Douglas Scott asked:


In the Greek island of Corfu, Ipsos is situated. It is a short nine mile north west from Corfu town and Corfu airport. The main road runs through the shopping and disco strip, lining the inland side whilst the clear water and clean beach occupy the opposite side. The beach stretches along the roadside and gently curves round at the harbour end. It is set against the dramatic backdrop of the hills.

It is a very lively resort with discos and bars. It tends to attract young people due to its reputation. Groups of friends and teenagers enjoy it here. Also the resort is starting to cater for families with teenage children. Many couples enjoy Ipsos as it is a resort with plenty of life, but the edges are the quieter parts, such as the harbour end and the village behind the main road.

The bars are something that Ipsos is not short of. Everything ranging from quieter cocktail bars and traditional Greek bars to the more lively music bars with wide screen TV playing the latest films and sports all day. One feature that some holidaymakers may enjoy is the numerous English bars.

The beaches are mixed shingle with patches of sand. Many use the beach to nurse hangovers from the night before. It is a big water sports resort and there are two large purpose built jetties that cater for this. One is at the far left side of the beach and the other is at the middle. Water skiing, ringo, banana rides and parasailing is available at both of these jetties. Boat rental is available at the harbour end of the beach.

There are many supermarkets in Ipsos itself and larger ones can be found just outside the town towards Corfu town. Food shopping tends to be slightly cheaper here than in the North East towns and villages further along.

A cash machine can be located in the centre of the line of shops and also there are many places to change travellers cheques and foreign currency throughout the resort.

There is a small play area in the village behind the main road, also there are childrens pools in some of the public pool bars. Just behind the main road there is a go-cart track. Many of the bars have pool tables and games machines.

At various points throughout Ipsos there are public telephones that require a card, these can be purchased at the shops and supermarkets near by. Also there are Post boxes near these.

Polina Kryuchkova asked:


We are often asked questions by travelers, which Kiev fast food restaurants are nice to have a dinner, to try Ukrainian food or to invite somebody for the lunch.

Kiev abounds in fast food restaurants of different pricing categories, where you can have a dinner from $3 to $15.

We have prepared what we recommend out of numerous Kiev restaurants so that you could choose what suits you best.

Puzata Khata (Big Bellied House)

This Kiev restaurant combines original interior in peasant house style, tasty Ukrainian food, vast choice of dishes and low prices.

Here you can try traditional Ukrainian borsch, varenyky , pampushky, Chicken Kiev, different salads and main courses. On the first floor you can also choose one numerous cakes and even order fresh made juice.

The only disadvantage of the place is great number of people at 13-14 o’clock, when people from the offices come to take their lunch.

Dinner: $3-5 per person

Address: 1/2a Basseinaya St.

Zdorovenky Buly (Good Health to You)

That’s a very popular fast food restaurant located in very center of Kiev which probably has the largest choice of different foods: salad bar, pancakes, varenyky, pizzas, soups, tasty desserts.

Its comfortable rooms are decorated in various styles: Chinese, Indian, Egyptian and Greek. It also has Tea bar with cakes where one can sit and talk.

Dinner: $3-5 per person

Address: Khreschatik metro station

Dva Gusia (Two Geese)

This is a fast food chain made of restaurants located in Kiev center. It is loved by Kiev people for its tasty food and convenient service.

Here dishes change often, according to the season, market surveys or new recipes.

Dinner: $4-7 per person

Addresses:

Pecherska Sq.,

Kreshchatik St., 42

Kreshchatik St., 7/11

Independence Square (Globus shopping center)

Bogdana Khmelnitskogo St, 46

Bessarabska Sq (underground, Metrograd shopping center)

Velyka Vasylkivska St 72

Domashnia Kuhnya (Home Cuisine)

This is a restaurant where you can try national Ukrainian food for low cost. The fresh products are delivered daily to the restaurant and the food is cooked according to 18-19 century recipes.

The menu includes borsch and a few other soups, numerous salads, main course of meat or fish, various garnishes. Choice of desserts is rather small. That is the place to have a lunch or dinner and not sit for the long time.

Dinner: $4-7 per person

Addresses: Bogdana Khmelnitskogo St., 16-22 (near Khreschatik) and Konstantinovskaya St, 2A

Shvydko (Quickly)

This is a fast food restaurant chain, specialized in Ukrainian cuisine like borsch, vareniki, deruny, various salads, Chicken Kiev.

The advantages are quick service and low price, disadvantages: small choice and taste of food.

Dinner: $4-5 per person

Addresses:

Independence Sq. (underground),

Peremohy Sq. (Kvadrat underground shopping center),

Gnata Juri St., 20

Pechena Kartoplya (Baked Potatoes)

Here you can try delicious baked potatoes with different fillings and also a few salads and desserts. Potatoes is cooked right in front of you while you are choosing the fillings.

Dinner: $3-7 per person

Addresses:

Independence Sq underground (Globus),

Privokzalnaya Sq. 1 (Kiev Railway Station),

Moskovsky Ave. 23 (Gorodok shopping mall)

Bessarabska Sq. 2

Shota Rustaveli St, 20

Odesska Sq (Magellan shopping center)

Peremohy Sq (Ukraine shopping mall)

Aladdin shopping center (Pozniaki metro station)

Lugova 9 (Karavan shopping center)

Luki Johnson asked:


opolitan capital is also the largest and one of the oldest cities in Greece. Athens is rich with ancient history, myths and a contemporary touch of bars, caf?nd restaurants. Athens is also the city of Olympics, architecture and holiday in Athens is nevertheless a complete adventure in itself, with Athens offering breathtaking archaeological rich places, beaches and crowded shopping areas.

Following are some of the tourist spots or attractions one must visit when holidaying in Athens:

Acropolis

Acropolis is one of the major tourist spots as it stands high up on the hills, giving a spectacular view of the Greek capital. The structure is loaded with archaeological values and its origin goes back to 510 BC. The attraction is also worth paying a visit when holidaying in Athens, due to the amazing temples surrounding it. Every year huge crowd of tourists and visitors come to acropolis when on a holiday in Athens. Never miss acropolis when in Athens.

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

This tourist spot is a great way to enjoy holiday in Athens by viewing sunset, also you get to experience archeological rich monuments surrounded with striking sea view. The place is a quite a hit among foreign tourist and local visitors.

National Archaeological Museum

This popular tourist spot was structured in year 1889 and is home to some of the most amazing ancient artifacts and proof of really old civilizations. The museum is loved by many who plan a holiday in Athens just for its history and archeological richness. The museum has mask of Agamemnon that goes 3,600 years back. Greek sculptures, Cycladic idols, pottery and ancient jewelry, coins as well as a 2000 years old finding of a computer.

The Plaka

Plaka is loved by tourist and visitors and is a major way to wind down when holidaying in Athens and experiencing the thick and thin of Athens’s archeology. This 19th century narrow streets going down the acropolis is filled with shops, cafes, boutiques and local building. This tourist spot is round the clock surrounded with tourist and local visitors. You can always found good souvenir to take back to your country from souvenir shops on Plaka.

Piraeus

This attraction is found at the suburbs of Athens and has tourist and local visitors of Athens all dinning at best and sophisticated dine outs, taverns and sea food restaurants. Piraeus is not exactly a part of Athens, but can be reached by ferries and is worth paying a visit, when relishing an exotic holiday in Athens.

Kessariani

Maintained and run by a group of monks, the monastery is a regularly visited by tourist holidaying in Athens, due to its historic and amazing built and background. The building built in 11 century got its mosaics in 16th or 17th century. This orthodox monastery is surrounded with pleasing scenery, flourishing gardens and enjoyable views.

Time to visit or holiday in Athens

The best time to holiday in Athens would be anytime other than months of summers, which are hot and humid enough to make the holiday a disappointment. Thus, it is better to visit Athens, for that fun and enjoyment, in the months of March and October. Spring and autumn is always good time to tour Athens.

Ryan Wiseman asked:


The 12th-annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will take place September 28 to November 11, 2007, with a “Tastefully Inspired” theme and events that include food and wine tastings, celebrity-chef cooking demonstrations, beer and wine seminars, nightly concerts, street performers and children’s activities. Admission to the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is included with regular Epcot park admission.

“With delicous cuisine, an extensive list of international wines, fascinating seminars and live entertainment through the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, the 12th-annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival promises something for everyone in the whole family,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. “Make sure to plan your itinerary before arriving to Epcot so you can enjoy all that the 2007 International Food & Wine Festival has to offer.”

INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE

The International Marketplace at the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival allows you to take a one-of-a-kind culinary tour around the world. Stop by each marketplace for eclectic appetizers that are in the $2-$4 range, along with recommended beer and wine pairings.

Africa: Morocco, South Africa

Asia: China, India, Japan

Caribbean: Dominican Republic

Continental Europe: Champagne, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain

Eastern Europe: Poland, Turkey

Latin America: Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru

North America: Canada, Great Beers of the World, Hops & Barley Market, Oklahoma, United States

Pacific Rim: Australia, New Zealand

SPECIAL EXHIBITS

The promenade at the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will feature a variety of interesting cultural exhibits and demonstrations:

American Wine Adventure: Take a regional tour of the New York and Napa Valley wine regions at the American Wine Adventure.

Andes Mountain Wine Bar: Enjoy great wines from Argentina and Chile at the Andes Mountain Wine Bar.

Australia: Discover Down Under: Take a tasting tour of Australia’s four major wine regions and pick out souvenirs at the Birdsville Provisions shop.

Dominican Republic: Daily culinary demonstrations, live entertainment crafts and more will take place at the Dominican Republic exhibit.

Festival Welcome Center: Conveniently located at the Wonders of Life Pavilion, the Festival Welcome Center will feature a Festival Wine Shop, wine and champagne bar and Festival Merchandise Shop. The Festival Welcome Center also will serve as the official celebrity book signing area.

The History of Beer in America: Learn the history of American beer with complimentary seminars that take place daily at 12:30 PM, 1:15 PM, 2:45 PM, 4:15 PM, 5:15 PM and 6:30 PM.

International Beers of the World: Enjoy complimentary seminars daily at the International Beers of the World exhibit.

Oklahoma 1907-2007: Cooking demonstrations, storytelling, exhibits and children’s activities will all make up this unique exhibit as Oklahoma celebrates 100 years of statehood.

Pearville Fear: A county fair-style exhibit that celebrates the “variety, flavor, diversity and nutritional importance” of this popular fruit.

Peru: Learn all about Inca culture and Peruvian cuisine at the Peru exhibit, which also features arts & crafts displays and Peruvian culinary demonstrations.

10-Day Regional Experiences: Michoacan, Mexico (October 5-14, 2007); Puglia, Italy (October 19-28, 2007); Greek Wine Bar Island (October 26-November 4, 2007).

Turkey Welcomes You: Enjoy Turkish cooking demonstrations, traditional Turkish art and crafts displays, exhibits and a Grand Bazaar.

Twinings Tea Bar: Explore the interesting history of Twinings tea as you stroll through the beautiful Twinings Garden.

EAT TO THE BEAT CONCERT SERIES

All Eat to the Beat Concert Series performances at the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will take place at the America Gardens Theatre in front of the U.S.A. Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase. Show times are 5:45 PM, 7 PM and 8:15 PM.

Al Stewart: September 28-29, 2007

Otis Day and the Knights: September 30 - October 1, 2007

The Beach Boys: October 2-3, 2007

The Original Family Stone: October 4-6, 2007

Sheena Easton: October 7-9, 2007

Starship starring Mickey Thomas: October 10-13, 2007

David Cassidy: October 14-16, 2007

Little Richard: October 17-18, 2007

Juice Newton: October 19-21, 2007

The Four Tops: October 22-25, 2007

Village People: October 26-27, 2007

Expose: October 28-30, 2007

Jon Secada: October 31 - November 3, 2007

Chubby Checker and the Wildcats: November 4-6, 2007

The Contours featuring Sylvester Potts - November 7-8, 2007

David Sanborn - November 9-11, 2007

SPECIAL WINE & CULINARY PROGRAMS

A wide range of wine and culinary programs are scheduled for the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (additional costs apply):

A South African Wine Adventure: Friday, October 12, 2007, World Showplace

Chefs A’ Field - Kids on the Farm: Wednesdays, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Odyssey - The Chef’s Showplace

The Cook, The Book and The Bottle: Fridays, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Odyssey - The Chef’s Showplace

Discovering Wine: A Sensory Adventure: Various dates, Citricos, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Food & Wine Pairings: Various locales and dates

Odyssey Kitchen Conversations: Select Thursdays, 3-4:30 PM, Odyssey - The Chef’s Showplace

Sweet Sundays: Sundays, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Odyssey - The Chef’s Showplace

Vertical Wine Tastings: Saturdays, 1:30 PM-3 PM, California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

FESTIVAL DINING OPPORTUNITIES

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience incredible cuisine and an extensive wine selection during the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (additional costs apply):

Exquisite Evenings at Epcot: Enjoy a five-course meal prepared by the Festival’s team of celebrity chefs.

Party for the Senses - Eat, Drink and Celebrate: Enjoy a reserved seat at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series and then sit down to a delicious meal, along with entertaining acts from Cirque du Soleil La Nouba.

Regional Feasts: Celebrate cuisine from the diverse regions of the world during Regional Feasts, which includes a welcome reception, four-course meal and live entertainment.

Signature Dining: Celebrity chefs are invited to prepare a five-course meal at select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants.

FAMILY EVENTS

The 2007 Epcot Food & Wine Festival offers something for the entire family such as the Junior Chef Program, Behind the Seeds Greenhouse Tour, Kidcot Fun Stops, Pearville Fair and Oklahoma 1907-2007.

tvindy asked:

In our second video supplement to the Brazilianisms Podcast, Simone and I show off a Brazilian Chocolate Easter egg.

Website: http://www.brazilianismspodcast.com

R. Ritchie asked:


The stunning natural beauty of bright blue seas, ancient archaeological sites, charming island villages, and a hot, mainly dry climate, make Greece a fantastic holiday destination. Visitors to this Mediterranean idyll with its archipelago of over 1000 islands are faced with such a range of natural and man-made attractions that they have to prioritize their travel plans. While everyone has an idea of what they prefer, let’s have a go at defining what might be the top ten places to visit on a holiday to Greece.

The Acropolis and the Parthenon

The symbol of Athens, the iconic Parthenon sits atop the Acropolis, overlooking the city. The remains of the sacred temple to the Greek godess Athena, the Parthenon, with its simple Doric style, has been copied in public architecture worldwide. Accessed by the Athens Metro, it is always crowded, so try for a visit early mornings or late afternoons.

Mykonos

Considered over-developed by some, but remaining the most famous of Greek islands, Mykonos attracts international sophisticates and budget travelers alike for its stunning beaches (many clothing optional), its vibrant nightlife, classic shopping, and general holiday ambience.

The Minoan Palace of Knossos, Crete

Surrounded by the city of Iraklion and accessible by local bus, the ruins and reconstructed labyrinth of this Minoan palace are from the era when the Aegean King Minos ruled mainland Greeks. To get some of the feeling for the material culture of ancient times, be sure to visit the world-class Heraklion Archaelogical Museum in Iraklion.

Santorini

Hotels clinging to clifftops, scenic winding roads, a volcanic legacy, great local wines and fine food puts Santorini on the list. Arrive at this stunning Greek island by sea and get the best views of the brown and black-banded cliffs topped by white lava. Be sure to visit the ruins of the once-buried city of Akrotiri.

Corfu

This bustling, cosmopolitan destination, in the Ionian Sea off the coast of mainland Greece, has streets lined with Venetian-style buildings. If you wish to avoid the pricey high-rise accommodation in the north, head for classic pensions in the wilder south where the coastline meets the placid waters in near perfect union.

Mycenae

This Peloponnesian treasure, only a few hour’s drive from Athens, was inhabited since Neolithic times. It sits on a hilltop on the lower slopes of Euboea Mountain and is considered one of the foundation sites of European civilization. One of the earliest restorations was the impressive Lion Gate.

The National Archaeological Museum - Athens

The perfect starting place for an infusion of Greek culture and history, this world-class museum teems with artifacts and sculptures. Look for the tall, dramatic kouroi, archaic statues of young gods, and the stunning gold treasures from excavations of Mycenae’s royal tombs.

The Island of Hydra

Visit this trendy Greek island via hydrofoil from Athens. Its charming harbor, beautiful churches, excellent shopping opportunities, and great tavernas provide a quintessential Greek experience.

Drogati and Melissnai Caves

One of the highlights of Kefalonia, Melissani is a subterranean seawater cave, which turns turquoise daily when the sun reaches a certain point. The spectacular Drogati Cave has impressive stalactites and boasts excellent acoustics.

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

This popular cliff-top temple, set above the Aegean Sea, has superb sunset views. Although the Archeological Museum in Athens is home to the bronze statue that was once housed here, it is easy to see why the god of the sea might have been worshipped at this stunning national monument.

Veronica Limone asked:


Greece is a magical place to spend your holiday and there is no better way to enjoy food, friends, and submerge yourself in the culture and beautiful surroundings than from the comfort of your luxury villa in Greece.

A country with an extraordinary captivating mix of ancient and modern, Greece stands at a crossroads of culture and civilizations. From a villa explore Greek architecture, meet the locals and experience some authentic Greek cuisine.

The Greek islands are extremely popular amongst tourists and there are an abundance of resources at your disposal. The Ionian Islands are an integral part of the country’s tradition and offer a picture postcard landscape that can never be truly captured. The best time of year to visit Greece is between Easter and mid June, with high season from mid June to the end of August. However things are slowly changing and you will find activities continue on into the winter months as well. Restaurants and bars remain open all year round on some of the islands.

The Greek territory consists of 6,000 islands and islets in the Ionian and Aegean Sea and only 227 of these are inhabited. The idyllic Ionian group of islands of Corfu, Paxi, Meganissi, Lefkada, Kefallonia, Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Mathraki Ithaki, Zakynthos Othoni, Strofades and Kythira offer up lush landscapes tinged with Venetian flavours. Each island has its own unique culture and cuisine developed from a mixture of influences. Island gems include ancient olive groves, unspoilt villages, mountainside monasteries and famous wines.

Greece has a highly diverse coastline, long stretches of beaches and golden sands. Many of the beaches have been awarded the Blue flag and swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and water skiing can be enjoyed safely. From a villa explore the breathtaking scenery, bathe in sunsets on the terrace or take a day trip to attractions into Athens, Delphi and Olympia on an island-hopper plane.

Staying in a villa is the next best thing to owning property in Greece and it allows you to get an authentic experience of the islands. You can choose to blend in with the locals and explore your beautiful surroundings or you can relax in the privacy and luxury of your villa, cooking Greek cuisine in your own kitchen. Enjoy the poolside views and relax in the sun by day and appreciate the mouthwatering al fresco dining by night in a luxury villa in Greece.

Mary asked:


Barbecue. The secrets of the Greek way !

I have taste grilled meats around the world. Before i will guide you to the various technologies (gas barbecues, charcoal barbecues, Mongolian, sauces, recipes ) i will tell you about the Greek way. We Greeks like good food so i will start from the meat. Whatever the technology, the recipe and the sauce, if the meat is from a producer which feeds his animals the traditional way the taste will be superb. Period.

There is no equivalent of a natural rosen meat of beef ,lamp or pork. The taste is magic ! If you come for holidays in Greece you will see in the morning or in the afternoon the old lady with the two or three cows , or goats. These animals will be served in the local taverna. For this meat i am talking about. If we talk about the islands where the goats are drinking sea water and eating the local wild weeds we are talking about a superior quality meat almost presalted.

If you ever go in CRETE taste it, you will remember my words. In case you will visit northern Greece try local Veal stake. You can locate the good food where you will see no foreigners at all.

So lets move around Athens and check the best ones. One of the best barbecue tavern in Athens area is Telis in Evripidou Str.

Telis is the master of pork chops. This is his specialty. If you order for a plate you will notice about four to five pieces above fried potatoes. He is all day open and very economical also. Its a kind of fast pork steak food. It is a must taste since you visit Athens. Another must taste is Thanasis kebab souvlaki in Thision. It is mixed lamp and veal chopped meat over charcoals. You may eat a plate of four of them , with grilled tomatoes, or you might taste the traditional way in a pita. Any way its very difficult to eat only one. If you like hot papers ask them.

One more must eat souvlaki in Athens is LEIBADIA in kANIGOS SQUARE. There you can have the traditional pork souvlaki with all the village bread you can eat. They produce all day long so whenever you will be there you will taste it straight from the charcoals.

All around Greece we like to barbecue on charcoals. The device we choose must be proven in producing our favorite taste. Our meat are premarinated with olive oil, salt, pepper, origanon. During grill we add a little of olive oil-salt-origanon mix in order to produce the tasty smell, which gives this delicious aromatic taste to the meat.

The fire must be strong but not so strong to provoke fires under the meat. For this purpose we have a bottle of vinegar to extinguish it in case of. We add fresh lemon just before we consume them. We don’t take out the fat before we grill our meat because we like the taste of the smoked meat.

One more famous place for barbecue souvlaki is the Corinth bridge. This is the bridge which you enter Peloponnesus. Do not pass the bridge and miss the taste of this souvlaki. Thousands of people stop every day to taste this local delicacy.

For more informations about barbecue ,sauces, tecnichs around the world check our site www.barbecue.info-24hour.com

and “KALI OREXI” meaning have a nice apetite in Greeks.

Mary

Nick Nikolis asked:


Vacationing in Greece is a pleasure in any season. Most folks opt to visit Greece during the summer months, when the sun is high and the surf is warm. But little do people know that a visit to Greece during the winter months can be equally as exciting and fulfilling, and even more steeped in pure Greek culture.

The benefits of visiting Greece in the winter months (considered December through March) are that while most of the other tourists are off vacationing elsewhere, those who call Greece their home embrace the off-season tourists with a first-hand look at what it means to be Greek.

For those of us who enjoy a little less of the tourism factor in our vacations, Greece in the winter is the ideal get-away. Hiking, biking, any exploration of nature is easier now, with the slightly cooler weather, and the number of other tourists at a minimum. Winter is the time to delight in the food the locals savor, to enjoy the nightlife known only to the locals and to participate in some activities and celebrations the locals relish only with their own.

Skiing in Greece is an after thought, or nonexistent one for most looking to vacation, while in fact, Greece provides some of the best skiing mountains in the world. Macedonia, Pelion, the Peloponnesus, Pelion and other cities to the north have ski centers and chalet type buildings in the mountains that provide ski lifts for downhill as well as cross-country runs.

Because Greece is blessed with such a temperate climate and beautiful natural environment, sailing in the winter is also a preferred sport by some. The cooler weather and less hustle and bustle from tourist crowds make it easier and even more enjoyable to sail and enjoy the natural surroundings. Whether it is bird watching, or ruins exploration.

Island culture abounds in the winter months, when tourists do not outnumber the locals. The usual tourist spots that are open in the summer months tend to close come wintertime. This means that the establishments that are open, are regular spots the locals visit. In turn, this generally means better Greek food to enjoy, and better yet, deeper, richer Greek culture including dog slide races, river wild rafting, and Alpine skiing.

Another great positive for enjoying Greece in the off-season, is of course, the lower rates. Traveling over seas is already costly enough, but if Greece is calling you, add lower rates on everything from airfare to hotel rates to the list of positives.

Apokreas, or carnival season, takes place in Greece around the end of February. The island of Skyros, Athens and Patras hold huge celebrations at this time of year. Apokreas refers to the time right before the 40 days of fasting before Easter begins. This involves feasting, celebrating, drinking and dancing - every night. What better way to see Greece than during this time, when many locals are celebrating more than they do the rest of the year?

More reasons to enjoy Greece in the wintertime is that ferries are always running to and from the mainland to the islands. If the weather becomes questionable or nasty, travel may become difficult, but for the most part, winter weather still tends to be quite exceptional.

The ruins are much more enjoyable to visit during the winter. The crowds are not in place, and neither is the heat. So it is easy to linger among the ruins, such as the Acropolis, the monasteries on top of the rock towers in Meteora or the Oracle of Delphi. One of the most amazing views of Athens can be seen from the Acropolis at sunset. Part of the reasoning behind visiting Greece is, no doubt, to explore the history of the native land, and the ancient ruins, so why would not someone want to take as much time as possible?

The picking of olives and production of olive oil is an important aspect of living in Greece. Homer referred to it as a “liquid gold” which is more a true statement today then he could have ever believed. A full 60% of Greece’s cultivated land is devoted to growing olives. The fruit is hand picked by families and even relatives and neighbors join in on the fun. Since this process generally starts toward the end of the year, those visiting Greece during the winter can help pick olives themselves, and really be a part of Greek family traditions.

With so many reasons to visit Greece during the winter months, how could anyone who is thinking of planning a trip not be seduced by the history and natural beauty that are in abundance in this amazing Mediterranean country.

Juliana asked:


Much of Southern Italy was colonised by Greeks 2500 years ago, and these areas form what we still know today as Magna Grecia (Greater Greece). As a result, Southern Italy became a centre of Greek culture, music, and language for hundreds of years. Greece has in the past also been occupied by Romans and Italians. To this day, we can see the Greek influence in Italy, and Italian influence in Greece, through architecture, music, food and language. Naples, for example, was a city founded by the Greeks, and it’s name derives from the Greek Nea Polis (New City). Naples was also a Greek speaking town until the 9th century BC. It is an ancient Greek city, with a ’secret abandoned’ underground city, where there are many original city walls, and even a Greek-Roman theatre where the famous Emperor Nero used to perform opera! The underground city can be visited on guided tours organised by Napoli Sottoteranea -’Napoli Underground’. In Piazza Bellini in the centre, you can also see some Greek ruins of the original city.Agrigento, Sicily, is famous for Valle dei Templi (Valley of Temples), one of the most important archelogical sites in the world, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are many Doric Greek temples just outside the main centre of Agrigento, including Temple of Hercules, Temple of Zeus and Temple of Concord.The Sicilian town of Siracusa was also an ancient Greek town. The Greeks arrived here in 734BC and named the small Island of Ortigia in Siracusa after ‘ortgyia’, the Greek word for ‘quail’, as it was ‘quail shaped’. (how did they know what it looked like from above…?) They also built various temples, such as the Temple of Apollo in the central Piazza Pancali, and the Temple of Athena. They also built the Arethusa fountain, named after the legendary nymph of Arethusa, which is now a ‘hangout’ for local youngsters. Also, inland from the main Siracusa centre, they built the biggest theatre in Sicily.

With many areas of Southern Italy speaking Greek for many years, (Naples was Greek speaking until the 9th century) it’s no surprise that there is some Greek influence to be found in some accents or dialects in the South. Admittedly the Greek language on the whole is very different, but there are a few words that still remain.With the Romans also having occupied Greece, some words also may have been brought into the Greek language by the Romans…..Griko and Graecanic are languages spoken by the Italians living in the Bovesia Calabria region, and could be described as an Italian-Greek pidgin languages. These languages are dying out, and there has been a law brought in to protect them, although some believe it may be too late.

Greek, Arabic and Spanish influence on Southern Italian music can be heard from listening to various pieces of music and songs, both modern day and traditional, e.g. Mari by Neapolitan artist Nino D’Angelo. Traditional Southern Italian and Greek music both use similar instruments such as the mandolino (similar to the Greek bouzouki) and tamburello (tambourine), which is the most important percussion instrument in Italy’s music tradition. The ‘tamburello’ was originally introduced via Greek influence in South Italy, and also through the Arabic influence in Sicily.The tarantella is a famous traditional Southern Italian dance and is directly related to the ritual of the cult of Dionysus (the patron god of wine) of Ancient Greece. It is named after the tarantula spider. In around the 16th and 17th centuries, people were poisoned by deadly tarantula bites from the Lycosa Tarantula, and it was believed that they could only be cured by frenetic dancing. The dance would start on a regular beat and then gradually speed up. The victim works themselves into a ‘trance’ and dance in a state of ecstasy so much so until they were exhausted. Once they reached exhaustion and slowed down it would be taken as a sign that they had been cured. There is obviously a lot of Greek influence on the history and music in the Magnia Grecia areas where Griko and Greacanic is spoken.

Greek and Southern Italian cuisine do share many similarities. Primarily, this is due to the fact that they are two areas of the Mediterranean situated very near each other, sharing similar climates and soils…as a result they use and grow similar products, e.g. olives and olive oil, aubergines, courgettes, peppers, garlic and tomatoes. This in turn results in similar dishes and recipes. There is also however Greek influence in some Southern Italian cuisine and vice versa, due to historical factors; Greek occupation in Southern Italy, and Roman occupation in Greece. For example, when the Romans occupied Greece, many Greek tutors were employed by rich Roman families for their children as well as Greek chefs for their kitchens…Other dishes to be compared, are the Neapolitan dish Parmigiana to the Greeks’ Moussaka , (both dishes include layering similar ingredients such as aubergines, tomato sauce and cheese), Pepperonata from Campania with the Greeks’ salata me psites piperies , (a charred pepper salad with olives), and Campania’s melanzane a scarpetta (also know as melanzane a barchetta) to the Greeks’ melitzanes papoutsakia (stuffed aubergine halves- the Italian scarpetta and Greek papoutsakia mean ’shoes’ referring to how they look ).

It is no wonder, then, that Italians and Greeks have a saying “Una Faccia Una Razza” (pronounced una fatsa una razza in Greek)! ( Translated literally, it means “one face one race” and refers to similarities and history that Greece and Italy.)