Benitses maps in large size showing in such detail all small roads, paths, and landscape, this map of Benitses is the only one that exists in such a size.
All maps are tourist maps in Greek and English, they can be opened in new windows when clicked.
Benitses area maps
Benitses map
Here is the map of Benitses with all details and all roads
Benitses village as the Benitses map shows has it’s north limit at the junction of highway Lefkimis and the Corfu-Achilleion Street and ends at south in Tsaki area where the Achilles hotel is situated.
Crossed as shown on the map by the coastal highway, there are some cross-streets leading to the old village, to the mountain villages of Stavros, Agioi Deka, and Gastouri.
The road that leads to Stavros village starts from a point at Chontrakia region, it is extremely steep for the first 2 km, winding and narrow, but then things get better and only the turns remain.
There is another road that starts from the entrance of the old village, crossing and passing beside the aqueduct where is divided into two paths, the left path leads to the mountain village of Agioi Deka and the right to also mountain village of Gastouri, it reaches Gastouri at the building of Philharmonic society.
This road, especially the track which passes through the old village of Benitses is a problem.
The road width does not exceed 2.5 meters and passes between adjacent houses, so if two cars are meet one should make back even 500 meters.
Countless cars have left their footprints on the walls of houses, in a corner a metal bumper is placed to protect the building.
During the summer with the increased traffic where foreign visitors do not know the street narrowness, the situation becomes grotesque if not unacceptable, it is a road difficult even for pedestrians.
In some electronic navigators, this path is indicated as the main road, this is wrong and needs to change.
The mountain roads from Benitses to Agioi Deka and Gastouri are extremely narrow and dangerous, they are used with great care and only in case of emergency, they are offered only to serve traffic between the inhabitants of the three villages, and only for this purpose.
Coronavirus Live: Breaking news, world Map and live counter on confirmed and recovered cases.
In the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, China, a series of cases of pneumonia occurred.
On January 9, 2020, the Chinese health authorities announced that it is a new corona strain (2019-nCoV).
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that usually cause respiratory infections of varying severity in humans and animals. It is estimated that about a third of upper respiratory infections in humans can be caused by coronaviruses.
The Greek organization of Public Health (EODY) is monitoring developments from the beginning and is in constant contact with both the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
EODY(Greek Organization of Public Health) remains vigilant about possible cases of the disease in travelers while it has already issued and systematically updates information material and specialized instructions.
Data, Breaking news, a world Map, and live counter on confirmed and recovered cases you can find on the sources below.
The disease caused by the new Coronavirus was named COVID-19 and despite early predictions, within a short time, it spread beyond the borders of China, around the world.
The disease is very easily transmitted through the respiratory tract, even by asymptomatic patients who are in the incubation stage that lasts several days, and this makes it very dangerous.
It is transmitted by droplets emitted from the nose or mouth of asymptomatic carriers but also by objects that they have touched or had any contact with them.
The symptoms in the vast majority of cases can vary from very mild to none, with exceptions, but for the elderly over 65 and various vulnerable groups with underlying chronic diseases, such as heart problems, diabetes, hypertension, and many other chronic autoimmune diseases can be very serious, with severe pneumonia that can lead to death.
Incidents involving organs infected such as the heart, kidneys, stomach, brain, etc. have also been reported.
So far the data shows an alarming mortality rate of around 5% which is much higher than that of the common flu and from what we initially thought.
Since there is no specific drug or vaccine against coronavirus, the only defense we have at the moment is complete self-isolation and lockdown in entire areas or even countries and states.
Also to keep our immunity system and defenses in good shape by getting plenty of rest and eating well.
It is important to follow strict hygiene rules, such as frequent and thorough washing of hands with soap and water for more than 20 seconds, avoiding any kind of congruence with other people and keeping a distance from everyone, at least two meters.
The use of gloves and masks is essential for those who know how to use them properly, improper use of masks can be very dangerous as it can help the contamination instead of protecting, so the instructions for its use vary from country to country and are conflicting.
Currently, the epidemic is at its peak, and the entire planet, especially Europe and North America, where the epicenter of the pandemic is, is in lockdown with almost all economic activities locked up.
The health and humanitarian consequences are devastated and well known, we see them every day with tens of thousands of deaths.
But the economic consequences that will follow will be frightening, they will even test the existence of some countries, unemployment, and recession will reach unprecedented levels much higher than those of the 2008 crisis, but they still cannot be accurately calculated now.
Especially the tourism sector has been destroyed, with airlines and travel agencies going bankrupt.
The absence of the tourism product for 2020 is the strongest blow for Greece since tourism accounts for 25% of GDP and essentially feeds the Greek economy.
The priority at the moment though is to tackle the pandemic with health systems around the world fighting the toughest.
Health systems that, due to neoliberal policies, are proving to be insufficient with understaffed personnel and shortages of basic medical supplies, therefore unable of dealing with all cases that have serious complications of the disease.
This is not the time to blame responsibility, they will be blamed after the pandemic.
Two conclusions are definite.
The first is that humanity will survive, an effective cure and later a vaccine will be found sooner or later.
And the second is that the world after this shock will never be the same, how different and in what way it remains to be seen.
Mental health issues due to the pandemic
The coronavirus might affect not only your physical wellbeing but also your mental health. As we might be instructed to stay home due to the pandemic, the mental health symptoms might worsen.
This is a useful guide about improving mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please keep in your thoughts those who are affected by this unfortunate outbreak.
It shows the entire area of Benitses almost from Koutsomaroula bay up to Laopetra, seems to been pulled from the base of the then old pier in the harbor.
So thanks to Mr. Alan Walker who took it and kept it on traditional paper in a long frame it can be preserved forever, it is the old memory of a village a little different and certainly more picturesque and beautiful.
The photo was given by Mr. Alan Walker to Argo pool restaurant bar, then to Takis Kontos of Cultural Association in May 2013, Takis brought us the frame yesterday and today is already ready for all of you to see.
A big Thanks to Cultural association and Takis especially for their trust, this photo belongs to local residents, and the watermark is there only for protection reasons as always, also includes both websites.
We have the photograph at a much higher resolution and available to everyone.
Benitses – the port area at 1981
Below there is a similar picture from May 2012, but from another angle, from the exact spot where the top of the old pier was and therefore the village seems further away …
But anyone can send some conclusions, we do not express any opinion but simply only present and leave the conclusions for you.
Many of you simply know me as Coronavirus. So yes. I’m SARS-CoV-2 and this is my message to Humanity.
I am the enemy of your vanity!
Forgive me for not informing you in a timely manner, but I know when I will arrive, in what form and with what power I will hit you.
Why am I here?
Let’s say I’m here because I’m tired of seeing you go backward instead of progressing.
I was tired of seeing you constantly being destroyed by your own hands.
I’m tired of the way you treat and destroy your planet.
I am tired of your incomprehensible obsession with everlasting growth, growth at the expense of the environment, depletion of the planet’s natural resources, and excessive carbon dioxide that disrupt the climate and cause natural disasters.
I’m tired of the way you treat each other.
I’m tired of your abuses, the violence you carry out, the wars, your interpersonal conflicts, and your superstitions.
I’m tired of seeing you being jealous of social looks, your skills, your hypocrisy, and your selfishness.
I’m tired of the little time you spend with your families.
I’m tired of the lack of attention for your children. I’m tired of how shallow you are.
I’m tired of the importance you often give to superficial things at the expense of the important.
I’m tired of your pathetic and endless search for the best dress, the latest smartphone model, and the most expensive car just to satisfy your vanity.
I’m tired of your scams. I’m tired of the propaganda in your media. I’m tired of the insufficient time you spend to communicate with each other.
I am tired of your constant complaints while doing absolutely nothing to improve your lives. I’m tired of seeing you in disagreements and bickering over trivial occasions.
I am tired of the constant skirmishes between those who govern you, I am tired of your wrong choices of those who govern you.
I am tired of seeing people muttering and even killing for a football match.
I know … I’ll be tough with you. Maybe more than enough, but I don’t stand out.
I’m a virus.
My action will cost you lives, many lives, cause I want you to understand once and for all that you have to change course … For your own good.
The message I have to give you is simple.
I wanted to emphasize that the society you have created is wrong, so you must change it.
I wanted to pause everything to force you to understand that the only important thing you have to deal with your soul from here and onwards is the following: Human and life. Yours and your children’s.
And that they really need to be protected, embraced, and shared.
I wanted you as confined and isolated as possible in your homes, away from parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren.
To be able to understand how important a hug is, a human contact, a conversation, a handshake, a night out with friends, a walk, a dinner in a restaurant, a run in the park in the open.
From these images, everything has to start all over again.
Bring down racism, divisions between you, ignore the religions that fuel hate and wars, let go of stupid nationalisms, I had shown you that you are all the same, still not seeing it?
Do not discriminate between you.
Respect the planet that hosts you, the resources it provides are more than enough, and surplus for you to live all rich, share the wealth of the earth, I will not forgive you next time unless you take away the wealth of the few to share it with you all.
You will have no other chance if I find humanity again with children starving and dying, with innocents being killed in futile wars, with uprooted refugees looking for a new home, with homeless people, with starving people, with exploitation, misery, and social inequality.
The wealth that your work generates should not be concentrated in the hands of the few but used to protect the planet and the lives of yours and all other species, to provide everyone with a comfortable life without anxiety and uncertainty about the future, to be channeled into scientific research on cures for serious diseases rather than weapons of death and destruction.
You are the rulers of the planet and you must take care to keep it alive.
I have shown you that there are no distances. Although so small and invisible I traveled thousands of miles and I am everywhere in no time.
I am a passerby, but the feelings of solidarity and cooperation that I have created in your hearts in a short period of time should last forever.
Live your life in a simpler way, Walk. Breathe free. Help those in need because the goodwill always is returned to you.
Enjoy and respect nature.
Do whatever please you and fill you up and create the conditions that will allow you not to be afraid for the future.
I’ll stay with you as long as needed, When you start the celebrations it will be because I’ve gone.
But remember, don’t try to be better people only as long as I am present because I will come back mutated and stronger.
Bye”.
sars-cov2
This letter was written by Danilo Calabrese
With many additions by Antonio Tirospanacoli
In the midst of war, we cannot speak of celebrations and events, let alone when the war is waged against all humanity by an invisible enemy that threatens not only the lives of all of us but also the existence of states and the whole structure of the world as it was until now.
Corfu Easter-2020 and COVID-19
No, the earth was not been attacked by aliens, neither did nuclear world war broke out, nor did a meteorite fall from space, it is something much worse.
A tiny new virus, about one-tenth the diameter of the common influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2 as it is scientifically called, causes the COVID-19 pandemic that in record time has spread from China, from where it first appeared, across the globe with catastrophic effects, such that mankind has not yet known.
The illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 or coronavirus, causes severe pneumonia that is potentially lethal for old and burdened with health problems people, but also it doesn’t make exceptions for much younger and healthy people too.
There have been thousands of victims within a relatively short period of time, with the disease, if not stalled, able to affect millions, and the impact, both from the virus and from the unprecedented isolation measures of entire populations taken from almost all countries to the economy, to be unprecedented as there is no cure or vaccine yet.
But apart from the lives of all of us, this situation threatens the very structure of today’s civilization.
Already, economies are shaking to the brink of collapse, and the future of mankind, until at least some cure and later an effective vaccine is finally found, it will certainly be very, very different, and probably not reminiscent of anything we know so far.
And we’re still at the beginning.
What is the situation in Corfu
Although, until today 19 March, Corfu is free of coronavirus cases, the whole country is under a limited quarantine to prevent coronavirus disease spread in the country, nobody knows until when, it will depend from the size of spreading, but currently, it will last for at least some months.
Therefore for Easter 2020, it would be meaningless to think about events, celebrations, and visitors.
After all, to limit the COVID-19 disaster as much as we can, we have no other way than to isolate people as more is possible.
Greece until now is doing fine, schools, restaurants, hotels, most shops, even organized beaches are closed, also citizens are strongly advised through mass media campaigns to [email protected] and avoid concentrations and go out only for absolutely necessary activities.
These strong measures have been taken early by the government and have limited the number of cases so the national health system can cope with all severe cases and save the most lives that can be saved, despite the financial cost, for us the Greeks, human life is above all money and financial cost.
See you all at Easter of 2021
We wish the nightmare to end as quickly as possible, life is above all and maintaining life is the first goal, we must survive first and then to think about the economical disasters so that we can rebuild our world in a completely different direction at this time.
With respect to the planet that tolerates us, but we are consciously or unconsciously destroying it, and by setting human above numbers, crushing capitalism and its derivatives such as stock markets, rating agencies, and all their inhumane models of governance to religions, tribes and set borders that will fall.
And the world’s governments must act now, mankind cannot stand another uncontrollable financial collapse and the only way to save anything that can be saved is to spend the most money now to help the scientific community to find a vaccine soon.
If we don’t stop this now, the money will have no value in a few months.
money for toilet paper
We hope all this is an exaggeration, we pray for the nightmare to go, the financial damage to be manageable, so we can be together in Corfu next year, at Easter of 2021, and this time in more numbers than any other year, to celebrate Easter 2021 with a different mindset and greater love and solidarity for humanity.
Now, we do not travel, we all stay home, we limit the spread of this curse, we all stay spiritually united, we take care of our lives without calculating the financial cost, and everyone prays in what he believes, in order to save humanity from disaster.
Rich history, old-fashioned architecture, and the best part of all— Greek food.
Greece is a country so rich in so many aspects that you might find it hard to squeeze in all the sights to see and all the souvlakis to try during a short stay in this glorious place.
With so many ancient cities to school, you about Greek history and mythologies, a trip to Greece isn’t only limited to leisure and some time under the sun. It’s also about walking along with historical sites and experiencing firsthand these famous cities that we only read about in books.
I know you’re excited to take that flight to the cradle of Western civilization, but we’d have to burst your bubble for a little while to remind you of some of the things to avoid when visiting Greece.
Don’t show too much skin when visiting churches
Greece is clad with beautiful churches and monasteries that any tourist would be tempted to visit and well, snap photos of, but keep in mind that these establishments should be treated with respect.
Greeks are particular about wearing proper clothes when entering a church. It’s best that you follow the dress code when you plan to visit any of these sites to avoid getting called out by locals and churchgoers.
For men, long shorts and trousers will do, while long skirts for women are the most appropriate. Make sure you pack enough of these clothing items since there are a lot of churches and monasteries to visit in Greece. No need to worry about your carry-on luggage dimensions, with proper rolling and stacking, your long skirts and trousers will fit right in your bag, that’s for sure.
Whether you’re religious or not, you should try to abide by this particular dress rule because that’s how you show respect to the culture.
Don’t go shopping mid-day and on Sundays
Greeks are known to keep plenty of traditions, one of which includes something about their shopping habits.
For shopaholics out there, don’t try to shop during mid-day or on Sundays if you don’t want to come up empty-handed. Greeks value their siesta time so much, so don’t waste your time going out to shop at noon as markets and shopping centers will likely be closed.
However, if you really have no other time to do your shopping but during mid-day, large malls in Athens are continuously open up until the evening every day of the week except Sundays.
All the above are concerned with large towns and in any case not large or small tourist areas, where you are really welcome to shop at any time of the day, every day.
Don’t rely on credit cards, unless on a tourist or large area
If you’re the type of traveler who relies on credit cards every time you go out, you might want to consider giving them rest when you’re in Greece.
Greeks love cash, especially in remote areas and less touristy places. Sure, you can use your cards everywhere, at the hotel and all the big restaurants in town, but if you plan to go on a tour at less crowded spots and traditional tavernas, then your cards might not be of great use as Greek people don’t seem to love them much.
Always carry cash with you to enjoy the rest of your stay, so you become more likable. Otherwise, you might need to withdraw at the nearest ATM around town.
Don’t take photos of military facilities
Out of respect for international rules, we should always abide by them to avoid any trouble with authorities.
In the case of the Greeks, they don’t want their military facilities to be the center of your travel photos, especially in some sensitive areas like the one in the Aegean islands near the Turkish border.
Don’t touch artifacts in museums
I think if you’ve traveled well enough, you know that museums have restrictions when it comes to touching exhibits. And they are strict about such rules.
In Greece, their museums and galleries are more strict about this because of certain archaeological materials present in the country. Some of these artifacts are century-old, so they are well-guarded and are often inside a glass window or in a safe location.
Don’t do the moutza
If you’re unfamiliar with moutza, it’s a very well-known Greek gesture to show disapproval and insult someone. Hands are extended while all five fingers are open.
When you’re in Greece, be mindful of this specific gesture, some locals might mistake you for doing a moutza, which might be taken as an offense. Greeks find this really offensive, so try to avoid this as much as possible.
Don’t get intimidated by the Greek alphabet
The Greek alphabet may look intimidating, but even if it looks strange to you just remember that it is the ancestor of the Latin alphabet that you use, and cannot be so alien as some people think, in fact, the Greek language is the source of 10% of all English words used today. You speak Greek but you just don’t know it yet, have a look here.
The Greek language does carry a good amount of history up to its sleeve so when visiting this country, make sure to bring some Greek words with you.
Besides, learning a new language, especially one with a challenging alphabet, could mean a whale of fulfillment on your part. I don’t know about you, but it really feels good to be able to understand foreign signage when traveling abroad.
If it helps you embrace the country and its culture more, Greeks are known to be friendly, so don’t hesitate to ask for some help understanding their language.
Don’t drink the tap water unless they tell you it’s okay
For common health reasons, drinking tap water is not advisable when you’re anywhere in the world and not just in Greece.
There are areas, even close to each other where drinking their tap water is perfectly safe, and other places where it is not potable, especially when you’re in Mykonos and Santorini, just to remind you that most of the Aegean islands are almost dry and they bring water from the mainland that is mixed with some desalinated water from some drillings!
Therefore, while these Greek islands are famous for their gorgeous setting and vibe, the water from the tap is extensively high in minerals, so it is not good for you to ever try to drink directly from their tap if you don’t want to stay inside your hotel room the entire day because of not feeling well.
The ones in some areas of Athens and Thessaloniki might be safe, but not everywhere.
Let’s be clear, the tap water all over Greece is not contaminated with any microorganisms or bacteria, the only problem is the high concentration of minerals that makes it not potable only in some areas, so ask your hotelier or your travel agent to be sure if the tap water in your area is potable or not.
In any case, and to be on the safe side, it’s still best to just buy bottled water, which is priced fairly cheap to avoid incurring water-related gut illnesses.
Don’t try to drive like a Greek
Well, we all know how Greeks go crazy when it comes to driving. It’s fast and furious all day and every day, especially in Athens. But just a reminder: you are not a Greek, so don’t ever try to keep up with them when it comes to driving.
Remember that the vast majority of drivers in the big towns are working people who are in a hurry to get to their jobs, you are a tourist seeking a relaxing time, so be careful and respect their daily habits.
Things are much better and more polite in the large tourist islands and tourist areas.
Road safety should still be your topmost priority when driving. When you encounter one that’s really wild on the road, just pull over and let them pass. Remember to keep your eyes glued on the road ahead of you, while you also make sure to check the sidelines for incoming fast cars.
Greece is generally one of the best European countries to visit! There are a lot of things that you can do in this country of gods and goddesses, just be mindful of their lifestyle and culture to avoid any street brawl with brawny Greeks!
PUBLISHED BY
Geraldine Mills
I live to let go, I live to travel far and wide. I live to imprint my feet in different places, in different spaces.
