His short stories and poems have been awarded in literary competitions, published in collective volumes and published in literary magazines and websites.

His first novel will be released in 2022 by Iolkos Publications.

We had pleasure to host Giannis in one of our houses where he wrote his short story entitled “Tsirigo” which won the first prize in a travel storytelling competition for 2021 held by Hellenic Panorama!

Our GREECE, such a small but so interesting country, can surprise us and at the same time enchant us with its natural wealth, history and creative inhabitants.
Give the words images, emotions, messages …
1000 words… .. a picture

1st Prize – GIANNIS POLYVOTIS “Tsirigo”

I push the bike uphill with my hands. There was not much left until Cheroulaki; after the monastery I will take the road to Melidoni and I will finally get on the bike. In twenty minutes I will be in the sea, naked and all alone, with my sweaty head under the magical water. I look up to see the view of the wild hillside of Vani that descends from the high rocks of the mountain and disappears abruptly into the sea, right in front of Karavonisi, Strongyli and Lydia – the three islets with their foam wrapped at the base ropes. When did thirteen days pass? Tomorrow, at such a time, George – the owner of the house I live in, here in Kythira, in the desert of Vani – will come to pamper me and leave me at the airport of the island. I have thirteen days to meet people; I did not miss them at all. In May, you do not meet a soul in this western part of Tsirigos – Venetian name of Kythera – except for those who quietly cross the sea in the merchant ships of the Mediterranean. Maybe somewhere around here, on the island of Aphrodite in Kythera, Paris and the Beautiful Helen came to enjoy their first love nights, immediately after leaving Sparta. Their example was followed, a few thousand years later, by Panagiotis and Iphigenia – my two parents – who, far from all of them, hid together in the shade of a tree, in the safety of the yellow tent, in the arms of the colorful hammock. Maybe that’s why – on the occasion of my need to isolate myself for the sake of the sketch of my next novel – I return, thirty-four years later, to the scene of the “crime”, curious whether I can feel that first, tender moment of her own. of existence, lest I listen intently to the inner whisper, away from the noise of my petty bourgeois daily life.
I put my hand on my forehead, I try to locate in the background the house I live in, or even around my own houses – empty at this time. My friends “live” in them, I “installed” them in the surrounding bass houses and deceive loneliness, especially at sunset, when the cool breeze argues with the lowered radio. Opposite, the horizon was drawn rather with a pencil, sometimes well-sharpened like a spike and sometimes rough, full of emotions. The sun is still high, it has been two or three days that it suddenly became stronger and it does not forgive the wandering hikers. I rejoice in him as he falls vertically into the calm sea, creating reflections that remind of a multitude of living beings that pulsate, applaud, cheer. I came to Kythira in spring, with closed windows at night, picking up early, cool winds, passing clouds and long-sleeved blouses, and I leave in summer, in the undisturbed blue of the sky and the sea, the dazzling light, the stillness of the air, the air nudity, the unlocked doors, the meridian bellows and the sunset light. There is no better time to visit a place beyond the threshold of two seasons, the change in the landscape drags me towards a better tomorrow.

The gate of the monastery in Heroulaki is locked. I do not look for the key in the surrounding pots, I prefer to get on the hot saddle and go down to the sea. I arrive in Melidoni – what a beautiful name! it holds something of honey and pleasure – and I rush straight to the icy sheet of the sea, somewhere between the Aegean and the Ionian Sea. Unfortunately, I’m not alone. A bulldozer lays sand on the beach for the umbrellas and sunbeds of the season. The days
of innocence come to an end. I go out, dry on a rock and take the road back, defeated and disappointed. At least I’ll get home early, before the last sunset. At the top of the route I am greeted by the “probentza”, the spring westerly wind that has embraced the area of ​​Vani and the surrounding mountains with malleable pieces of fog. I stop on the side of the road to pick sage to scatter it among the clothes in the suitcase. I dissolve a few leaves by rubbing them in my hands and take a deep breath through my palms; primitive scotodin, the same as that felt by all the peoples who passed through here: Minoans, Phoenicians, Argeians, Byzantines, Venetians, so many others.
Just before I get home, the sky lets a gentle, imperceptible rain fall, but without laying it down. The only rain I saw on the island – sweet farewell. I leave the bike on the shady side of the skin and walk to the adjacent olive grove. Traffic by bicycle, or by car, removes from the landscape the meaning of time, this much-needed extension of walking. My eye falls opposite, on the white-clad chapel of Agios Nikolaos of Krassas and its semicircular stone staircase that embraces the eyebrow of the green-gray cliff. I have to go home, prepare for the last act of the project. My peer George brought me wine, oil and tsipouro of his production. I envy the work of his hands, mind and instincts.
Thirteen sunsets, all different from each other, all almost at the same time, all diving into the sea and all lasting as long as two songs and a sigh. Blessing is the immersion of the sun in the water, the baptism of fire – literally – of the coming night. Enjoy walking barefoot on the stone slabs of the terrace at sunset. The departing sun leaves its mark on his last refuge. The last sunset was double. He first dressed in the clouds and then came out again – like the anchors of concerts – just above the horizon. Some dry rocks, under the visible disc of the sun, protrude from the water surface. The waves crashing hard on them look like little white riders trying to get on their horses – unsuccessfully. On such a horse I want to ride too, to take the road to my unsatisfied and unquenchable passions, to stop being ‘unquenchable – the man without lures.
It is night, I pull the curtains of the windows aside, so that the shiver of the crescent darkness enters unhindered. Unsuspecting chirps happily lighten the heavy atmosphere and remind me of what I’ve read somewhere: that passing deprivations and small sorrows are the salt of life. To remember tomorrow, just before George came, to take a photo, the only self-portrait of the last thirteen days. To sit on the terrace of the terrace, in front of the clear horizon and the open mind. Yes, I want to capture my presence, here, on the edge of the earth. After all, there is no place in the world – even in the wildest desert – where you can escape from yourself.
[Kythira, 17 – 30 May 2021]

https://www.yannispolivotis.com

https://www.elliniko-panorama.gr/news/39/37/apotelesmata-diagwnismou-taksidiwtikis-afigisis.html

The post “Thirteen sunsets, all different from each other, all almost at the same time, everything dives into the sea and everything lasts as long as two songs and a sigh.” GIANNIS POLYVOTIS won the 1st prize with an excellent text for his trip to KYTHIRA ! appeared first on Skinos Houses - Kythera - Greece.

It is a situation, a way of life, a philosophy if you will. It is no coincidence that they became a song, but also an emblematic title of a film by Theodoros Angelopoulos. Kythira is intertwined with a sense of travel beyond the ordinary, out of the pedestrian reality, giving the impression of a blissful, age-old, fairytale island place, where all miracles are possible.

This is the reason that many Greek and foreign travelers are caught in the dream trap of Kythera and become visitors by visitors! Let’s see the ingredients of the magic of this irresistible island!

The island where Aphrodite was born
The primary myth wants Aphrodite to have been born in the foam of the sea of ​​Kythera, at the crossroads of the Mediterranean from west to east. The connection with the also magical Cyprus, probably shows that the legend was transferred together with sailors who united the two islands culturally and commercially. Kythira has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, having developed a very important civilization.

The Housti cave, in Diakofti as well, as well as the area of ​​Paleopolis, host findings that confirm the existence of life from deep antiquity, for at least 6,000 years, while it is certain that they were an important station of the Minoan empire. On the Mountain, in the mysterious Agios Georgios, archaeologists discovered traces of an important landmark, namely a Minoan sanctuary which at the same time served as a lighthouse and observatory, which made it very important even in the difficult Byzantine years of piracy – Kythira felt good the power of the famous Kokkinogenis, Barbarossa, who passed through here in 1837, and the annihilation it brought lasted two and a half centuries.

Dreamy beaches

The beaches of Kythera are a whole separate chapter. The variety of the coastline is so great that it does not fit in the mind! Many of them are cosmopolitan, with all the amenities requested by the traveler, while others are secret, hidden in underwater rocky crevices or discreetly sheltered behind a lush tree veil. Kapsali for example in the south is busy, while the pebble beach Sparagario, very close to the village of Kapsali, has inaccessible access, which requires a little climbing to win as a prize its unique waters.

The invisible and beautiful Kyriakoulou is only accessible by boat, and it is worth discovering, the impressive rocks and the deep waters are of incredible beauty! Halkos, near Kalamos, is the joy of the party animal, as with the noisy, youthful bars on the sea, summer looks like an endless celebration.

Also south and nearby Vroulea on the other hand, is the ideal shelter for overnight and relaxation under the starry sky, which seems to kiss the sea. Fyri Ammos, with its lively cave, sunbeds, umbrellas, snack bars and very beautiful water colors is one of the most favorite of all travelers, as well as Kombonada, with its romantic atmosphere. Vlychada on the other hand is isolated, with deep waters and fine pebbles that look like works of art!

Kaladi is suitable for beautiful dives and is in the east of the island, and Lake Paleopolis will enchant you! Access is through the riverbed, the beach has sand and pebbles, while the waters are deep and suitable for diving discoveries. The cosmopolitan Diakofti, in the northeast, with the picturesque taverns on the beach is offered for long day enjoyments and relaxation, while the nearby and beautiful Lake Kakia Lagada is offered for overnight with your friends. Lagada, near the very picturesque settlement of Agia Pelagia, is a meeting place for secular people and in general for those who love Kythira.

Loretzou, north of Agia Pelagia, is strange, with red pebbles giving it a unique appearance, while it is deserted and suitable to feel the power of the sea of ​​Kythera. Fyri Ammos, which is busy and popular, also has red sand. Kalamitsi, the deserted and idyllic Fourni, Agios Nikolaos with the shocking sunset, as well as Routsounas, Agios Lefteris to the west, Lykodimou beach with its romantic cave, Limnionas with its shallow, warm waters, Melidoni, Feloti, and indeed, infinite others, are the coastal treasure of Kythera. Every beach and a whole world, the choices are countless.

The secret world of caves in Kythira

Kythira has very important and impressive caves, which are a pole of attraction for lovers of the beauty of the earth. The cave of Agia Sofia Mylopotamos – near the homonymous village – is very impressive, with great stalactites and stalagmites, while there are two other caves dedicated to Agia Sofia, also with small, picturesque churches at their entrance, Agia Sofia Kalamou and Spi Of Sophia in Agia Pelagia. Housti cave like Katafigadi, apart from their great beauty, which is clearly an attraction for the traveler, is also very important from an archeological point of view, as there are findings of prehistoric, classical and Roman use of these caves as residences and places of worship – storage. . If we calculate the network of mountain settlements, but also the unique landscape created by the waterfall of Neraida, in the heart of Kythera, the hinterland of the island competes with its coastal treasures!

Panagia Myrtidiotissa, the patron saint of Kythera

The monastery is located west of Kythira and is built near the sea in a pine-covered area. It is the spiritual center of Kythera and its church is dedicated to Panagia Myrtidiotissa who is considered the patron saint of Kythera. The image was found by a shepherd in the 13th century in the area of ​​Myrtidia, which was so named after the many myrtles in the area. In the place where the image was found, the poor shepherd built a small church and devoted the rest of his life to its care. After the death of the pious shepherd, the care of the small church of Myrtidiotissa was undertaken by the monk Leontios who with the financial help of the Kythirians enlarged the original church a little and built around it some cells for the hospitality of the pilgrims. However, the large number of pilgrims from various places created the need for a larger temple and thus began the construction of the present temple.

 Agia Moni of Kythera

It is located in the west and center of the island and is built on top of a mountain, offering panoramic views of the Myrtos Sea that is breathtaking. The church of the Monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was built in 1840 with the help of Theodoros Kolokotronis, who had order in the Virgin Mary that if the revolution of 1821 against the Turks won, he would return to the island and help rebuild the church, which celebrates of the Savior on August 6.

The Lantern of Kythera

The lighthouse of Moudari is located at the northern end of Kythera at Cape Spathi. It was built in 1857 by the English and is one of the largest in Greece with a height of 25 meters. The view from the lighthouse is wonderful, with the Peloponnese stretching panoramic and majestic, as the large number of passing boats from this important passage. Access is from Plateia Ammos and the last part of the route, about 400 meters long, is a path.

Local products

HONEY
Thyme honey is one of the best in quality in the world. There are several producers on the island and their main occupation is honey. In fact, the Beekeeping Cooperative of Kythera has been established, which aims to support producers, improve the product, standardize and increase production. You can buy honey from the Cooperative and the producers themselves. Because its production is relatively small, its price is higher than the honey available on the market.

OLIVE OIL
Oil is the main product of the Kytheri farmer. In Kythira you will see many areas with olive groves. The olive tree thrives on the island due to the good climate and the variety is “Koroneiki”. There are two agricultural production cooperatives.

WINE
The Tsirigotes have something to say about their wine. Friends and acquaintances will happen to sit at the table and everyone will start bragging about their own wine, comparing and in the end withdrawing with joy and dizziness! The varieties cultivated in Kythira are petrolanos, rhodite, arikaras etc. The wine is usually white or rosé. The Wine Festival takes place every summer in Mitata.

OTHER PRODUCTS
The people of Kythira also produce cheese, rusks and traditional sweets. In the markets of the island you can also get aromatic herbs, almonds, pears in various varieties and more.

ORGANIC PRODUCTS
Organic farming is being promoted lately as an alternative view of modern human nutrition. Foods free from the use of drugs and fertilizers are completely safe for health. The Kythera Organic Farmers Association has been established in Kythira in recent years. The products of organic farmers are certified by the Organization for Certification and Control of Organic Products “DIO”. Organic products have high prices due to their quality and that is why producers are turning more and more to organic farming. You will find organic products in selected parts of Kythera.

RURAL LIFE
Kythera land is barren and agricultural production is poor. It is perhaps the most important reason that forced many to migrate in the 20th century. Most of the area of ​​the island was once cultivated, while the population reached 10,000. That is why wherever you look on the island you will notice that the earth is separated by stone walls. Most of the land today is barren.
Nevertheless, there are still many who are engaged in agriculture. In fact, the promotion of Organic Agriculture and the state programs (eg agritourism) has pushed young people to engage in agricultural production which is now becoming more profitable. Also the use of new technologies in the agricultural sector protects production more.

In Kythira there are currently two agricultural cooperatives for oil production, one beekeeping and one organic. The efforts of the farmers are supported and strengthened by the Development Company of Kythera.

https://visitkythera.com

The post Traveling to Greece… Kythira, is not just a beautiful island, with hidden beauties -It is a way of life -It is no coincidence that they became a song appeared first on Skinos Houses - Kythera - Greece.

By EP Kalligeros

A picturesque church of Kythera is perched on a rock, a few meters above the sea, in the area of Mavros Vrachos SW of Myrtidiotissa.

In recent years, when, under the supervision of the Myrtidiotissa committee, the road to the church was paved with cement, the area attracts many citizens for a special reason. The sunset from there is wonderful and Santorini is blind to have, as its fans say they enjoy at every opportunity.

Until a few decades ago, only hunters came to the church, as the place is one of the best hunting grounds. Now the prey is few and the place is easily accessible. On the evening and on the feast of Agios Nikolaos in December, a lot of people gather.

According to tradition, a captain of a small ship loaded with wine, named Nikolaos Kasimatis (his name is mentioned in the inscription), was in danger of drowning in a big storm and begged the Saint of the sea to save him and the one who built a small church in memory . of, there, on the cliff. The saint heard his curse, the ship was saved and the captain, faithful to his oath, built the church, but, instead of water that did not exist to make the mud, he used wine from the cargo of the ship and for this reason . the chapel was named Krasas. Exactly or not the tradition says this and the church is located there from the 17th c.

Some people used to say that whoever entered the temple felt a smell of wine in their nostrils. If we deviate a little from what the traditions say, which for some reason are similar in many parts of our country, we can mention a few things, without of course knowing if only the builders used wine to knead the mud.

First, the place where the temple is built is well above the sea in a place where there is no space, even a rudimentary one, to approach a ship or a boat, nor any imprinted path to climb up barrels and even full ones.

Secondly, in the only old document that mentions the naidrio, in the code of Bishop Nectarios Veneris of 1697, the chapel is mentioned as an exomonium, without reference to the nickname “Krasas”, as is done for other naidrios.

And thirdly, the tradition of building temples with mud, in which wine was used instead of water, exists in many parts of Greece, without of course this means that this method was not used in many places. Many cases are known, and we mention Agios Georgios Krasas in Nenitouria of Chios and Krasopanagia in Methana.

Both places are pleasant from the sea, but with great difficulty from the land. There are definitely other cases. But, true or not, tradition does not cease to be tradition and we like traditions, when our mind wants to rest and romanticize our gaze in nostalgic quests in the depths of the blue sea, which is faced by anyone who goes to our… Wine . And if the temple was not built with wine, we there, apart from the divine intoxication of the area,… we drink with the immortal romantic spirit that reminds us of the surrounding sea and its saint.

Unfortunately, despite the romanticism of the text, our traditional shuffle in the thousands of photos in our archive did not allow us to find a sunset in Krasas, which we definitely had and so we borrowed it! Nevertheless, our many visits to the site give us the opportunity to show in all the hours how many corners this place has.

To get to know a place that many Tsirigotes have not gone to yet and spend some sunset that we did not offer you here. You will remember us and you will bless the memory of the owner of the temple, regardless of whether he stung the mud with his precious wine to weigh the saint who saved him or, simply, someone later made history for our Krasas as well. We always like…

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