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by **Richard** » 31 Jul 2007, 16:04

I have just read or re-read the wonderful trio of books on Greece by the late, lamented John Ebdon.

Whilst the Odyssey and Iliad were extremely funny (yes, I did laugh out loud several times), the third in the series, "Near Myths", was largely about his visit to Symi with his wife in 1988. There were several references to Symi residents that seemed very familiar and probably actionable. Has anyone else read it recently and can they identify themselves or others in these pages?

by **benedetti** » 31 Jul 2007, 16:08

You have given me a title to suggest for our next book group. Ta.

by **Kojak** » 31 Jul 2007, 16:30

Hmm, 1988? you've got me worried now Richard... :?:

by **maziemoo** » 31 Jul 2007, 16:52

Mmmmm...sounds like and interesting little read!!

by **Ozzie Geoff** » 01 Aug 2007, 04:20

1988

I too am a little perturbed... :evil:

by **Adriana** » 01 Aug 2007, 10:35

Is that the one with the priceless, if somewhat patronising, description of what subsequently became the Valanidia on the Pedi road? :twisted:

by **Richard** » 01 Aug 2007, 11:21

It certainly does include an entertaining description of a visit to a certain taverna with no food on the Pedi Road. The apologetic owner disappeared to fetch some tzaziki but forgot to return until the following day. I hope things have changed since then.

by **Mille** » 01 Aug 2007, 11:24

Once again books that cannot be found anywhere near me :evil:

by **Allan** » 01 Aug 2007, 11:31

Here you go Mille...

They will post to DK for you too so no excuse!

by **Mille** » 01 Aug 2007, 11:39

Are you nuts, Allan?
The delivery rate is more expensive than the book itself!

by **Allan** » 01 Aug 2007, 11:44

[quote="Mille"]

Are you nuts, Allan?
[/quote]Of course.

Postage to the UK isn't bad so being a mate, I've just ordered the cheapest copy. I'll read it on Symi and leave it for you in one of the bars.

All you have to do is find which one!

Have fun searching. :geek:

by **Mille** » 01 Aug 2007, 11:51

Awwwwww, you're such a sweetpea!
:mrgreen:

by **Richard** » 01 Aug 2007, 12:10

If any more copies are purchased, David and Charles Ltd will have to bring the 3 books back into print.

by **Jan** » 01 Aug 2007, 13:03

Near Myths includes an account of a visit to a shop in Chorio which must have been the one run by Irini, wife of the late Sotiris who (for the benefit of new(er)comers to the board) was the owner of the caique Triton now run by his son-in-law Makis. Ebdon mentions the shop owner having an 'innumerate daughter'; something we laughed about many times in later years Nikoletta many times as she struggled to add up what we owed for 'two walkers, one with BBQ, one without and the round of beers when we all arrived'.

I haven't read it for years, so do say where the copy-for-Mille is to be left so I can borrow it in September.

by **Jan** » 01 Aug 2007, 13:05

No, I haven't had a pre-prandial ouzo - just can't move my fingers as fast as my brain. You can work out what I was trying to say!

by **Kojak** » 01 Aug 2007, 13:12

I call it digital dyslexia, Jan. I suffer from it too. Somewhere between my brain and my fingers the message gets a bit lost! :?:

I remember a lovely little old lady I used to say hello to daily. She had a shop near the Jean and Tonic. I bought a carton of cigarettes there. She painstakingly wrote down the price of one packet, then wrote the price again underneath and added the two together. This went on until she triumphantly, with her usual beaming smile, showed me the price of a carton, 10 packets. I just hadn't the heart to show her how to put a nought on the end.

by **Jerry** » 01 Aug 2007, 16:58

Just goes to show what a gentleman you are Kojak despite what others may say, even with socks on.

by **Kojak** » 01 Aug 2007, 21:11

I may keep my socks on, Jerry - but I always take my hat off! :twisted:

by **MacDuff** » 01 Aug 2007, 21:35

Can the "ladies" please confirm - or deny the above statement :twisted:

by **maziemoo** » 02 Aug 2007, 11:47

Perhaps we could go searching together Mille :geek:

, I wouldn't mind a look at this book either

!

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