Of all the islands of Greece, the one that lies the closest to Albania and Italy is Kerkyra and it is connected by boats to both countries. From a financial perspective, the largest percentage of the inhabitants of Kerkyra work in agriculture or in tourism. They mainly cultivate olives, vines, fruit trees, potatoes and citrus fruits. Kerkyra has an important animal production as well; bee breeding and bird breeding have also been developed. With regards to industrial production there are olive oil factories, weaving factories, paper mill factories, dairy products factories, industry of pasta and ship yards. However tourism is the Prefecture most important industry and the islands of Kerkyra have become cosmopolitan travel destinations, famous all over the world.
A green rock in the middle of the sea is Kerkyra’s trademark. The legendary Podikonisi, at the entrance of the Chalkiopoulo lagoon is one of the sights you can admire but you can’t touch. As it is a natural museum, visitors are forbidden to walk and stay on its grounds so that the virgin habitat is kept intact. If you insist on visiting the island you should know that you are going to stay there just for a few minutes and under the guards’ strict monitoring. Unless you are lucky and you are in Kerkyra on the 6th of August, day of celebration for the monastery "The Transformation of the Saviour", when you can visit for adoration. It is the only day of the year that it is allowed to enter the interior of the island.
To read more, please visit kerkyrainfo.gr.
XpatAthens
Sunday, 12 November 2017 12:34
October 3 - Autumn Colours
Learn everything you need to know about Athen's online English Supermarket, find out the top 3 reasons to buy property in Greece and discover some of the best wineries in Attica!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!
Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!
Published in
Newsletters
Tagged under
Wednesday, 08 January 2020 07:00
Diverse Teams Drive Better Outcomes
“Diverse teams drive better outcomes.” IWG’s Chief Customer Officer and Chief Sales Officer talk female leadership and diversity.
On average, only 33% of women living and working in the European Union are likely to hold a management position. When it comes to the world’s largest corporations, only 24% of women (4.8%) are CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, with female professionals accounting for less than a quarter (24%) of senior roles globally, according to the 2018 Fortune list. In practice however, attitudes are changing.
On average, only 33% of women living and working in the European Union are likely to hold a management position. When it comes to the world’s largest corporations, only 24% of women (4.8%) are CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, with female professionals accounting for less than a quarter (24%) of senior roles globally, according to the 2018 Fortune list. In practice however, attitudes are changing.
A 2019 survey by Ipsos reveals that globally, 75% of respondents said they would be comfortable with having a female boss. And following a 2018 IWG gender gap report, it was revealed that 69% of upper middle management roles at International Workplace Group (IWG), the operating brand of Regus, Spaces, HQ, Signature and No. 18 are occupied by women, and women represent close to half (41%) of top paying roles at the company.
For Lorraine Veber and Fatima Koning, Chief Customer Officer and Chief Sales Officer respectively, the reason lies in IWG’s unique company culture in which diversity, flexibility and balance are core values.
Veber, a New York resident, has spent over 20 years nurturing her career with IWG. When she joined Regus – now the largest operating brand of IWG – the company hadn’t opened a single flexible workspace location in the United States. In her new job, she was given the green light to build from scratch.
“The first few months were full-on but being thrown in the deep end allowed me to see the company’s potential and the part I could play within it. Instead of getting carried away by the current, I laid down an anchor, defined what I wanted to achieve, then committed to reaching my goals.”
Veber cites several factors that helped her progress. Build relationships. “Talk to people, especially those you don’t work with directly. Chances are they’ll help you solve a problem by looking at it from a different angle.” Expect as much from your boss as they expect of you. “I need a boss who is always 50% ahead of me in the game. Your boss can demand a lot of you, and that is good, but you can demand a lot of them in helping you grow in return – and you should.”
Above all, Veber holds, you need to strike a balance between what you know and what you don’t.
“I was once asked to manage a finance team and didn’t know the first thing about what they did. I had to tell them: ‘Guys, I’m not going to help you grow in your knowledge, but what I can do is challenge you to see things differently.’ Rather than squeezing myself into a role that didn’t suit me, I used what I did know to best serve the team at hand. It’s another sign that diverse teams complement each other and lead to better outcomes.”
A belief in the value of diversity is also shared by Fatima Koning, a long-term resident of the Netherlands with Moroccan heritage. Koning joined IWG as a Sales Director in 2015 before managing a national market in 2017; she was promoted to Global Senior VP of Sales Transformation the same year before finally beginning her current role in 2018.
“From the moment I stepped through the door, I was struck by the employee diversity. In the Barcelona office alone, almost 40 languages are spoken. It was such a pleasant surprise – I knew I’d joined a company that shared my own values.’”
As a boss, she has made a conscious effort to continue the legacy. “I believe in diversity and the impact of diverse teams on performance. It is my mission to build teams with this outlook, and giving female leaders a fair chance to step up. I’ve definitely had a chance to achieve this while working for IWG.
“It would be great if every single female leader out there commits to supporting the career development of another talented female professional. Women must help other women grow.
“When I hire people, I’m never concerned that because they are a mother, or because they might have to look after someone at home, they won’t be capable to deliver a great job. It just never crosses my mind. At IWG, flexibility is at the top of the agenda.”
With IWG’s recent Global Workspace Survey concluding that 83% of professionals would turn down a job without flexible working, Koning’s mission to promote flexibility and fairness at work is timely.
“As technology is truly enabling flexibility, it’s about time we make use of it and let our people work flexibly. If a boss gives employees the time and space to get their home life totally under control, it fosters loyalty, job satisfaction and ultimately the kind of employee productivity that drives results.”
This content has been sponsored by IWG - an XpatAthens Brand Partner.
Originally published at International Workplace Group
Published in
Business News
Tagged under
Thursday, 14 May 2020 15:23
Life After Lockdown - 3 Greek Words To Help Us Move Forward
During the COVID-19 lockdown, our friend and XpatAthens content contributor Eleni Meraki went into absolute solitude for a couple of days with no internet, no books, and no human connection—not even with herself through the mirror. Absolute solitude. Pure silence.
She chronicled some of her experience in an article written for the Elephant Journal where she describes her three major insights through the Greek words Kairos, Philotimo, and Gnosis.
Eleni's journey will surely resonate with many and we've captured some of it here for you:
She chronicled some of her experience in an article written for the Elephant Journal where she describes her three major insights through the Greek words Kairos, Philotimo, and Gnosis.
Eleni's journey will surely resonate with many and we've captured some of it here for you:
"Exactly four years ago, I did the same in a silent meditation retreat in Mexico. I craved to connect with myself, touch the mystery of the universe, feel that safe place within, find answers, and gain the required inner strength for my journey ahead. I had just quit my job and was about to emigrate to Greece with no solid plan in place, following a “calling” that didn’t make much sense to my rational mind. Spending my days in self-contemplation, meditation, and listening to teachings, I connected with the timeless teachings of the Greek philosophers, poets, writers, messiahs, the various monotheistic religious teachings, Eastern and Western philosophy, and, most importantly, with the inherent wisdom of myself. It was one of the most life-altering experiences of my life.
On May 1st, I embarked on the same journey, this time from my apartment under the Parthenon in downtown, and locked down Athens. I went back to that place of silence, but this time not with the aim to touch the mystery of the universe, but rather to honor my last four years of searching for truth and freedom. My intentions were celebration, honor, and gratitude for my life’s path and being alive. With all that is happening in the world, I also felt the need to connect even deeper, to hear clearer, and listen carefully to what it is we are all here to do, and how to do it.
I had my initial thoughts, but I just wanted to “know” for sure. We are living unprecedented times, and people like me, and many more in this world, feel like we’re at the forefront of this big change. Not from an ego-centric point of view, but just because we—therapists, coaches, healers, visionaries, artists, writers—are somehow already walking the talk, and have answered the call to support others on their journey toward happiness, health, joy, and freedom."
So, in this article, I’d like to share three major insights I received during this time in silence, about the post-COVID age.
1. Kairos - the rightness of time and space that creates the best conditions for action. Time is becoming relative.
In Greek, we have two words for time, chronos and kairos. You and I have been brought up with the time reference of chronos, a.k.a. chronological time. Now, though it has served a practical purpose in these timelines, it has also taken a lot away from us.
So, in this article, I’d like to share three major insights I received during this time in silence, about the post-COVID age.
1. Kairos - the rightness of time and space that creates the best conditions for action. Time is becoming relative.
In Greek, we have two words for time, chronos and kairos. You and I have been brought up with the time reference of chronos, a.k.a. chronological time. Now, though it has served a practical purpose in these timelines, it has also taken a lot away from us.
Chronos is linear, made for and from the mind. To make sense of it all. Think about it—our age, our working hours, our careers, all our systems, are built on chronos and, quite frankly, giving us all quite a bit of stress and anxiety, which, by the way, is the number one cause of illness. What we are called to do is not let go of chronos all together, that would be a utopia, but instead learn to integrate kairos into our lives. It’s hard for the mind to grasp this, but this is what’s needed right now.
Kairos is the new time measurement by which we have to live. In fact, with everything we’re going through, we have no other choice than to live by kairos, the right moment, the opportune moment, the surrendering to time to some extent. Nature does that. We just have to look at what nature does, and we’ll understand. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t make goals and plans and try to achieve them—we have to stay flexible with time, that’s all I’m saying. We have to untie ourselves from operating only in chronological time and allow for kairos to take over when needed. We control what happens to us through self-sovereignty, but there are things we simply have to allow for kairos to bring into our lives.
Kairos is not linear; it’s the timing of the heart and soul. Chronos is mind; kairos is heart. When the time is right, with your right intention and actions, the time will come. And when the time is there, it’s your conscious decisions that will make things happen in your life. And that might be even quicker than you initially would have thought with your chronological mind.
2. Philotimo - taking responsibility for yourself as a human being and acting in accordance with righteousness and honor, regardless of the consequences. Life and work are changing for the better.
Let’s face it—we lived in a world that didn’t make much sense. And it went from not making much sense to being quite mad. And we haven’t seen nothing yet! With old systems collapsing in front of our eyes, the only way to handle what’s coming is by personal (and professional) metamorphosis.
We welcome you to continue reading this article in full on the Elephant Journal.
Artwork imagery by Myrto Makri
Eleni Meraki (MA, BSc)
Eleni Meraki is a life & business coach, multiple online entrepreneur, and writer, and has devoted her life to assisting people on their journeys to living a more authentic and happy life. She has coached and interviewed hundreds of people on their journeys of transformation towards a more meaningful life and conscious business making. Walking her talk, Eleni has undergone multiple life-metamorphoses herself, built a coaching & lifestyle platform for conscious women, a storytelling platform, is partner of a conscious business agency and created several roadmap life and metamorphosis coaching programs.
Published in
Mind
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Thursday, 10 December 2020 18:49
Greek Wines To Try (And Buy) In Athens
Wine writers abhor doing lists of “best” wines because this goes against the mystique we have so patiently built around the “nectar of the gods”. And because lists are so reductive. Exploring wine is the essence of enjoying wine, say hard-core wine lovers. Nevertheless, this wine writer, who belongs to the “drink first, discuss later” school of wine thought has no objection to proposing a list of six wines that are exciting, quaffable and perfect examples of Greece’s wine renaissance.
These suggestions are based on native Greek grape varietals. They are relatively easy to find and fairly representative of different wine styles and colours. If unavailable, a good sommelier in a restaurant or wine shop should be able to suggest close alternatives.
Sigalas Santorini
Santorini wines have attained the industry’s holy grail: establishing a taste that is not only unique but ascribable to the wine’s provenance―in this case, the volcanic soils of this strange Cycladic island. Thanks to their pronounced mineral taste, Santorini wines are the darlings of sommeliers and wine buffs the world over and have become the de facto wine ambassadors of Greece. Winemaker Paris Sigalas is an expert at making the Assyrtiko grape shine (and sing). Sigalas wines are always well-made, dependable and gracious. His textbook Santorini Assyrtiko is steely-dry yet fruity, mouth-filling and racy, a display of power without aggression. A white wine that generates awe.
Price: €23
Pairings: Pair an Assyrtko wine from Santorini with fish and seafood and you cannot go wrong.
Tear of the Pine Retsina, Kechris Winery
Retsina is a delicate subject in the world of Greek wine because so many people outside Greece identify local wines with pine-flavoured plonk, to the detriment of all the other good wines now being made. There aren’t that many retsinas around and certainly not many exciting ones. Stelios Kechris is the retsina specialist and his Tear of the Pine, made from the Assyrtiko grape in northern Greece, is an astonishing example of a modern retsina that will blow you away. The Assyrtiko comes through nicely, blending in a weird way with the pine resin to create something very original. This dry white wine ages exceptionally well.
Pairings: Traditional Greek meze such as fried courgettes, grilled octopus and taramosalata will thank you for pairing them with such a great comrade in arms. Enjoy—and let the wine snobs turn blue.
Gris de Nuit, Ktima Tselepos
This outstanding rosé wine is the new creation of Yiannis Tselepos, owner of a 12-acre estate in Arcadia, in the heart of the Peloponnese. This is where the indigenous Moschofilero grape flourishes, in the cold valley of Mantinia, which produces lively white wines. However, Moschofilero is a red grape variety whose slightly tainted rosé wines can also be called “gray”, following a night’s maceration of skins with juice. Intensely aromatic, bone-dry yet supple and creamy, this is an exemplary dry rosé in an Alsace-styled bottle for extra character.
Gris de Nuit, Ktima Tselepos
This outstanding rosé wine is the new creation of Yiannis Tselepos, owner of a 12-acre estate in Arcadia, in the heart of the Peloponnese. This is where the indigenous Moschofilero grape flourishes, in the cold valley of Mantinia, which produces lively white wines. However, Moschofilero is a red grape variety whose slightly tainted rosé wines can also be called “gray”, following a night’s maceration of skins with juice. Intensely aromatic, bone-dry yet supple and creamy, this is an exemplary dry rosé in an Alsace-styled bottle for extra character.
Pairings: This wine is fantastic with food, especially fish and seafood, Asian cuisine, and fine hors d’oeuvres. Also great as an aperitif with no food at all.
For more great wines, and tips on what to look for when buying Greek wine, visit: thisisathens.org
Photo by: Amalia Kovaiou
For more great wines, and tips on what to look for when buying Greek wine, visit: thisisathens.org
Photo by: Amalia Kovaiou
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!
This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
Tagged under
Friday, 22 October 2021 14:56
Wardrobe For Sale
Blue and wood coloured wardrobe with 2 shelf, hanging space and 2 drawers.
Excellent condition. Free.
Taker must have strong helpers and either a van or a large car with roof rack.
Excellent condition. Free.
Taker must have strong helpers and either a van or a large car with roof rack.
Published in
Items For Sale
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Friday, 03 November 2023 07:00
The Hills Of Athens And The History Behind Them
Many cities are claimed to be built on seven hills, and Athens is no exception. Each of the seven hills of the city of Athens offers a unique feature in its geography and history. Fascinating stories unfold in every corner - or should we say - at the highest point of every hill in the historical center of the Greek capital - famous tales from Greek mythology that we can never know whether they are true or not.
Lycabettus Hill
@hi_i_am_drone
The highest of Athens’ hills, Lycabettus, rises imposingly in the center of the city and is visible from almost everywhere, offering unsurpassed views of both the city and the suburbs and, of course, the Saronic gulf.
The story of the creation of Lycabbetus Hill goes like this: Goddess Athena longed for her temple on the Acropolis to be closer to heaven. So, she took a large rock to place it on top of the Acropolis, but, while carrying it, she received some news that startled her, causing the 278-meters-high rock to fall, creating Mount Lycabettus.
Lycabettus is ancient Greek for "the Mountain of Wolves", as it is believed that it was once inhabited by wolves.
Philopappos Hill
@danchuneounni
Also known as “the Hill of the Muses”, “the Hill of the Nymphs”, or “Pnyka Hill”, Philopappos Hill is one of the three hills that serve as natural "guards" of the Acropolis. According to Mythology, Pan, the god of the wild, used to live there, along with the Nymphs, female spirits that lived in forests. The hill was also home to the nine Muses, to whom it owns one of its three alternative names.
The hill was named after Philopappos, a Syrian consul who lived in Athens, had a classical Greek education and was considered a benefactor of the city. Philopappos had, among others, many friends, such as Plutarch, who described him in his writings as an extremely generous person. His death caused great sadness to the citizens of Athens, and as a result, they built a mausoleum to honor his memory.
Acropolis Hill
Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction, not only in the Greek capital but also in the entire country, the Acropolis - the cradle of civilization - is found on the hill of the same name, in the heart of the historical center of Athens. About seven million tourists climb the Acropolis hill every year for a "journey" back to Ancient Greece and to admire the Parthenon up close.
@lookforraine
Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction, not only in the Greek capital but also in the entire country, the Acropolis - the cradle of civilization - is found on the hill of the same name, in the heart of the historical center of Athens. About seven million tourists climb the Acropolis hill every year for a "journey" back to Ancient Greece and to admire the Parthenon up close.
One of the legends connected to the Acropolis Hill is the one about Athena and Poseidon fighting over who would be the city's patron. To avoid conflict between them, Zeus intervened and organized a contest. Athena and Poseidon met where the Erechtheion stands today, and the people of Athens gathered to watch them compete against each other.
First, Poseidon revealed his gift to the city by striking his trident on the ground and producing water. Then, Athena planted a seed that immediately grew into an olive tree. The Athenians appreciated both gifts, but they already had access to plenty of water, so they chose Athena's olive tree, which was an excellent source of food and timber. Athena became the patron goddess of the city, to which she gave her name - Athena.
Areopagus Hill
@the_historian_tourist
@the_historian_tourist
The Hill of Ares or Areopagus Hill is located northwest of the Acropolis and gave its name to the Supreme Civil and Criminal Court of Greece, the Areios Pagos.
The Areopagus has a rich history, as it has been the place where some of the most important events in the history of Athens occurred.
According to one legend, Amazons, enemies of Theseus, camped on the hill and dedicated it to Ares, the god of war. Another legend has it that Ares was tried there by the other gods for the murder of Poseidon's son Alitotheus, or by the Erinyes, as at the foot of the hill, there was a sanctuary dedicated to the Erinyes, where those accused of murder took refuge, in order to not face the consequences of their actions. Thus, the hill of Ares is the site of the first murder trial.
In ancient Athens, the Areopagus Hill also housed a council of elders who had many changing roles, one of which was to judge homicide cases and other serious crimes.
Originally published in Greek on: newsbeast.gr
Originally published in Greek on: newsbeast.gr
Translated by: Codico Lab
Published in
Greek Philosophy & History
Tagged under
Monday, 22 April 2024 15:50
Unraveling Wisdom: The Origins Of 7 Greek Proverbs
The Greek language is a treasure trove of wisdom encapsulated in its vast array of proverbs. These succinct and often poetic expressions have been passed down through generations, offering insights into human nature, life's complexities, and societal values.
From ancient times to the present day, Greek proverbs have served as guides for navigating life's challenges and celebrating its joys. Let's dive into the origins of seven Greek proverbs, each offering a glimpse into the cultural tapestry of Greece and the timeless wisdom embedded within its language.
1. Χαιρέτα μου τον πλάτανο (Chereta mou ton platano)
From ancient times to the present day, Greek proverbs have served as guides for navigating life's challenges and celebrating its joys. Let's dive into the origins of seven Greek proverbs, each offering a glimpse into the cultural tapestry of Greece and the timeless wisdom embedded within its language.
1. Χαιρέτα μου τον πλάτανο (Chereta mou ton platano)
Literal Translation: Wave to my plane tree.
Similar English Proverb: Waving at a tree.
Used when: This phrase indicates a situation or endeavor that is doomed to fail or highly unlikely to succeed.
Originating in Athens, specifically in the shadow of the Acropolis at the "Aerides" of Plaka, this phrase dates back to the 18th century. Back then, the Turks erected Medrese, initially a seminary, which later turned into a prison under Greek rule. Within the prison's courtyard stood a haunting symbol: a mighty plane tree. Its branches bore the weight of justice, or rather, injustice, as condemned individuals, mostly the impoverished and politically oppressed, met their fate hanging from its limbs. But it wasn't just about death; it symbolized tyranny, representing the Bavarian rulers' oppression and corruption.
Upon release, former inmates would glance back at the prison cells, bidding farewell to the tree of death, hoping never to return. Thus, the phrase evolved to depict situations destined for failure due to mishandling or inherent flaws—a nod to bidding goodbye to the gallows.
2. Πίσω έχει η αχλάδα την ουρά (Piso ehei i ahlada tin oura)
Literal Translation: The pear has its tail behind.
Similar English Proverb: Still waters run deep.
Used when: This proverb suggests that someone might conceal a hidden agenda or a dark side, even though it's not immediately visible.
This saying traces its origins to the time when the Venetians dominated the seas and introduced the first transport sailboats for ferrying their troops. These boats, made of wood and of colossal size, had the shape of a pear. Often, they dragged a small boat behind them, carrying weaponry, provisions, and various war paraphernalia. Greeks dubbed these boats "pears" because of their shape.
When an unfamiliar ship appeared on the horizon, islanders (vigilantes) would anxiously climb the cliffs to observe its movements. If it was just a sailboat, their concerns were minimal, as it might continue its journey elsewhere. However, if it was a "pear," panic ensued, as they anticipated battles, sieges, famine, and death. They would hastily depart to prepare for defense. The rumor spread like wildfire: "The pear has its tail behind."
3. Μας άλλαξαν τα φώτα (Mas allaxan ta fota)
Literal Translation: They changed our lights.
Similar English Proverb: They've run me ragged.
Used when: This phrase implies that someone or something has drained us mentally or psysically, leaving us feeling exhausted or depleted.
In England's eerie past, there was a chilling practice: smugglers were hung along the coast, coated in tar and left to sway in the ocean breeze for what seemed like ages. The gallows stood tall on the cliffs, overlooking the empty beach. This grim tradition lasted until the early 19th century, with stories of three such figures hanging ominously from Dover Tower in 1822. Thieves, arsonists, and murderers met similar fates.
Across the seas, Byzantine justice harbored its own horrors. Lamp lighters, once tasked with illuminating the streets, found themselves condemned to a fate worse than darkness: their feet set ablaze, casting them as living torches. It seems there were many murderers during that era, as they lit up the Keratian Gulf for a certain period. Later, however, they were replaced with real torches. Amidst the flickering flames of punishment, whispers arose from those who yearned for justice in its most visceral form, lamenting, "They changed our lights."
4. Γιάννης πίνε, Γιάννης κερνάει
Literal Translation: John drinks, John treats.
Similar English Proverb: What John says goes.
Used when: This saying signifies that someone not only indulges in a particular activity but also assumes full responsibility for its outcomes.
Among Theodoros Kolokotronis' fierce warriors, there was one man who stood head and shoulders above the rest: Giannis Thymioulas, famed for his colossal size and strength. Standing at a towering two meters, with the strength to lift a horse with ease, Thymioulas was a force to be reckoned with. He could devour an entire lamb in one sitting, yet hunger still gnawed at him. And he loved his drink, too. But despite his voracious appetite and love for wine, he moved with surprising agility, fearlessly charging into battle where his mere presence struck terror into the hearts of his enemies. Many captains sought Kolokotronis' favor to borrow Thymioulas for their bold missions, knowing his mere presence would strike fear into the hearts of their foes.
However, there came a time when Thymioulas and five of his comrades found themselves trapped in a mountain cave, besieged by enemies for three long days. With dwindling supplies and starvation looming, Thymioulas faced an unthinkable decision. In a daring act of desperation, Thymioulas made a heroic charge out of the cave, wielding his rifle with unmatched speed and strength, sending the besiegers into a frenzy of panic and chaos. His sheer force and determination were enough to send them fleeing in terror, allowing him and his comrades to escape unscathed.
Upon his triumphant return to a nearby Greek village, Thymioulas wasted no time in celebrating his victory. He slaughtered three lambs, skewered them for a feast, and ordered a barrel of wine fit for a king. As he indulged in his well-deserved feast, he generously invited all who passed by to join in the revelry. Just as the festivities were in full swing, Theodoros Kolokotronis himself arrived, curious to learn of the commotion. "John drinks, and John treats!" declared the village headman with a knowing smile.
5. Μου έρχεται κουτί (Mou erhete kouti)
Literal Translation: It comes to me in a box.
Similar English Proverb: It fits like a glove.
Used when: This phrase indicates that a situation is absolutely ideal for someone.
To express that something suits someone perfectly, Greeks say "it comes to me in a box." In the early years of King Otto's reign, as cosmopolitan life began to take shape and the first social gatherings were organized, the issue of attire naturally arose. Skilled dressmakers and tailors were available, but primarily for crafting traditional Greek garments with their colorful and intricate embroideries and decorations. The tailors who worked according to European standards, appeared a bit later.
As expected, preferences gradually aligned with Western notions of elegance over time. Parisian dresses and London-style suits for men became the new standards for the fashion-conscious Athenians. Since Athenian seamstresses couldn't be trusted with expensive fabrics, the wealthiest individuals placed their orders in Europe. One fine morning, finely tailored clothes from Paris and London arrived, neatly packed in luxurious boxes.
Would the box arrive on time? Fortunately, everything went smoothly when Europe was punctual in delivering its offerings. For the one eagerly awaiting, "it came in a box," and those who received their attire even without a fitting were considered truly fortunate, or "of the box."
6. Κάνει την πάπια (Kanei tin papia)
Literal Translation: He's pretending to be a duck.
Similar English Proverb: Playing dumb.
Used when: This expression arises when someone feigns complete ignorance about a situation.
In the Byzantine era, the individual responsible for holding the keys to the palace was called the "papías." Over time, this title became an honorary one, given to various trusted courtiers.
Once, the papías of the palace was Ioannis Chandrinos, known for his harsh demeanor, cunning nature, and deceitfulness. Upon assuming his duties, he began to slander everyone to the emperor, becoming feared by all. When someone complained that he had wronged them, Chandrinos would feign surprise, saying, "You're my best friend! How could I speak against you to the emperor?" This duplicity became legendary in Byzantium.
That's why since then, when someone was caught lying to their company or pretending ignorance, their friends sarcastically remarked, "Are you channeling the Papías?" This phrase has survived to this day with a slight variation.
7. Ακόμα δεν τον είδανε, Γιάννη τον βαφτίσανε (Akoma den ton idane, Gianni ton vaftisane)
Literal Translation: They haven't even seen him, and they've already named him John.
Similar English Proverb: Counting your chickens before they hatch.
Used when: To highlight situations where decisions are made hastily or without proper consideration.
This proverb originates from a humorous tale involving Angelakis Nikitaras and Theodoros Kolokotronis. Nikitaras, eager for Kolokotronis to baptize his unborn child, decided to name the child Giannis However, Nikitaras falsely claimed that the child was due soon, assuming Kolokotronis wouldn't make it in time due to his military engagements. Despite Nikitaras' insistence, Kolokotronis couldn't attend the baptism immediately.
When Kolokotronis eventually visited Nikitaras, he discovered that Nikitaras' wife was still pregnant. Amused by the premature naming and Nikitaras' exaggeration, Kolokotronis jokingly exclaimed, "They haven't even seen him, and they've already named him John!"
Published in
Greek Language & Culture
Tagged under
Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:13
Kerkyra Island - Podikonisi
Kerkyra, also known as Corfu, is located on the Heptanese and is the biggest Prefecture of the Ionian Islands region in terms of population. The extension of its area is 641 square kilometers and it has a population of 107,592 inhabitants. It is constituted by Kerkyra, the second largest island of the Ionian sea after Cephalonia, and by the small islands Othoni, Mathraki, Erikoosa and the group of the Paxi – Antipaxi islands.
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Travel Greece
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Friday, 20 February 2015 15:06
Ekmek (Byzantine Dessert With Fresh Cream)
This dessert consists of three layers. The first layer is a spongy cake with a sweet syrup, the second layer is a custard pastry cream that has been lightened with whipped cream and finished with a generous layer of whipped cream that has been whipped and flavored with vanilla. Finally topped with toasted slivered almonds.
SPONGE CAKE
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
Pinch of salt
4 tbs melted butter
CUSTARD CREAM
2 cups whole milk
½ cup sugar
¼ cup flour
2 eggs
3 Tbs butter
½ tsp vanilla
1 cup fresh whipping cream
FRESH WHIPPED CREAM
2 cups fresh whipping cream
½ tsp vanilla
½ cup slivered and toasted almonds
In a mixer whisk on the highest speed four eggs with one cup of sugar until frothy and pale in color. Remove from mixer and fold in the flour with a shifter. Take turns in mixing melted butter and sifts of flour so that you uniformly combine the ingredients. Do not over mix. You need all the air and bubbles.
Put in a rectangular cookie sheet on top greased baking paper. Bake in a 350 preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. When cooled down, wet with a light simple syrup.
To make the syrup put in a sauce pan 1 cup of sugar with ½ cup water. Allow to simmer for 4-5 minutes.
Now proceed with making the pastry cream.
In a large mixing bowl we whisk the eggs with sugar and flour. In a sauce pan we heat the milk slightly and pour the above paste (eggs, sugar, flour) into the sauce pan with the milk. We return the cream to the heat and whisking constantly on medium heat the cream will thicken. Then we add the butter and vanilla. We mix to incorporate and remove from the heat. Set aside and allow to cool down.
In the mean time whip all three cups of the cream with 1 TBS sugar and vanilla until stiff. Take one cup of the cream and slowly with careful motions incorporate into the pastry cream. Cover and put in the fridge for ½ hour.
Now you are ready to assemble the dessert. It sounds like a lot of work but after you make it once and you know the steps it is really easy.
Choose a nice large platter with agreeable shape of your sponge cake. Place the sponge cake in the dish. Spread the cooled-down pastry cream. Finish with the whipped cream on top and toasted almonds. Place the dessert in the fridge and allow to cool down for a couple of hours before serving.
By Eleni Melirrytou
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
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