Greeks in America

2021-12-01T19:32:00.013-08:00

The Proper Order of the Greek Alphabet
and its Pronunciation

The new COVID variant named Omicron was selected out of sequence so as not to use the Greek letter Ξ (Xi) which actually sounds just like the Chinese Premier's name.

Many of the letters of the Greek alphabet look like English language letters, but are pronounced differently in Greek. For example the letter B (Beta) actually has a V sound, not the B sound in words like banana. So, the following table corrects the pronunciations that appear in Wikipedia.

Upper Lower Name English Equivalent Greek pronunciation

Α α Alpha a An "ah" sound like avenue.

Β β Beta b A "v" sound like violet.

Γ γ Gamma g Not a "g" sound. Similar sound to y in "yes," or "yah."

Δ δ Delta d A "th" sound like "the."

Ε ε Epsilon e A "e" sound like elephant.

Ζ ζ Zeta z Just like the English Z.

Η η Eta h Not an "h." It is an "e" sound like "Italy."

Θ θ Theta th A "th" sound like "theater."

Ι ι Iota i An "e" sound like "Italy."

Κ κ Kappa k Just like the English K.

Λ λ Lambda l Just like the English L.

Μ μ Mu m Just like the English M.

Ν ν Nu n Just like the English N.

Ξ ξ Xi x Correct pronunciation; just like Xi.

Ο ο Omicron o Just like the English O. A short "o" in Ancient Greek.

Π π Pi p Just like the English P.

Ρ ρ Rho r Just like the English R.

Σ σ,ς * Sigma s Just like the English S.

Τ τ Tau t Just like the English T.

Υ υ Upsilon u An "e" sound like "Italy."

Φ φ Phi ph Correct pronunciation; like philosophy.

Χ χ Chi ch Not a "chi" sound; an "h" sound, hypothesis.

Ψ ψ Psi ps A "ps" sound like "Psaki."

Ω ω Omega o An "o" sound. A long "o" in Ancient Greek.

2021-11-17T20:58:00.004-08:00

Exciting restoration of Olympia where the ancient Greeks held Olympic games by Microsoft.

With the help of the Greek government, Microsoft has started the digital restoration of all the temples and the facilities that are in Olympia, Greece. There are 27 major ancient sites in Olympia and many more minor sites. Until now, visitors had to imagine the splendor of the temples of Zeus and Hera in Olympia, as well as the facilities where the athletes trained and where they lived. Many of the columns, statues, friezes, walls, and stadium facilities can be seen in Olympia. I had the thrill of running through the athletes' entrance to the ancient stadium. In addition to the beautiful archeological sites, Microsoft's AI brings a view of the ancient glories that can be found in Olympia.

Source: https://inculture.microsoft.com/arts/ancient-olympia-common-grounds/?ocid=AID3042383_QSG_558695

The temple of Zeus as seen through Microsoft's AI.

Microsoft AI tools complete existing structures.

Retaining rights to Greek cultural sites in Turkey

2021-10-21T20:21:00.005-07:00

The Ottoman Turks took over not only the geographic area that was Byzantium in Asia Minor, but they confiscated all the Greek cultural treasures in that area. The latest insult was turning a Greek religious temple, Hagia Sophia, into a mosque. How does the UN allow that? These cultural treasures should forever belong to the Greek people.

UNESCO,a branch of the United Nations, states that "Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration."

UNESCO lists visit by their representatives regarding Greek cultural sites in Turkey, but no actions appear to have been taken to preserve these sites. Obviously, now Hagia Sophia is no longer a museum, but a mosque. Here's the link the letter at the UNESCO site: http://whc.unesco.org/en/documents/140382

Hagia Sophia, source https://greekcitytimes.com/2016/09/17/history-of-hagia-sophia-of-constantinople/

Appreciating Greek wines

2018-05-15T15:41:00.004-07:00

In 2009, an article in Food & Wine magazine stated that, "Greek wines may be the most underrated on the planet. Why is a mystery, as the Greeks have been making wine since around 2000 BC." https://www.foodandwine.com/articles/greek-wines-7-greek-varietals-to-know

Wine has always been a big part of Greek culture. When I was growing up, even kids were allowed to drink wine. And, many tavernas (casual restaurants) featured barrels of wine on the wall where you could buy wine by a metered quantity.

Image from http://www.greece-is.com/the-taverna-experience/

Food & Wine has a preference for white Greek wines, but there are some reds of note such as the Agiorgitiko which is lush and velvety "with black-cherry flavors." Agiorgitiko is available between $12.59 and $13.99 at Total Wine: http://www.totalwine.com/wine/red-wine/agiorgitiko/gwc-agiorgitiko-nemea/p/111988750?s=1411&igrules=true

Food & Wine likes Assyrtiko wine from the island of Santorini which is "bone-dry" and "citrus-edged." This is also available at Total Wine at http://www.totalwine.com/wine/white-wine/assyrtiko/gwc-assyrtiko-santorini/p/111986750?s=1411&igrules=true

Growing up in Greece, I got to love the Mavrodaphni sweet red wine that was used for communion at Greek Orthodox churches. I still have a fondness for Mavrodaphni and real dense bread. Surprisingly, it is also available at Total Wine at http://www.totalwine.com/wine/dessert-fortified-wine/red-blend-dessert-wine/hermes-mavrodaphne-of-patras/p/2218750?s=1401&igrules=true

I would recommend that people stay away from Retsina wine with has pine resin which is definitely an acquired taste. None of my guests have ever finished the taste of Retsina that I served them at a dinner party. But, who knows, Retsina is a part of traditional Greek meals and may be one of the things that contribute to the long life of many Greek villagers.

Wonderful video showing Greece throughout the year

2018-03-14T16:04:00.003-07:00

This is a visually beautiful video showing parts of Greece, known and less well known, throughout the year. While most tourists visit Athens and the islands, there are lots of areas in the Peloponnese and northern Greece that are incredibly beautiful. I have always wanted to go to the Meteora, the monasteries built on rocky hills. Probably the most exciting thing about visiting less well known places is stumbling upon abandoned ruins, sunken ships, old castles. Greece is not only for relaxing on the beach and visiting the Acropolis, you can snorkel and look for submerged boats or ruins, you can bike, hike, mountain climb, dance, and enjoy yourself.

The gift bags given to Oscar nominees in March 2018 include a stay at the fabulous Avaton Luxury Villas Resort in Halkidiki, Greece

2018-03-05T19:10:00.002-08:00

A free stay at the fabulous Avaton Luxury Villas Resort is included with several other gifts at Oscar nominees gift bags this year. Most suites have enough room for 4-6 people and many include a private pool. In addition to the hotel's wonderful amenities, you can spend time at the hotel's private beach, use the services of a helicopter, charter a private yacht or a sail boat and explore the wonderfully picturesque cost of northern Greece.

You cab book directly with the hotel at https://www.avatonresort.gr/en/ and possibly get a chance to see one of the many celebrities who received a gift certificate for a stay at the Avaton Luxury Villa's as part of their $100,000 of gifts included with their swag bag.

Avaton Villa's Beach: https://avatonresort.gr/en/

Trip Advisor recommends a day cruise to the Athos Peninsula to view some of the fortified buildings and monasteries that resisted Turkish occupation in the 16th century: https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g189473-d12639167-Athos_Peninsula_Day_Cruise_from_Thessaloniki-Thessaloniki_Thessaloniki_Region_Central_Macedonia.html

Athos Peninsula, photo from www.tripadvisor.com

Foreign buyers are returning to the Greek real estate market

2017-04-04T21:41:00.001-07:00

I have a good friend who is interested in buying real estate in Greece, but doesn't want to buy because he feels he would be exploiting sellers some of which are desperate to sell their homes. Please don't feel that way. This is the time to buy. The prices are low and the Euro is lower against most major currencies. You can find much more information about real estate purchases in Greece at http://www.ekathimerini.com/…/foreign-property-buyers-return

According to Nikos Roussanoglou, interest in real estate buys by foreigners is highest in the following areas: "The biggest increase was for properties in Thessaloniki (up 281.2 percent), followed by the southern suburbs of Athens (251.5 percent). Real estate in the rest of Macedonia and Thrace saw a 163.8 percent surge in interest, while the equivalent figures were 157.7 percent for the center of Athens and 133.3 percent for Crete."

Source: http://www.ekathimerini.com/216823/article/ekathimerini/business/property-drawing-more-interest-from-international-markets

Article by Nikos Roussanoglou, Published in http://ekathimerini.com

The ancient Greeks used cupping as therapy

2016-08-08T13:57:00.001-07:00

There has been a lot of publicity during the Rio Olympics about cupping. Most recent news articles claim that this technique was invented by the Chinese, but the oldest descriptions of cupping appear in ancient Egypt at about 1,500 BC. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, was a strong advocate of cupping for a variety of ailments in ancient Greece: http://www.healthtraditions.com.au/index.php?page=the-history-of-cupping, http://www.cuppingtherapy.org.in/about-us/history-of-cupping/

When I was growing up, my mother used to use cupping a therapy for a chest cold. I loved cupping therapy. It consisted of putting a big ball of pure cotton at the end of a big fork, soaking the cotton ball in unadulterated alcohol, lighting the cotton, heating a set of glass cups (one at a time), and placing it in the middle of my back. My mother used to leave the cups until they were cool. But, I don't remember having big circular bruises like Michael Phelps, or other U.S. Olympic athletes.

Picture of cupping from http://advancedcarephysicaltherapy.com/massage-cupping/

It was an exhilarating treatment that always left me feeling much better than before cupping. We used to refer to cupping therapy as "ventuzas," though it is better known internationally by the name "ventoza" http://cebuspawellness.com/what-is-ventosa-cupping-therapy/

Interestingly, I think that making the cupping bruises more visible, has increased the popularity of cupping. Gwyneth Paltrow's backless dress showing the visible cupping bruises in 2004, reintroduced an ancient practice as a hot new celebrity trend.

Source: http://morganmassage.com/2012/01/16/history-of-cupping/

The ancient Greeks had invented radiant heat for their homes

2016-04-03T19:18:00.002-07:00

I just found out that an invention that most of us believe is modern actually was made by the ancient Greeks. Many homeowners today desire to have radiant heat for their floors. Installing radiant heating involves tubing usually containing hot water that is installed under a floor surface (tile or wood). People often describe with joy walking with bare feet on a warm floor in the winter.

Radiant heat tubing installation under the floor surface

It is noteworthy, that the ancient Greeks also used radiant heat for their homes. Homes were built with an under-floor (see photo below) where clay pipes would circulate water that was heated over a fire. Heat and steam from the clay pipes would heat the home during the cold winter months.

This image shows the support for the main floor. Hot water would be used to heat the sub-floor.

Where did Sophia Loren stay on the island of Hydra when she was filming "The Boy on a Dolphin"?

2016-01-31T11:03:00.004-08:00

In an interview with the New York Times, Sophia Loren was asked what was her favorite place for filming a movie. She responded, "I did a picture, “The Boy on a Dolphin,” in Greece, in Hydra, one of the most beautiful places in the world" (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/travel/sophia-loren-on-her-life-in-hotels.html?_r=0 ). "The Boy on a Dolphin" is a fictional story of a Greek sponge diver (played by Sophia Loren) who finds a statue of a boy on a dolphin while diving for sponges off the Greek island of Hydra. Most of the exterior shots for the movie where filmed on Hydra, but also featured other Greek sites in Athens, Rhodes, and the island of Delos.

The island of Hydra is absolutely beautiful and is most notable for its proximity and ease of transportation to Athens and the relative absence of automobiles.

http://www.placerating.com/place/detail/514-hydra-island

I have visited Hydra several times and have stayed overnight at two hotels that are still in operation. When I stayed at the Hotel Delfini, I was told that it was the place where Sophia Loren stayed when she was filming "The Boy on the Dolphin." The claim was a little incredible because aside from its excellent location right on Hydra harbor, Delfini does not possess luxurious amenities. In fact, its score on Trip Advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g189493-d1411352-Reviews-Hotel_Delfini-Hydra_Saronic_Gulf_Islands.html Our room was modest in terms of amenities, but because it had three beds, it faced the harbor. Thus, we had a gorgeous view.

Photo by Nicholas S. on Trip Advisor, http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g189493-d1411352-Reviews-Hotel_Delfini-Hydra_Saronic_Gulf_Islands.html#photos

For my second stay in Hydra, I stayed at the Hotel Mistral that is reviewed much more highly on Trip Advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g189493-d254192-Reviews-Hotel_Mistral-Hydra_Saronic_Gulf_Islands.html In contrast to Hotel Delphini, Mistal has better facilities, but is removed from the center of the action on the harbor as it is on the top of one of hills on the island of Hydra. If Sophia Loren had stayed at a hotel rather than at a private villa (most likely option) on the island of Hydra, she may have stayed at Hotel Hydroussa which was the largest hotel at the time and where some shots for the movie were filmed. Hydroussa's website actually states that some interior scenes for the film were shot at the hotel, http://www.hydroussa-hydra.gr/

For those who have not seen "The Boy on a Dolphin," I would recommend that they watch it. Sophia Loren is absolutely stunning and so is the gorgeous island of Hydra.

Would ancient Greek statues look more beautiful in color?

2016-01-18T22:05:00.003-08:00

Our ideas of what is classic and beautiful are formed (or influenced) by images of classic temples and statues in ancient Greece. After all, beauty was very important to the ancient Greeks. The statues of the gods of Olympu s reflected ideas of beauty. However, ancient Greeks thought that color is beautiful. Vibrant color using natural dyes was an indication of luxury. Wiping the color of a statue was viewed as taking away its beauty. Helen of Troy who noted for her beauty says the following in a Euripides play:

My life and fortunes are a monstrosity,
Partly because of Hera, partly because of my beauty.
If only I could shed my beauty and assume an uglier aspect
The way you would wipe color off a statue.

http://classics.mit.edu/Euripides/helen.html

Remnants of color on ancient Greek statues have lead modern scholars to recreate the colors of ancient Greece. Interestingly, the original frieze of the Parthenon which was buried in the ground after the Persians destroyed the original Parthenon temple clearly shows remnants of color. The three headed Titan monster is exhibited in the new Acropolis Museum in Athens (http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en).

The three headed serpent from the frieze of the original Parthenon.

German archaeologist Vinzenz Brinkmann believes that all ancient Greek statues were brightly colored. Brinkmann provides an example of a brightly statue of an archer that he has placed in front of the Parthenon. Although, I agree with Brinkmann that the Greek statues were colored, I shudder at the thought that they covered statues with such broad strokes of color, similar to painting a modern coloring book. It is more likely that ancient Greek painters had the finesse and artistry of a Da Vinci or Michelangelo. Thus, I am sure that the recreations of professor Brinkmann are far removed from the original coloring of classical Greek statues.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/true-colors-17888/

Bringing back ancient Greek recipes

2016-01-09T12:04:00.004-08:00

Many of the meal descriptions in ancient Greece come from Homer who was describing scenes from the army of Greeks outside the walls of Troy and Odysseus travails in his ten year journey from Troy to Ithaca. It is important to understand that the food of armies may not represent the cuisine of the aristocrats and wealthy merchants in ancient Greece just as Meals-Ready-to-Eat do not represent the cuisine of modern day Americans. There are, however, few descriptions of Greek banquets in antiquity. Most of the meals may not seem very appetizing to us as skinned eels appear to have been a delicacy during ancient times. However, floured and stuffed squid, browned prawns, and cooked octopus are much more likely to be appreciated by our modern palates. The ancient Greeks prepared octopus very similarly to how the Greeks prepare it in modern Greece. The octopus is first tenderized by hitting it against rocks, boiled, and served with olive oil and vinegar.

Philoxenus of Leucas write the following descriptions of the food served at a banquet:
" ...floured squid arrived and browned prawns, hump-backed; and after these, crumpets leaf-thin, and yellow . . ., and coated wine-cakes of wheat grains, as big as a three-legged pot, sweet-and-sharp, such as are called ‘the navel of the feast’ at your house and mine, as I well know. Next—it’s true, by the gods!—an outsized serving of broiled tunny came from there, heated up, carved by the knife right to the belly-cuts: if it were up to you and me to help them along nonstop, we should greatly enjoy ourselves." http://www.loebclassics.com/view/philoxenus_leucas-fragments/1993/pb_LCL144.185.xml

Ancient Greeks did not have cookbooks per se. Rather, cooking traditions were communicated from one generation to another. Memorable dishes were noted by poets and philosophers. There was a great disparity between the food of wealthy Greek and the poor. Wealthy Greeks ate a variety of meats and fish, vegetables, fruits, and cheese. Ancient Greek amphorae show images of different types of foods that were used in the preparation of meals.

The Philosopher's Stove restaurant in the UK, is resurrecting Ancient Greek cuisine. Their recipes include Dionysus’ Finger Food, which is a platter with vine leaves stuffed with minced pork and fried shrimp served with a sour honey sauce and Circe's Pig which is a "triple smoked" pork dish that is cooked in wine (http://www.ekathimerini.com/204429/article/ekathimerini/life/ancient-greek-dishes-recreated-in-pop-up-fashion).

There have been efforts to resurrect some of the recipes of the ancient world using fragments of recipes found in ancient papyri. Francine Segan wrote The Philosopher's Kitchen, http://www.amazon.com/The-Philosophers-Kitchen-Recipes-Ancient/dp/1400060990, which includes reconstructions and adaptations of ancient Greek and Roman recipes. Most notable is the absence of tomatoes as those were introduced from the New World over a thousand years later. Ancient Greek food relied primarily on fish for everyday meals. Lamb and pork were used for festive occasions or by the wealthy. Segan has a recipe for lamb with pomegranate seeds and Brussels sprouts that has been highly reviewed by those who bought her cookbook on Amazon.

Diving for the Cross, the Epiphany celebration of the Greek Orthodox church

2016-01-03T21:44:00.002-08:00

>January 6th is the Epiphany, the day that Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. The Greek Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany includes the tossing of the Holy Cross into the waters of the sea and the retrieval of the Cross by divers. In Greece, the Cross is made out of metal and sinks into the cold waters of the Mediterranean. In the U.S. and Australia, the cross thrown into the water is made out of wood or plastic so that it does not sink quickly. Here's a video of the Epiphany celebration by a Greek Orthodox church in Tarpon Springs, Florida. This event draws thousands of worshipers and onlookers and is said to be the largest Epiphany celebration in the world.

The Parthenon Marbles and the "anti-Samaritans."

2014-02-27T11:51:00.002-08:00

As most of you know, many priceless sculptures from the Parthenon in the Acropolis were removed by Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to Greece during the Turkish occupation in the first few years of the 19th century. Lord Elgin removed the sculptures for "safe-keeping." The Parthenon Marbles have since been on exhibit in the British Museum. The British government has denied requests by the Greek government to return the Parthenon Marbles to their true home in Athens.

The refusal of the British government to return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece brings to mind a famous parable in the New Testament. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus praises the Samaritan who provides aid to an injured traveler. The parable can be applied to the country of Greece as it had been injured during the Turkish occupation. As Greece lay powerless to protect its cultural heritage, Lord Elgin removed priceless sculptures from the Parthenon (the Parthenon marbles) for safe keeping. That argument may have had merit in the early part of the 19th century, but it no longer holds any merit. Imagine an anti-Samaritan who takes the wallet from an injured traveler for "safe-keeping." When the traveler recovers from his injuries, he asks for his wallet back. But, the anti-Samaritan replies that he can put money in the traveler's wallet to better use than the original owner. Most people would consider the anti-Samaritan's action as being equivalent to theft. Using the same logic, we can easily come to the same conclusion when we examine British government's desire to hold on to the Parthenon Marbles ostensibly because they allow the "world" to view these priceless artworks at the British Museum.

George Clooney who starred and directed The Monuments Men, a movie based on the real story of a group of museum curators and art experts who were sent to Europe to rescue cultural treasures from the Nazis, "http://www.monumentsmenmovie.com/site/", expressed strong support for the return of the Parthenon Marbles back to Greece. Clooney believed that UNESCO's ruling on art expropriated by an occupying nation applied to the Parthenon marbles. However, London's mayor in an example of a twisted double-speak claimed that Clooney was acting like the Nazis who also wanted to remove the Parthenon marbles from London (http://ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite4_1_17/02/2014_537443). Logic does not get any more twisted than that. Dear Mr. Boris Johnson (mayor of the city of London), the rights of the rightful owner of a piece of property do not go away regardless of your arguments to the opposite.

Small section of the Parthenon marbles currently housed in the British Museum

Before Midnight: A Gem of a Movie filmed in Greece

2014-02-23T17:39:00.003-08:00

I have to admit that the only reason that I decided to watch "Before Midnight" with Ethan Hawke and and Julie Delpy is because it took place in Greece. But, as I was watching it, I realized that I had stumbled upon a much more significant little movie than what I had originally thought.

I was impressed by the simplicity of the movie that focuses on the dialogue of the two principal actors and a few of their friends. The action takes place within a day. The cinematography is simple, but accurately reflects the pace of Greek life once one gets outside of Athens. Outside of Athens, life is more simple and allows one to focus on the simple pleasures of life. Philosophizing seems to run effortlessly as people ponder about their personal relationships and the meaning of life.

Movie Critic site "Rotten Tomatoes" indicates that 98% of the critics liked the movie, while only 82% of the audience said they liked it. I liked it and for an hour and a half I felt that I was observing the life of the two main characters. This is definitely a gem of a movie.

Interest in Greek real estate is growing world-wide

2014-02-23T17:26:00.002-08:00

The wealthy from all over the world are showing increasing interest in Greek real estate. But, opportunities for middle class investors also exist. As the financial crisis in Greece persists, real estate is selling for half of its pre-crisis prices.

One of the most attractive elements of getting vacation property in Greece is the simplicity of life. No fancy clothes are needed. Simple fresh food is delicious with a minimum amount of preparation. And, entertainment with friends can be simply sitting at one's balcony drinking wine, ouzo, and eating simple appetizers. Life seems to last longer with fewer distractions.

Those wishing to dream, should read a story on the Greek real state market that appeared in late February in the Financial times: http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/ff5208c6-9564-11e3-9fd6-00144feab7de.html#axzz2u56vEv27

Source: http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/ff5208c6-9564-11e3-9fd6-00144feab7de.html#axzz2u56vEv27

Why is the Greek educational system lagging behind so many other countries?

2013-12-06T10:56:00.001-08:00

The results from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) were released this autumn and there is a great deal of concern that the United States lags behind so many other countries, especially the Asian countries of China (measured in Shanghai), Singapore, Korea, and Japan. As a person who was raised and educated in Greece, I found even more alarming the poor performance of Greek students who are performing much worse than American students. In the image below you can see the performance of Greek students (in red) compared to the performance of American students (in blue). In fact, Greek students are performing on the bottom third of the 65 countries involved in the study.

The performance of Greek students (in red) is on the bottom third of the 65 countries involved in the Programme for International Student Assessment: http://www.oecd.org/pisa/keyfindings/pisa-2012-results.htm

The economic hardships of the Greek people and lack of funding for education cannot be used to explain these findings because measurements began before the economic crisis started. So what happened to the Greek educational system? When I was attending school in Greece, we had to work really hard. For most of us, there was no TV during the week, and most evenings we worked hard on our homework. Parents closely supervised the work of their kids and held them accountable for their grades. When I arrived to the United States in 1971, I was amazed how easy university classes seemed as compared to my high school (lyceum) classes. I would bet that this is no longer the case. Greek students do not work harder than American students, and certainly work a lot less hard than Asian students.

If you are curious about the PISA exam and wish to see how you would score, you can take a small sample of test at http://www.oecd.org/pisa/test/. If you have kids, ask them to take the six questions in the sample test. Please note that the test is made for 15 year old students. Obviously, if you have younger children, the test would not be appropriate for them.

New theatrical trailer for 300: Rise of an Empire

2013-12-04T17:28:00.002-08:00

The new movie 300: Rise of an Empire begins where the original 300 ended. Xerxes and the Persians once gain plan to take over Greece. Xerxes is spurred on to wage war by the ambitious Artemisia of Caria (played by the beautiful Eva Green). Artemisia served valiantly as a military commander during the crucial battle of Salamis. Fortunately, the Greeks led by the brilliant Athenian general Themistocles won. I enjoyed the trailer and have attached them to this post for you to see. Unfortunately, this movie has almost no Greek actors. One one Greek actor is listed in the cast of 300: Rise of an Empire in IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1253863/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm

The Greek Islands top Lonely Planet's list of best value destinations

2013-10-29T18:48:00.001-07:00

The financial crisis in Greece has resulted in lower prices for tourists. Going to the Greek islands is now an opportunity of a life time. Prices are 30 to 50% below earlier levels. The service is better and the views and the food are always exceptional.

Here's the list of top ten "best value destinations" by Lonely Planet in 2013:

Best value destinations

1. Greek Islands

2. Italy's Heel

3. Nicaragua

4. Bulgaria

5. Portugal

6. Fiji

7. Mexico

8. Karnataka, India

9. Palawan, The Philippines

10. Ethiopia

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-value-travel-destinations-for-2014

Lonely Planet included the picture of Navagio (shipwreck) beach on the island of Zakynthos on their website:

Image by Dave Porter Peterborough Uk / Photolibrary / Getty Images.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-value-travel-destinations-for-2014#ixzz2jALC15Ws

Giada De Laurentis learns how to make stuffed zucchini flowers in Greece

2013-10-06T12:10:00.003-07:00

When Giada De Laurentiis traveled to Greece she posted a wonderful video of her visits to the Greek islands and featured recipes for Greek delicacies such as stuffed zucchini flowers .Giada went to a farm to harvest fresh zucchini flowers. She learns how to cook them using a rice, tomato, onion, and mint stuffing. The stuffed zucchini flowers are stuffed and then put in a pot to cook covered in water and olive oil. While the original video of her culinary explorations is no longer available for viewing on YouTube, the Food Network has recipes of some of the recipes that were featured at http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/food-network-specials/all-specials/giada-in-paradise-santorini.html

The Food Network includes recipes for all these delicacies

The emir of Qatar buys 6 uninhabited Greek islands on the Ionian Sea

2013-10-04T12:32:00.002-07:00

Four years ago, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the emir of Quatar was cruising by the island of Ithaca in Greece's Ionian sea when he saw a small chain of pristine uninhabited islands. The islands have pristine beaches, beautiful coves, and ancient olive groves. The deal took a while to finalize both because of negotiations on the price, but also because real estate purchases in Greece can be complicated.

The biggest of the 6 islands, called the Echinades, is called Oxia. It is uninhabited, though there appears to be a road on the island and a cove that is visited by many boats and yachts.

Photo of Oxia island in Greece

Oxia is across from the island of Ithaca made famous through Homer's poem the Odyssey. Odysseys struggles for years after the Trojan war to return home to his beloved Ithaca and his faithful wife Penelope. Ithaca is an uncrowded island with scenic coves, pine forests, orchards, and picturesque islands.

Sources:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/04/qatar-emir-buys-six-greek-islands

http://www.boehm-privateislands.com/suche.php?LANG=_GB&objekt=13

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2013/03/05/291990/qatar-emir-buys-greek-island-oxia/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/constructionandproperty/9226844/Qatar-royal-family-buys-Greek-island-of-Oxia-for-knockdown-5m.html

Reasons to buy real estate in Greece: warm weather, sunshine, and low prices

2013-09-15T13:25:00.001-07:00

What if you had a lot of money and lived in a place with cold, rainy winters? It is almost a global universal that those living in cold, rainy climates want to spend some time in warmer climates. As a resident of Seattle in the state of Washington, I am familiar with "vitamin D therapy" trips to warmer climates in the winter. Planeloads of Seattleites go to Hawaii, Mexico, or sunny Arizona during Seattle's grey months. Of course, the dream is to have enough money to buy a home in a sunny place so that you can extend your time in the sun.

Great real estate has similar appeal to those who live in closer climates. But, to buy Greek real estate, even with depressed prices, you need to have money. As the Russian economy continues to expand, so has interest in Greek real estate. Among Russians buying real estate in Greece is billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev (119th in the Forbest list of global billionnaires). Rybolovlev is showing a strong interest in marinas and small hotel developments. It is noteworthy that earlier in 2013, Rybolovlev's daughter Ekaterina bought the island of Scorpios which was once owned by Greek shipping magnate Onassis (source: http://ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite2_1_13/09/2013_518534).

Onassis had romanced opera singer Maria Callas and Jackie Kennedy on Scorpios.

Source of photos: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertynews/9986670/Aristotle-Onassiss-Skorpios-island-in-pics.html?frame=2533108

Leaving Greece with $22 in his pocket and becoming a millionnaire in the United States

2013-07-25T18:24:00.002-07:00

Life in Greece during and after World War II was very difficult. Not only had Nazi troops brutally occupied Greece during the war, but they destroyed much of Greek infrastructure as they leaving after their defeat by the Allies. Many young Greeks had few prospects in the home country at that time as the Greek economy was in ruins. Eftichios Vlahakis left his home in Crete for the United States he had only $22 in his pocket.

So, how does someone that was so economically disadvantage become a millionaire producing environmentally friendly cleaning products in the United States? Eftichios (the name means one who has good fortune) supported himself working as a waiter at a Greek restaurant and attended a university. Through hard work, smarts, and determination, Eftichios Vlahakis received a degree in chemistry. In 1961, he founded Venus products in Chicago producing beauty and health products (cosmetics, shampoos, etc.) In 1989, he founded Earth Friendly Products and produced environmentally friendly cleaning products. Now, Eftichios wants to give back to the home country and is planning to start a factory for similar products in Crete. Eftichios Vlahakis life is featured in a documentary that is currently showing in Greece titled, "A Green Story." Eftichios is an inspiration to many Greeks who are struggling with a dire economic situation.

Eftichios Vlahakis (Source: http://ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite6_1_23/07/2013_510466)

Music festivals in Greece

2013-07-22T15:01:00.002-07:00

When tourists plan their trip to Greece, they mostly think about visiting the Greek islands and the famous archeological sites in Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Knossos, and others. Besides these well known attractions, Greece offers many other recreational opportunities and music festivals.

A noteworthy and relatively unknown music festival takes place north of the city of Kastoria, in the area that is close to the Albanian border. The Nestorio River festival draws about 50,000 campus who get to listen to many performers. This year the Nestorio festival will take place between July 31 and August 4 and will feature the performing talents of Giannis Aggelakas, Socrates Malamas, Tzimis Panousis, Imam Baildi (most likely named after the famous eggplant dish) and Kostis Maraveyas. The campers get to swim at a variety of small lakes and ponds that are formed by the Nestorio river.

The only drawback to attending this festival is the relative lack of easy transportation. When I visited the city of Kastoria, I opted to fly into Athens and take the public bus. Others can choose to fly to Thessaloniki, take a connecting flight to Kastoria, and drive a rental car to the festival location.

Nestoria River Festival attendees enjoy swimming at a pond formed by the river. Source: http://ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite4_1_18/07/2013_509917

Sofia Vergara is among many celebrities who have visited Greece this summer

2013-07-22T14:41:00.002-07:00

Tourists are back in Greece this summer! That's great news for the Greek economy. Among the millions of tourists who have visited Greece this summer is beautiful Sofia Vergara. The beautiful star of Modern Family has been photographed by many in Greece. Some photos are posed, as the two posted below, while other photos show Sofia mixing with other hotel guests on the beach. I wonder if they know how famous she is in the States?

Sofia Vergara in Greece: http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/2013071713565/sofia-vergara-holidays-in-greece/

Sofia in Greece. Source: http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/2013071713565/sofia-vergara-holidays-in-greece/

Sofia Vergara mixing with other bathers in Mykonos. Source: http://www.popsugar.com/Sofia-Vergara-Swimsuit-Greece-Pictures-30983768