Wednesday 29 June 2011

Halki in Pictures

Last Friday, June 24th, on the Halki trip, I took the camera again and so, here below are some more Halki moods. Hope you like them...

(As usual, clicking on any of the pics will open it in a larger window)

Above: 
A forest of Agave flower stalks, sadly signifying that these particular plants will soon die, after probably 20 years of growing.

Above:
This is the bay where there is a very pleasant beach to the right, which is very safe for bathing and sports the required taverna too!

The couple in the pic above were Jean & Phil Sibley, who have just contacted me by e-mail since arriving home in the UK. I remember them well, but didn't ask them their names at the time. So, since Jean's now been in touch, I'm happy to name-check them here. Especially since they haven't taken legal action since discovering their photo on my blog!!





Above:
The Traditional House of Halki. Well worth a visit and signposted from the harbour.
Regarding the spelling, see text at the end of this post.




Above:
This woman was scaling fish, a traditional task going back for centuries. What brought me down to the modern day with a bump was the fact that, whilst carrying on a conversation with someone several metres away, she exclaimed at one point: "Tell her to put it on Facebook!"




 The above pic features two of my guests on the excursion. A lovely couple of Grecophiles from Poole in Dorset, UK, called Maggie & Phil. I was trying to remember who Maggie reminded me of. Then it came to me, didn't she once play the lead in "To The Manor Born"?

They used to have a place in Northern France, but having chatted with them about their impressions of Rhodes & Halki in particular, I'd say it's only a matter of time...


Why "Halki" and not "Chalki"?

Simple: Τhe Greeks read the "ch" as a gutteral "H." We Brits see it and say "chalkey" as in "chalk" with the "i" sounding like the double "e" in "see." 

The correct pronunciation is "Hal'key". With the "Hal" bit sounding like the computer's name in the movie 2001 a Space Odyssey.

So this is why I spell it, as do many Greeks too, without the "c". Although, just to confuse everyone, sometimes the Greeks will spell it "Chalki" when using the Roman alphabet (as is the case with the signs for the Halki Traditional House). The Greek spelling is Χάλκη. This is because the "x" in Greek is the gutteral "H" and if you want a real "X" (as in "taxi") you use "Ξ" in upper case or "ξ" lower case. 

Of course, you already know that the "η" is like an English "i"!

Still awake? Thought not!

Also, check out this post too.

12 comments:

  1. Great set of photos John. They portray a Greece where time seems to have stood still, retaining all of the qualities that draw people back to the islands year after year! Good Greek lesson too. And there's me thinking French is difficult!

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  2. Like the pics? I love them. You have made me determined to visit Halki next time we are on Rhodes. Often meant to but the instant relaxation that occurs on arrival means we usually opt for a gentle stroll or meander in the car and are not organised enough to get to the west coast in good time for the ferry. Managed it this year but choppy seas acted as a 'spanner in our works'.
    Thank you for the drip feed of incentives to explore more and more!
    Vicki

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  3. I'm always saying, "You've got to drip feed their incentives" aren't I darling?

    "Of course you do dear (sighs)."

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  4. John, I'm in Kalathos from the 16th, and fancy a day trip to Halki, having never been there in my 30 odd years on Rodos, how can I find info on day trips, and what days do they sail ?

    Dibs

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  5. Suggest you go into either Pefkos Beach Hotel or Pefki Island Resort and see if you can talk to the Thomson (TUI) rep. They'll be able to sell you the Friday trip,which means you'd have me as your escort!!

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  6. lol..... Good try, and as much as I would like to buy you a beer, I've been a independant travller for longer than I care to remember and organised trips are not my bag.
    Dibs
    ps I'm also an acquaintance of Swannie's

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  7. That's a bit below the belt Dibs!! I don't get anything out of it if you come with me. You asked about day trips. Best way to do it under your own steam is turn up at Kamiros Skala and catch the boat. But you'll need to hire a vehicle in order to do that. I think the boat is €20 each way, but it may be €10, can't remember as I've no occasion to ask.

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  8. Thanks John, Sorry I should have mentioned I have my own transport, the beer's still on though. I'll have a word with John B when I'm over.

    Dibs

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  9. Further to the above, the excellent Halki Review (see news & stuff page) posts timetables. Best bet for a "turn up hopefully" visit are the daily excursion boats. You can Call Kristianis ["Nissos Halki"] on 6988-155630 or Kristos ["Nikos Express"] on 6945-743539. The Dodecanese Express goes from Mandraki too at 8.50am Tuesdays and Thursdays. Departs Haki for return at 16.00. Fridays and Sundays departs Rhodes 9.00am. Departs Halki for return at 17.50.

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  10. Thanks John

    Dibs

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  11. HI John if you come across anyone that needs accomodation in Halki we would be happy to help, you can reach us at www.halkivillas.com
    Regards
    Asimina and Dave

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  12. Thanks guys, when I get a moment I'll add your site to my links page!!!

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