With loans from 34 museums in 12 countries, this exhibition at the Getty Center in Los Angeles includes ancient treasures never before assembled in one place.

On the Greek Isle of Rhodes a 30-meter bronze statue of their patron god Helios, famously known as the Colossus, watched over the harbor for more than 50 years, until it was felled by an earthquake in 226BC. Ptolemy III offered to rebuild it, but the oracle of Delphi said the people had offended Helios, and the bronze fragments remained where they lay for 800 years before they were hauled away.

No one knows where the Colossus stood or what it even looked like, which can be said of the vast majority of Greek bronzes from the period marked by the end of Alexander’s reign in 323BC to the beginning of the Roman empire. Colossus sculptor Chares of Lindos was a student of Lysippos – Alexander’s court sculptor –and was regarded as the finest in the medium, yet of his 1,500 works, none have survived.

Today, fewer than 200 large-scale bronzes of the era remain, and 47 of them are on display in Power and Pathos: Bronze Sculpture of the Hellenistic World, at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. With loans from 34 museums in 12 countries, this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition includes numerous national treasures never before assembled in one place. The show stops in three cities only: it went to Florence in March, and travels to the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC this December.

“It’s two terms that are meant to distill what Hellenistic sculpture is about. Ruler culture emerges as a genre in this period,” is how Getty curator of antiquities Jens Daehner explains the show’s title. Co-curator Kenneth Lapatin adds: “Pathos in Greek means a kind of lived experience, as opposed to the ideal figures.”

That last remark is part of what separates Hellenistic bronzes from their predecessors. Where earlier archaic and classical subjects were mainly mythical figures and demigods presented in idealized form, the Getty show features everyday people, noblemen, artisans and athletes, reflecting a new political reality framed by Alexander and his successors. Most finds are in secondary and tertiary locations, separate from their original bases describing the work. As such, the figures represented are mostly anonymous civic leaders, wealthy patrons, fellow citizens and the deceased.

To read more, please visit: The Guardian

Travel blogger and author Rebecca Hall from Life Beyond Borders, explores Monastiraki and finds a Little Kook themed cafe. Here, she describes her experience and recommends it as a place to check out!

What initially draws you to this place is the huge dragon on the roof outside (not to mention the life-sized playing cards adorning the front). Located in a side street just off the Psirri district of Monastiraki (between Monastiraki and Thission metro stations), just at the ‘Street of Lights.’ Even if you get lost wandering around, you can’t help but notice it!

The menu is provided on a scroll (in Greek which is odd for its position – right in the heart of touristy Athens-but the staff speak great English and are more than happy to translate). The day I went in, I sat upstairs by the Cinderella fireplace, but had a choice of rooms! There appeared to be what I can only describe as a Christmas Carol room, but Cinderella suited me just fine.

Little KooK is predominantly a coffee and cake shop, but they do offer savoury crepes. The day I was there, I chose a salmon and Philadelphia crepe, then strawberry meringue. Yum!

Piped classical music, not too loud to be intrusive on conversation and just loud enough to create a cultured atmosphere. And it’s great for kids (of all ages). It’s popular with the Greek crowd, so expect both tourists who are more than a little intrigued, and locals who meet over the famous Greek frappe in a fun environment.

And it’s smoke free! Yes, they’ve managed to implement and keep the no-smoking rule here (those of you who know Greece and/or are frequent visitors will know how hard this is to impose!)

Little Kook themed cafe is, in essence, a place where fairytales come alive.

To read this article in full, please visit: Life Beyond Borders

After taking millions of TripAdvisor reviews into account over a 12-month period, the Acropolis Museum has been ranked as the #1 museum in Greece, 5th best in Europe, and 9th best in the world!

Designed by US-based architect Bernard Tschumi, the modernist building at the foot of the Acropolis’ southern slope showcases surviving treasures from the Archaic and Roman periods, with particular emphasis on the Acropolis of the 5th century BC. The museum opened in 2009.

Travelers’ Choice awards honor top travel spots worldwide based on the millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers.

The 2016 list ranks the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City as the best in the world.

Sources: Greek Travel Pages & Ekathimerini

 

Serves: 6

 

• 4 eggs, separated (whites in small bowl and yolks in medium bowl)
• ½ cup sugar
• ¾ cup ground skinless almond*
• ¾ cup ground biscotti
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  

• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
  

To view this recipe in full, please visit: Lemon & Olives

If you're in Greece during the month of August, it is essential that you know how the whole country celebrates August the 15th. A sacred holiday full of traditions and celebrations. And if you're planning on going to any of the beautiful Greek islands, Skyscanner can help you book your tickets!

Acclaimed automotive engineer Spyros Panopoulos, aspires to launch the first Greek supercar and introduce a brand new category of high-performance vehicles, called the "Ultra Car."

 

Panopoulos runs a successful Athens-based company specializing in the design and production of high-specification performance car parts with cutting-edge internal combustion engine technology. His skills, expertise, and his love for Greece have led him to start an original car manufacturing project.

 

The prototype that Panopoulos plans to bring to life called chaos after the ancient Greek word, which signifies a pre-cosmogony abyss. With its never-before-seen horsepower of 3000 and other breakthrough features, chaos will become a game-changer for the international automotive scene.

 

Until now, the project has been self-financed by Panopoulos, but he is negotiating for a bank loan to help him set up the colossal infrastructure required for a production unit. Even though Panopoulos has received financing offers from abroad, he declares his commitment to keeping the project completely Greek.

 

Chaos' exterior and engineering have been finalized, while the interior is currently being manufactured. Panopoulos aims to take his car to the prestigious Geneva International Motor Show in 2021!

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

Photo: Spyros Panopoulos

From new strategies that the City of Athens is introducing to useful information about getting vaccinated and acquiring an AMKA social security number, here is a newsletter packed with useful and practical information.

 

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Transavia Airlines will increase the number of flights they operate between France and Greece for the summer of 2021, according to the company’s CEO.

The airline is planning to increase the number of their 2021 flights between the two locations to equal all those they operated in 2019, a banner year for tourism in Greece.

Greece has long been an extremely popular destination for French tourists, with many frequenting a number of Greek islands. Transavia is hoping to capitalize on the increased interest in travel between the two nations as the coronavirus situation begins to improve.

It is perhaps surprising that sales this year are surpassing the number of tickets sold in 2019, as the world is still fighting a global pandemic with new challenges in beating the virus cropping up often.

However, it is clear that people all over the globe are tired of shielding in their homes and need to relax and make memories now that the epidemiological picture is beginning to look better in both countries.

More direct transatlantic flights to Greece than ever before

With many millions of Americans being fully vaccinated, the interest in traveling to Greece is increasing all the time.

As a result, major tour operators and airlines have added a record-high number of new direct flights to the country to meet the burgeoning demand.

Airlines including American, Delta, and United have announced direct flights to Greece from a number of major US cities, making the two nations more connected than ever before.

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

Golden and creamy perfection! Bougatsa (Greek custard pie with phyllo) is a traditional Greek dessert made with the most creamy custard wrapped in golden brown crispy phyllo, sprinkled with melted butter, and garnished with icing sugar and cinnamon. Simply amazing! A traditional Greek dish, perfect for every time of the day, as a delicious snack or a filling dessert.

The key to making the most flavourful Greek Bougatsa is to use good quality fresh butter to butter the phyllo sheets. The authentic Greek Bougatsa recipe calls for ‘galaktos’ butter made from cow’s milk, which has a rich flavor and amazing smell!

Working with phyllo can be tricky as it's brittle and can dry out very quickly. Don’t forget to brush the top of the bougatsa with enough butter and scar with a knife to help release the steam.

Try out this delicious traditional Greek bougatsa recipe and amaze your friends and family with this crispy and velvety delight. Enjoy!

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8-10 portions

Ingredients

For the bougatsa

• 400–450 g phyllo dough
• 200 g butter, melted
• 200 g sugar
• 1 kg milk
• 120 g all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the topping

• ground cinnamon
• icing sugar

1. To make this traditional bougatsa recipe, start by making the filling. To prepare the filling for the bougatsa add in a large bowl the sugar, eggs, and flour; whisk until the ingredients combine.
2. Pour into a saucepan the milk and the vanilla extract and bring to a boil. Right before the milk comes to a boil, pour 1/3 of the milk & vanilla extract mix into the flour mixture from step 1 and stir.
3. Turn the heat down. Add the flour & milk mixture into the saucepan with the remaining warm milk. Whisk very quickly, until the mixture has thickened and is smooth and creamy. Do not remove the pan from the stove while whisking. This should take 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove the pan from the stove and stir occasionally to keep the custard from forming a skin on top, while you prepare the rest of the bougatsa recipe.
5. For this bougatsa recipe, you will need a large baking tray, approx. 20×30 cm / 8×12 inch. Using a pastry brush, butter the bottom and sides of the tray.
6. Unroll the phyllo dough from the plastic sleeve. To make this bougatsa recipe you will need 10-12 phyllo sheets. Use 5-6 sheets of phyllo for the bottom of the bougatsa and 4-5 sheets for the top.

To read this article in full and find out useful tips for a delicious bougatsa, please visit: mygreekdish.com

Step into Gajah and be transported from Greece to the vibrant landscapes of Asia. This unique dining establishment seamlessly blends the flavors of Polynesian and Asian cuisines, creating a menu that promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. But Gajah offers more than just delicious food—it’s an immersive experience that evokes the ambiance of a tropical getaway.


@gajah_the_secret_island

Upon entering Gajah, you immediately feel like you've left Greece behind. The decor is a testament to Asian craftsmanship, with intricately carved wooden elephants, ambient lighting that mimics the warm glow of sunset, and hut-like roofs that lend an air of exoticism. The sound of trickling fountains adds a soothing backdrop, further enhancing the serene atmosphere.

During the summer months, Gajah opens its outdoor seating area, where guests can enjoy their meals under the sun or stars. The ambiance is enhanced by occasional live music events and DJ sets, creating a lively yet relaxed vibe that transports you to a faraway island retreat.


@gajah_the_secret_island

The culinary journey at Gajah begins with appetizers like the Kushiyaki Crab salad, a refreshing start that sets the tone for what's to come. For the main course, indulge in the flavorful Huli Huli Chicken, perfectly grilled and bursting with Asian-inspired spices. And don’t miss sharing the Shrimp Bao, a delightful dish that captures the essence of Asian street food.

But it’s not just about the food and drinks at Gajah—the entire experience is designed to transport you to a different world. Whether you're enjoying a cocktail crafted with exotic ingredients or simply soaking in the ambiance, every moment at Gajah feels like a mini vacation to Asia.


@gajah_the_secret_island

Gajah isn't just a restaurant—it's a cultural escape, a place where flavors, ambiance, and hospitality come together to create a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends, Gajah promises to whisk you away on a journey of flavors and sensations.


@gajah_the_secret_island

Main Image Credit: Gajah the Secret Island