13/04/23

[Maik]

Today’s bank rates:
1 €UR = £0.9068 GBP
1 €UR = $1.1250 USD
£1 GBP = 1.1028 €UR
$1 USD = 0.8889 €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 13/04   18°/12°   18 km/h   08%   Sunny
Fri 14/04   17°/10°   18 km/h   24%   Cloudy
Sat 15/04   16°/11°   12 km/h   07%   Sun & cloud
Sun 16/04   15°/10°   18 km/h   87%   Rain probable
Mon 17/04   16°/10°   17 km/h   78%   Light rain probable
Tue 18/04   16°/11°   15 km/h   72%   Showers probable
Wed 19/04   16°/10°   13 km/h   71%   Showers probable
Thu 20/04   17°/11°   17 km/h   57%   Showers probable
Fri 21/04   17°/11°   16 km/h   24%   Sun & cloud
Sat 22/04   17°/11°   17 km/h   24%   Mostly sunny

[Maik]

Zakynthos’ Shipwreck Beach to Reopen with Limited Access

The famous shipwreck of Zakynthos will be made accessible to the general public again, albeit with restrictions.

It was reported on Wednesday that a ministerial decision would approve access to the shipwreck by visitors to Zakynthos but only by sea. Access to the shipwreck and the surrounding area was completely banned due to safety concerns stemming from potential landslides.

Passenger boats will be allowed to approach Navagio Bay where the shipwreck is situated at a distance of approximately 40 meters, according to reports.

Access to the shipwreck and surrounding area is expected to resume in a limited capacity on October 31, later this year.

Visitors will be allowed to swim in the bay at a specified distance however access to the beach itself will still be reportedly forbidden.

https://greekreporter.com/2023/04/12/zakynthos-shipwreck-beach-reopen/

Access will resume on October 31... after the tourist season is over 

[Maik]

Harry Potter books to be made into new TV series

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-65258807

I'm still a little surprised Captain Corelli's Mandolin hasn't been turned into a TV series, the film left so much out.

[Maik]

Tories hail Greek migration policies as an example. Instead, they should serve as a warning

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/apr/12/tories-hail-greek-migration-policies-as-an-example-instead-they-should-serve-as-a-warning

Might be of interest, even if you don't agree with the Guardian's stance.

[Maik]

Ford launches Britain’s first hands-free self-driving car

Ford has launched Britain’s first hands-free self-driving car system after securing permission from the Department for Transport to allow motorists to let go of the steering wheel on motorways.

The company will charge £17.99-a-month to owners of its electric Mustang Mach-E vehicle for access to its “BlueCruise” system, which will drive the vehicle for motorists and allow them to take their hands off the wheel.

Once enabled, BlueCruise will allow drivers to travel at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour on UK roads, using radar and cameras to adjust speed, steer on bends and change position in a driving lane. Drivers will be monitored using an infrared camera to ensure they are paying attention to the road.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/04/13/ford-mustang-mach-e-hands-free-self-driving-car-british-fir/

[Maik]

'New car' smell may increase risk of cancer, study suggests

Study finds formaldehyde, a class one carcinogen that can cause cancer, exceeded the acceptable threshold when monitored inside a car

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/04/13/new-car-smell-may-increase-risk-cancer/

[Maik]

Airbnb hosts to need planning permission to turn homes into short-term holiday lets

Plans aim to stop residents being ‘pushed out of cherished towns’

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/airbnb-holiday-home-planning-permission-b2318943.html

[Maik]

Dame Mary Quant: Fashion designer dies aged 93

Dame Mary was credited with popularising the mini-skirts that helped define the Swinging 60s.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-65265531

[Maik]

‘Bonkers’: Male blood donor turned away for refusing to say if he was pregnant

Steffen McAndrew hits out at ‘political correctness gone mad’ in question he believes is designed to ‘placate the gender-brigade’

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/04/13/scotland-nhs-male-blood-donor-turned-away-pregnant/

[Maik]

Incident in Arogostoli earlier today involving Panagis Kappatos, ND MP for Kefalonia & Ithaka, a journalist, Nikos Manesis, and a 'passer-by' said to be a known local neo-fascist. Allegedly, a couple of passers-by made derogatory comments to the pair as they sat having coffee and another spat on the ground as he cycled slowly past. When Manesis remonstrated with the man the pair nearly came to blows. As far I know there was no physical assault on, or harm done to, Kappatos or Manesis.