All about Hydra!

Αλληλεγγύη .

2012-01-28T16:41:00.000+02:00

Ποιά η διαφορά ανάμεσα στον παράδεισο και την κόλαση?

Ένας αρχαίος κινέζικος θρ...ύλος λέει ότι σ’ ένα μοναστήρι κάποιος μαθητής ρώτησε τον σοφό δάσκαλο του:

«Ποια είναι η διαφορά ανάμεσα στον Παράδεισο και στην Κόλαση;»

Ο δάσκαλος του απάντησε:

«Πολύ μικρή κι ωστόσο, έχει μεγάλες συνέπειες. Έλα να σου δείξω την Κόλαση».

Μπήκαν σε ένα δωμάτιο, όπου μια ομάδα ανθρώπων καθόταν γύρω από μια μεγάλη χύτρα με ρύζι.

Όλοι ήταν πεινασμένοι και απελπισμένοι, καθένας είχε από ένα κουτάλι που το κρατούσε από την άκρη με προσοχή κι έφτανε ως τη χύτρα.

Κάθε κουτάλι, όμως, είχε τόσο μακρύ χερούλι, που δεν μπορούσαν να το φέρουν στο

στόμα.

Η απελπισία και η ταλαιπωρία ήταν φοβερή.

«Έλα» είπε ο δάσκαλος λίγο μετά. «Τώρα θα σου δείξω τον Παράδεισο».

Μπήκαν σε ένα άλλο δωμάτιο, πανομοιότυπο με το πρώτο. Υπήρχε η ίδια χύτρα του ρυζιού, η ομάδα ανθρώπων, τα ίδια μακριά κουτάλια, όμως εκεί όλοι ήταν ευτυχισμένοι και χορτάτοι.

«Δεν καταλαβαίνω» είπε ο μαθητής. «Γιατί είναι τόσο ευτυχισμένοι εδώ, ενώ στο άλλο δωμάτιο είναι τόσο δυστυχισμένοι, τη στιγμή που όλα είναι ίδια;»

«Δεν το κατάλαβες;», χαμογέλασε ο δάσκαλος.

«Καθώς τα κουτάλια έχουν μακριά χερούλια και δεν μπορούν να φέρνουν το φαγητό στο στόμα τους, εδώ έμαθαν όλοι να ταΐζουν ο ένας τον άλλον».

From : http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/%CE%91%CE%94%CE%95%CE%A3%CE%A0%CE%9F%CE%A4%CE%95%CE%A3-%CE%9A%CE%9F%CE%A5%CE%92%CE%95%CE%9D%CE%A4%CE%95%CE%A3/132322463471672

Hydra Island On facebook!!

2012-01-21T18:12:00.000+02:00

There are many pages on facebook for the island!
That means that locals but also visitors and holiday makers love it!!
Here are some links :
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/fonitisydrascom/116215101778424
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Pirate-Bar-Hydra-Greece/223081831039926
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/HydraArk/138224432945794
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Hotel-Sophia-boutique-hotel/145622042161145
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Hydra-Once-Upon-A-Time/104873086249939
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Piteoussa-Guest-House/38445074924
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000994762981
and more.

Speak Out boutique Hydra's Port.

2011-12-16T21:33:00.000+02:00

Christmas Photos.

2011-12-16T21:29:00.000+02:00

Hydra's christmas photos are taken form pavlina Proteou and micky Bomba.

Christmas In Hydra part 2!!

2011-12-16T21:24:00.001+02:00

The island is ready for Christmas!
If you decide to spend some days in Hydra, just keep in mind that you can enjoy home made greek delicious cuisine at the local Tavernas.
Remember some names:
Gefiria tavern
Tassoula and Stathis ( Ostria)
Psaropoulla http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=36977771414
Zefiros
Souvlaki Thanasis
To Pigadi (in the local fruit market)
Omilos restaurant (opens for Holidays only) http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000994762981&sk=info http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=26640369588&v=wall
Christina's tavern at Kamini
Annita's Tavern.
Also you can have a cup of hot cofffe at the local cafes at the port! You can have breakfast and small meals or snacks.They serve pizza as well.
For creppes lovers, try Small cafe http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Creperie-Mikro-Cafe/56234600613
or kiss cafe http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=106012842627 .

And dance like the locals at Red bar http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=57564740041 or Nautilos http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=68655025379&v=info
Or treat your self a coctail at Pirate Bar http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=26084783476
at Amalour bar http://www.facebook.com/groups/234526859938195/?ref=ts#!/pages/Amalour/144289965640081 Or papagalos http://www.facebook.com/groups/234526859938195/?ref=ts#!/groups/247110551978167/photos/ .

Buy your gifts from the local shops . They are almost all open during the day and when the cruise boat comes.
Visit the Historical museum,walk across the coastal paths,hike to the mountains and breath a different AIR.

Christmas and Santa are coming to Hydra Town! XO XO XO .
And believe in Christmas magic!

Christmas In Hydra!

2011-12-16T20:23:00.000+02:00

Χριστουγεννιατικές εκδηλώσεις 2011-2012.

Christmas' activities 2011-2012

Σάββατο 17-12-11

17:00 Προβολή παιδικής κινηματογραφικής ταινίας στην αίθουσα Μελίνα Μερκούρη.

Σάββατο 17-12-11

Από τις 11:00 εώς τις 15:00 Χριστουγεννιάτικο παζάρι στο Κεντρο ξένων Γλωσσών της Υδρας.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/265919513465881/

Κυριακή 18-12-11

17:30 Αφήγηση λαικών παραμυθιών από την Κ. Αγνή Στρουμπουλή στην αίθουσα Μ.Μερκούρη.

Πέμπτη 22 κ΄ Παρασκευή 23-12-11

19:00 Παράσταση από την θεατρική ομάδα του Δήμου στην συνεδριακή αίθουσα της Ιερας μητρόπολης.

Τετάρτη 28-12-11

17:00 Προβολή ταινίας στην αίθουσα Μ.Μερκούρη.

Κυριακή 1-01-12

10:30 Δοξολογια για το νέο έτος στον ιερό καθεδρικό ναό της παναγίας.

11:00 κοπή της Πίτας.

12:00 Ο αγιος Βασιλής ερχεται για τα παιδια του Νησιού!!

Δευτέρα 2-01-12

19:30 Μουσική βραδιά με την Ελλη Πασπαλά.

Τετάρτη 4-01-12

17:00 Προβολή παιδικής ταινίας στη αίθουσα Μ.Μερκούρη.

Athens Spotlighted!!

2011-11-20T18:54:00.000+02:00

Athens International Airport with the support of the city guide magazine "Athinorama", welcomes you to the "athenspotlighted" programme!

Be on the Spot and discover the unique character, history and cosmopolitan atmosphere of our city through ideal deals!

Through "athenspotlighted" programme you are provided with a free discount city card, which can be used at various cultural sites, museums, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and a wide variety of selected stores all over Athens.

Benefits and discounts, as well as the involved spots and all relevant information can be found at programme's dedicated site

www.athenspotlighted.gr

Make sure that you collect and validate your free city card upon your arrival at the designated areas in the airport. The card can be collected at two dedicated "athenspotlighted" booths between 06:00 and 22:00 hrs inside the Baggage reclaim area, at info stands 5 & 6 at Arrivals level between 22:00 and 06:00 and at the Athens International Airport's Business Centre located at the arrivals level between 06:00 and 22:00.

The card is valid for 10 days and provides you with special discounts and benefits at our city’s best spots.

Enjoy your stay in Athens!

http://www.athenspotlighted.gr/profile.aspx

Μια ωραια ιστορια.

2011-11-14T20:28:00.000+02:00

Το τελευταίο μεγάλο πόκερ της μεταπολίτευσης

Παρασκευή, 04 Νοέμβριος 2011 01:08

Κάποτε λοιπόν σε μια μικρή χώρα, μικρή αλλά με πλούσιο φυσικό κεφάλαιο, κατεστραμμένη από έναν Μεγάλο Πόλεμο και σπαραγμένη από την εμφύλια διαμάχη, κάποιοι μαζεύτηκαν σ' ένα μαγευτικό δασάκι, μακρυά από τα αδιάκριτα μάτια ξένων και ντόπιων. Αναμεταξύ τους υπήρχαν αρχηγοί των μεγαλύτερων πολιτικών παρατάξεων, οι τρεις-τέσσερις πιο πλούσιοι και ισχυροί υπήκοοί της μικρής χώρας της ιστοριούλας μας αλλά και κάποιοι από τους πιο σοφούς που διέθετε αυτή η χώρα.

Ήταν πραγματικά μια παράξενη σύναξη ανθρώπων εκείνο το καλοκαιρινό απόγευμα. Πολλοί απ' αυτούς είχαν μιλήσει με πολύ άσχημα λόγια για κάποιους από τους παριστάμενους, ορισμένοι είχαν πολεμήσει εναντίον κάποιον άλλων, άλλοι δεν είχαν γνωριστεί ποτέ μεταξύ τους και μόνο ως όνομα και φήμη είχαν ακούσει για μερικούς που τώρα έβλεπαν μπροστά τους. Όλοι κι όλοι δεν ήταν πάνω από δέκα άνθρωποι αλλά η σοφία, ο πλούτος, η εμπειρία και η επιρροή τους στη χώρα και έξω απ' αυτή, θα μπορούσε να πει κανείς ότι ήταν εντυπωσιακή.

-Κύριοι, ας τελειώνουμε γιατί δε νομίζω ότι μπορούμε να αντέχουμε να βλέπουμε ο ένας τον άλλον για πολύ! Ακούστηκε η φωνή του γεροντότερου της αλλόκοτης παρέας.

Μαζεύτηκαν τριγύρω του, με βαριά καρδιά οι περισσότεροι είναι η αλήθεια, για να ακούσουν και να σκεφθούν.

-Η χώρα μας μπαίνει σε μια νέα εποχή. Ο Μεγάλος Πόλεμος τέλειωσε και σε λίγο θα τελειώσει και επισήμως και η μεταξύ μας σύρραξη. Πρέπει να αποφασίσουμε και να συμφωνήσουμε σε δύο καίρια σημεία, σε ένα ελάχιστο κοινό τόπο, ειδάλλως η πατρίδα μας θα κινδυνέψει να κοπεί στα δύο και να εξαφανιστεί. Μια τέτοια συμφωνία δεν θα γραφτεί, δε θα υπογραφεί αλλά θα πρέπει να τηρηθεί προσαρμοσμένη στα μέτρα και στις αντιλήψεις του καθενός, ώστε να επιβιώσει η χώρα.

Στο ακροατήριο επικράτησε ησυχία και αδημονία. Σε τι θα μπορούσαν να συμφωνήσουν αυτοί οι τόσοι παράταιροι μεταξύ τους άνθρωποι;

- Πρώτον, η χώρα είναι δρομολογημένο να ανήκει στη Δύση. Αποφασίστηκε από όσους έχουν και μπορούν να εγγυηθούν την ανεξαρτησία και την ύπαρξη της χώρας. Τούτο πρέπει να γίνει σεβαστό και να μην αμφισβητηθεί με παράνομα, βίαια ή μη πολιτικά μέσα. Η χώρα θα επιδιώξει να παραμείνει στη Δύση με κάθε τρόπο.

-Δεύτερον, η κρατική μας διάρθρωση πρέπει να γίνει τέτοια που να μοιράζει τα κρατικά κεφάλαια ή τους διαθέσιμους πόρους ή τις κρατικές θέσεις τους υπαλλήλους και τους εργαζόμενους με μέθοδο που να αποτρέψει την πιθανότητα επανάληψης μιας εμφύλιας διαμάχης στο μέλλον. Το κράτος θα μοιράζει ή θα αφήνει να μοιράζεται στα κρυφά ό,τι μπορεί από το κρατικό κεφάλαιο, ώστε να μη συσσωρευθεί σε μια παράταξη ή σε μια μικρή ομάδα προσώπων η κρατική περιουσία. Είτε αφορά δημόσια γη, είτε δημόσιους πόρους, είτε θέσεις στο δημόσιο είτε κρατικές επιχειρήσεις, θα αφεθούν να μοιραστούν αναλογικά με τη δύναμη της κάθε παράταξης. Από την άλλη, επειδή αυτή η μέθοδος δεν θα επιτρέψει να αναπτυχθούν οι επιχειρήσεις, το κράτος θα κλείσει τα μάτια στη φοροδιαφυγή ώστε να υπάρχει ένα αντιστάθμισμα στους ιδιώτες.

Στα λόγια αυτά, απάντησε η ψιθυριστή φωνή ενός "σοφού":

-Έχω δυο ερωτήματα: Ένα, δε θα εξαναγκαστούμε σε τεράστια δανειακή εξάρτηση στο μέλλον, αν δεν έχουμε αφήσει τη βιομηχανία να δουλέψει και μοιράζουμε αφειδώς και ανεξέλεγκτα κρατικά κεφάλαια;Δύο, πως θα επιδιώξουμε να μείνουμε στη Δύση, αν δανειζόμαστε συνέχεια ώστε να διατηρηθούμε ενωμένοι και επιπλέον πως θα μείνουμε στη Δύση αφού η πολιτική που μας περιγράφεις θα μας οδηγήσει μέσα σε πενήντα χρόνια σε τόσο αδύναμη θέση που θα μας καταπιούν;

Ο γέρος που μίλησε στην αρχή ξερόβηξε. Και απάντησε:

-Είμαστε και θα είμαστε για πάντα μια μικρή χώρα, που αν ξαναφήσουμε να βγει και πάλι από μέσα μας ο διχασμός θα εξαφανιστούμε. Οι δυο προτάσεις που σας έκανα δεν είναι ξεκομμένες η μια από την άλλη. Πραγματικά, οι ξένοι κάποια στιγμή, ό,τι και να κάνουμε θα θελήσουν να μας πετάξουν έξω από τα σαλόνια τους ή θα αδιαφορήσουν για την τύχη μας. Και εμείς πως θα είμαστε τότε; Κανείς δεν ξέρει. Σήμερα, ασχολούνται μαζί μας και μας βοηθούν γιατί υπάρχουν οι Κόκκινοι. Αύριο, αν αλλάξουν τα πράγματα θα μας ξεχάσουν. Εδώ μιλάμε για την τύχη της χώρας τα επόμενα πενήντα-εκατό χρόνια. Όλη η στρατηγική μας λοιπόν αποσκοπεί στον εξαναγκασμό των ξένων να ασχολούνται συνέχεια με εμάς, να έχουν την ανάγκη μας με κάποιο τρόπο και ταυτόχρονα να τακτοποιήσουμε έτσι τη διανομή των κρατικών κεφαλαίων που να έχουν πρόσβαση όλες οι παρατάξεις κατά τη δύναμή τους.

-Και πως θα τα καταφέρουμε αυτά; Ρώτησε και πάλι ο "σοφός"

-Το όπλο της μικρής μας χώρας είναι τα δάνεια. Θα δανειζόμαστε σιγά-σιγά κι έτσι θα έχουμε κεφάλαια να διοχετεύουμε στο εσωτερικό για να διατηρείται η χώρα συμπαγής. Σκοπός μας είναι όταν θα τα έχει βρει η Δύση με την Ανατολή, και δε θα μας χρειάζονται πια, να έχει σωρευτεί ένα τόσο μεγάλο δανειακό κεφάλαιο που δε θα μπορούν να μας πετάξουν από πουθενά. Μην ξεχνάτε ότι έτσι όπως θα έχουμε δομήσει την κρατική διοίκηση κανείς δε θα μπορεί να κατηγορήσει κανέναν για το πως διανεμήθηκαν τα κεφάλαια και κανείς δε θα μπορεί να ελέγξει τους εθνικούς λογαριασμούς. Ο βασικός μας σκοπός να παραμείνουμε στη Δύση και να εξαναγκάσουμε τους δυτικούς μας συμμάχους να βρίσκονται συνέχεια δίπλα μας θα έχει επιτευχθεί. Και βέβαια δε θα μπορούν παρά να επιδιώκουν την διαρκή ύπαρξη της χώρας ώστε να μην χάσουν τα κεφάλαιά τους. Διαφορετικά, άλλη ελπίδα δεν έχουμε.

Όλοι οι παριστάμενοι συμφώνησαν. Ανεξάρτητα από τις διαφορές τους, όλοι ήθελαν η χώρα να παραμείνει ενιαία. Την ονειρευόντουσαν ο καθένας διαφορετική, αλλά ενιαία. Ακόμη, όλοι είχαν κατανοήσει πολύ βαθιά πως οι Δυτικοί θα βοηθούσαν τη χώρα για όσο την είχαν ανάγκη και θα την εγκατέλειπαν με την πρώτη ευκαιρία. Θα την άφηναν στην τύχη της κάποια στιγμή. Και ποια θα ήταν η τύχη της χώρας τότε και μάλιστα στο γεωγραφικό περιβάλλον που την περιτριγύριζε;

Και είπαν όλοι "ναι".

Από το http://www.sofokleous10.gr/portal2/

DESTE Foundation Black Mirror by Doug Aitken at Hydra's slaughterhouse.

2011-05-10T19:25:00.000+03:00

ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ ΑΘΗΝΩΝ - ΛΙΜΑΝΙ ΠΕΙΡΑΙΑ 16-17 Ιουνίου

ΙΔΡΥΜΑ ΔΕΣΤΕ - ΥΔΡΑ 19-20 Ιουνίου

«Black Mirror», Doug Aitken

Tο Black Mirror (Μαύρος καθρέφτης), η νέα βίντεο-περφόρμανς του αμερικανού εικαστικού Doug Aitken παρουσιάζεται για πρώτη φορά στην Ελλάδα σε μια συνεργασία του Ιδρύματος ΔΕΣΤΕ με το Ελληνικό Φεστιβάλ. Με τη μορφή βιντεοπροβολής και παράστασης, που εκτυλίσσονται ταυτόχρονα, πάνω σε ένα πλοίο, (σύμφωνα και με τον ίδιο τον Aitken) ο Μαύρος Καθρέφτης δεν είναι παρά μια αλληγορία πάνω στις ζοφερές πτυχές της ζωής των ανθρώπων στο ξεκίνημα του 21ου αιώνα «...ένας παράλληλος κόσμος όπου η παγκοσμιοποιημένη αγορά, η επίδραση της ψηφιακής κουλτούρας και η εξάρτηση από τα μέσα μαζικής ενημέρωσης, σε συνέργεια με την καθημερινή ζωή διαφορετικών μεταξύ τους ανθρώπων ανά την υφήλιο, κατασκευάζουν μια εύθραυστη πραγματικότητα όπου τα πάντα κινούνται με αστραπιαία ταχύτητα και τίποτα δεν είναι όπως φαίνεται...».

Η παρουσίαση του έργου του Doug Aitken, Black Mirror, περιλαμβάνει δύο μέρη: Την έκθεση, μια παραγωγή του Ιδρύματος ΔΕΣΤΕ, που θα παρουσιαστεί στο χώρο του Ιδρύματος, στα Σφαγεία της Ύδρας (20 Ιουνίου-25 Σεπτεμβρίου). Την περφόρμανς, μια παραγωγή του Φεστιβάλ Αθηνών σε συνεργασία με το Ίδρυμα ΔΕΣΤΕ, που θα παρουσιαστεί στο λιμάνι του Πειραιά (16-17 Ιουνίου) και της Ύδρας (19-20 Ιουνίου).

Doug Aitken will be taking over the Deste Foundation’s Project Space in the old slaughterhouse on the island of Hydra this June with a new kaleidoscopic, multi-channel video and performance installation featuring actress Chloë Sevigny. Black Mirror, as the project is titled, is “beyond an exhibition…it's a piece that is not defined by medium.
Sources: http://artattackgr.blogspot.com/2011/04/doug-aitken-deste-foundation-project.html
http://www.monopoli.gr/afieromata/item/106862-%CE%95%CE%BA%CE%B8%CE%AD%CF%83%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%82-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%BF-%CE%A6%CE%B5%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%B2%CE%AC%CE%BB-%CE%91%CE%B8%CE%B7%CE%BD%CF%8E%CE%BD-2011

A lovely poem!

2011-05-04T19:45:00.000+03:00

http://www.alexandrosapilianos.com/2011/04/blog-post_24.html

Prime minister in Hydra for Easter.

2011-05-04T19:37:00.001+03:00

Easter 2011.

2011-05-04T19:35:00.001+03:00

Επίσκεψη αστραπή στην Ύδρα πραγματοποίησε την Κυριακή των Βαΐων ο επικεφαλής του κλιμακίου της τρόικα στην Αθήνα, κ Μπομπ Τραα, αλλά όχι μην φανταστείτε τίποτα το περίεργο, ο άνθρωπος αναζήτησε μερικές ώρες χαλάρωσης στο αρχοντικό νησί του Σαρωνικού, που πάντα θαυμάζει. Φυσικά, η επίσκεψη έγινε με απόλυτη μυστικότητα και με όλα τα απαραίτητα μέτρα ασφαλείας. Ο κ Τραα, συνοδευόμενος από τα 8 άτομα της φρουράς και των στενών συνεργατών του, απόλαυσε τα πολύ ιδιαίτερα εδέσματα της παραδοσιακής ταβέρνας “Το Γειτονικό”, του κ Μανώλη Οικονόμου, και, όπως μαθαίνουμε, έμεινε ικανοποιημένος από την κουζίνα και την όλη περιποίηση.

http://www.saronicmagazine.com/?p=4570

Easter 2011.

2011-05-04T19:32:00.000+03:00

http://blogs.gossip-tv.gr/politi/2011/04/26/cosmic-easter-hydra-mykonos-1-0/

Porto Hydra hotel is sold .

2011-05-04T19:24:00.000+03:00

Το γνωστό ξενοδοχείο “Πόρτο Ύδρα”, που βρίσκεται στην Ερμιόνη, αγόρασε -σύμφωνα με δημοσίευμα της εφημερίδας ΤΟ ΠΑΡΟΝ της Κυριακής- ο εφοπλιστής Βίκτωρ Ρέστης.Η εφημερίδα, που κυκλοφόρησε σήμερα Σάββατο εκτάκτως λόγω της απεργίας της Πρωτομαγιάς, επικαλείται πληροφορίες, σύμφωνα με τις οποίες ο κ.Ρέστης, ο οποίος έχει προ πολλού δραστηριοποιηθεί και στον εκδοτικό χώρο, αγόρασε το ξενοδοχειακό συγκρότημα από την οικογένεια Κωνσταντινίδη, προκειμένου να κατασκευάσει πολυτελείς βίλες. Υπενθυμίζεται ότι το “Πόρτο Ύδρα” βρίσκεται σε ιδιαιτέρως προνομιακή θέση -απέναντι από την Ύδρα- και επί σειρά ετών αποτέλεσε σημείο αναφοράς των κοσμικών της Αθήνας και των VIP’S του εξωτερικού.

http://www.saronicmagazine.com/?p=5267

http://www.portohydra.gr/profil/porto-hydra-village.php

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Big Bazaar At Speak Out!

2011-02-27T13:45:00.002+02:00

A different view for the island.

2011-02-05T13:21:00.000+02:00

Democracy is a greek word. We listen and we try to be better!

Monday, July 9, 2007

Hydra, Isle of (Ugly) Cats

Hydra is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek isles, so it says on the island's website. Cosmopolitan or not, it is certainly beautiful. Hydra town climbs from the harbor in a steep semi-circle of white stone buildings and terracotta roofs, punctuated by brilliant outgrowths of hot pink bougainvillea. The only engine-powered vehicles are the utility vehicles owned by the island government, which makes the island a peaceful pedestrian haven. The donkey "taxis" that wait to take your luggage to your hotel are charming, if aromatic - though the owners are fastidious about immediately scooping the piles their donkeys produce into canvas bags. The water is a crystal clear blue-green that's enticing even to a non-swimming aquaphobe.

Still, Hydra was a disappointment: the only dive shop, which is still advertised on the web and by local tourist agencies, had closed. For me this wasn't a problem, but for my partner diving is one of the reasons went to Hydra in the first place. It wasn't just this disappointment that set us against Hydra, though. Hotel and restaurant prices are inflated and the quality of the latter ranges from awful to just good. The highly touted shopping isn't any better than the shopping here in Parikia, Paros, a much less aggressively self-promoting port. The real problem was that Hydra town was claustrophobic and fly-ridden. The streets, which are more like paths with steps, are made of the same stone as the majority of the buildings, giving the effect of a single organism that bulges into hotels, restaurants, and shops like mushrooms protruding from a giant rhizome. All paths seem to force you down to the harbor, a destination whose charms are exhausted in a day. Vast numbers of flies make outdoor eating almost impossible. I suspect that the number of flies has to do with the presence of the donkeys (or more specifically, the donkey dung), which makes the whole experience distinctly unsavory. Also, the town is overrun with cats -- scrawny, mangy, scarred, rheumy-eyed cats. One was so ugly I called it the Nazgul cat, and I'm a thoroughly soft-hearted cat lover from way back. There is clearly no spaying or neutering going on and it seems that the size of the cat population exceeds the available resources. We had planned to stay five days, maybe seven -- we stayed only three, which was one too many for me.

If you go, don't avoid the donkey taxis. If you don't want the donkey experience, hire one of the human-powered two-wheeled carts.They charge 10 Euros per donkey for luggage or riders. They also cost 10 Euros. Just don't roll your suitcases to and from the hotel yourself. You'll make a hellish racket and probably ruin the wheels of your suitcase on the uneven stone pavement in the process.

The nicest man in Hydra runs a jewelry/clothing store called "21st Century" right on the harbor. I think his name is Lakis Christidis - that, at least, is the name on the store bags. He's a silversmith as well and has a sharp eye for unusual artist-made jewelry. His prices are fair and he is kind, helpful, and genuinely informative.

Next, Escape from Hydra, in which our protagonists overcome great obstacles in their attempt to travel from Hydra to Piraeus and then to Paros in one day.

News , Great news!!

2011-02-02T13:03:00.001+02:00

Jazzmin's Wine Bar & Lounge ~ GRAND OPENING: EASTER 2011

We are very happy to hearing that the Old Kavos Club at Avlaki it will become a Wine bar & lounge!!!

What a great option for Hydra’s residents and visitors.

Source:http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?fbid=1550538725705&set=t.1302211946

New member !

2010-12-11T13:51:00.000+02:00

Christmas Tree !

2010-12-11T13:48:00.000+02:00

Winter In hydra.

2010-12-02T12:50:00.002+02:00

ΔΗΜΟΤΙΚΕΣ ΕΚΛΟΓΕΣ 2010.

2010-11-08T11:06:00.000+02:00

Δήμος Υδρας

100% Εγγεγραμμένοι:

3231 Συμμετοχή:

68,52%

Ψήφισαν:2214

Ακυρα / Λευκά:

69

ΑΠΟΧΗ : 32%

Υποψήφιος Συνδυασμός Ψήφοι Ποσοστό

Ανεξάρτητος υποψήφιος ΚΟΤΡΩΝΗΣ Α.(Ανεξ.) Η ΑΛΗΘΕΙΑ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΥΔΡΑ 1168 54.45%

Ανεξάρτητος υποψήφιος ΑΝΑΣΤΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Κ.(Ανεξ.) ΝΕΟΙ ΟΡΙΖΟΝΤΕΣ για την Ύδρα 851 39.67%

Ανεξάρτητος υποψήφιος ΤΣΑΚΙΡΗΣ Ε.(Ανεξ.) ΟΙΚΟΛΟΓΟΙ ΥΔΡΑΣ 126 5.87%

Source: http://www.enet.gr/?i=news.el.results2010

Walking and hiking in Hydra.

2010-11-04T18:42:00.001+02:00

Horse riding and transfers in Hydra.

2010-11-04T18:33:00.000+02:00

Alberta Ferreti in Hydra Summer 2010.

2010-10-17T18:26:00.003+03:00

Alberta Ferreti ' s Prometej in Hydra's Port.

Beti from Speak Out.

2010-10-17T17:53:00.000+03:00

Hydra Rebetika Conference: The Annual Rebetika Conference of Hydra Greece, Saronic

2010-10-17T17:49:00.000+03:00

This weekend in the Island!

The Annual Rebetika Conference of Hydra: The Hydra Rebetika Conference is held every year to celebrate Rebetika music, which is the form of music associated with the Greek Underground. Originating from the ill famous neighborhoods of Thessaloniki and Pireaus, Rebetika music was born in the first part of the 20th century. Using 2-3 elements of the Turkish musical tradition, Rebetika music is played with the folk instruments of bouzouki and its small brothers, baglamas and tzouras.

The Rebetika Conference of Hydra is a great event, which brings musicians, experts and fans of this genre together. Musicians who are familiar with rebetiko arrive on the island from all over the world. They talk about this special kind of music and play rebetika songs, while there is also a platform for budding artists to perform. The conference is usually held in the Theatre of Melina Merkouri or in hotel conference centers. .
source : http://www.greeka.com/saronic/hydra/hydra-festivals/hydra-rebetiko-conference.htm

More info : http://www.rebetology.com/

Sissi from Pirate Bar!

2010-10-17T17:40:00.002+03:00

GAWF again in Hydra for Horses-Donkeys and Mules.

2010-10-17T17:39:00.000+03:00

Petros Kostopoulos in Hydra.

2010-10-17T17:31:00.000+03:00

Petros Kostopoulos was in Hydra for the weekend.
He stayed at Sofia Hotel.

Despina Vandi in Hydra.

2010-10-17T17:28:00.002+03:00

Despina Vandi was in the island for her new video clip some days ago !
Links:
http://www.protothema.gr/life-style/Gossip/article/?aid=84321
http://www.star.gr/life_style/63181/index.php?ID=life_style&Rec_ID=62661
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYgShaPRLWI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPsfFeYQnrg

Autumn.

2010-10-05T12:30:00.002+03:00

«Hydra International Arts Festival»

2010-09-03T21:07:00.002+03:00

Πρόγραμμα εκδηλώσεων

1/9: Χώρος: Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο Μελίνα Μερκούρη

19.00: Εγκαίνια Εκθέσεων Ζωγραφικής - Γλυπτικής, Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο Μελίνα Μερκούρη

19.00 - 20.00: Παναγιώτης Θεοδοσίου - Solo Piano

Χώρος: Ιερά Μητρόπολις Ύδρας (Προαύλειος Χώρος)

20.30 - 21.30: Εκκλησιαστικοί Ύμνοι από τη Χορωδία της Ριζαρείου Εκκλησιαστικής Σχολής. Χώρος: Εστιατόριο «Τα γεφύρια»

21.30: Δείπνο Gourmet - Μοναστηριακή Κουζίνα (CHEF: Δήμητρα Παναγιωτοπούλου)

2/9: Χώρος: Κανόνια του Μιαούλη

21.00: Siskin Group

3/9: Χώρος: Ιστορικό Μουσείο Ύδρας

21.00: Συναυλία Ελευθερίας Αρβανιτάκη

4/9: Χώρος: Παραλία Βλυχού - Εστιατόριο «Ενάλιον»

21.00: Gourmet Diner: Αυθεντικές γεύσεις της γης και της θάλασσας (CHEF: Δήμητρα Παναγιωτοπούλου)

Καλλιτεχνικό Πρόγραμμα: Νίκος Γιωργάς - Galen Ayers (Siskin Group)

5/9: Χώρος: Ιστορικό Μουσείο

21.00: Μουσικές περιπλανήσεις με τη Λία Βίσση, τον Στράτο Τζώρτζογλου, τον Χρήστο Σεβαστό

6/9: Χώρος: Εστιατόριο «Τα γεφύρια»

21.00: Σεμινάριο μαγειρικής με τη Chef: Δήμητρα Παναγιωτοπούλου. Ακολουθεί δείπνο με τις γευστικές δημιουργίες.

7/9: Χώρος: Εστιατόριο «Τα γεφύρια»

21.00: Closing Night / Καλλιτεχνικό Πρόγραμμα

Summer news.

2010-05-20T11:48:00.000+03:00

Ύδρα news

Το τριήμερο του Αγίου Πνεύματος σηματοδοτεί το «opening» των νησιών. Στην Ύδρα το bar-restaurant «Castello» (φωτό) αυτό το Σάββατο ετοιμάζεται για επίσημα εγκαίνια, με guest DJ τη Μάγκυ Χαραλαμπίδου και ανανεωμένο μενού, με την επιμέλεια των σεφ Γιάννη Μπαξεβάνη και Νίκου Φωτιάδη, το οποίο σερβίρει έξυπνο comfort food – από γαριδάκι συμιακό με τη σέσουλα μέχρι burger από νεροβούβαλο Κερκίνης. Στην τελευταία επίσκεψή μας τσεκάραμε το ξενοδοχειακό αδερφάκι του «Castello», το «Ύδρα Hotel» (www.hydra-hotel.gr), και λατρέψαμε τη θέα (χαλάλι τα σκαλιά) και το χαλαρό, αφαιρετικό στιλ του (φτάνει πια με το αντικέ της Ύδρας). Ωστόσο, εκείνο που περιμένουμε εναγωνίως είναι η «Υδραία», το νέο μέλος της οικογένειας, το οποίο αναμένεται να ανοίξει μες στον Ιούνιο. Κρυφοκοιτάζοντας το εργοτάξιο, προετοιμαζόμαστε για ένα πραγματικά ξεχωριστό all suites hotel στο ιστορικό αρχοντικό Βούλγαρη, στην άκρη του λιμανιού, το οποίο ανακαινίζεται εδώ και πέντε χρόνια, με τη συνεργασία ειδικών συντηρητών, για να μεταμορφωθεί σε πολυτελές ξενοδοχείο με 8 σουίτες.

Δέσποινα Ζευκιλή dzeykili@athinorama.gr

source: http://www.athinorama.gr/travel/news/default.aspx?id=8963

From the past till the present.

2010-04-25T18:16:00.000+03:00

The Greek island of Hydra has become a center of artistic creation. There are many artists that are associated with Hydra.

Some of the painters and writers associated with Hydra are Nikos Xatzikiriakos-Gikas, Konstantinos Vizantios, Seferis, Elitis, Eggonopoulos, Petsalis, Pikionis and Henry Miller. There are many other cultural artists who seem to be inspired by this island.

This center may have been inspired by a School of Arts that was formed in 1936. It was formed by the painter named Periklis Vizantios and the formal Director of past School of Arts. This school could be found in the manor once occupied by Admiral Tomopazi. If you were involved in the field of arts and literature, you could live here.

NIKOS XATZIKYRIAKOS-GHYKAS

Nikos Xatzikyriakos-Ghykas was a multi-talented individual – he was a painter, sculptor, engraver, iconographer and an academic. He has strong links with the island of Hydra.As a student, he studied ancient art, both Byzantine art and folk art. He also learnt the latest European artistic trends and was a Greek cubist artist. His focus was on the purity and harmony of Greek art. He wanted to break it down to its simplest form. This meant a reinterpretation of Greek art as geometric shapes and interlocking planes.

You can find his artistic works in the National Gallery of Athens, the Musee d’Art Moderne of Paris, the Tate Gallery of London, the Metropolitan Museum of New York and in private collections all around the world. Xatzikyriakos-Ghykaswas born in 1906 in Athens. As a teenager, his family recognised his talent and had him study with the famous artist named Parthenis. In 1923, he moved to Paris and studied French Literature and Esthetics at the Sorbonne University. After Sorbonne, he continued to study painting and engraving at the Academie Ranson. His first exhibition was in 1927 at the Gallerie Percier. Even Picasso had met and commented on the works of this young Greek painter. The ancestral house of the family of Gikas was located on the island of Hydra.

In 1937, Nikos Xatzikyriakos-Ghykas rebuilt and redesigned it. This ancestral home was restored with grandeur. He did some paintings in his inimitable style, especially for this home. His style combined the elements of cubism with Greek nature, light and architecture. He was greatly inspired by the landscape, light and architecture of Hydra. Unfortunately, his ancestral home was later destroyed in a fire. The loss was deeply felt by the inhabitants of Hydra.In 1933, he organized in Athens the 4th International Architectural Symposium.

Another exhibition of his paintings and sculptures was organized by himself in 1934. This exhibition was at the Gallerie des Cahiers d’Art. He was an editor of an art magazine called 3rd Eye for three years from 1935 to 1937. He was thought enough as an architectural expert to be offered a position at the Architectural School of National Technical University of Athens in 1941. At the Bienale in Venice, he exhibited 17 of his paintings.

From 1950 to 1968, he had 12 exhibitions in Athens, Paris, London (at the Whitechapel Gallery), Berlin and New York. Later, he became a member of a number of academies. He joined the Athens Academy in 1973. He joined the Royal Academy in London. He also joined the Tiberiana Academy in Rome. The French government honored him by giving him the title of Officier des Artes et des Lettres.

The last exhibition that he ever did was in 1988 at the Royal Academy of London. He died six years later on September 3rd, 1994 in Athens.

GEORGE SEFERIS

Seferis was born in Izmir, Turkey. Stelios Seferiadis was his father who had started out as lawyer. He later became a Professor at the University of Athens. Like his son, he was a poet and a translator. He staunchly defended Venizelism and did not the like the official Greek language. He liked the demotic Greek language. His father’s views did have some effect on his views. Seferis’ family moved to Athens in 1914.

He finished high school there. He studied law at the Sorbonne in Paris from 1918 to 1925. Izmir, Turkey was originally known as Smyrna and the Turks took it over again in 1922 and his family had to flee. He could not visit his hometown again until 1950. For Seferis, this felt like an exile and it influenced his poetry.

He also showed great interest in the story of Odysseus. His poetry was also influenced by Kayafis, T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound. He returned to Greece in 1925 and the Royal Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs admitted him. He was considered to be a successful diplomat. He was based in England from 1931 to 1934. He then was transferred to Albania where he lived from 1936 to 1938. Three years later in 1941, he married, just before the Germans invaded Greece.

After the Germans invasion, he fled with the Free Greek Government to Crete, Egypt, South Africa and Italy. He returned to a free Athens in 1944. He continued to be a diplomat and held posts in Turkey and England. He was a Minister to Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Iraq from 1953 to 1956. He was finally an ambassador to England from 1957 to 1961. He retired as an ambassador.

George Seferis was not just a poet, he was also and avid lover of photography. An exhibition of black and white photos was organized that showcased his best pictures as a photographer. He took two pictures in Hydra in November of 1939. They are regarded as two of his best photographs. One picture was of Henry Miller where he is shown laughing on a port of the island of Hydra. The second one is of a Hydrian house.He got many honors and prizes in his lifetime. Some honors that he got were honorary doctoral degrees from the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Slavonic and Princeton.

One of the loves of Seferis was Cyprus. He first went to Cyprus in 1952 and fell in love with the place at first sight. The island reminded him deeply of the summers that he spent as a kid in Scale. He had a whole book of poems called Imerologio Katastromatos III devoted to Cyprus. The book was also mostly written there. Originally, he wanted to call the book “Cyprus, where it was ordained for me…”. This was a quotation from a poem by Euripides called Helen.

In the poem, Helen’s brother named Teucer told Helen that Apollo has decreed that Cyprus is his home. Seferis sees this decree as a good thing. When the book was published in 1959, he changed the title from Imerologio Katastromatos III to his original title. During his diplomatic career, Seferis did devote some of his time to resolve the Cypriot dispute between England, Greece and Turkey. These countries were in dispute over its international status. Should it be independent or a part of one of these countries? He became personally involved in this dispute and allowed his personal and public lives to mix.

In 1963, Seferis became the first Greek to ever win a Nobel Prize for Literature. He got the award for starting a renaissance of Greek literature and culture in the 20th century.In 1967, there was a coup in Greece. The group that did the coup was the Regime of the Colonels and they were right-wing nationalists. For two years, they censored the press and detained and tortured political opponents.

Seferis was against this regime. He openly expressed his views to the BBC World Service and all the other newspapers. Unfortunately, he did not make it to the end of this regime. This regime lasted till 1974. He did not live that long. His funeral turned into a political protest. As his coffin went down the streets of Athens, people sang his banned poem called “Denial”. He was a hero for being against this regime.

ODYSSEAS ELITIS

A famous member of the center of artistic creation was Odysseas Elitis or Elytis. He was a Greek poet and was considered to be one of the most significant representatives of Greek modernism. His family name was actually Alepoudelis. Elytis or Elitis was his pen name. In 1979, he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. He was born on the island of Crete on November 2nd, 1911. His family then moved to Athens. He finished high school there and later went to the Law School at Athens University.

He published his first poem in 1935 in the journal called New Letters. His published poem started a new era in Greek poetry. In 1937, he finished his military requirements. He was selected as an army cadet and became part of the National Military School in Corfu.

During World War II, he was promoted to Second Lieutenant and was transferred to 1St Army Corps Headquarters. He then was moved to the 24th Regiment where he was at the front lines at one of the WW II battlefields. Even in battle, he continued to write and publish poetry anthologies and essays on contemporary poetry and art.After World War II, he first became a program director of the Greek National Radio Foundation. He would become a director again in 1953. He also has been a member of the Greek National Theatre’s Administrative Council. He eventually became a President of the Administrative Council of Greek Radio and Television.

In 1960, he won the First State Poetry Prize. He was also awarded the Order of the Phoenix in 1965 and got an honorary degree from the Thessaloniki University in 1975.He did not spend all of his life in Greece. He did travel to Paris. He studied phitology and literature at the Sorbonne. The island of Hydra in Greece, however, was one of his favorite vacation spots and he regularly went there. The pioneers of the world’s avant-garde like Everdy, Breton and Picasso welcomed him into their group. He got published in France with the help of a man named Teriade. They became quick friends because they were both from the same Greek island. Also, they both loved the Greek painter Theophilos.

After Paris, Elitis visited Switzerland, England, Italy and Spain.In 1961, he was invited by the United States State Department to come to the United States. The Soviet Union invited him in 1963 and Bulgaria invited him to come to their country in 1965. He died in March of 1996. The focus of Elitis’ poetry was on Hellenism of the day. It was based on how he felt about Greek mythology and institutions.

One of his most famous poems called Funerary Epigrams mentions the island of Hydra. In these Aegean islands of Greece, he found an atmosphere for him to imbibe in such diverse and sunlit settings. He wrote: “When my interest in poetry was first awakened, round the age of seventeen, I found myself in possession of a fund of experience acquired from my life in the islands; my imagination had developed among the rocks and the caiques - the small island boats - among the rectangular, whitewashed houses, and the windmills.

The Aegean had indelibly stamped my consciousness. Thus provided, I could easily have started on a poetic career the sole aspiration of which would have been to reveal the Greece of sun and sea, and would have contented myself with that. But it so happened that, at this crucial moment, I became aware of the theories and the works of the revolutionary French movement of Surrealism. I read with passion all the books and magazines which came from Paris.”He was trying to fulfill many goals in his poetry. One goal was to rid the Greeks of any unjustified remorse they had. He wanted to complement natural elements through ethical powers. He wanted to reach the highest possible transparency in expression. He wanted solve the mystery of light and the metaphysics of the sun.

The key features of this Modern Greek poet, even in his maturity, stemmed from his “Aegean consciousness” and his association with what he described as the “flexible Greek tradition” in literature.His poetry was set to music by Mikis Theodorakis. This music became very popular with the Greeks and became a new gospel of the Greek people. His theories and philosophies have been examined in his own essays and in essays by other people.

HENRY MILLER

Henry Miller is an illustrious member of the center of artistic freedom of Hydra. This is the same Henry Miller that has been depicted in many movies. He was played by Fred Ward in the 1990 movie called Henry & June. Rip Torn played him in 1970 film called Tropic of Cancer. Wayne Rodda played him in a 1970 low budge film called Quiet Days in Clichy. He was also depicted in another movie by Andrew McCarthy in 1990.

Who was Henry Miller? Henry Miller was an American writer and painter. He was known for experimenting with the novel form. He was trying to create a new kind of novel that would be a mixture of novel, autobiography, social criticism, philosophical reflection, surrealist free association and mysticism. The novels that show his experimentalism best are the Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn and Black Spring. In addition to his novels, he wrote travel memoirs and essays of literary criticism and analysis.

Henry Miller’s parents were a tailor named Heinrich Miller and Louise Marie Neitling. They lived in New York City when he was born and they were both of German Catholic heritage. When he was a young man, he tried his hand at many jobs while briefly attending the City College of New York.

In 1928 and 1929, he spent several months with his second wife named June Edith Smith. In 1930, he moved to Paris alone and stayed until the start of World War II. His lifestyle in Paris was dependent on the kindness of friends such as Anais Nin. She was his lover and financed the first edition of the Tropic of Cancer in 1934. In the autumn of 1931, Miller worked for the Chicago Tribune (Paris edition) as a proofreader. His friend named Alfred Perles helped him get this job. He also submitted articles to the newspaper, but he only did it in Perles’s name. Staff members were not allowed to be writers as well so he couldn’t submit articles under his own name.

After the outbreak of World War II, he returned to his home country and settled in Big Sur, California. He continued to his books that so upset his fellow Americans. His last years were spent in Pacific Palisades. After his died in Pacific Palisades, he was cremated and his ashes were spread over Big Sure which had been his home for a long time. You can see his water color paintings at the The Henry Miller Museum of Art in Omachi Cirt in Nagano, Japan and the Henry Miller Art Museum at Coast Gallery in Big Sur.

Henry Miller was introduced to Nikos Xatzikyriakos-Ghykasby George Katsimbalis and George Seferis. Within one week of their association, this rare quartet of creative talent traveled to Hydra for a stay at the Gikas family home. In The Colossus of Maroussi, Miller’s has given a detailed account of his Greek travels, among which the trip to Hydra was amongst the first. This was a huge turning point for him. Those few days in Hydra had a profound effect on his perception of all the places he visited later. He visited Hydra island just before the outbreak of World War II. The anarchy of the homes impelled Henry Miller to remark on the “wild and naked perfection of Hydra.”

In The Colossus of Maroussi, after the initial bout of descriptive and striking prose highlighting the aesthetic qualities of Hydra, his writing turns into a trance-like mode. He remarks that Hydra is a very special rock, “entered as a pause in the musical score of creation by an expert calligrapher. It is one of those divine pauses which permit the musician, when he resumes the melody, to go forth in a totally new direction. At this point one may as well throw the compass away. To move towards creation does one need a compass? Having touched this rock I lost all sense of earthly direction.”A Hydra-stunned Miller remarks: "The town, which clusters about the harbor in the form of an amphitheatre, is immaculate"Developers have tried to develop the island, partly based on the famous people who visited the island. Henry Miller helped tourism in Hydra.

The tourists brought prosperity and mansions and homes were restored. It became a popular place for artists and writers who think they will be inspired by the beauty of the island.

DIMITRIS PIKIONIS

Another famous person connected with the center of artistic creation in Hydra is Dimitris Pikionis. He was a Greek architect and teacher. He originally came from the island of Chios. The architecture of Chios influenced his architectural work. At the National Technical University of Athens, he studied civil engineering from 1904 to 1908. While studying there, he became acquainted with Giorgio de Chirico, who also influenced on his work. After college, he went to Munich and Paris to study painting and sculpture.

He ended up choosing architecture due to financial reasons. He studied architecture at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts from 1909 to 1912, but he did not get a degree. He then returned to Greece to study fold art and served in the Balkan Wars and World War I. After World War I, he studied drawing and ornamentation at the Higher School of Fine Arts. He received a diploma from this school in 1923. While studying at this school, he was an Assistant to the Chair of Classical and Medieval Architecture in the National Technical University.

After graduating in 1923, he became an architect for good and started a private practice. His practice was only stopped by his death in 1968. He was a Professor at the National Technical University. Being a professor helped him influence Greek architecture greatly. He met Nikos Xatzikyriakos-Ghykaswhen he was 41 in 1928. Gikas felt that Pikionis had spent a long time on thinking about life. He had sound knowledge on a variety of subjects. He would rile his listeners by exploring a subject matter that they were not familiar with. He felt that Pikionis had opened new horizons for him.

Pikionis ended up influencing him greatly. Gikas said that when he met Pikionis, he seemed like an anchorite, a new St. Climacius. He was like a humble ascetic or a sage of ancient Greece.

Hydra is visited by numerous colleges and universities to visit the five locations where the famous people went. They read works about them. The most popular works include those by Henry Miller, Patricia Storace, Louis de Bernieres, George Seferis, Nikos Kazantzakis and Alki Zei.

You may also read about other authors and poets who have things to say about Greece and Hydra. Hydra is said to be center of artistic creation in Greece. Its natural beauty has left an indelible impression on many.

Source:

http://www.greeka.com/saronic/hydra/hydra-history/hydra-creation-center.htm

who has fared better with the passage of time, Sofia Loren or the Hydra Landscape!

2010-04-24T21:16:00.000+03:00

Hydra- Greece’s most painted island. By Caterina Pizanias, The ArtExchange

Hydra, one of the most spectacular and now better-known Saronic Islands, has had a rather illustrious and illustrated past. It takes about 1½ hour by boat to reach Hydra from Pireas, Athens’ port, or one can take one of the many day cruises, so popular at the moment, that stop at Aegina, Poros and Hydra. I’d say, though, that if you can afford it you should stay at least a night or two.

Hydra, as a “must” stop destination has had a very short history—the island’s popularity was really initiated after the late Carlo Ponti filmed his “The Boy on the Dolphin” there in 1957. More of that later. It is customary when one writes/speaks about a Greek locale as a travel destination to go back in antiquity to guarantee the place’s provenance. Yes, Hydra was populated for millennia but did not acquire a historical significance until after the 15th century when it became a refuge for displaced peoples. And it was not until the 18th century that Hydra became powerful during the Venetian-Ottoman Wars, when Hydriot ships and their captains controlled the seaways and commerce. Hydriots became wealthy then, and played an important role in Greece’s revolution against its Ottoman occupiers. Later, they took part in the governing of free Greece. To this date, Hydriot families occupy a solid position in the who’s who of wealth and intelligentsia in Greece.

Back to “The Boy on the Dolphin” movie where Sofia Loren played of all things…a Greek woman sponge diver! It was cheesy and improbable, but Hydra’s landscape stood its ground against a most luscious Sofia Loren, in her first ever English-speaking role. The Greek director Mihalis Kakoyiannis followed suit by filming his award winning “The Girl in Black” (1960) on Hydra, and after that as they say, “the rest is history”: wealthy Greeks and foreigners stopped by Hydra’s picturesque Harbour with their million dollar yachts—some of them of Hydriot decent—rediscovering the island and renovating the family mansions.

In between the rich and the not so famous, the intelligentsia followed suit—foreign born such as Leonard Cohen and Henry Miller, and many visual artists, too many to mention, came to call the island home, drawn by the quintessential light, the austere rocky landscape against the wine dark blue sea. Hydra was not a “secret” anymore but a regular “must” see of mass tourism. The locals have tried to protect the island’s architectural heritage by establishing a strict building code; to date there are no vehicles, transportation is done on foot, by donkey or boats. Hydra is a small island and it is fun to explore it on foot. In the spring time trekking up the hills to various monasteries is fun and the vistas are rewarding. Not a bad place to visit, especially in the off-season and with some time to spare Because of its exciting, colorful and wealthy past, Hydra produced many artists in all media and some of the most important and influential modern Greek painters come from Hydra: Nikos Hatzikyriakos, Gikas, Nikos Nikolaou, and Panayiotis Tetsis. The island has held a central interest in their work throughout their very successful careers in Greece and abroad. But none of these captured the essence of the landscape better than Tetsis. He was born on Hydra and studied painting in Greece and in France; at some point he was also the Director of the School of Fine Arts in Athens; he has received many awards and the highest honour in Greece by being elected to The Greek Academy of Arts. His work can be seen in most of the public and private museums and collections across Greece.

If you plan a leisurely visit to Hydra, read up on its history, look up paintings by Tetsis and others, and if you have a good video rental where you live, check out “The Boy on the Dolphin” and see who has fared better with the passage of time, Sofia Loren or the Hydra Landscape!

Source:
http://culturedtraveler.net/Archives/Aug2007/Hydra.htm

An interesting article.

2010-04-24T20:51:00.000+03:00

FIRST Extraction of Water from Air unit at Hydra Island, Greece.
EWA Tech Greece, collaborating with the Municipality of Hydra Island (www.hydra.gr), the responsible local institutions and the Municipal Council has received an order to install a pilot unit for the Extraction of Water from Air. This order will allow the Authorities to evaluate this alternative concept as water source, based on that novel technologies and to proceed and purchase additional such water plant. The uniqueness of the EWA technology as alternative water source is mainly that this water plant need no infrastructure, not depend on water source, other then air humidity and can benefit from renewable energy source, including solar.

The current severe water shortage resulting from global worming and global drought, the difficulty and expensive water transportation by ships and the continuous evidences regarding polluted water, forced the members of the Municipal Council to seek for new innovative options, so resolve the problem of water shortage, particularly in the intense summer months. According to Municipality the demand for water in the Island varies from 1,000 to 2,000 m³ daily, depending on the season.

The EWA water plant is expected to be delivered to the Municipality at the end of May 2009 for the use of the Authorities and the public under appropriate control for accurate evaluation.

In addition to sales in Greece, EWA Tech Greece, and the International EWA Technologies Group already has received orders from various Mediterranean Countries and calculates that until the end of 2009 the company will operate more than 50 water plants with a total water production of 1,000 m³ daily.

The technology for the Extraction of Water from Air was presented by EWA Tech, together with ApolloTech, in Greece in conference that took place on February 2009 in Athens.

We believe that this movement of the Municipality of Hydra Island will constitute a successful proof-of-concept (pilot application) for this novel method, and will prove the superiority of the units, including by comparative-calculation with other water supply options, to Hydra Island and the rests of islands.

EWA Tech Greece

http://www.modernghana.com/news/221763/1/first-extraction-of-water-from-air-unit-at-hydra-i.html

A tiny port in a small island with a Yacht Club!

2010-04-24T19:32:00.000+03:00

The Kamini Yacht Club is a yacht club based on the island of Hydra in Greece. The club is commonly known by the acronym KYC.

Its principal clubhouse is situated in Kamini port, with secondary clubhouses in London and Cornwall for overseas members. Membership is by constitution restricted to those with a connection to Hydra Island and who are actively interested in yachting.

Burgee

The KYC burgee, to a design by British artist Thomas Hoar, is differenced with an azure octopus on a white background with yellow border.

Source:
http://www.answers.com/topic/kamini-yacht-club

Pantelis,the key holder of the port.

2010-04-23T18:56:00.001+03:00

I found this drawing in the internet but I didn't save the name of the artist!
Very vivid and very true!

Easter 2010.

2010-04-23T18:53:00.000+03:00

Greek actor Antonis Fragakis was in Easter in the island.

DESTE Foundation,Hydra's Slaugterhouse project 2010.

2010-04-23T18:50:00.000+03:00

It is said that for the year 2010, the DESTE Foundation has invited Maurizio Cattelan to undertake the Slaughterhouse project.

The artist often visits Hydra .And we should admit that he has got the best swimsuit in the island!

Guilty Or not Guilty?

2010-04-23T18:40:00.000+03:00

Dakis Ioannou's colourful yaght designed by Jeff Coons.Mr. Ioannou is a regular visitor of the island.

We are all waiting the new project at the Slaterhouse.

It is said that for the year 2010, the DESTE Foundation has invited Maurizio Cattelan to undertake the Slaughterhouse project.

Think Positive!

2010-04-21T14:49:00.000+03:00

Pictures from Hydra.

Easter 2010.

2010-04-21T14:47:00.000+03:00

George Papandreou Prime minister and his family spend easter holidays 2010 in the island.He visited Hydra last easter too.

A very interesting article.

2010-04-21T14:43:00.000+03:00

Easter 2010.

2010-04-17T19:35:00.000+03:00

Maria Mpakodimou and Fotis Sergoulopoulos spend Easter Holidays in Hydra.

Maria and Fotis love the island and they often visit it.Last Summer,they spend a month here.

Why come to Hydra?

2010-03-23T13:45:00.000+02:00

WHY COME TO HYDRA?

What makes Hydra unique in Greece is the fact that it has escaped modern development. We do not have high rise apartment buildings, condominium developments, large hotels. Everywhere from France to Turkey along the Mediterranean coast you will find ugly concrete architecture, but NOT in Hydra where strict architectural conservation laws are enforced to preserve the beauty of the island.

NO NOISE POLLUTION : We do not have an airport, we do not permit private vehicles or motorbikes and there are no roads suitable for bus transport. Hydra has no land traffic, no annoying engines to disturb the peace. Only a few municipal utility trucks are allowed on the island.

NO INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION : As the economy of Hydra consists of light tourism, traditional crafts, fishing and farming, there are virtually no activities taking place that seriously pollute the environment.

CHILD FRIENDLY : We do not have childcare activity centres and sports facilities etc. that other destinations might offer as we don’t need them. Hydra is just a natural playground for youngsters offering a rare sense of freedom. They can drop a fishing line in the port, explore the winding streets without the parents being overly worried and you would be surprised how much enjoyment children derive from simple island pleasures, such as seeing a donkey deliver the shopping. They do not seem to miss all the paraphernalia of the hi-tech world. Teenagers love it for the romantic charm of the town and having a choice of cafes and places where they can meet. They can swim by day and dance at night in open-air discos.

UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE : You will not find anywhere else in Greece such a concentration of gracious 18th and 19th century architecture. In 1830 Hydra had a population of c. 30,000 and was dominated by wealthy merchants and shipowners. Venetian builders, carpenters and artisans were imported to work on their mansions. Practically all have been preserved along with hundreds of smaller attractive houses. So the impression you receive when stepping off the boat at Hydra is little changed from that you would have seen two centuries ago.

ART : All of the above features, plus a favourable climate and the natural beauty of the island have meant that it is a perfect place to allow your creative powers to develop. Hydra has a long history of attracting prominent artists, writers and other creative people. Among those are the American poet and songwriter Leonard Cohen and the painters Michel Le Goff the protagonist of Kymatic Art, Jannis Kounelis father of the arte povera, Brice Marden an American minimalist etc… have homes on Hydra. As a result of over five decades of intense foreign cultural input into this island, there are now regular art exhibitions held in small galleries and you will also find groups of watercolour enthusiasts painting on the sidewalk. Greek artists and patrons have followed suit and several of Greece’s most recognised living artists and collectors have now made Hydra their home.

CAFE SOCIETY : Numerous cafes line the port with comfortable wicker armchairs. Here gather daily the personalities of the island to philosophize about life and art. Sitting under enormous canvas awnings right next to the water and sipping a Greek coffee, glass of chilled wine or an ouzo is such a pleasant way to pass the time that it attracts famous faces like Valentino and Joan Collins who you might see at their favourite cafes in the Summer season.

http://brexians.wordpress.com/2009/07/06/greece-hydra-island

Spring is Here!

2010-03-03T18:30:00.001+02:00

Hydra is very beautiful during Spring.And its beauty is priceless.

Big bazaar at Speak Out boutique.

2010-02-03T12:47:00.000+02:00

Only for one day all 60% off!
Be there!Be the first!
Happy carnaval to all.

Carnival In Hydra.

2010-01-26T14:06:00.000+02:00

Carnival in Hydra will be a great opportunity to escape from routine and have fun.
Dance and enjoy your self with us!!!1

deBop online agenda for Athens!

2009-12-30T11:36:00.000+02:00

Το deBop είναι ένας δωρεάν ηλεκτρονικός οδηγός για την Αθήνα, ο οποίος έρχεται στο email σας ως agenda με διαφορετικές προτάσεις για κάθε μέρα της εβδομάδας. Κάθε Τετάρτη, στέλνουμε στους συνδρομητές μας διαφορετικές ιδέες για σινεμά, θέατρο, συναυλίες, εκθέσεις και άλλα ενδιαφέροντα events. Επίσης, σας προτείνουμε εστιατόρια, bars, μαγαζιά αλλά και σημεία της πόλης τα οποία αξίζει να επισκεφθείτε, βασιζόμενοι πάντα σε αντικειμενικά κριτήρια. Κάντε τώρα την εγγραφή σας και ανακαλύψτε την Αθήνα ξανά από την αρχή.
http://www.debop.gr/

Cats want just to have fun.

2009-12-05T18:03:00.000+02:00

Winter time >>>>>>>>> Christmas Time!

2009-12-05T17:48:00.000+02:00

More photos.

2009-11-21T14:00:00.000+02:00

Memories.

2009-11-21T13:58:00.000+02:00

2009-11-21T13:57:00.001+02:00

Themos Anastasiadis.

2009-11-21T13:41:00.000+02:00

21/11/09 Saturday.The sun is shinning and Themos drinking his coffe in Baddera cafe at the port.Τελικά τα νησιά είναι όμορφα και τον Χειμώνα.

Nate Lowman

2009-11-21T13:35:00.001+02:00

Nate Lowman in Hydra: 70 new paintings and a sculpture of a tombstone by the New York artist Nate Lowman that are on display in Karpidas’s gallery, Hydra Workshop.
Links:
http://c-monster.net/blog1/author/sebastian-puig/
http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/nate-lowman/
http://www.lifo.gr/mag/features/1751

Blood of Two. DESTE Foundation.

2009-11-21T13:18:00.001+02:00

Blood of Two Matthew barney-Elizabeth payton Hydra 2009.

http://www.deste.gr/
A performance art collaboration in the former slaughterhouse on Hydra.Check the links for more info:

http://artobserved.com/matthew-barney-and-elizabeth-peyton-debut-blood-of-two-a-performace-art-collaboration-in-a-former-slaughterhouse-on-hydra-island-greece/
http://cremasterfanatic.blogspot.com/2009/06/matthew-barney-elizabeth-peyton-blood.html
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/whatson/results.asp?id=1106388
http://www.lifo.gr/mag/features/1581
http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/17/now-viewing-blood-of-two/
http://c-monster.net/blog1/author/sebastian-puig/

We are looking forward for the next art presenatation in the slaughterhouse from DeSte .

Terry Spencer Hesser and Kira Spencer Hesser.

2009-11-07T17:33:00.001+02:00

TERRY SPENCER HESSER is a screenwriter and a documentary filmmaker Emmy Award-winning producer.

KIRA SPENCER HESSER is Hesser's daughter and film actress .

Terry Spencer Hesser has had the pleasure of telling stories in print, on television, and on the stage for three decades. A recipient of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Gold Award, three Emmys, and a host of other honors, she has searched for vampires in Transylvania, Limburger Cheese in Wisconsin, the meaning of a black canvas at The Art Institute of Chicago, and told the life stories of people ranging from Robert McCormick to Regina Polk. She has also taught children about AIDS and adults about mental illness. Her book Kissing Doorknobs received an ALA award and her play about Elvis was called “the funniest show in town” by FOX News. She has enjoyed working with Audrey Hepburn, Oprah Winfrey, and R. Kelly. Her story on Mackinac Island documents one perfect summer day on Michigan’s treasured island. Terry is currently working on two more programs on islands without cars (Sark, in the English Channel and Hydra in Greece) and is busy documenting Homer Bryant’s Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Academy Center. An avid skier, former scuba diver, and boxing fan, Terry is a world traveler and eager student of…whatever captures her imagination next.

WTTW Airs New Local Two-Part Cocumentary: Islands Without Cars

The Siren Song of Hydra airs Tuesday, August 4 at 10:30 pm

Exploring the Island of Sark with Kira airs Wednesday, August 5 at 10:30 pm

Chicago – July 15, 2009 – WTTW will premiere two unique independent documentaries that take a rare and whimsical look at life on islands without cars, where everyone travels – and transports goods – by donkey, bicycle and other non-motorized vehicles. Islands Without Cars, written and produced by 3-time local Emmy winner Terry Spencer Hesser (Treasures of the Art Institute, A War on All Fronts: The Life and Times of Robert R. McCormick, Artbeat Chicago), debuts on WTTW on Tuesday, August 4 and Wednesday, August 5 at 10:30 pm. The programs will also air on WTTW Prime (11.2) on Wednesday, August 5 (Hydra) and Thursday, August 6 (Sark), both at 4:30 pm.

• The Siren Song of Hydra (August 4) is an exploration into the lives of American and British ex-patriot writers and artists who have responded to the Siren's call and reinvented their lives on Hydra, a preserved architectural and historical landmark and the only developed Greek island without cars. Interviews include internationally acclaimed Hydriot artist Panayotis Tetsus at a showing of his paintings, along with a host of ex-patriots who have followed in Henry Miller and Leonard Cohen's footsteps to make Hydra their home. This is an opportunity to see what it is really like to escape to a Greek island.

• Exploring the Island of Sark with Kira (August 5) is a unique look at the last feudal state in the western world – a tiny ruggedly beautiful island in the English Channel with only 600 contentedly car-phobic residents. Interviews include Seigneur Michael Beaumont, the feudal lord who inherited the island from his grandmother – the infamous Dame of Sark. The program features an "improper" tea (thanks to the Americans) with a founding descendent, an interview with the island judge (who is not a lawyer), a look at the single cell jail for drunkards, as well as demonstrations in pottery-making, chocolate-mixing, carriage driving and cave exploring. Interviews include a rocking horse carver, a water-colorist and a hotel operator straight out of Fawlty Towers.

"This series has been a unique opportunity to explore places that exist according to different rules, in sync with nature," said writer/producer Terry Spencer Hesser. "Sitting on an island without cars and listening to nature, to laughter, and to the ocean is really an opportunity to listen to ourselves – our voices which are quiet and often drowned out in the noise of modern life. Finally, it is a joy to be able to work with my daughter as an on-camera guide...and also with a funder with very creative ideas about meaning," she added.

Islands Without Cars is hosted by Hesser's daughter, feature film actress Kira Spencer Hesser (Matilda) as lively tour guide. The program was creatively conceived by Melissa Sage Fadim of Sage Foundation.

About WTTW

For more than 50 years, audiences have turned to WTTW for distinctive programming that informs, inspires, educates, and entertains. It reaches 1.5 million weekly households over a four-state area, making it one of the most-watched public television stations in America. Recognized for its award-winning local and national productions, WTTW is committed to presenting the very best in cultural, nature, science, public affairs, and children's programming across its four distinct television channels: WTTW HD, WTTW Prime, its Spanish-language channel V-me, and WTTW Create. For more information about WTTW programming across all its platforms, please visit our web site at www.wttw.com.

Valentino Fashion designer.

2009-11-07T17:16:00.000+02:00

Valentino visits Hydra almost every Summer with his big blue yacht T.M blue one.

T. M. Blue One is a hundred-and-fifty-two-foot long yacht boasting a full-time staff of eleven, and a selection of art ranging from Picassos to Andy Warhol.

Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti

Alberta Ferreti fashion designer.

2009-11-07T17:14:00.000+02:00

She has visited Hydra with her stunning Yacht Prometej.

Her crew bought a necklace made by Katerina Psoma from Speak Out boutique for her.Next morning they came back to ask for another one as one of her guests liked it and she wanted the same!Unfortunatly they didn’t find a second one as that piece was one of a kind.

Maria cornejo fashion designer .

2009-11-07T17:00:00.000+02:00

http://www.zeromariacornejo.com/

She visited Hydra summer 2009 .

maria cornejo’s hydra diary October 1, 2008 3:29 pm

Yiassou! I’ve just arrived in Paris after a beautiful weekend on the island of Hydra—about an hour from Athens, Greece. I was invited, along with my husband, Mark Borthwick (who is an artist and photographer); Jussara Lee; the New York-based Icelandic artist Shoplifter; and the Threeasfour gang, by artist Dimitrios Antonitsis to be part of an installation titled Fashion Whatever. The installation was staged at the Hydra School Project, an abandoned school that has been turned into a beautiful gallery space. Mark and I staged a “performance” that blended fashion, art, and music (basically, three models dressed two others in giant layered shapes; they then removed them to show the simple jersey tube dresses they had on underneath). The sun was shining, the sea was pristine and warm, and there was an abundance of local food and great wines. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to send us off to Paris for fashion week! Says Maria cornejo .

Source: www.style.com/blogs/stylefile/wp-content/uploads/hydrasized.jpg

Tara SubKoff .

2009-11-07T16:53:00.001+02:00

Tara Subkoff, the designer behind fashion label Imitation of Christ .

She is an Hydra lover.We hope to see you again Tara!

We like your clothes and your style.

Subkoff, who has appeared in several films including "The Notorious Bettie Page," founded Imitation of Christ in 2000 with Matthew Damhave and in collaboration with creative director Chloe Sevigny. She's also designed lines for Easy Spirit and Bebe.

IMITATION OF CHRIST

NEW YORK, September 8, 2004

By Laird Borrelli

For the first time, Tara Subkoff headed for the tents to show her Imitation and Imitation of Christ collections. While the venue was way more traditional than her usual offbeat locales, those who came for the spectacle were treated to as offbeat a show as ever: It opened with men in military garb and Arab tunics walking double file in the dark, while footage from the Iraq war played on a screen behind. Four American flags hung over the audience. Antony, from Antony and the Johnsons, played piano and sang, wearing half drag. A child recited the Pledge of Allegiance. And a disturbingly accurate George W. Bush impersonator sat in the front row. Asked what her message was, Subkoff answered: "I think it's pretty obvious."

It says a lot about the clothes that they were able to withstand such loaded packaging. Subkoff's collections are more and more about wearable separates, with no vintage in sight. This season her simple Capris, hoodies, pompom cover-ups, and spangle-trimmed dresses were as appealing as ever, worn with the insouciant slouch of the disenfranchised hipster—and the gladiator sandals Subkoff designed for Easy Spirit.

The second half of the show featured the Imitation of Christ line, handmade garments that will be available through Jeanne Greenberg Rohaytn's Upper East Side gallery. These exotic goddess looks were stately and pretty at once: Of particular interest were a simple silver pleated dress worn by Ujjwala, and an elegant draped, embroidered shawl. With their intricate pleats and folds, these pieces were clearly related to Subkoff's participation in the PREMAculTURE exhibition on the island of Hydra, Greece.

Whatever antics Subkoff indulges in, she also adheres to her vision—a strong modern woman, not unlike her friend Chloë Sevigny, who sat front row. "I'm very excited to see Tara evolve," said the actress post-show. She's not alone.

Matthew Barney and Elizabeth Peyton.

2009-11-07T16:50:00.001+02:00

Artists. More about them at Art label.

Chloe Sevigny.

2009-11-07T16:47:00.000+02:00

The Door!And the girls!

She is an American film actress and former model .

Chloe has visited Hydra several times.

I believe she is the ultimate fashion icon and the most stylist actress.I love Chloe perfume ad with Sevigny!!!

Hope to see you again Chloe.
In the photo with her friend Lizzi Bougatsos.
http://www.lifo.gr/mag/features/1563

Vana Barba .

2009-11-07T16:42:00.000+02:00

One of the sexiest and most beautiful greek actress.

She loves Hydra and she often visits the island.We saw her On October sipping her coffe at Isalos café and having a drink with company at Saronikos Bar.

She is a good friend of Alexis Mardas.

Η Βάνα Μπάρμπα (Βασιλική Μπάρμπα) είναι ηθοποιός. Η σταδιοδρομία της ξεκίνησε μετά την νίκη της σε διαγωνισμό ομορφιάς στις αρχές της δεκαετίας του 1980. Ήταν υποψήφια Miss Κόσμος το 1984. Με την παρουσία της στο ιταλικό κινηματογραφικό έργο Mediterraneo το οποίο κέρδισε το Όσκαρ καλύτερης ξένης ταινίας 1991 έγινε ιδιαίτερα γνωστή και συνέχισε την καριέρα της εμφανιζόμενη και στην τηλεόραση αλλά και το θέατρο.

Joaquín Cortés .

2009-11-07T16:40:00.000+02:00

He is a classically trained ballet and flamenco dancer from Spain of Romani origin.

He visited Hydra on September .He stayed at http://www.hydra-hotel.com/ and he spent beautiful moments at http://www.castellohydra.com/ .

Mary Kate Olsen and Nate Lowman .

2009-11-07T16:37:00.000+02:00

Nate Lowman and mary Kate Olsen were in Hydra this Summer.

Nate Lowman New York artist exhibited at Hydra’s workshop .

More info about him and his work at art label.

More photos.

2009-10-31T18:35:00.000+02:00

Zourdos gallery.

2009-10-31T18:25:00.000+02:00

Zourdos gallery from spring to autumn presents several exhibition of artists from all over the world.
http://www.3zourdos.gr/ and at facebook : www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=36038179576

Henri Miller:"Hydra was entered as a pause in the musical score of creation by an expert calligrapher."

2009-10-31T18:09:00.000+02:00

This photo was taken in 1939, and is credited to George Seferis. Seferis (whose real last name is Seferiades) went to Hydra in the Fall of 1939, along with Miller and George Katsimbalis, who were off to visit the painter Ghika at his ancestral home. Miller writes about this visit over the course of several pages of Maroussi, beginning on p. 52.

Hydra is almost a bare rock of an island and its population, made up almost exclusively of seamen, is rapidly dwindling. The town, which clusters about the harbor in the form of an amphitheatre, is immaculate. There are only two colors, blue and white, and the white is whitewashed every day, down to the cobblestones in the street. The houses are even more cubistically arranged than at Poros. Aesthetically it is perfect, the very epitome of that flawless anarchy which supersedes, because it includes and goes beyond, all the formal arrangments of the imagination. This purity, this wild and naked perfection of Hydra, is in great part due to the spirit of the men who once dominated the island."

--- Henry Miller, The Colossus of Maroussi, p. 55

The passage above, from The Colossus of Maroussi, continues in this same vein for a couple more pages. Hydra makes a strong impression on Miller, as does most of Greece during his prolonged visit in 1939. He leaves Greece due only to the tension of the looming world war, when he is forced out and back to America.

Melina loved Hydra.

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Η αξέχαστη Μελίνα Μερκούρη στην Υδρα κατά τα γυρίσματα της ταινίας Φαίδρα. Melina Merkouri in Hydra during the shooting of the film Phedra.Melina loved Hydra and she used to visit the island .

Melina as "Phaedra" on Hydra (directed by Jules Dassin, 1962).

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Aylaki.

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Thank you Vallery!

All the cats of Hydra.

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Summer sieasta,wihout thinking the "difficult" winter.If you want to help them,just check: http://www.hydraark.org/

Η Ύδρα των τεχνών. Art loves Hydra and Hydra loves art.

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Rocky ,cosmopolitan ,traditional ,pure,breathtaking,stunning and artists’ inspiration .

The meeting place of artists and art lovers .And not only. A home for the free spirit .

Many exhibitions are take place in Hydra.

Κατά την διάρκεια του Καλοκαιριού γίνονται πολλές εκθέσεις τέχνης .Η πολιτιστική δραστηριότητα είναι έντονη και άξια λόγου.

We wil try to mention as many as we can.If we forget someone,we will be pleased to hear from you .

These are the galleries and the Exhibition halls in Hydra:

Αυτές είναι οι αίθουσες τέχνης στην Ύδρα:

Melina Merkouri Hall

The Historical museum of Hydra

The slaterhouse of Hydra ( DESTE FOUNDATION)

Miranda Hotel gallery

Zourdos gallery

Michael le gof gallery

Verena foundation (Kamini village)

Work shop (Pauline Karpidas)

And some times in the streets .Also there is a department of Fine arts School of Athens which is located at the Mansion of Tompazis.

Arriving in Hydra.

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Arriving in Hydra.View of the harbour.Φτάνωντας στην Υδρα.Το λιμάνι της είναι από τα ωραιότερα της Ελλάδας!!!

Sofia's Lauren Windmill.

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The path from Avlaki to the port. Το μονοπάτι από το Αυλάκι στο λιμάνι και ο Μύλος της Λόρενς.