Greek Easter in the Village – καλό πάσχα! (Happy Easter!)
April 19th, 2009
Today, Greece celebrates Easter. And, beyond all of the festivities and traditions, Easter means time with family and friends.
While most Greeks live in Athens now, everyone’s family is from some remote village or island. At the most important times of the year, like Easter, Athenians flee from the big city to visit the place where their family tree first rooted.
A few years ago I spent Easter in Agrinio. We say it’s my uncle’s village, but it has developed into quite a city (population: 57,000). Outside this city though, remain small villages where life is still simple. Days are slow; the community grows and shares the food they eat themselves; the elderly sit on their front porches and play backgammon while kids play soccer (σόκερ, ποδόσφαιρο) in the streets without a care in the world.
We drove up into countryside and I’ve never felt so far away from Athens. Our car could barely fit through the small dirt paths. As we drove up the windy, narrow streets, I watched out the backseat window while the local villagers peered back at me from their porches. My uncle, who visits as often as he can, was treated like a royal guest. Everyone in the village knows his family – everyone knows everyone.
On Easter, among other traditions, Greeks typically light a candle for loved ones at church. My uncle, who has taught me so much about my heritage and what it means to be Greek, recently suffered from a heart attack. He’s doing better and will leave the hospital soon, but today I light a candle for his speedy recovery so that we can share more memories very soon!
(photo: We Love Crete)
Posted in Memories | Comments (0)
Celebrate Easter with ANNA VISSI – Greek Night @ AREA Hollywood, CA, USA
April 17th, 2009
Straight from Facebook:
Anna Vissi invites you to celebrate with her the Release of her New CD and watch a special Preview Performance
First 200 guests will receive a Free CD
Start Time: Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 8:30pm
End Time: Monday, April 20, 2009 at 2:00am
Location: AREA NIGHTCLUB
Street: 643 N. la Cienega Blvd
City/Town: Hollywood, CA
Host: goodtime and SBE
Phone: 3106522012
Email: annavissi_area@yahoo.com
*Hosted Bar from 8.30 to 9.30pm along with
– DJ G.Sverk and DJ TreLLas spinning All Night
Tickets are: $30 pre-sale / $40 at door
Tickets online @ http://www.wanttickets.com/annavissi
Anna invites you herself! Listen:
http://sbenightclubs.com/flyers/annavissi.mp3
More details on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=80296000714&ref=share
Tags: Anna Vissi, CD, Easter, Greek singers, Los Angeles, Music
Posted in Greek Events, Sounds | Comments (0)
Dating Advice from Yaya (Grandma)…
April 6th, 2009
She told me, “Koukla, there are three ‘nevers’ in dating:
1. Never date men you work with.
2. Never date men who live in your building.
3. Never date men who are married.”
Entaxi Yaya! Den tha to kano!
(Photo: awezmaz)
Tags: dating, grandma, Greek advice
Posted in Grandma's Advice | Comments (1)
Jasmine – γιασεμί
March 31st, 2009
On a hot evening near the beach in Vouliagmeni, I walked out on our back patio to be engulfed with a deliciously sweet smell. I was nine years old at the time. I quickly went inside and pulled my mom outside, “Smell,” I said. I watched as she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, “Jasmine,” she replied.
I’m reminded of that experience every time I smell Jasmine. During the summers, I smell Jasmine outside my parents’ house and outside the building I work in – and I love it! But something is different in Greece; perhaps it’s the heat or the soil. The scent is enriched and reaches into the soul.
A friend recently gave me Korres Jasmine Showergel and it brought me back to that place.
Don’t forget to stop and smell the Jasmine when you’re in Greece!
(photo: kretyen)
Tags: flowers
Posted in Scents | Comments (0)
Shopping in Athens – Ermou Street
March 2nd, 2009
It might be impossible to visit Athens and not find yourself on perhaps the most visited path in Athens, Ermou Street.
This shopping haven begins at Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) which is surrounded by the Parliament building, the Hotel Grande Bretagne, the National Gardens and the Syntagma metro station. From the metro station, follow the steps toward the iconic McDonalds and you’ve found your way to the beginning a very long, fashion-focused street.
Ermou Street is a pedestrian road surrounded by every shop imaginable on either side –clothing, jewelry, shoes, athletics gear, sunglasses, purses, souvenirs, electronics, toys and more. The street is laced with big name brands from Nike and Zara to small Greek boutiques showcasing hidden, unique gems.
On the street, you’ll find foreign street vendors selling pirated CDs and fake designer hand bags to Greeks selling tasty treats to snack on during your shopping journey –try the roasted corn and chestnuts.
I promise, you’ll be overwhelmed and in shopping bliss all at the same time! And, whether you want to spend Euros on this street or not, it’s worth spending a little time to explore.
Follow Ermou Street all the way down to discover Plaka and Monastiraki, where you can recover from a shopping hangover with an ice cold Frappe (coffee) and tiropita (cheese pie) at cobblestone sidewalk café.
Posted in Shopping | Comments (0)
Tipping in Greece – Don’t sweat the change!
March 2nd, 2009
Restaurants/ Cafes
In Greece, you’ll often find restaurants have a cover charge. It includes literally the table you’ll be occupying, bread and non-bottled water. It may seem strange, but Greeks don’t try to turn tables like in many other countries. In fact, Greeks may sit at dinner or even just a coffee for hours. Often you’ll have to ask the waiter for the bill; he or she won’t assume you are leaving just because you finished your meal.
Service charge will be included in bills at cafes and restaurants. Leave up to 10 percent of your total bill if you are very happy with the meal and service, but don’t feel obligated to (5 percent is just fine too). If only ordering coffee, you could round up the bill or give an extra Euro.
Taxis
Taxi drivers often take the initiative to round up the bill before you have the chance to do it yourself. Always watch the meter, and if it’s not turned on, ask or point to the meter. Check that it’s on 1, unless it’s after midnight. I typically round up to the nearest whole Euro to make it simple. Expect extra charges when you order or catch a taxi from a hotel, to and from the airport with luggage and driving on toll roads.
Hotels
It’s always appreciated, but not expected, if you provide tips to maids, bell hops and other services. You’ll have to gauge what is appropriate depending on your accommodations and your budget. For example, give a bell hop one Euro for help with luggage would leave me in good conscience.
As in many countries, tipping at the beginning or throughout your stay (as opposed to only on the last day) may result in better overall service. Additionally, the Greek culture is warm and based on relationships – get to know the staff on a personal level! You’ll end up with an enriched travel experience and learn more than any tour book can ever explain.
(photo: wfabry)
Posted in Travel | Comments (0)
Octopus – Xταπόδι
March 1st, 2009
If you see a fresh catch of Octopus hanging over a line like the photo above, you better stop at that taverna (restaurant) and order the χταπόδι στη σχάρα (grilled octopus). You won’t be disappointed!
The thought of eating this eight-armed creature sounds bizarre to many. If there’s one place to try octopus for the first time, it should be on a Greek island. Octopus is a favorite Greek meze (small dish or appetizer – like the Spanish tapa). The key to finding tasty octopus is to find it fresh. You’ll find it tender and delicious rather than rubbery and tasteless (which has been my experience in the United States).
There are many ways to cook Octopus. My favorite is grilled with a little olive oil, oregano and squeezed lemon. The Greeks also serve octopus stewed in red wine, in a pasta dishes, broiled and then served chilled with lemon, and fried with oil, salt, and pepper.
There’s a saying that if you can’t see the ocean or sea from the restaurant, you’re better off not ordering seafood. This may be a good rule when it comes to ordering octopus.
(photo: dwain)
Posted in Greek Food | Comments (0)
Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens
March 1st, 2009
There are many beautiful sites to see in Athens, both ancient and modern. It may surprise you that one of these sites is the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
This elegant, historical landmark, referred to by some as the “Royal Box of Athens,” was first built as a mansion after the Ottoman Empire’s fall in 1830. The backdrop to much of Greece’s history, the Grande Bretagne became the Third Reich’s headquarters in 1941 and the setting of diplomatic negotiations between George Papandreau and Winston Churchill. In 1974, when the Junta of 1967 collapsed, Constantine Karamanlis set in motion the makings a new government from within the hotel walls.
The Hotel Grande Bretagne sites many notable celebrities that have stayed at this elegant hotel including “Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Maria Callas and Brigitte Bardot … Greta Garbo, Sean Connery and Francis Ford Coppola…Sting, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Jay-Z and Jose Carreras…”
In the early 2000s, major construction began restoration of the five-star luxury hotel. Everyone could not wait to see what would emerge! In 2003, the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne reintroduced itself to the country and its visitors. Its classic elegance and modern amenities make each stay an experience.
This luxury Starwood Hotel in the heat of Constitution Square has an undeniably central location across the street the Parliament, the ancient Olympic Stadium as well as in walking distance from the Acropolis, Kolonaki, the National Garden and more. Necessary for any long stay in Athens during the summer months, the hotel has an outdoor pool – providing necessary relief from the hot Greek summer sun.
Luxury comes with a luxurious price, but amazing deals can be found on the “Offers” page on the hotel Home page. For example, find a 155-Euro four-night stay during the high season if you book early enough (this offer was found on March 1,2009 and booked for June-June).
If you don’t stay at the hotel, I recommend taking a few minutes to walk inside. Be amazed at the gorgeous rich lobby (notice the antiques) and take an elevator ride up to the GB Roof Garden for unbelievable views.
Much of this information can be found on the Web site. Check it out: http://www.grandebretagne.gr/
Posted in Athens Accommodations, Travel | Comments (0)
Hippopotamus – ἱπποπόταμος
February 27th, 2009
Let’s break it down:
~Hippo comes from the Greek word ἵππος (hippos), which means “horse”
~Potamos comes from the Greek word ποταμός (potamos), which means “river”
River Horse!
(photo: cumulius)
Posted in It's all Greek to me! | Comments (0)
Koulouria – Kουλουριa
February 24th, 2009
Waking up early to catch a ferry from Piraeus to the Greek islands is never easy. But after rushing through the morning traffic to Athens’ biggest port, I always find a few minutes to spare before the herds of Greeks and foreigners alike amass on to the huge ferry. It’s important to spend those few minutes wisely.
While the ferries will have overpriced food and drink, be sure to grab KOULOURIA from the street vendors. These pretzel-like sesame rings are a cheap, perfect snack to take on your voyage. Not too salty or sweet, a koulouri is my favorite breakfast snack along with coffee or juice. You can find them both crisp and soft, just like pretzels. Be sure to ask or point to the kind you prefer. Here’s a tip: Get more than one – you’ll thank me when your ferry is delayed and you find yourself starving in the middle of the deep blue sea.
Tags: Food
Posted in Greek Food | Comments (0)