Corfu isn't really Greece. In fact many people in Greece consider it a semi-autonomous island that owes its loyalty more to Italy than Greece, some even think that loyalty leans more towards Britain. A little history come in handy when talking about these things so....
Here's Corfu's basic timeline
1. Korkyra - Phaeceans ... 735 BC - 229 BC
2. Roman Corfu ... 229 BC - 565 AD
3. Byzantine Corfu ... 565 - 1386
4. Venetian Corfu ... 1386 - 1796
5. French Corfu ... 1796 - 1799
6. Russian Corfu ... 1799 - 1807
7. French Corfu ... 1807 - 1815
8. British Corfu ... 1815 - 1864
9. Greek Corfu ... 1864 - Present day
So, it's had a varied set of occupiers, the last being Italy and Germany in WW2. The Venetians left the biggest mark on the place (in my humble opinion, that is) and built the huge Palaio Frourio or Old Citadel which dominates Corfu Old Town. Then there is the New Citadel which is huge also. It's a place that has been fought over for many years!!
Today it is peaceful and the nearest we get to any kind of dispute is when the bin men go on strike and the rubbish lies around for a few days. Not quite the Turkish army laying siege to the island.
We live in a very sprawling village called Pikoulatika, the center of which I'm still trying to locate! It's probably the most laid-back place I've every lived in, and I've lived in quite a few places. So, life is very pleasant, if a bit quiet.......
More to come when something happens.....
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