This year in addition to European and North American tourists, Aussies are expected to dominate the scene to visit the HANZAC memorial, located in Pellana, Lakonia, Greece.
Already Americans have dropped by, paid their respects, provided with a tour and took images for the photo albums. Carol Kostakos Petranek and her relative dropped by. Carol has been instrumental in digitising Lakonian Births, Deaths and Marriages. All of which someday will be available on line.
For those who have contacted me earlier, I have arranged for a small BBQ all pre-pepared from the local tavern operated by Dina Sigalos in the village some 500 metres to the North West of the memorial.
My cousin Chris Glekas also helps out with the BBQ and as a result its a win win for everyone. The memorial becomes better known and the village also benefits.
For those who wish to wine and dine after visiting the memorial they can take their pick from visiting one of the many villages high up in the mountains of Taygetos mountain range, like Georgitsi and/or the village of Kastori (Kastania); located some five kilometres from Pellana. In both villages, good restaurants can be found.
Georgitsi has a couple of good restaurants and suitable accommodation complete with a swimming pool. Kastori Lakonias includes two bars, one of which is Bills House Kastori and a must see to believe. Many of us have great memories of the place.
Events are held throughout the year by Kastori and at Agios Kostadinos, held by Dr Spandidos who is also a philanthropist. Last night for example, the village of Kastori held an opera with Julie Zavrias a renowned American singer was the main event accompanied by her orchestra. Julie’s ancestors came from Kastori. The event attracted in excess of 400 people and was a success.
Petros Doukas the Mayor of Sparta was also in attendance. Mr Doukas was also a past parliamentarian whose ancestors had links with Kastori. I attended the event to support my cousin Eleni Vlachogianni who is currently in hospital but expected to recover.
The event at Kastori, unfortunately was marred by thieves who took advantage of the event by breaking and entering local homes and businesses. Luckily their attempts were thwarted for they were spotted and an alarm went up with the locals chasing after them, seeking blood so to speak. This is nothing unusual for such occurrences to happen at large gatherings. Luckily I have taken precautions and have knstalled security cameras.
At Pellana for those who are more adventurous, they can visit the ruins of Helen of Troy’s palace, the royal tombs, the Neanderthal cave located above the village or even go orienteering or hiking around the village is a worthwhile pursuit. It’s better to have a local guide to them around. In this case, I can assist them.
The village of Pellana recently had a very successful “panagyri” (music festival) and the event attracted people from all over the region. A creative to the Pellana “syllogos” (committee).
Peter Hatherley is well known by the villagers of Pellana for his daily extraordinary long walks. This year, Peter and Maurice Barwick could not make it. However Warren Payne who has been a visitor previously is considering 2024 as a possible visit.
Friends who are accommodated at the cottage all contribute towards their accommodation by donating to the HANZAC memorial. These funds maintain the memorial. If you can cook, dig, clean, wash dishes and hang out the washing then its a bonus. [Ha ha ha] Ask those who have been here previously.
Sparta or Sparti in Greek is a mere 25 kilometres South end approximately 15 minutes by car. Sparta is rich in ancient ruins and it was a shame that modern Sparta was built on top of the old. Further south along the new highway you can reach the magnificent beaches that hug the Lakonian and Mani region coast. There is accommodation to be found at the fine hotels and restaurants all over Sparta.
It you go north into the wilds of Arcadia, you will not regret it. There are numerous ancient ruins, wonderful stone houses, terrific scenery and great restaurants. Many ancient ruins are still under excavation and finally being exposed to today’s world. Buried beneath some four to six metres, the ruins finally reach the light of day.
To the West is the region of Messenia with its wonderful beach fronts, olive trees and ancient ruins. Pylos and ancient Messenia come to mind. The capital of Messenia called Kalammata is one place where tourists flock for the sun, surf and night life.
To the east where the sun rises over Kouromenos Hill (Old Baldy), you head towards the Parnona mountains and huge amounts of ruins that date at least three to four thousands years before Christ. The further east one travels towards Athens, the more complex the terrain becomes and ancient ruins are very common in all parts of the Peloponnese.
Meanwhile, back at Pellana and the memorial, an Aussie RCB veteran and former Royal Australian Engineer, Kon Glekas arrived with his wife Fotini and daughter, Kelly. (Young Angela their other daughter is arriving soon).
Kon has also contributed to the memorial in the past and was proud to see his name on the marble stele. Photographs were taken, additional chit chat and promised to catch up again soon.
Kon, like me is a past President of the Melbourne Victorian Panlaconian Brotherhood. Both of us have origins and ancestors from the village of Pellana and both of us are ex-Australian Regular Army. After their tour of the memorial we made our way down to Kastori for dinner at my cousins John Merekoulias, restaurant.
It was good to see them after a long absence and between drinks. During the time they stayed, we caught up where left off last time some years ago and closed another chapter in our lives. After dinner Kon and his family dropped me off at the cottage and they returned back to their hotel to continue with their holiday plans.
We also had my cousin Louis Rass and his lovely wife Tanya drop by. Louis father and my mother were brother and sister and both our clans are very close.
Its a battle at times, but what can one do but go with the flow and put up with ones environment. Magnificent blue skies, great climate, wonderful people, access to the seahore (40 minutes drive), mountains to climb, day trips, ruins of a bygone era, caves to explore, good food and plenty of wine. I guess, I will just have do it tough and survive the elements.
I look forward to meeting many more visitors in the near future.
