24:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/12/Economics_-_Politics_-_Greece Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties [http%3A%2F%2Fa323.yahoofs.com%2Fymg%2Ftalking_politics__1%2Ftalking_politics-319290732-1265890372.jpg%3FymEhYqCD386W2AFY?v=2"] /> Greece's economic woes remind us what Britain still has to be cheerful about.

By Ian Dunt

As Willem Dafoe says to Tobey Maguire in Spiderman: "Misery, misery, misery. That's what you've chosen."

And rarely has Britain been as miserable as this. Monday January 19th was officially the most depressing day of the year, with weather, debt, no more Christmas, failing new year's resolutions and low motivational levels taking hold. February is here now and things still feel pretty similar.

Politics is no different. An economic downturn, talk of a double-dip, expenses turning the mother of parliaments into an international byword for petty corruption, a seemingly endless war in Afghanistan, an inept government, an uninspiring opposition: Britain is not in a good mood.

But we can comfort ourselves with one thought: these are our issues. We are responsible for them, and we can wreak our vengeance on our elected representatives. That fact happens to be the cornerstone of democracy.

Now let's look at Greece. It has accumulated public debt of 300 billion euros, and a budget deficit of 13% of the national income. It cannot devalue its currency as Britain has been doing, because its currency does not relate to itself as a country. It cannot inflate the debt burden away, or try to attract investment. It is not just tied to a single interest rate through the euro, it is also tied to a common budgetary policy. Only now do we see quite how little sense that makes.

EU leaders meeting today in Brussels have three options. Bring in the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which would be deeply humiliating. Bail out the country, despite the fact this would break Maastricht rules. Or do nothing, which really isn't an option. They will almost certainly pick the second option, and attach conditions to it.

The IMF has done the same thing to developing countries for years, of course. Those conditions were usually highly destructive neo-liberal disgraces which ruined the poor and inflicted a vicious, unadulterated version of capitalism on countries which were in desperate need of a thriving public sector. But the conditions attached to an EU bailout are likely to prompt severe social disruption in Greece, whose citizens are proud and dignified enough to be irritated by other countries interfering in their affairs.

The Greeks are not the only ones affected. The taxpayers of other eurozone countries will have to pay out for something over which they had no control. German citizens - the main losers, in all probability - are well within their rights to be irritated.

This is not about economics. At heart, this is about a democratic deficiency. The only time someone suffers under a power, they should have some say in the formulation of that power. That's how democracy works - ostensibly, at least. We elect representatives and then live under the laws they pass.

MPs spent Tuesday night voting on whether to hold a referendum on adopting the alternative vote system. There's good reason to debate that: under first-past-the-post most of the country is entirely disenfranchised. I have always lived in a safe constituency. No vote I ever made in a general election had any effect on the political make-up of this country. I am, for all intents and purposes, disenfranchised. But whether we decide to adopt alternative vote or not (it will probably never make it to the statute book) we should surely not be moving in a less democratic direction, which is precisely what the European Union entails.

Britain's response to the changing world is twofold and problematic. On the one hand, it has devolved power to administrations and talked more and more across party lines about handing greater power to local authorities. On the other, it has increasingly signed up to the European project. In the middle, parliament has become weak and irrelevant.

It's a strange approach to take, but at least we're half right. Local democracy is the most ethical and philosophically coherent way of ensuring democratic accountability. Instead, much of our constitutional reform has concentrated on the Lisbon treaty. It's difficult to summon the appropriate level of despair at the UK government's joy when Brit Cathy Ashton was installed as foreign minister. Sit in a room with her and European president Herman Van Rompuy and you'd presume you were still alone. Their appointment showed Europe didn't want a role on the world stage, or else it would have opted for Tony Blair. It's possible it never wants that role, or perhaps the EU just wants to lie low for a few years while anger dies down over Lisbon and then intends to install someone more charismatic.

Even if the first option is the most likely, we have now created a post. This post which will sit there, barely used, until someone comes along one day, takes it up, and start the process of amassing more power, like a Latin American president calling referendums on extending the presidential term. Except I doubt there'll be a referendum. Europe has already revealed its indifference to popular wishes. Such a leader would have no more democratic legitimacy than Napoleon. He would be a ruler entirely detached from those he rules. The fact so many progressives - people with whom I usually feel considerable sympathy - consider this an acceptable state of affairs is beyond me. I can't think of anything more regressive.

Greece shows us the economic consequences of giving up on the concept of national sovereignty and the principle that power should be localised, as far as possible, to where it is felt.

Plainly, all countries are subject to extraneous forces. Britain is vulnerable to American foreign policy, which it follows like some crack-addicted monkey. The credit rating agencies wield a disgusting and entirely unjustified power over domestic policies here. This is an interdependent world, and countries are not islands. We are part of the whole. And yet, the obvious truth of that does not mean we give up on democratic accountability altogether. Parliament is held in low regard. But we can vote them out. We can punish the policy-makers. We are still, to some degree, responsible for our own affairs.

The budgetary crisis is a tragedy for Greece. They are our European cousins and we should offer help and national sympathy, not for their foolish government, but for their people. It is also an instructive lesson in the things Britain still has to be cheerful about.

"Misery, misery, misery. That's what you've chosen." But at least we chose it. And we can still un-choose it.Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Clean Monday - Kathera Deftera http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/09/Clean_Monday_-_Kathera_Deftera Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:27:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/09/Clean_Monday_-_Kathera_Deftera Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
15 February - early this year - National Holiday - Clean Monday and the commencement of Lent.

Also Kite Flying Day!

Tables will be laden with all the lenten food, olives, squid, Greek style pickled onions and pickles in general, taramasalata, octopus, rice and pasta with squid, shrimp and octopus and the lenten bread which is ridiculously expensive but delicious!

Halva for dessert!

and all washed down with lashings of good wine!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Carnival - Mardi Gras - Ipokries http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/09/Carnival_-_Mardi_Gras_-_Ipokries Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:23:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/09/Carnival_-_Mardi_Gras_-_Ipokries Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
This Friday will be the day that all the school children will go to school in fancy dress armed with serpentinas, confetti and colour spray (neither of those two are allowed in school but hey...)
The weekend will be full of various fancy dress parties and balls going on and carnival parades.  Messini holds one and then the large one in Patra (famous) and in Mochato, Athens (also famous).
So, all of you, put on a funny face and go out and party!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Strikes http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/09/Strikes Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:16:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/09/Strikes Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties 10 February 2010 - PanHellenic Strike and I heard this morning that means no flights!

they are also talking about 24 or 26 February as general strike also???

It is only to be expected that the strikes will start with a vengance when all the new tax rules and regulations are being debated and voted on this month and we should have the new rules and regulations made public before the end of the month.

A good idea for everyone to have a folder and collect receipts for 2010/11 tax declaration, it is easy to throw away bits of paper than it is to find receipts to cover expenses.

It is a good idea in March 2010 to contact your Greek accountant and discuss the new tax rules and how they affect you.Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Tsiknopempti http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/04/Tsiknopempti Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:01:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/02/04/Tsiknopempti Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Today is Tsiknopempti - Fat Thursday - Burnt Thursday a day of eating grilled meat and making merry!

Forget "Fat Tuesday" but enjoy "Burnt Thursday"

"Burnt Thursday" or Tsiknopempti is celebrated eleven days before the start of Lent. The "Burnt" part refers to the grilling of meats, a big part of the celebration of this day. The weekend following "Burnt Thursday" will also have parties and other events; technically, that Sunday is the last allowable day for eating meat and is sometimes called "Meat-eating Sunday". The best Greek restaurants will be crowded on this day - but seafood places are a safe bet to have tables available!

Personally I advise not to go out on this day to a taverna unless you are not extremely hungry and have alot of patience.

In the 29 years that I have been in Greece I went out to eat once with friends on Tsiknopempti and swore never to eat out again on that day, and I don't.

A nice gathering of friends either for a street party of grilling and wine tasting or home with family and friends and the BBQ going or over the open fireplace - now that is fun!

And just so that you know Mardi Gras dates for this year
2010 Greek Carnival Dates

Triodion: Sunday, January 24th

Tsiknopempti or "Burnt Thursday": February 4th
Tsiknopempti Weekend: Friday, February 5th - Sunday, February 7th
Main Carnival Weekend: Friday, February 12th - Sunday, February 14th
Clean Monday: Monday, February 15thAuthor: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: 2 February - Kalamata and Ipapanti http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/01/28/2_February_-_Kalamata_and_Ipapanti Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:05:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/01/28/2_February_-_Kalamata_and_Ipapanti Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties


2 February is the day that the Ipapanti, Kalamata's largest church, celebrates and all will pass through its doors to pay homage to the icon.

This year the Archbishop of Constantinopole, Barthodomew will be here.

The area of the old centre, 23 March square and all surrounding areas of the church will be highly congested on Tuesday.

2 February is also the day for the name day celebrations of Kalamata born Panagiotis, Panagiota and Maria - but check first because alot of people with these names celebrate in August.Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: 4.3 Earthquake http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/01/21/4.3_Earthquake Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:26:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/01/21/4.3_Earthquake Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Anniversary http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/01/21/Anniversary Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:24:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2010/01/21/Anniversary Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Car Road Tax http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/31/Car_Road_Tax Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:35:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/31/Car_Road_Tax Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
People are asking how much road tax is this year and I can't answer in detail all I do know is that cars that are 10 years old + are having their tax hiked up unless they are lower than 1300cc. There is an additional tax on the older vehicles of 100 Euro to cover the Enviroment.

My car is a jeep 1.7 and first circulated in 2004. Last year I paid 202 Euro this year I pay 252 Euro.

My partner's car is an Opel Vectra 12 years old 1.6 and he pays this year 202 Euro + 100 Euro = 302 Euro

Another friend has a jeep (1993) and they have to pay this year 352 Euro.

So it depends on the age and the cc of the vehicle!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Kalamata - Christmas Day http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/28/Kalamata_-_Christmas_Day Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:32:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/28/Kalamata_-_Christmas_Day Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties




The Greek Family Christmas Table - bowls ready for the soup and the home made Christmas Bread sitting on the table waiting to be cut!

The Christmas meal varies from region to region. In Kalamata it is normally to have a lemon egg meat soup, and then the boiled meat to follow!

Even after all these years of partaking of the above meal I still prefer English Christmas!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Music School of Kalamata http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/23/Music_School_of_Kalamata Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:45:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/23/Music_School_of_Kalamata Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
We heard a range of music - Byzantine, traditional, jazz and a selection of Christmas music and songs, in between there were small sketches presented showing the origin of Saint Basil and the Basilopita, the difference between Saint Nicholas (Father Christmas/Santa Claus) and Saint Basil, and also the meaning of Christmas.

Whoever did not manage to attend this year I strongly recommend you putting a note in your calendar for this time next year!

Merry Christmas - Kala Christougenna
Happy New Year - Kali ProtochroniaAuthor: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Stoupa _ Water http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/23/Stoupa___Water Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:44:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/23/Stoupa___Water Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Your guess is as good as mine!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Christmas Concert - Music School of Kalamata http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/18/Christmas_Concert_-_Music_School_of_Kalamata Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:59:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/18/Christmas_Concert_-_Music_School_of_Kalamata Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties

The Music School of Kalamata
Christmas Concert
Tuesday 22 December 2009, 9pm

Central Theatre of Kalamata (near to the Kalamata courthouse)

Entrance Free

A concert well worth attending. The children are talented and definately bring that special feel to Christmas!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Milea Arts and Crafts - Stoupa http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/11/Milea_Arts_and_Crafts_-_Stoupa Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:10:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/11/Milea_Arts_and_Crafts_-_Stoupa Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Κυριακή 13 Δεκέμβρη από τις 12:00 το μεσημέρι μέχρι 6:00 το βράδυ.

ΜΗΛΕΑ ΚΑΛΛΙΤΕΧΝΗΜΑ

ΣΤΟ ΠΑΜΠ ΠΑΤΡΙΚΟ ΣΤΗΝ ΣΤΟΥΠΑ

Χειροποίητα πήλινα (stoneware) και πορσελάνες της Ιντουν Στόρουντ, ξύλινα γλυπτά και σχέδια του Δημήτρη Ραφτέλη, ακουαρέλλες, κοσμήματα και είδη υφασμάτων τυπωμένα το χέρι.

Όλοι είναι ευπρόσδεκτοι!








One day exhibition

Sunday December 13 from 12:00 at noon till 6:00 in the evening.

MILEA ARTS AND CRAFTS

IN PATRIKOS PUB IN STOUPA

Ηand made stoneware and porcelain by Idun Storrud, wooden sculptures and drawings by Dimitris Raftelis, watercolours, jewellery and hand printed textiles.

Everybody is welcome!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: VOTE EARTH http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/11/VOTE_EARTH Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:29:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/11/VOTE_EARTH Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Christmas Concert - Kalamata http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/10/Christmas_Concert_-_Kalamata Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:10:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/10/Christmas_Concert_-_Kalamata Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties Saturday, December 12th, 2009

Kalamata Cultural Centre on Aristomenous Street @ 630pm

Should be fun, as always!
Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: CAR- ROAD TAX http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/03/CAR-_ROAD_TAX Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:27:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/03/CAR-_ROAD_TAX Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Please ensure that you contact whoever receives your car road tax paper it will need to be paid (normally by the end of the year) and if you miss the pay by date you will end up paying double.

If you are not in Greece then make arrangements with some one who is to pick up your road tax paperwork and make the payment, or to go to the local tax office with the car registration papers and pay there!

The road tax has increased and it is very high now for old cars!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: XMAS CAROLS http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/02/XMAS_CAROLS Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:21:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/12/02/XMAS_CAROLS Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
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PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD

Any English speakers or rather English Singers out there. We would like to invite you to join us in our annual Christmas Caroling Extravaganza

Every year a few of us gather outside AB Supermarket and entertain the Christmas Shoppers with our outstanding repertoire of Christmas Carols. Every year we collect money which we donate to various charities, local, national and international.

We would love you to come and join us this year apart from being great fun and giving us a chance to let those Yule Tide songs be heard in the streets of Kalamata, it is of course, a chance to give something back to the community

So time:- 11 am Christmas Eve. And New Years Eve

Place:- AB Supermarket by the Port

We will provide song sheets

Please contact me:- Fran if you would like more details or just to let me know if you are interested or in fact just to say hi would love to come but won’t be here.. or in fact just to say hi!!!!

Tel 6942 045339

email fburto61 @ hotmail.com


(remove the spaces before and after @)


Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Swine Flu - Jab http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/11/26/Swine_Flu_-_Jab Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:42:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/11/26/Swine_Flu_-_Jab Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
General information about the jab and also about symptoms etc.

Ring 1135 (I do not know if this service is in any other language other than Greek)

As from 23 November - high risk groups have started to have the jab.

As from 1 December - the non-high risk groups will start to have jabs.

Oink! Oink!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Local News in and around Kalamata http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/11/19/Local_News_in_and_around_Kalamata Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:09:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/11/19/Local_News_in_and_around_Kalamata Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
There is on going work within Kalamata for the new optic fibre lines going down so don't be surprised at the road works here there and everywhere.

The new road Vass. Georgiou which was completed and opened about a month and a half ago, without the traffic lights in operation, a big pain that was! You will all be glad to hear that traffic lights are now up and working which makes crossing the many junctions on this new road less hair raising and can bring you in to the centre of Kalamata from Lakonikis street that much quicker!

Plenty of building work, big building work, is going on and the new Metro (cash n carry) has opened on the N. Eisodos opposite Lidl and it seems that there is now ongoing movement of works on the other smaller building which is to be (name escapes me but they are Lidl's competitors).

There is also a big medical centre being built behind and to the left of the new Metro which I have been told will be a centre for people recovering from strokes and other disabilitating conditions.

The Mill on the harbour has been sold to person unknown to me to date and we wait to hear what will happen to this historic building - hopefully something tasteful and more in keeping with the old look of the harbour area rather than the looks of JUMBO and the Electra Hotel.

I was stopped by the local TV (NET) the other evening as I was walking up from the main square of Kalamata towards my offices; they were asking people about what international day the 3rd of December is for. I had no idea but the reporter kindly informed me that it was the people with special needs day. Brilliant! I was then asked what I thought of Kalamata and it's approach towards the needs of people with special needs - my immediate comment would not be the kind a reporter would like to show on TV or write up, although she did point out that pedistrian areas have been prepared for special needs and the ramps etc - again I said told her and the camera that this was brilliant but unfortunately a total waste since the majority did not respect the fact that all these features were for a reason. My final comment was "Shame on them all!" I have since been told by a friend that I was shown on local TV and it seems that my statement was not cut off!

Haven't driven out Pylos way a couple of times in the last month and seen the new junction that leads off towards the golf! Very impressive looking junction it is too and I shall look forward to the opening and then I can do a sweeping turn to the right (coming from Kalamata) and whizz down to the golf course.

I have also driven out to farming areas along the road leading to Kiparrissia and Kalo Nero and it is very obviously that the land is being cut away in on going works for the road that is coming down from Megalopoli area and the start of the bypass for Kalamata as well as improvement on the road leading towards Kiparissia which will mean that all people living up in the area of Meligala and Diabolitsi will have even quicker access to Kalamata, Messini and the airport as well as Kiparissia and Kalo Nero. It will also mean that the tiresome drive up and down to Athens with all those very dangerous and very boring bends will soon be history - whoppee!

The other good news is that as from the beginning of next year's holiday season 1 May we will have two flights to Athens a day, not that I would go to Athens by plane, but it will mean that people could get a cheaper deal possibly via Athens and then depending on the time scale and price, take the flight to Kalamata rather than rent a car or take the coach.

The weather has been great for the last week and I have been told that it should continue over the weekend (I want to go to Areopoli for the weekend, so fingers crossed for good weather) and in to next week. This dry and sunny patch has given us the opportunity to dry out and fill our bones with Vit D before the winter cold arrives (if it does).

They say down here that when it rains in Messinia it forgets to stop! Lucky for us it stopped, at least for now.Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Furniture For Sale http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/11/19/Furniture_For_Sale Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:57:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/11/19/Furniture_For_Sale Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Κανονικός πίνακας"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}

French rustic antique coffee table (partially tiled on top) 200 €

1 small antique chest 100 €

1 antique chest with metal strapping 200 €

1 carved chest with carved patterns 250 €

Victorian antique dressing table with mirror 140 €

2 bedside tables with marble tops 150 €

1 antique dark wood low circular table 125 €

Victorian pine chest of drawers 150 €

Tall iron candle holder (3m) 60 €

2 beautiful modern wicker chairs (Harrods) 120 €

Free standing 2-door wardrobe 120 €

Double bed with mattress (as new) 200 €

Single bed with mattress (as new) * 120 €

Single bed with mattress * 120 €

  • Single bed has a pull out bed underneath (2 beds in one)

Anyone interested should contact

Info @ mckellen-messiniakiproperties.gr

Remove the space before and after the @ in order to email

And your email interest will be forwarded to the seller.



Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: NAVARINO DUNES + NAVARINO BAY http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/10/16/NAVARINO_DUNES___NAVARINO_BAY Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:42:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/10/16/NAVARINO_DUNES___NAVARINO_BAY Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties

Photorealization of the Navarino Bay build - Green Design





Photorealization of Navarino Bay - you see only one building and a couple of pools




Photorealization of Navarino Dunes - shame they didn't do the same Green Design as they plan with Navarino Bay.

All the above were taken from the local Greek newspaper THARROS

Well it looks like an exciting 2010 for Messinia just hope that we don’t run out of water!
Taken from the local newspaper THARROS, Friday 16th October, 2009


Navarino Dunes (Hotel Comples) – should be open and operating in about 7 months time. The Dunes Course (golf) – has been completed and has been maintained for over a year in preparation for the opening of Navarino Dunes.
Navarino Bay – construction will start sometime 2010 and the photo realization shows one main building, some pathways and a couple of pools. The rest of the buildings been built in to the landscape therefore conforming to ‘Green Design’.
TEMES together with AEGEAN are planning 2 to 3 flights a day from Athens to Kalamata commencing May 2010.
May 2010 will also see AIR BERLIN flying in to Kalamata from Nuremberg, Hamberg, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Vienna and London as well as TUIFLY from Frankfurt, Munich and Hanover.





Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Summer's End http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/10/13/Summer_s_End Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:25:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/10/13/Summer_s_End Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
The weatherman, who we never really believe, says that this will continue until Saturday and then what? Who knows but I presume the weatherman will let us know when he does!

The summer has been a busy time with a lot of Athenians down in the area as well as Greeks from other areas enjoying their holidays and looking around at property be it land to build or a second home to be used for weekends and holidays.

The real estate market is slow as we all know and it is a worldwide phenomena which will sooner or later pick up. The Sterling is not good at the moment so buying Euro is not such a good move, but if you are planning on buying Sterling then this might be a good time, or so I am told.

The weekend was good for gathering bits of information which are worth passing on and we will all keep an eye out at the beginning of the next summer season to see if it is all true.

The local newspaper tells us that there will be 3 flights coming in from Germany with Air Berlin.

The grapevine tells me that Aegean Air will be putting on a regular flight Kalamata-Athens.

RED magazine mentioned something about Olympic Airlines looking at an Athens Kalamata flight.

Now all three bits of information make for sweet dreams I am sure.

I shall try to be more faithful to my blog and get more information up online from the localnewspapers as well as from my grapevine.

Anyone who has some information or an event that they would like to announce then don't hesitate to contact me and I shall put it up here.

Kalo Ximona! Good Winter!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Rainbow End Art Gallery, Kardamili http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/08/26/Rainbow_End_Art_Gallery,_Kardamili Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:12:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/08/26/Rainbow_End_Art_Gallery,_Kardamili Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Aegean Air - Kalamata/Thessaloniki & Kalamata/Athens ? http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/08/20/Aegean_Air_-_Kalamata_Thessaloniki___Kalamata_Athens__ Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:15:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/08/20/Aegean_Air_-_Kalamata_Thessaloniki___Kalamata_Athens__ Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
I can only suggest that all of you/us that are interested in having the flight route reinstated Kalamata/Athens contact Aegean Air and state that you want. Especially if it means that we can make use of the cheaper flights out to Europe from Athens and avoiding that long haul via coach and then the express bus to the airport which adds at least 5 hours on to our journey time; you never know if Aegean Air see that there is a demand for UK flights they just might think of Kalamata/UK flight (dare I say all year round - now wouldn't that be nice?!)Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Rain Glorious Rain http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/08/06/Rain_Glorious_Rain Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:46:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/08/06/Rain_Glorious_Rain Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties

6th August, 2009 Kalamata

5pm it started to drizzle and my 'husband' announced that it wasn't really going to rain. The Gods are always on my side; so it did really rain.

5:10pm driving in to the office it started to bucket it down. Big grin on my face and I opened the car window, stuck my arm out to get it all wet and took a deep breath of wet town - lovely!

Parked and jumped out of car in to torrential rainfall and did a hop, skip and jump to office doorway - I really did want to do a Gene Kelly in the rush dirty rain water rushing down Stadiou street but thought better of it. Who would want to do business with a total mad real estate agent who takes to dancing in the rain? LoL

Hope that the mountains get absolutely drenched. The Meltemi is coming and that means the dry countryside is a huge tinderbox just waiting to be lit!

Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Apartment, Koroni way, Messinia http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/21/Apartment,_Koroni_way,_Messinia Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:37:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/21/Apartment,_Koroni_way,_Messinia Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties

Spacious ground floor apartment within landscaped garden with 2 shower rooms, living room, kitchen/diner, double bedroom and air conditioning, fully furnished and equipped.

Available for rent.

Contact Alan & Rita 27250 51500 or 6957256412

Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: House Reparis & Garden Maintenance, Koroni way http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/21/House_Reparis___Garden_Maintenance,_Koroni_way Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:34:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/21/House_Reparis___Garden_Maintenance,_Koroni_way Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Kalamata's main shopping street gets facelift! http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/21/Kalamata_s_main_shopping_street_gets_facelift! Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:29:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/21/Kalamata_s_main_shopping_street_gets_facelift! Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties

A lot of shop owners complained when they were advised that the upper end of Aristomenous was to become almost 100% pedestrian, but they soon stopped when they saw that more people walked and window shopped while work was on going - though mud and then dust! Now that the paving is complete and trees have been planted it has become a joy to wander down the high street window shopping, people watching (from the snack bars and cafes) and stopping and chatting to people you know along the way, as one does in a town like Kalamata where near everyone knows someone or is related to someone.Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Photography Exhibition - Kardamili http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/13/Photography_Exhibition_-_Kardamili Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:22:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/13/Photography_Exhibition_-_Kardamili Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn!" http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/07/_Frankly_my_dear,_I_don_t_give_a_damn!_ Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:35:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/07/_Frankly_my_dear,_I_don_t_give_a_damn!_ Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: No Smoking as from July 1, 2009 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/03/No_Smoking_as_from_July_1,_2009 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:20:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/03/No_Smoking_as_from_July_1,_2009 Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties As from 1st July, 2009 the no smoking ban/law has been put in to effect here in Greece.

It was originally planned to go in to effect as of January 2010, but I suppose someone with some logic decided that the best time to enforce would be summertime, most people are living outdoors anyways.


Big debates on TV are about how the Greek nightclubs (Bouzouki) are going to deal with the law. It seems that since most of the very large Bouzouki clubs (live music/singers) have the space to provide a seperate seating area for the no smokers and an area for smokers separtion with a 'air wall'.


Companies that manufacturer and have started promoting 'smoking cabins' have been told by owners/managers of various businesses as well as public bodies that they will wait to see how Greece tackles and enforces the no smoking ban before going to the trouble and expense of 'smoking cabins'.


We will have to see how things go and write another small article about this ban come autumn time.


Just for the record: After being a smoker for over 30 years, have stopped smoking since 1st March of this year. Miss it but I will survive, taking each day as it comes. Have never had a problem about not being allowed to smoke in certain places and I certainly haven't become a fanatic non smoker.

Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: International Dance Festival Kalamata 2009 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/03/International_Dance_Festival_Kalamata_2009 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:18:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/07/03/International_Dance_Festival_Kalamata_2009 Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties

www.kalamatadancefestival.gr Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Indian Take Away in Messinia http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/24/Indian_Take_Away_in_Messinia Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:17:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/24/Indian_Take_Away_in_Messinia Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties I have not tasted their food or tried out the delivery service, but since the reason for my blog on Messinia is to provide information - here it is.Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Music Concert in Argos http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/23/Music_Concert_in_Argos Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:30:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/23/Music_Concert_in_Argos Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties The 1st Panhellenic Music School Festival

Wednesday 24th June 2009 at 9 pm in the Ancient Theatre of Argos

Special appearance by Marisa Kox

Note: Alot of students and parents of students from the Music School of Kalamata will be going up to Argos to watch the performance. My son is at the Music School of Kalamata so he will be attending together with his father; I will report back later on this using their impressions of the night.

Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: A Great Place to Eat http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/23/A_Great_Place_to_Eat Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:27:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/23/A_Great_Place_to_Eat Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties This is a great place to grab a healthy sandwich, salad or meal and you can even ring and order so that it is ready to pick up.

Great food and great service.

Anke's Kitchen
Kritis 34 - Kalamata
Phone 27210 97111Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: A Day in the Life of a Real Estate Agent - Saturday morning http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/22/A_Day_in_the_Life_of_a_Real_Estate_Agent_-_Saturday_morning Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:46:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/22/A_Day_in_the_Life_of_a_Real_Estate_Agent_-_Saturday_morning Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties AKROGIALI
Saturday morning and a slow start to the day due to no school on a Saturday. A coffee on my balcony, no cigarettes in sight since I stopped smoking on the 1st March, my two sons up and about, my potential seller rings to set an appointment for 11 am in order to show me his plot of land near to Santova.

Eldest son goes with father to handle phones at the office and surf the internet to his heart's content! Youngest opts to accompany Mum in the jeep to see this plot of land but also to then take me for my first swim of the summer!

Off we go in the heat of the morning, radio blaring and both of us singing along happily to the music. We meet up with my client and off we go driving along the coast road towards Kitries and turning off at Santova beach bridge because the land is located near to the village of Megali Mantineas. I then find myself having to turn off the road on to dirt track that seems to fall away from the asphalt. Seller assures me that jeep will go right down; being naive I always believe them, but luckily this time the truth was being told and we did get almost all the way down. Walked the last 100m to view a very overgrown plot of land which I am sure has a view to the sea but due to over/under growth I could only imagine. Instructed potential seller to get it cleared ASAP and also to give me all the paperwork, which they should have had in hand when we meet up, but had forgotten!!!

So after walking down to the land and then back up to the jeep, luckily had left son to listen to music in the jeep parked in the shade and with ice bag with cold water (I am a good mum) I was not in the best of moods being very very hot and bothered. Got in to jeep and couldn't really turn on air con (yes I have air con nowadays, not that I really like using it, but it does come in handy on really really hot days) due to the uphill dirt road and ok the LADA doesn't have any problem tackling such dirt road it wasn't extreme although it did look that way coming down! By the time we got back on to the aspahlt I looked like a drowned rat and both son and seller where a bit worried about how hot and bothered I looked, but after assuring everyone that I wasn't about to have a stroke; seller went off on his way and son and I hit the beach. A cold lager for Mum and juice for my little Greek merman.

Such is the life of a real estate agent in Kalamata.


Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Cultural Evenings Kalamata http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/17/Cultural_Evenings_Kalamata Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:43:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/17/Cultural_Evenings_Kalamata Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties Music concert - musical evening by pupils of the Municipal Music School honouring songwriter/poet L. PapadopouloWednesday 24 June 2009 at 21:00 hours - Amphitheatro of Kalamata Castle
Art Exhibition "Our Town"Tuesday 30 June 2009 at 21:00 hours - Art Workshop (don't know where this is will find out and post ASAP) Dance performance by the pupils of the Municipal Dance SchoolSaturday/Sunday 4/5 July 2009 at 21:00 hours - amphitheatro of Kalamata Castle Free entrance to all the above, so we can all show support to our children and their cultural activities.Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: All creatures big and small http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/09/All_creatures_big_and_small Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:40:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/09/All_creatures_big_and_small Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
I have lived in the Mediterrean now since 1973 and holidays in the Med since 1964 and I have never ever seen a scorpion up close until this Saturday when I saw two. One in Verga and the other in Tseria. Just goes to show that you live and learn something new every day!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Summer flowers http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/09/Summer_flowers Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:38:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/09/Summer_flowers Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
A flower that I love and my plant this year has two so far!!! what a scent!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Summer is here http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/09/Summer_is_here Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:37:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/09/Summer_is_here Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
A great view looking on to cove of Delfinia and then Calogria, near to Stoupa Mani Messinia.Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Last Minute Event - Kitries - Yorkshire Pudding http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/05/Last_Minute_Event_-_Kitries_-_Yorkshire_Pudding Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:28:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/05/Last_Minute_Event_-_Kitries_-_Yorkshire_Pudding Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties Giant Yorkshire Pudding.Serve yourself with a variety of meat and vegetarian fillings, vegetables and roast potatoes.Followed by choice of desserts.
A donation of 10 euro per person towards costs would be appreciated.Bring your own drinks.Please call to reserve and table as numbers are limited.Telephone: 27210-58557Mobile: 693 433 7768 Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Last Minute Event - Stoupa Mani http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/05/Last_Minute_Event_-_Stoupa_Mani Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:26:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/05/Last_Minute_Event_-_Stoupa_Mani Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties at Potamaki Restaurant in Stoupa
(close to Katerina’s supermarket)
Saturday, June 6th, 11 - 14
We offer antiques and curiosities, art and handicraft, UNICEF products, jewellery, smoked and marinated fish, sushi, pastry, second hand goods and clothing and much more.

Lottery Refreshments and meals
Tables (€5) available, Ph. 27210 78154, 27210 77061
The net income and donations will be used for the benefit of disadvantaged children in South Africa and Albania. Information about the various projects will be given at the bazaar.

Welcome
Fadderfriends UNICEF-StoupaAuthor: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Painting for Beginners http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/05/Painting_for_Beginners Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:05:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/06/05/Painting_for_Beginners Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: WALKS IN MANI FOR MAY TO END OF JUNE http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/05/22/WALKS_IN_MANI_FOR_MAY_TO_END_OF_JUNE Fri, 22 May 2009 19:16:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/05/22/WALKS_IN_MANI_FOR_MAY_TO_END_OF_JUNE Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
At 9.30am every Thursday until the end of June, the Stoupa Walking Group will be heading off on their now regular rambles.
Walks start in Stoupa outside the Lefktron Hotel every Thursday at 9.30 a.m until the end of June.
This is a voluntary group who have decided to take tourists and anybody else wishing to join in the Stoupa area on local walks through the olive groves to some of the local villages, ending in a kafenion for lunch.

For more information contact Dave at 693-279-8690 or send him an e-mail at apps1550@yahoo.co.ukAuthor: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: BAZAARS - PETALIDI & KITRIES - 24 MAY 2009 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/05/22/BAZAARS_-_PETALIDI___KITRIES_-_24_MAY_2009 Fri, 22 May 2009 19:15:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/05/22/BAZAARS_-_PETALIDI___KITRIES_-_24_MAY_2009 Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
TODAY WE BEGIN WITH AN IMPORTANT CHANGE TO THE TIMING OF ONE OF SUNDAY'S BAZAARS.====================================================PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN TIMES HERE.... THIS IS NOW BEGINNING AND ENDING EARLIER THAN PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED.

BAZAAR – SUNDAY 24TH MAY – 9AM TILL 12 MIDDAY – PARADISE RESTAURANT, PETALIDI.
All sorts of handcrafts and other crafts & Bric-a-brac, cakes & preserves, CD’s, DVD’s, jewellery, etc. will be available.
For anybody wishing to sell anything, tables are 5 euro, and can be set up from 9.30am onwards.
Mags Newton can be contacted for further information.


BAZAAR – SUNDAY 24TH MAY – MIDDAY TILL LATE AFTERNOON.
At Gary & Jill’s ‘Siestas’, Santaba/Kitries.

Books, CD’s, DVD’s, Crafts, Bric-a-brac, cakes, jewellery, etc.
Hot Food and hot & cold drinks will be available all day.
(including English Fish & Chips, Burgers, Hot-Dogs, etc)
Stalls will be free of charge this time, but please book early as numbers will be limited.
Please ring Gary & Jill at: 27210-58557 or 693-433-7768.=========================================================Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Archaeological Museum of Chora, Trifylia, Messinia http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/05/19/Archaeological_Museum_of_Chora,_Trifylia,_Messinia Tue, 19 May 2009 18:26:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/05/19/Archaeological_Museum_of_Chora,_Trifylia,_Messinia Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties

Chora Museum which is about 4km north of the Palace of Nestor at Epano Englianos houses objects yielded by excavations in the area of the county of Messinia, and also a few important finds from the Palace itself.

The rooms of Chora Museum contain antiquities from important Mycenaeann sites distributed over a large part of the county of Messinia, such as those at Peristeria in Kyparissia, Englianos, and other, smaller settlements in the area.

There is also a large number of objects from major tholos tombs of kings or local rulers and from small thoso or chamber tombs of the inhabitants of the area during Mycenaean times (Late Helladic period 1550-1100BC).

There are also many finds from the Middle Helladic period (2000/1900-1550BC) and special interest attaches to the exhibits dating from the historical period from the settlement and cementary at Volimidia.

ROOM I

The many finds on display int e showcases of the irst room in the Chora Museum come mainly from excaations by S. Marinatos at sites in Triphylia and Pylia. They consist mainly of pottery, though they also include weapons, tools, jewellery etc. dating from the Late Helladic I-IIIB period (1550-1200BC), found in tombs in the demetery at Volimidia, at Voroulia in Tragana, and from the two tholos tombs of princes at Routsi near Myrsinochori.

A special place in this room is occupied by the wonderful group of gold finds from the three tholos tombs at Peristeria in Kyparissia, which date from the Early Mycenaean period. In addition to the laarge gold diadem and the three gold cups, thre is a large quantity of gold jewellery and small finds, such as beads, tufts, bands, jewellery, palmettes sea-tritons, owls, birds etc., all attesting to the prosperity and wealth of the region during this period.

The objects on display outside the showcases include amphoras from the tholos tombs at Peristeria and Routsi (Myrsinochori) which have impressive decoration, and also two large burial pithoi from the Middle Helladic tumuli at Kokorako in Peristeria and Ayios Ioannis near Papoulia.

ROOM II

The second room houses finds exclusively from the excavations of C.Blegen at the complex of the Palace of Nestor at Englianos. They consist of various types of poettery and fragments of superb wall-paintings depicting humans, animals and mythical beings in wonderful colours.

The two cases in the middle of the room contain plaster casts of clay tablets with inscriptions in the Linear B script. The original are in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

ROOM III

The third room contains finds from the Palace of Nestor and the surrounding area and also from tombs uncovered on the hill at Englianos.

Amongst them we may note the pair of stone horns of consecration, which were found in the palace, the giant storage pithoi and the four large vases of the royal tholos tomb at Vayenas. The large number of functional vases displayed in the cases of the same room is particularly interesting as is also the clay 'barbacue' for roasting meating.

Many of the valuable finds from the two large royal tholos tombs in the area of Englianos are now on display in the national Archaeological Museum in Athens.

(All the above has been copied from the official leaflet from the museum - copyright Archaeological Receipts Fund Tel. 210 3722500, Fax. 210 3242684)

http://www.tap.gr

Information Phone Number: 27630 31358, 26240 22529

Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: HOUSEHOLD ITEMS - HOUSE SALE http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/05/12/HOUSEHOLD_ITEMS_-_HOUSE_SALE Tue, 12 May 2009 08:37:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/05/12/HOUSEHOLD_ITEMS_-_HOUSE_SALE Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Sunday, May 17th, 2009
Starting 09:00 am

Aside from antiques and decorative items, also:

► Double door refrigerator (LG) with ice maker and water dispenser
► High-rise wooden double bed (IKEA) for office or sitting space underneath
► Mosaic topped kitchen table
► 4 IKEA blond wood and white kitchen chairs
► Glass and mini sawhorse coffee table
► various lamps and lighting fixtures
► 1 classic guitar


Behind NOTOS super market,
Kritis St.
Call me for directions!
6970088603 Anke
Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: ART EXHIBITION AROUND CENTE OF KALAMTA http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/04/23/ART_EXHIBITION_AROUND_CENTE_OF_KALAMTA Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:26:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/04/23/ART_EXHIBITION_AROUND_CENTE_OF_KALAMTA Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Display of Art Around Town - 21 March - 1 May 2009The colour coding is as follows:Green - VitroLight Orange - SculptureOrange - Structure/InstallationBlue - Art (drawing)Yellow - CeramicsPink - PhotographyBlack - Comics/CartoonistBrown - Video ArtParticipating Artists:Vitro: Kiniklis GabriliSculpture: Voutsina Marianna, Dousis Konstantinos, Safaris Alexios, Fragkos IoannisStructure/Installation: Tentes PanagiotisArt : Androutsakis stathis, Aridas Tasos, Vavalea-Manolakakis Konstantina, Vraxatis Konstantinos, Voulgarelis Thodoros, Giannakopoulos Dimitris, Giannetos Nikos, Giannopoulou Athina, Gkouzos Ioannis, Gaitanis Mixail, Dimitrouli Sofia, Zoupanos Aris, Zogopoulou Maria, Iliopoulos Dimitris, Kotsakis Nikos, Kapernarou Aggeliki, Kyriazi Eleni, Ktena Anneta, Kazi Dimitra, Kannelakopoulou Xristiana, Kateri Vasiliki, Koropaiou Eleni, Karizonhis Vasilis, Manolakakis Mixail, Mitsea Panagiota, Mayrea Stauroula, Mamai Eirini, Bairli-Raniou Giouli, Martinou Eleanna, Mantzouka Antonia, Bousounis Nikos, Parissou Persa, Panagiotopoulos Nikos, P,lunthidou Lina, Simeionopoulos Konstantinos, Stamatopoulou Despoina, Sboyrenou Ioanna, Tagaroulia Kirki, Tzamouranis Sotiris, Tsakirian Mariam, Trigkilida Eleni, Xaritou Leuki, Balducci Francesco Rocco, Dartehouk Anatoliy, Pozdnyakova OlenaCeramics: Maliadrou Konstantina, Politi Aggeliki, Xristopoulos IliasPhotography: Zois Dimitris, Koromilas Kostas, Kotsiaris Nikitas, Lukourezou Tzeni, Politi Efi, Panagiotopoulos Spiros, Stathopoulos Giorgos, Foifa Murto, Dudzinski Arkadiusz, Studio FComics/Cartoonist: Maureas ArgirisVideo Art: Dimitrakopoulos Giorgos, Dimitrakopoulos Sakis, Zafeiropoulos Theodoros, Koulouras Panagiotis, Koutiva Mariaggela, Papadopoulou Gioula, Poulopoulou Eva, Riga Nausika, Stauraki Margarita, Tzamouranis Panagiotis, Tentes Panagiotis, Foifa Murto [www.eikastikiperipati.gr] Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: TREE PLANTING ON MT. TAYGETOS http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/03/19/TREE_PLANTING_ON_MT._TAYGETOS Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:33:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/03/19/TREE_PLANTING_ON_MT._TAYGETOS Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties The last couple of weekends, last weekend being the final one, the municipality and many volunteers were up on Taygetos planting trees.

Here is a photo of a couple of your local volunteer firefighters, who were also out every Sunday planting trees.

Will do another post soon with all the information on the Kalamata based volunteer service.Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: 25th March - Greek War of Independence http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/03/19/25th_March_-_Greek_War_of_Independence Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:38:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/03/19/25th_March_-_Greek_War_of_Independence Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties The Greek War Of Independence 1821-1829 In rememberance of the uprising against the Turkish occupation there are many parades throughout Greece. The 17th March sees parades start in Areopolis Lakonia (Mani) and moving along the coast to Kalamata where on the 23rd March there is a gathering in the historic square of 23rd Martiou near to the old market place in the historic area of the town. The 25th March - a National Holiday - sees all of Greece remembering this time with the schools and the military parading through the main centres of towns and cities throughout the country. The 25th March is also a religious feast day (Evanglismo of Theotokou) and Name Day for all those names Evangelos (Vangelis) and Evangelia. The traditonal dish of the day is fried cod with garlic sauce (Bakalaou me skordalia) - careful those of you with low blood pressure! After the parade and before lunch it is customary, especially on a nice day, to sit in the square or by the sea drinking coffee or ouzo with meze. Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: PAY PARKING IN CENTRE KALAMATA http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/03/19/PAY_PARKING_IN_CENTRE_KALAMATA Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:06:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/03/19/PAY_PARKING_IN_CENTRE_KALAMATA Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
Controlled Parking in Centre of Kalamata (Parking Cards)
As from 16 March 2009 parking cards can be purchased at kiosks in Kalamata.
An example of a scratch parking card.
Prices:
One (1) Hour Card: 0,50 EuroTwo (2) Hour Card: 1,00 EuroFour (4) Hour Card: 2,00 Euro
Parking Cards are to be enforced Monday to Friday from 0800-1400 hours and 1700-2100 and Saturday from 0800-1400
National Holidays and Sundays - no parking cards required.
Instructions for Scratch Card Parking Metre:
The Dial - outer circle shows HOUR and the inner circle shows MINUTES You will scratch out the exact time that you park your vehicle in the 'controlled parking area'
You will then need to scratch out the corresponding YEAR (there are three boxes to the bottom right of the dial
You will then need to scratch out the corresponding MONTH (shown Greek/Eng) and then the DATE.
The card must then be placed in a prominent position the front windscreen of the car.
Parking tickets/fines will be issued should you be parked in a controlled parking zone without the following:
Parking in zone without parking card and/or without placing said parking card in visible postion on inside of windscreen.Parking in zone with card in place but not information scratch outParking in zone with 5mins + over your parking card payment
Controlled Parking Zone (defined in Dark and Light Blue on Street Map)The municipality have their own traffic wardens, dressed in brown, who will be issuing parking fines.






Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Mt. Taygetos http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/03/10/Mt._Taygetos Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:11:00 -0400 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/03/10/Mt._Taygetos Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties

Not the best day to take a shot of the snow caps of Mt. Taygetos, but I love being on 'the other side' of Messinia (Petalidi and Chrani way) because the view across the bay to the mountains is rather beautiful. A clear winter's day or early spring provide the best views, especially when there has been a snow fall.

Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: CARNIVAL 2009 - UPDATE ON THINGS TO DO http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/02/25/CARNIVAL_2009_-_UPDATE_ON_THINGS_TO_DO Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:12:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/02/25/CARNIVAL_2009_-_UPDATE_ON_THINGS_TO_DO Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties

Courtesy of Paul S.

Friday 27th February - Kalamata
Brenda K. Lee will be singing with the amazing Jazz band, the 'Freak Brothers' at 'Bassiviola' in Kalamata.The concert will begin somewhere around 10pm to 10.30pm for you nighthawks who aren't tucked up with your teddies by then! Those of you who were at the Kalamata New Years Eve celebrations will have experienced Brenda and the Freak Brothers entertaining the masses on the main platia. If you like Jazz with excellent brass, you'll love this!
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Saturday 28th February - Gary & Jill's 'Siestas'
‘Mild and Wild—Mexican buffet’. - 7.30pm onwards

Cheesy Nachos with Salsa.
~~
Tacos, Enchiladas, Quesadillas, Fajitas, Burritos.
Various toppings (including vegetarian).
Mexican rice.
Refried beans.
Salsa’s, Guacamole, salads.
~~
Mexican dessert

12 euro per head towards food cost would be appreciated
(bring your own drinks).

Please book in advance, if you wish to reserve a table, as space is limited.

TEL. 27210 58557 MOBILE. 693 4337768
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 27th February – Kalamata
6pm @ the Central Platia/Square, Kalamata
Face Painting for children
and who knows, perhaps for oldies in their second childhood as well!!
7pm @ the Central Platia/Square, Kalamata
Holiday celebration & riotous fun!
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Saturday 28th February - Kalamata
11.30am @ Historic Centre, Platia Othonos, Kalamata
Traditional dancing and yummy local foods...
Plus events with and by the children for adoring parents and grandparents to coo over their little angels!
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Sunday 1st March - Laika village
6pm @ the central square at LAIKA (near the Church)
Come and see the hot air balloons being prepared and then launched at 7pm.
With face painting for children from 6pm
Free local drinks and snacks (the free wines were very suppable last year)...
This is a facinating event which I attended last year.
Watching those hot air balloons being assembled and then fires lit under them and watching them go up, with many coming straight back down in flames all over the place!
A real 'must attend' event for all self respecting pyromaniacs!
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Sunday 1st March - Alagonia village (Taygetos)
4pm – Special local events, including Traditional dance, music, free food & drink
From around 7pm - Lighting of the bonfire, local foods & drinks, traditional music.
All the thrills spills and excitement of mountain village life for real!
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Sunday 1st March - Nedousa village @ central square (Taygetos)
From around 7pm - Lighting of the bonfire, local foods & drinks, traditional music
Yet more thrills spills and excitement of mountain village life for real!
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Monday 2nd March (Clean Monday)
Carnivals from around 10.30am till 12 noon in Kalmata town and many main villages.
Programme is not clear where the various carnivals will be!
We believe that the main carnival in the area this year will be at Messini town. The nearest we have managed to glean on timings for Messini is "somewhere around 12 noon"!
Well, you have 1.5 hours to rush around Kalamata, then up the mountain to Nedousa and Alagonia, until you find where they intend to have the carnival!
Well.... you know the day and time.... just not the exact place!
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Saturday, March 7th, 11am – 2pm
BAZAAR / FLOHMARKT @ Potamaki Restaurant in Stoupa
(close to Katerina’s supermarket)
There will be antiques and curiosities, art and handicraft, UNICEF products, jewellery, smoked and marinated fish, sushi, second hand goods and clothing and much more. Also a Lottery!
Refreshments and meals will be available.
Tables (€5) are available if you wish to display or sell goods. Tel:. 27210 78154, 27210 77061 The net income and donations will be used for the benefit of disadvantaged children in South Africa and Albania. Information about the various projects will be given at the bazaar.Fadderfriends UNICEF-Stoupa
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Saturday 14th March - 7.30pm onwards

Indian Buffet – Gary & Jill’s ‘Siestas’ @ Santova

12 euro per head towards food cost would be appreciated
(bring your own drinks).

Please book in advance if you wish to reserve a table, as space is limited.

TEL. 27210 58557 MOBILE. 693 4337768 Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Tsiknopempti http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/02/19/Tsiknopempti Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:24:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/02/19/Tsiknopempti Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties On Tsiknopempti (compound word originating from the words tsikna — the smell of roast food and Pempti — Thursday), roasting meat is a nation-wide custom, as the following day marks the beginning of Lent, until Easter. Don't think it is really the beginning of Lent, if I have it correct my mother in law starts fasting with a vengance around "Clean Monday" which is March 2nd this year.

Today is Tsiknopempti, so my better half is doing the rounds, around Kalamata, visiting friends who are grilling outside the various places of work.

Why aren't I with him? Well someone has to work.
Why aren't I grilling outside my office? I'm on a diet.

Next post will be about "Clean Monday" which is equivalent to the UK 'Shrove Tuesday' and in Greece it is also Kite Flying Day! Whoppee!Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: CARNIVAL 2009 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/02/19/CARNIVAL_2009 Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:17:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/02/19/CARNIVAL_2009 Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties
CARNIVAL SEASON EVENTS LEADING TO LENT (All information courtsey of Paul Styliano)
Sorry about the delay in getting this out, but I was trying to get the programmes from various councils for the many and varied carnival events at the moment, but it seems that they just make it all up as they go, or they keep the person who knows where and what time it's all happening locked up incommunicado until the very last moment!All I have managed so far, is the main events in Kalamata, Laika, Alagonia and Nedousa. If anybody out there knows of others in other villages which may be of interst to people, then please let me know and we can send out updates! I finally got a copy of parts of the programme off the Kalamata Mayor's desk this morning as nobody else seems to have anything with times or places and even this programme is vague at the best! Anyway, there is a lot of very intersting traditional stuff going on and lots of food and drink being given away during many of these events, so for what it's worth...... here goes:
Thursday 19th February – Kalamata
12.00 noon @ the Historic centre of Kalamata (near the little church on the old platia)
Music for this holiday season from the Council's Philharmonic
A must for music lovers from that universally renowned Kalamata Philharmonic.
When your music loving friends overseas hear that you were there to hear them live, you will be the envy of them all!


Saturday 21st February – Kalamata
9.00pm @ the theatre/conference area of the Council Odeiou, Kalamata
Artistic Cafenion – Time with Mr Hugh More
For all you arty types, a real "must attend" and opportunity to hang around with the beautiful people!

Sunday 22nd February – Kalamata
11.30am @ the Central Platia/Square, Kalamata
Traditional Gaitanaki (Maypole dance)
Holiday celebration events and theatre
Music & Traditional Dance
Lots of very colourful Greek traditional things here to photograph and video.
Just don't forget your Brownie Box cameras or you'll be kicking yourselves!

Friday 27th February – Kalamata
6pm @ the Central Platia/Square, Kalamata
Face Painting for children
and who knows, perhaps for oldies in their second childhood as well!!
7pm @ the Central Platia/Square, Kalamata
Holiday celebration & riotous fun!

Saturday 28th February - Kalamata
11.30am @ Historic Centre, Platia Othonos, Kalamata
Traditional dancing and yummy local foods...
Plus events with and by the children for adoring parents and grandparents to coo over their little angels!

Sunday 1st March - Laika village
6pm @ the central square at LAIKA (near the Church)
Come and see the hot air balloons being prepared and then launched at 7pm.
With face painting for children from 6pm
Free local drinks and snacks (the free wines were very suppable last year)...
This is a facinating event which I attended last year.
Watching those hot air balloons being assembled and then fires lit under them and watching them go up, with many coming straight back down in flames all over the place!
A real 'must attend' event for all self respecting pyromaniacs!

Sunday 1st March - Alagonia village (Taygetos)
4pm – Special local events, including Traditional dance, music, free food & drink
From around 7pm - Lighting of the bonfire, local foods & drinks, traditional music.
All the thrills spills and excitement of mountain village life for real!

Sunday 1st March - Nedousa village @ central square (Taygetos)
From around 7pm - Lighting of the bonfire, local foods & drinks, traditional music
Yet more thrills spills and excitement of mountain village life for real!

Monday 2nd March (Clean Monday)
Carnival from around 10.30am till 12 noon
Programme is not clear where the various carnivals will be!
Well, you have 1.5 hours to rush around Kalamata, then up the mountain to Nedousa and Alagonia, until you find where they intend to have the carnival!
There are also rumours of a major carnival at Messini town at the same time!
Well.... you know the day and time.... just not the exact place!

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Saturday 28th February from 7.30pm onwardsat Gary & Jill's 'Siestas'Mexican Buffet (Mild through spicy)Bring your own drinks 12 euro per head towards food cost would be appreciated!Please book in advance to reserve a table as space is limited.

Tel: 27210 58557 Mob: 693 433 7768

Author: Sarah McKellen - licenced real estate agent. Head of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties with offices in Kalamata, Messinia A licenced real estate agency offering property listings in the area of Messinia and the Mani. For more information visit: [http] ]]> Messinia and The Mani: Navarino Resort - Pylos Golf Complex http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/01/29/Navarino_Resort_-_Pylos_Golf_Complex Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:59:00 -0500 http://www.kalamatablogs.gr/Messinia_and_The_Mani/2009/01/29/Navarino_Resort_-_Pylos_Golf_Complex Sarah McKellen of McKellen-Messiniaki Properties [http] ]]>