The former Italian embassy

This unassuming edifice once housed the Italian embassy in Hania, which was formerly ruled under the Venetians. It is located in the centre of town, right across from the municipal gardens, and can be viewed by the public by appointment only. I've never seen it open; a sign remains affixed on the inner wall next to the door with a few details relating to its former glory. Since Crete became part of Greece in 1913, the Italian embassy became obsolete, with all embassies relocating to Athens.

Skywatch Friday: Full moon

It's Skywatch Friday again, and I managed to capture the full moon, as seen from my house, in amongst the electricity wires.

Volvo P220

I really don't know how this Volvo P220 manages to look brand spanking new - it dates back to 1968, so it's 40 years old. It has a 2008 road tax sticker, the body work is original, the interior is in perfect condition; the owner must be very proud of it. Only the license plate looks a little beaten up. It was parked right outside the Agora; I'm amazed the owner actually drives it into the town, which has recently filled up with reckless drivers.

ABC Wednesday: Street sweeper

It's ABC Wednesday again, and S is for street sweeper.

I admire the patience of this immigrant to my town, taking on the job of sweeping the main street right in front of the Agora clean for the benefit of the locals and tourists alike. He didn't bat an eyelid when he saw me photographing him; he just proudly carried on with his work. Notice how he's tied a few blue bin liners behind him; he's just doing his job.

Splash of colour

This woman's headscarf adds a splash of colour in an otherwise dreary dull inner-city neighbourhood which is undergoing renovation, judging from the smooth stucco walls of one of the buildings. But even that has managed to acquire graffiti.

I suppose the woman's Russian - maybe from Georgia or the Ukraine. A local Greek woman her age would never wear such a colourful scarf; hers would be plain black.