Some things never change–and humor, luckily, is one thing that hasn’t changed a great deal over time, as we can see today by the comedies of ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks were known for exploring a wide range of comedic content, using the satire and farce that are just as funny today as they were in ancient times.

Tropes such as mistaken identity and, of course, the old standby, sex jokes, will never go out of style, as we can still see today. We have always needed an outlet for the stresses and troubles of life, and that was just as true two millennia ago as it is today.

Of course, politics will never cease to be a part of our lives and we see portrayals of politicians from the time of ancient Greece who may as well be behind the mahogany desks of today, all over the world, still wheeling and dealing.

And the battle of the sexes is absolutely nothing new, as we can plainly see in the comedies of the great writers of ancient Greece.

Lysistrata

Lysistrata is one of the comedies that has been translated the easiest throughout human history. Written by Aristophanes, the man who is known as the best Greek comedy writer of them all, this play has been reinterpreted and staged all over the world innumerable times even in the form of an opera. This play, which takes place during the Peloponnesian War, portrays Lysistrata, a woman who is tired of the constant, seemingly meaningless, fighting.

After deciding to take matters into her own hands, she persuades the women from all of the Greek city-states to join her in her effort to bring an end to the males’ unending wars. And, of course, she has to use one of the very few powers women had in those times–that they refuse to have sex with their husbands until they somehow call a halt to the hostilities.

Before too long, the men begin to suffer without the pleasures of being with their wives and agree to begin peace talks. However, they cannot leave quarreling and fighting behind, and they start to find fault with many of the terms of agreement. Lysistrata then comes up with the idea that she should parade a beautiful woman in front of them so that they would become so desperate they would sign almost anything. Naturally, Lysistrata wins that bet.

This immortal comedy was even remade recently into a dramatic movie, called “Chi-Raq.” Incredibly, Lysistrata was first performed in the year 411 BC–proving that human nature remains basically the same as in those days of old.

Thesmophoriazusae

Thesmophoriazusae, yet another masterpiece by Aristophanes, focuses on taking pot shots at the tragic poet Euripides. Using powerful women as protagonists, he has them deciding that they have been unfairly represented by Euripides as seducers, schemers, betrayers, or sometimes simply helpless victims–none of which these women are. The women decide to rise up and punish the great playwright for his misrepresentation of their gender.

Concerned, Euripides asks Mnesilochus to go disguised as a woman to the great female celebration of Thesmophoria, a fertility festival for women held every autumn that strictly prohibits any attendance by males.

Mnesilochus would be expected to speak in favor of the playwright there. In many different ways, including hilarious and sometimes painful methods, the hair is removed from his body and he is finally dressed like a woman. He then makes his appearance at the Thesmophoria, where he is supposed to hear the ladies start the festivities with a prayer that anyone who angers them be punished–especially poor Euripides.

The Frogs

The Frogs, another comedy by Aristophanes that has certainly stood the test of time, was first performed at Lenaia in the year 405 BC, taking first place in the theater competition. And this is no wonder, since its take on human nature is just as tru today as it was then.

The play tells the story of the Greek god Dionysus who is in complete despair over the loss of the tragic playwright Euripides, who had died just the year before. The Greek god visits his half-brother Heracles, asking advice on how he could to get to Hades so that he could bring Euripides back from the dead. Heracles tells him that he should either hang himself or jump off a tower as the fastest way to make it to the underworld. Instead, Dionysus chooses to travel across Lake Acheron — dressed in Heracles’ clothing.

While he voyages on the lake, a choral interlude is heard in which frogs croak their song. Dionysus is so annoyed by the sound of the frogs that he engages in a mock debate with them which is surely one of the highlights of the play. Naturally, when Dionysus reaches the underworld, he is mistaken for his brother Heracles by Aeacus, who is still angry that Heracles stole the dog Cerberus.

Dionysus then wisely trades clothes with his slave in order to having to fight Aeacus. But of course, as always happens in these cases of mistaken identity, a person — in this case a maid — then appears and mistakes Dionysus’ slave for Heracles. Of course, she then offers him a feast replete with virgins.

Of course, Dionysus then asks to trade clothes again but only ends up meeting yet more people who have reason to be angry with his brother. When Dionysus and the slave finally discover Euripides, he is arguing with Aeschylus about just who is the best tragic writer. The debate then prompts Dionysus to wonder which playwright he should actually bring back; so he judges a competition between the two brilliant wordsmiths. And, the competition of the two great playwrights retells some of the great tragic plays of Greek history as parodies, in a more unexpected twist.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

You’ve probably heard of SMART goals and the proper goal setting. The initials from the word SMART form an acronym and provide “technical” characteristics to a goal to make it more achievable. The original SMART traditionally formed the words Small, Measurable, Accurate, Realistic and Timed, or variations of them, to help create attainable goals. With newer insights in the neurosciences and an improved understanding of the functioning of the human brain, the landscape around the use of the subconscious mind has changed. Thus, the newer, “smarter” goals that emerged allows us to have even greater accuracy and therefore success in what we want to achieve.

Based on Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and the science of Coaching, there are other concepts that are good to include in the right goal setting that make the goal much more achievable, so that SMART is enriched. So what is SMART targeting with the latest data and how can you use it to your advantage?

S for Specific, Sensory-based, Simple, Small

Specific: your goal must be specific in order to be measurable (eg date, exact proof that you did it)

Sensory-based: What you will see, feel, hear, what do you say to yourself when you achieve your goal? The more you use your sensory system (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Olfactory, Gustator, using all of our five senses - VAKOG) to describe the goal, the better it is recorded by your subconscious

Simple: simple, not simplistic

Small: even if the goal is big, we break it down into small steps

M for Measurable, Meaningful to you

Measurable: exactly how much money, what exactly will I look at, exactly how much will it be to know that I did it

Meaningful to you: the goal must have been set by you for you, so that it matters and is something that motivates you.

Α for Achievable, As if now, All areas of your life

Achievable: even if not now with the tools and knowledge I already have, in the future with what I will acquire

As if now: think of your goal as if you have already achieved it

All areas of your life: in successful goal setting, achieving a goal improves the overall quality of life of the individual.

R for Realistic, Responsible / Ecological

Realistic: can the goal be achieved, is it realistic, have others achieved it? If so, we measure our skills / abilities / knowledge, acquire those we do not have or ask for help, and resolve situations and views that keep us blocked. If not, reassess the goal so that it is achievable.

Responsible / Ecological: achieving the goal improves our ecology, i.e. the environment where we live / work / relationships / the natural environment etc. Does our goal promote the greater good? Is it positive and does it positively affect other areas of our lives and life in general? The better for our ecology, the easier it is to achieve the goal.

T for Timed, Towards what you want

Timed: when exactly do I want to have achieved it? The use of specific time frames helps and informs us about our course

Towards what you want: all your attention should be where you want to get and not where you want to get away from. If your focus is on poverty, you will never be able to reach abundance.

Other acronyms that can help you clarify what you need in order to set successful goals are:

PURE: Positively stated Understood Relevant Ethical / Ecological

CLEAR: Challenging Legal Environmentally Sound Appropriate Recorded

Let’s set goals properly and achieve what we long for!

Originally published on: christinadrakopoulou.com

I help outstanding individuals get unstuck from personal fears and limitations and fast-track to the life of their dreams. I specialize in the problems of modern life in urban environments: a job we do not love, dead-end relationships, lethargy, burnout, inability to live in stereotypes, excessive stress, a general feeling of “blockage”, “helplessness” and “entrapment”. For more information about me and my work visit my website.

Christmas and New Year’s Holidays are officially over and I am wondering, did we actually manage to take a break? 

It always amazes me how busy we get just before the festive season. Instead of slowing down and starting to enjoy the spirit we rush to get things, all things, done. Whether it’s for ourselves, our children, our partner, or someone else.

Of course we want to get our homes ready, buy gifts, plan our special evenings, cook, perhaps finish some unfinished business or whatever else it may be for each one of us. And then the Holidays are over and we need extra time to slow down and relax because we’re so exhausted.

I know I’ve had my share but I’ve also learned my lesson. So when planning for the Holidays I make sure I “plan” a day just for me. This is my “I do nothing” day. Yes, I have a family, yes, I have a daughter and yes, I have friends and relatives so I do have lots to do. But this one day I make myself a priority.

This one day I listen to my body, I choose to rest and to look after myself. Maybe I sleep in and enjoy breakfast in bed while listening to my favorite music. Maybe I get cozy on the couch and read my book or watch a movie. Maybe I write in my journal and explore my emotions or how I feel about something.

Think about it. The Holiday Season is not officially over until January 7th. Give yourself the permission to focus on you and your needs while you still have time. You do so many things for everyone else, this one day do something just for you!

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

Greece once again tops the list of Mediterranean countries for overall tourist satisfaction, according to the latest data indices.

The so-called general satisfaction index (GRI), based entirely on customer feedback, is especially encouraging for Greek tourism, as it continues to recover from two years of disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Calculated by ReviewPro and processed by the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE), the GRI for Greece in 2022 was 87%, with Cyprus in second place at 85.6%. The index, which gathers its data from hundreds of social media platforms, hotel review websites and online travel agents, analyzes a range of comparative indicators, inlcuding hotels, service, food and drink, entertainment, hotel cleanliness, location, and value-for-money. A score above 80% indicates a positive experience.

While Greece continues to top the general satisfaction index, it is facing stiff competition in other categories from some of its closest neighbours, including Cyprus, Italy, Croatia, and Turkey.

As of November this year, while Greece ranks first in general satisfaction for hotels (86.8%) and service (89.1%), for example, Cyprus snatched first place for hotel cleanliness (91.8%), and Turkey topped the food and drink category (84.3%). Greece achieved third place in both categories, with scores of 90.6% and 82.7% respectively.

Turkey also topped this year’s list for location (90.4%) and value-for-money (86.8%), with Cyprus in second place in both. As other countries continue to narrow the gap, it’s clear that those working in the Greek tourist industry will need be at the top of their game as we head into 2023.

Originally published on: greece-is.com

he winter sales will start on January 9 and will run until February 28, the Enterprises and Retail Association (SELPE) announced on Monday.

The same announcement said that the first Sunday of the winter sales, namely 15 January, the commercial shops will be open throughout the country from 11:00 to 20:00.

"During the winter sales, the retail businesses will offer a wide range of products at very low prices with respect, excellent service and respect to the consumers," SELPE underlined.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com

The Municipality of Athens aims to welcome 2023 with a special New Year’s Show at Syntagma Square with lots of music, fun, dancing, fireworks, wishes and positive energy.

Starting at 11am on Saturday December 31st, Athens’ municipal radio station, 98.4, will drive its vintage van around the city making stops in different neighborhoods to offer Athenians and visitors the opportunity to share their wishes, dedications and song requests on air.

The Greek capital will welcome the new year at Syntagma Square, with a show presented by Hellenic Broadcaster Corporation’s (ERT) presenters Fotis Sergoulopoulos and Jenny Melita.

The Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra will launch the event at 10:30pm with a concert of classic Christmas tunes followed by the main festive event headlined by internationally-acclaimed Greek singers Mario Frangoulis and George Perris.

Frangoulis and Perris will be accompanied by a ten-member symphonic orchestra and will take the audience on a musical journey with songs and melodies that have stood the test of time.

Just before midnight, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis will join Athenians and visitors to welcome 2023 and kick off a festive party running into the small hours.

The high energy cover band, Bejeezus, will bring their energy to 2023’s first open air party with pop, swing, latin και rock ‘n’ roll sounds at Syntagma, while a few hundred yards away, the Varvakeios Municipal Market will host some of the most prominent representatives of the Greek electronic dance music scene during a party that will transform Athens’ historic market into a dance club filled with light and joy.

This Christmas season, the Municipality of Athens has organized more than 120 noel family events and more than 30 music shows across 129 neighborhoods.

Furthermore, municipal authorities managed to decorate the city with LED technology lights, lowering energy consumption by 80 percent, when compared to previous years.

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

The world’s earliest analog computer, the first robot in history, and the gods of Olympus; masterpieces of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and contemporary art; plants and animals that live on the surface of the earth, in the vastness of the sky and in the depths of the ocean; and illusions that fool the mind and the eye: the museums of Athens can conjure up a magical world for young visitors, sparking their imagination. Tailored programs and tours take them on a journey of experiential learning through play.

Happy Trails

At the Acropolis Museum, children can follow different paths of exploration. Specially designed pamphlets for younger visitors highlight subject matter and difficulty levels suitable for different age groups. With these in hand, young explorers can discover the museum’s treasures while exercising their memory, using their imagination, and having fun. One trail, “The Parthenon Sculptures: Six Short Stories of Separation,” takes them to the Parthenon Gallery on the museum’s third floor, where they’ll find out more about what are arguably the most famous sculptures in the world. Through the stories of these masterpieces, they’ll learn how and why some became separated and where they are today.

The Origins Of Technology

Can a robot operate without batteries or electricity? Ancient musical instruments and toys, the ancient Greek “smart” home, an innovative wine jug, and an automaton puppet theater are some of the unique interactive exhibits at the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. From the robotic “servant” of Philo of Byzantium to the mechanized puppet theater of Hero of Alexandria, and from the mechanical clock of Ctesibius to the world’s first analog computer, the Antikythera Mechanism, the technologies on display cover the period from 2000 BC to the end of the Ancient Greek era. The Kotsanas Museum features fully functional replicas of more than 400 inventions, many of which remain relatively unknown. Young visitors will be struck by the similarities between ancient innovations and the origins of modern technology. Ctesibius, Plato, Aristotle and other great minds are willing to share their secrets. Are you ready to join them?

Just An Illusion 

At the Museum of Illusions, nothing is what it seems. Here, anything can happen, and every visit is an exciting adventure that will leave children and parents alike wide-eyed in disbelief. You’ll watch yourself shrink, see double, experience holograms, and even… disappear! Through a series of illusions, visitors will learn that their senses can be fooled and that the world is full of visual percepts that appear to be at odds with reality. A stop here is sure to entertain museumgoers of all ages.

Herons, Butterflies, & Koalas

As they explore the fantastic collection of the Goulandris Natural History Museum, visitors learn about the reptiles of the world, from the Caretta caretta sea turtle to the Nile crocodile (there is even an accurate replica of a Triceratops), as well as 180 species of birds that nest in Greece, along with birds from Africa and Central America. In the museum’s entomological exhibition, they can admire butterflies and other species of insects from various countries, while the mammal collection includes the kangaroo, koala, lions, leopards, baboons, and giraffes. The botanical exhibition provides the perfect introduction to the plant kingdom. The museum also has halls dedicated to marine biology, featuring an impressive collection of shells from the Greek seas; paleontology, with characteristic samples of fossils; and geology, with an extensive collection of rocks and minerals. All exhibit descriptions are in Greek and English.

To read this article in full, please visiti: greece-is.com

Zagori is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece just northeast of Ioannina.

It is an awe-inspiring natural landscape with an incredibly well-preserved network of 46 villages and features national parks, a monastery, rivers and waterfalls.

Looking for a splendid all-year-round getaway to a place that is considered to be one of the most beautiful and rich eco-systems in all of Europe? Look no further.

Here are a few of the many places worth visiting to make your experience unique:

Monodéndri

Situated at an altitude of 1,060 meters (3,278 feet) and listed as a national monument, Monodendri is one of Zagori’s most picturesque villages.

It hosts some beautiful two-story mansions and narrow streets that pass the village’s paved stone courtyards. The Monastery of St. Paraskevi can be admired from afar and a rocky trail that starts at the central square will lead you to the stunning Vikos Gorge.

Vikos Gorge

The famous Vikos Gorge, the enormous canyon which is visited by many tourists throughout the year, is actually accessible from many vantage points.

While there, you will have the opportunity to walk the famous Vradeto Stairs at the edge of the gorge. These 1,200 meter stone stairs connect the villages of Vradéto and Kapésovo.

Waterfalls in Illiochori

Unknown to most people is the village of Iliochori, built on the eastern slopes of Tymfi. It is a small, quaint village that is home to three spectacular waterfalls that form two natural emerald-colored pools.

The waterfalls, located at “Balta di Striga;” the highest of them reaches a height of 25 meters (82 feet). The hiking route is very pleasant, with a marked path that begins at the village square — if in doubt, you can always ask one of the villagers, who will surely be able to show you the way.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

Bring a Mediterranean twist to the classic holiday eggnog with flavors inspired by Greece! This creamy and aromatic drink combines traditional eggnog ingredients with the distinct taste of Greek honey and mastiha.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 large eggs (separated)
• 3/4 cup Greek honey (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup mastiha liqueur (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus more for garnish)
• Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Heat the Base:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, Greek honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is just about to simmer (do not boil). Remove from heat.
2. Whisk the Yolks:
   In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become pale and creamy. Gradually add a ladle of the warm milk mixture to the yolks while whisking continuously to temper them. Slowly add the yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
3. Cook the Eggnog:
   Return the saucepan to medium-low heat and cook until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the mastiha liqueur (if using) and vanilla extract.
4. Beat the Whites:
   In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the cooled eggnog mixture for a frothy texture.

Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the eggnog for at least 2 hours. Before serving, give it a gentle stir. Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a drizzle of Greek honey.

 

Ten Christmas villages with free concerts and activities for children are to open in neighborhoods across Athens on Friday, December 23rd, and remain open until January 6th, when the Greek Christmas period ends with the celebration of the Epiphany.

Santa and his elves will take their stands daily at: Missologhi Square in Pagkrati, Heldreich Square in Neos Kosmos, Jacqueline-de-Romilly Square in Thiseion, Agia Ekaterini Square in Kato Petralona, Athanasiou Diakou Square in Thimarakia, Nathaniel Square in Agios Eleftherios, Agios Andreas Square in Lambrini, Agios Panteleimon Square, Agios Dimitrios Square on Panormou Street in Ampelokipi, and Gika Square in Ellinoroson.

There will be no entrance fee for the Christmas villages, which will be free and open daily from 11:30 am to 2 pm and from 3 pm to 8 pm. On New Year’s Eve, they will be open from 11 pm to 5 pm.

A Christmas band will perform at the official launch event in Gika Square starting at 5:30 pm on Friday.

Following the path through the Athens Christmas villages, visitors will end up at Santa’s house.

Children will be able to enjoy crafts-making, treats, face and body painting, puppet shows, and have fun with stilt walkers, jugglers, Christmas mascots, animators, and magicians. Storytelling and bubble shows will be among the interactive experiences for kids.

New Year’s Eve celebrations in Athens

For New Year’s Eve, the city of Athens will celebrate with a spectacular free concert at Syntagma Square starting at 10:30 pm.

Mario Frangoulis and Giorgos Perris will perform, joined by a ten-member symphonic orchestra and soloists. The concert will open with a performance by the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra.

After midnight, the band Bejeezus will be passed the baton to continue the entertainment performing pop, swing, Latin, and rock and roll hits.

Athenians will later be able to carry on their celebrations at the Central Athens “Varvakios” Markets on Athinas Street, located between Monastiraki and Omonoia Squares, where famous local deejays will keep the New Year party going.

Originally published on: greekreporter.com