Gerard Butler, the Scots actor who played Leonidas in the film '300' came to Greece last week to take part in yet other celebrations. It is 2,500 years since the Battle of Thermopylae, in 480BC The film '300' is the story of Leonidas, King of the greek state of Sparta, who with his 300 Spartans and about 2,000 soldiers from other parts of Greece, faced the Persian army. They held the narrow pass at Thermopylae for 3 days. Leonidas and his men were all killed. The rest were either killed or surrendered. Spartans never surrendered or showed weaknes. Spartan mothers expected their sons to either come home victorious or be carried back dead on their shields. The Persian forces are thought to have been between 100,000 and 300,000. When the Persian ambassador ordered the Spartans to lay down their weapons Leonidas yelled 'come and take them'. All fesitivities have been cancelled but Butler did manage to take part in the first day of the Olympic torch relay, carrying the flame into the city of Sparta. When he reached the statue of Leonidas he shouted out 'This is Sparta' much to the crowd's delight.
Authenticity
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For me, the overall positive experience of developing my awareness of self
, it to feel authentic. Nearly 62 years on this planet has allowed a myriad
of ...
Saturday
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On Thursday Norwich played the second leg of the play-off semi finals. My
private prediction for the result was that Norwich would lose 6-0. This
was ...
Vapourised.
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What is there to write about when the students have gone and the summer
visitors haven't yet arrived ?
Out on the coast we meet the owner of the Germa...
Being taught how to walk.
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When I was still at school, I was sent on a Junior Officer Training Course.
I think it was at Catterick, but it could have been anywhere. A coach
pick...
Approved!
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I found this message from the U.S. State Department in my Gmail inbox a few
minutes ago.
*Application Status: Approved*
The U.S. Department of State appro...
Early Morning
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THE LOCAL SPIDERS WERE BUSY OVERNIGHT.
I WENT OUTSIDE TO WATCH THE SUN RISING THROUGH THE AUTUMN MIST.
THE TEMPERATURE WAS 5 DEGREES CENTIGRADE, ALMOST L...
Thatcher and Small
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Winter has kicked in. Earlier this week we had stock take at my work and
nearly everyone worked until late on the first night and finished about
11.30...
TAMAHERE IN MAY
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*It's too damn early to be getting up!*
*AND it's freezing. I'm gunna have so many layers on ... in an attempt to
keep warm today.*
*And for the fir...
Rough and Ready or Carefully Planned?
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I admit that I am very much a rough and ready blogger. I squeeze blog
writing and reading into a few minutes here and there. My real life is
busy, I ...
WHITTAKER
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A few weeks ago Doug's youngest grand-daughter and her husband lost their
chocolate Labrador, Whittaker. (Whittaker is a New Zealand chocolate brand)
S...
Cone of Shame
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I don't think he has been more sad in his entire little cat life. Can I
just say having a cat in a cone is a pain in the neck for the humans? This
is a...
It's about thyme....
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I have an herb garden, with parsley, lavender, dill, oregano, basil and
thyme. The thyme, oregano and thyme wintered pretty well and are doing
their s...
Pet peeves
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Don’t you just hate it when you have to untangle yarn because there are
extra bits inside
I knew I was in trouble when I saw three ends coming out the mid...
May Days
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Despite late frosts earllier in the month, the ever faithful Clematis has
once again returned.
May Days cometh.
And Spring arose on the garden fair,
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Box factory fire in Kohukohu
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On 2nd April 1937 a serious fire occurred in Hokianga's Kohukohu. It is not
known how the fire started but it originated in the factory that makes
woode...
A bar of Bochox
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Hubby got this 'medicine' for me when he was picking up some refills at
the chemist/pharmacy.
I love that it is 'not to be taken seriously'!!
Another sunny day, another ride
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No punctures this morning and we had a uneventful 34 km ride out through
the Lincolnshire countryside. After all that exercise I felt it was okay
to str...
Books 12-15
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The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her
job under less than ideal circumstances. Her h...
Backyard Chronicles II
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Dear Meredith
Mr B got a couple of those trap camera things for his recent birthday. I
guess you have seen one sitting on the back lawn. We've been havin...
Catching up!
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Oh dear, nearly six months since I last posted a blog. It is not that I
have been bothered to write to you. Oh no. It is because words have been
absent ...
I write. I create. I observe and record my life, after 40 years, in Greece. I love to create either with my handy craft, cooking or writing. Freeform always. Keep it simple, keep the interest, make it useful. I write about my garden sometimes, my grandchildren and the different culture and traditions. My New Zealand up bringing was so different from this way of life that I do truly feel like an alien at times. Greece is home but so is my kiwi 'homeland'. I am a citizen of both and an alien in both.
Isn't he gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHe looks rather naughty to me
ReplyDeleteTall, dark and dangerous.
DeleteGood that he was there.
ReplyDeleteHe just managed to get in and out before the worst came. The crowds waiting for him at Sparta were the reason for stopping the Olympic torch relay
DeleteExcellent pep talk by him!!!!!!
ReplyDelete"Tall, dark and dangerous" Doesn't get much better than that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stay wise, clam, safe.
Turn off the ๐ฑscreaming๐ฑ sources.
Listen to your local County Public Health source.
๐๐ท๐ฑ๐ท๐
I hadn't really heard of him till this celebration came up. I'll look out for his films now
DeleteI love historical movies and he is one of my favourite actors, we will have to check that one out.
ReplyDeleteThey've shown it here a couple of times on TV but I haven't seen it. After reading about the film I will watch it next time. Looks good
DeleteThe glory days of Ancient Greece. Makes us all proud
ReplyDelete