27/04/23

[Maik]

Today’s bank rates:
1 €UR = £0.9122 GBP
1 €UR = $1.1370 USD
£1 GBP = 1.0963 €UR
$1 USD = 0.8795 €UR

Based on Alpha Bank exchange rates, these are widely used by exchange agencies in Greece.
Other banks likely to offer a different rate which may be marginally higher or lower.
Banks and foreign exchange offices normally charge standard 2% commission.
You may get a better rate changing your holiday money in advance at e.g the Post Office.
NB: some f-ex agencies advertise "No Commission".
Invariably, they deduct commission before they (don't) advertise the rate.
Foreign exchange offices are businesses, not charities.

Ten day weather forecast for Kefalonia:
This is an overall forecast, due to the mountainous terrain the weather can be very localised.
Updated forecast @ weather.com

Day, Date   Hi°/Lo°   Wind sp   Wet   Forecast
Thu 27/04   19°/12°   29 km/h   02%   Sunny with wind
Fri 28/04   19°/12°   18 km/h   10%   Mostly sunny
Sat 29/04   19°/13°   14 km/h   07%   Sun & cloud
Sun 30/04   19°/14°   13 km/h   24%   Mostly cloudy
Mon 01/05   20°/15°   15 km/h   54%   Showers probable
Tue 02/05   20°/15°   23 km/h   70%   Showers probable
Wed 03/05   21°/15°   20 km/h   64%   Showers probable
Thu 04/05   20°/14°   20 km/h   63%   Thunderstorms probable
Fri 05/05   20°/14°   20 km/h   24%   Sun & cloud
Sat 06/05   20°/14°   21 km/h   19%   Sun & cloud

[Maik]

5.5 Magnitude Earthquake In Greece Felt In Egypt

An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale hit Greece Wednesday evening and occurred in the sea area 25 kilometres south of the island of Astypalaia.

Some seismology institutes give the magnitude also as 5.1R, 5.3R and 5.5. R

The earthquake occurred at 11 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

It had a focal depth of 108.4 kilometres.

https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/04/27/5-5-magnitude-earthquake-in-greece-felt-in-egypt/

[Maik]

Might be of interest to anyone on Facebook, an old home movie of (parts of) Kefalonia. You might need to join the group to watch.

[Maik]

Mykonos fines to be reduced with demolitions

In the latest twist in the Mykonos saga, a new Environment Ministry legislative provision stipulates that if the Principote and Nammos bars on the island demolish all of their illegal structures by early May, they will pay a minuscule fine of just 500 euros instead of the millions first envisaged.

https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1209642/mykonos-fines-to-be-reduced-with-demolitions/

[Maik]

The perfect Greek island holiday

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/tours/ultimate-itineraries/perfect-greek-island-hopping-holiday/

As with many Telegraph articles it's behind a paywall so to read it you'll need https://12ft.io/

(And no, there's no mention of Kef - not really an ideal island hopping destination)

[Maik]

Voluntary beach clean organised by Ratzakli community association at Mounda / Kaminia this Saturday, 29 April. Meet 16:00 at Marina Bay Hotel.

[Maik]

Anyone with an Alpha Bank account may like to be aware that Greek police are warning about a scam email *apparently* sent by Alpha Bank. The substance of the message reads:

«Ελέγξτε τώρα Λαμβάνετε αυτό το μήνυμα ηλεκτρονικού ταχυδρομείου, επειδή είστε ένας πολύτιμος πελάτης που έχει εγγραφεί σε μέτρα υψηλού ασφαλείας. Σας ευχαριστούμε για την άμεση προσοχή σας σε αυτό το θέμα. Θερμούς χαιρετισμούς».

That translates as:
"Check Now You are receiving this email because you are a valuable customer who has subscribed to high security measures. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Best regards."

Advice from the police is to delete the email without clicking on the «Ελέγξτε τώρα» (Check now) button.

[Maik]

Big-selling electric models are among the most depreciating used cars

New data reveals the used cars that have lost the most of their value since last year – and four of the top 10 are popular EVs

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/hybrid-electric-cars/the-most-depreciating-used-car-models/

[Maik]

Pets Now Allowed in More Than 120 Archaeological Sites in Greece

Greece has decided to allow pets in more than 120 archaeological sites, under conditions, in a pilot program that excludes popular monuments such as the Acropolis.

Until now the entrance to archaeological sites was only allowed for dogs accompanying people with disabilities.

https://greekreporter.com/2023/04/27/pets-allowed-archaeological-sites-greece/

[HiFi]

I assume cat litter trays are provided?

[Maik]

I've seen strays sunbathing among the ruins, can't imagine anyone taking their pet cat, or did you mean for tourists who self identify as furries?

[Maik]

Gov.gr portal now available in English

Gov.gr, the state’s digital portal, is now available in the English language.

The translation of the site facilitates the access of non-Greek-speaking residents to 1,547 online government services.

Gov.gr hosts every digital service that ministries, organizations, authorities and regional and municipal councils have put online.

Users can search directly for the service they are interested in or find it under the categories provided.

In addition, they can list all the services by their providing authority.

https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1209737/gov-gr-portal-now-available-in-english/

[TonyD]

I assume cat litter trays are provided?

They'll need them for the school trips going by a recent post