THE GREEK CONNECTION

Information has just been received from my original source in France that suggests the name Binos is, indeed, Greek in origin. I am having the documents translated and will post them soon.

In the meantime allow me to tell you of our (Annie & I ) latest adventure!

On the 19th May 2002 we left SA for Athens where we stayed for a few days. I was hoping to meet Nikos Binos who signed my guestbook but he did not turn up.

After Athens we went to Rhodes where my paternal grand mother was born.

Then we went sailing and some of our pics are below.

After sailing we flew up to Limnos Island and saw Kris and John Binos - remember them? We had met them previously in Australia. More of that later...............................

What a marvelous Island Roddos....especially "the old city".

There were 15 other passengers and the captain, Nikos Papaioannon, the cook (and owner of the boat) Antoni, the stewardess, Diliana Mitkova and our wonderful tour leader, Jolanda Damalidou.

The trip was incredibly good........made possible by the informality of all and wonderful travel companions.

Talking of companions.......there was that Mexican lady who was, clearly, "born to be wild"........Carla Mahringer. Carla is married to Jörn, an enthusiastic German pilot who showed great interest in everything.

Another wonderful couple, Franz and Gabi also Germans, were just great to be with as well.

Whilst we were at Patmos, near the cave where John wrote Revelations, we had such a wonderful chat with Jörn, Carla, Franz & Gabi. Franz related to us a great happening in his life and I was able to tell them about the miracle in my life.

Franz is an accomplished diver an did a few exhibition dives for us........way to go man!

Then there were the "Aussies"........Ok so they do play better cricket and rugby than us Kevin...AND......I apologise for the world to see.......I was wrong about the last cricket final....it must have been all that Greek air and food and beer and ouzo that muddled my mind.....I bet you are finding that highly amusing hey!

Kevin had never before driven a scooter but hey, what the heck, when in Greece.......... Jack just what do you think your Gran and Gramp are up to? Drop me a line and I will tell you..............

Then there were the Scots......... Stuart and Ann. They had travelled Greece before and we were able to draw on their knowledge when necessary. Stuart felt let down when he saw all the pretty young girls sitting on my lap, he insisted he be given the chance as well! (girls later)

Then we had the young ladies who added a refreshing atmosphere to our mixed bundle! They were Germans and one of them seemed to be missing her boyfriend (?).