Former Shropshire man Colin Dodd writes about life in Greece, where he has lived for the past 10 years.

It’s been very quiet just lately, the tourists all gone back home, the islanders getting into winter work mode, olive picking, farm working etc. All very peaceful and mostly relaxed.

So, what about the debt crisis?

To be honest, I would place a hefty wager that you people in Shropshire know more about what is happening in Athens than those of us living on Kefalonia.

Everybody here knows that austerity measures are inevitable. Everybody knows they will be unpopular, and, in many cases, unfair, but there is nothing we can do to change things. We have had a few minor disruptions on the island, public servants staging 24 hour stoppages, taxi drivers doing the same, but at the end of it all, life goes on. Que sera sera.

A few short months ago, the topic for discussion in the local Cefeneons was the debt crisis, now, they are back to the football, much more important. It’s not that we don’t care, we do, but, whatever action the public servants take in protest is futile, so the “man in the street”, can do nothing to change things, so, why worry?

The Prime Minister has stood down, inevitable really. Not so long ago, he announced that he intended to hold a referendum on the latest bail-out measures, the result of which was glaringly obvious. After all the protests, demos, strikes and violent disorder against these measures, what did he think was going to be the outcome of a referendum?

Not surprisingly, when he announced this plan, stocks and shares in the country, dropped like a stone.  Next day, he did a u-turn, no referendum after all. Not surprisingly, stocks and shares in the country recovered dramatically. Hmmmmmmm.

On a brighter note, at last, we have an affordable airline flying to the island from next April. Easyjet are doing 2 flights a week direct from Gatwick, maybe the other airlines will try to compete, or, maybe not. Currently, a flight only can cost more than a 2 week package holiday, unless you can book really early. Now of course, you can go on the web, book, pay and be on your way for a fraction of the cost. One wonders if Virgin may try to get in on the act too.

I hope you all had a good Christmas and that the new year brings you all you need. A very happy new year to you all,

Best wishes,

Colin.