Τα συστατικά μιας κιτς βραδιάς στα μπουζούκια

Μπουζούκια. Είδος διασκέδασης που μερικοί από εμάς αγαπάμε να μισούμε όσο βρισκόμαστε στην πατρίδα. Μόλις όμως ξενιτευτείς, ξαφνικά ανεβαίνουν στην εκτίμησή σου. Δεν θέλω να παρεξηγηθώ. Υπάρχουν και καλά κέντρα διασκέδασης που εντάσσονται στην κατηγορία μπουζούκια. Υπάρχουν όμως και δεκάδες άλλα που υπόσχονται μεγάλες στιγμές σκυλάδικου με περιτύλιγμα μπουζουκιών και εκπτώσεις στην ποιότητα. Όχι όμως και στην τιμή.

Πως τα ξεχωρίζεις:

-- Αυτοί που ανοίγουν το πρόγραμμα τις περισσότερες φορές είναι άφωνοι και πολύ κακοντυμένοι. Βέβαια αν είναι άφωνοι σίγουρα έχουν κορμάρα. Τα κορίτσια παλεύουν να δείξουν συναίσθημα κάνοντας απότομες κινήσεις στα χέρια και κλείνοντας τα μάτια. Γενικώς σφίγγονται. Σφίγγονται τόσο που το μπούστο είναι έτοιμο να σκάσει μέσα από το ασφυκτικό ντεκολτέ και η φούστα ανεβαίνει επικίνδυνα. Τα αγόρια τώρα πια κάνουν και κανά χορευτικό ή ραπάρουν για να ξεχωρίσουν.

-- Κατά κανόνα, τα ρούχα όλων των τραγουδιστών είναι τόσο κιτς και μερικές φορές τόσο over-the-top-trendy που πραγματικά αναρωτιέμαι αν όλοι ψωνίζουν από το ίδιο μαγαζί. Τα φτηνά υφάσματα, τα λαμέ και τα όλων-των-ειδών μπιχλιμπιδια πάνω σε μπλουζάκια, παντελόνια και φούστες κυριαρχούν. Επίσης, το τι γράφει η μπλούζα που τυχαίνει να φοράνε είναι εντελώς άσχετο (βλ. φωτό).

-- Η είσοδος που θα κάνει ο κάθε τραγουδιστής δείχνει και το πόσο καλά πληρώνεται ή το πόσο "όνομα" είναι. Αν μπεί από το πλάι με συνοδεία ορχήστρας είναι σχετικά ασήμαντος. Αν όμως γίνει η μέγα εισαγωγή με φωτισμό σπέσιαλ και κομμάτι της σκηνής να ανεβαίνει, τότε σίγουρα είναι το γερό χαρτί του μαγαζιού.

-- Τα πέταγμα του γαρύφαλλου θέλει τέχνη. Ο τραγουδιστής κλείνει το μάτι καθώς το πετάει πίσω από την πλάτη του τραγουδώντας και χαμογελώντας ταυτόχρονα! Δύσκολη υπόθεση.

-- Το δεύτερο μέρος του προγράμματος είναι προβλέψιμο. Το ρεπερτόριο χιλιοτραγουδισμένο. "Προσευχήηηηη...τα χείλη σου..." και "Μέρα με τη μέρα φεύγω..." και "Ανέβα στο τραπέζι μου κούκλα μου γλυκιά..." και και και.... τα ξέρετε όλοι. Θα μπορούσα να ορκιστώ πως μπορώ να μαντέψω και την σειρά που τα λένε, αν και τα τελευταία χρόνια δεν πηγαίνω και πολύ συχνά στα μπουζούκια. ΑΛΛΑΞΤΕ ΡΕΠΕΡΤΟΡΙΟ! Έλεος...

-- Αυτοί που βρίσκονται στο μπαρ ή στα τελευταία τραπέζια είναι συνήθως και οι πρώτοι που θα μερακλώσουν και θα σηκωθούν να χορέψουν σε καρέκλες και τραπέζια. Εύχονται να ήταν πρώτο τραπέζι αλλά είτε δεν είχαν τα λεφτά για μπουκάλι, είτε δεν είχαν τον κατάλληλο γνωστό. Τώρα, αυτοί που κάθονται πρώτο τραπέζι έχουν πάει χίλιες φορές στα μπουζούκια επειδή έχουν τα λεφτά ή επειδή έχουν τον γνωστό. Δεν τους πολυνοιάζει, άρα αργούν να μερακλώσουν και να σήκωθουν να χορέψουν (αν σηκωθούν).

-- Το τελευταίο και καλύτερο: λατρεύω τον τρόπο που τραγουδάνε τα ξένα τραγούδια και ειδικά η προφορά με τρελαίνει! Μερικές την έχουν δει πολύ Beyonce και Lady Gaga. Άλλοι πάλι νομίζουν ότι είναι οι νέοι Ρουβάδες.

Μπουζούκια forever!!

The Recipe for Christmas

A beautiful Christmas tree. Many lights outside and inside the house. A fireplace. All of these the tone. They're just the background to what eventually builds up to: Christmas Day.

Before we get there, however, there are a few things that need to be done:

A few days before, there's the teleconference. Aunts and uncles (but, since we're Greeks, it's going to be mostly aunts) talk it over with your parents, each one determining what they'll bring on that day.

The next day, your parents storm out to find the best ham or turkey or in some cases even lamb, for the main meal. If you're in America, you probably just finished eating turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving, so turkey is out.

This is the week when your mom decides to make a different desert each day. One day it's melomakarona, the next it's kourampiedes, koulourakia, and so on. Whether or not you're a big fan, you've got to admit that the smell is amazing! This is actually the smell that wakes up your senses and helps you realize: "hey, it's Christmas." Of course, the mall music and cheery Christmas-spirit people on the street help, too, but there's nothing like sleeping to the smell of cinammon, roasted nuts, honey...

The day before, it gets crazy. A lot of the preparations are done, any side dishes that can be refrigerated are stuffed into an already-brimming fridge.

(read the rest at www.allthegreeks.com)

Don't Forget to Give Your Wood a Proper Wedding

"Wait.... what?" is a reasonable reaction... but, in Greece this is a real and traditional way of warding off the bad kalikantzaroi on Christmas Eve. And there's more...

The traditions in Greece regarding Christmas are as many as its villages: countless. Aside from the religious "traditions" or, for some "obligations," such as 40 days of fasting from meat and dairy products and the early dawn church service on Christmas morning, which are common throughout the country, the rest are localized.

Christmas tree or ship? Although decorating the Christmas tree is a wide-spread in Greece, many still prefer to decorate a ship. Especially in areas near the sea, the tradition of decorating a small model ship is kept dearly and is considered more "Greek."

Make sure you feed your little piggy until it's big and fat. Because that's gonna be your Christmas dinner (and you'll be eating its leftovers for the next 2 weeks). Many families would raise a pig the whole year for the sole purpose of eating it on Christmas. And make sausages out of it, too. The tradition of eating turkey is a fad that has thrived the last couple of decades.

And while you're at it, feed the village water spring (vrisi). On the dawn of Christmas Eve, the village girls go to water source of their village, making sure not to utter a sound on the way there. While they're there, they throw food and sweets into the spring in hopes that their lives will be just as sweet and their harvest will be just as rich. Before they left, they would take some of the water home and make sure to drink it all for good luck.

Watch out for the elves-gone-evil, or else "kalikantzaroi." This is why people marry off their wood, silly! Ok, lets start from the beginning. Christmas Eve is a night when the house is full of delicious food for the next day and sweets. This is why the evil kalikantzaroi come from under the earth and tiptoe through the house, bothering children and old people, going through the food, and generally messing everything up. Not only do they mess things up, they "magarizoun" the food, which is even worse, because it's something like contamination. So, these little gremlins are afraid of the fire and holy water. This is why people keep both handy, just in case. They take a piece of wood from a tree with a male name and another from a tree with a female name. Then, the owner of the house gives a mock-wedding and lets the wood burn all night to prevent the evil elves from coming into the house. Another reason for keeping the fire lit all night is to keep baby Jesus warm as he comes to this earth.

If you see any Momogerous running around, don't worry, because they're only pretending to be kalikantzaroi.They're men dressed in animal hives trying to cause a rucus, just like the kalikantzaroi from Christmas till the Theofania, when the water is holy again after Jesus' baptism is celebrated. This is also when the kalikantzaroi disappear.

When you hear your doorbell ring at 5 a.m. on Christmas Eve, get your wallet. It's just the neighborhood children going around caroling and trying to make money. Despite the fact that it's quite early, it does brighten your day, so keep opening your door and listening to them, even after the 10th group of kids that come to your doorstep!

Where does Santa fit in, you may ask. He doesn't. At least not at Christmas. Saint Vasilis brings gifts on New Year's day to children in Greece, not Saint Nick.

Read more about Christmas in Greece at www.allthegreeks.com

Why Christmas in Greece Just Doesn't Feel the Same...

First and most important of all, there's no snow. Ok, no snow in most parts ofGreece (unless you're in a village or a town really north)... and I'm used to a snowy Christmas in America, because I'm from the Northeast.

There just isn't enough Christmas spirit! I don't see any ladies with seasonal sweaters with christmas trees and santa earrings offering to help me in the shops. I make fun of those ladies, but I still miss them. In America you sort of feel an obligation to at least look like you've got Christmas spirit. In Greece, it's pretty much a new concept and no one cares.

Greeks exchange gifts on New Year's Day, not Christmas! I guess Santa (or Saint Vasili, who is an entirely different saint than Saint Nicholas) needs time to get the whole way over here. Anyway, calling it an exchange is misleading. Greeks usually get gifts for their children only. So, I guess I won't be getting 30 different little gifts this year. But then again, this means I won't be buying 30 little gifts either...

All the shopping!!! Despite the financial crisis, there's always room for shopping on Christmas! I love that in America... and the bargains! Man, do I miss those!

www.allthegreeks.com

Image: http://news.pathfinder.gr/photoscope/greece/news/6604.html

Τα ωραία της τιβί

Μια γεύση από τα θέματα που μας σπάνε καθημερινώς τα νεύρα τις τελευταίες ημέρες:

Κατ' αρχάς, η ποικιλία στα προγράμματα και στα θέματα αφήνουν τον μέσο τηλεθεατή dazed and confused. Τι να πρωτοδιαλέξει;;; Είναι πραγματικά τόσες μα τόσες οι πρωτότυπες και ενδιαφέρουσες εκπομπές! Τέλοσπάντων... μέχρι να αποκτήσω δικό μου κανάλι θα κρίνω το αποτέλεσμα στα ήδη υπάρχων κανάλια...

1. Το θέμα με την γρίπη και τα εμβόλια έχει παραγίνει. Ας σταματήσουν επιτέλους τα κανάλια να μας τρομοκρατούν, να μας λένε για θανάτους από την γρίπη των χοίρων ενώ ποτέ δεν αναφέρουν τους θανάτους από την "κανονική" γρίπη. Και δεν φτάνει αυτό... έχουν βαλθεί όλοι να μας κάνουν πειραματόζωα. Πρέπει να κάνουμε όλοι το εμβόλιο, λέει, όχι μόνο για το δικό μας καλό, αλλά και για να δημιουργήσουμε μια ασπίδα προστασίας για τους συμπολίτες μας. Πλάκα μας κάνουν; Σε αμερικανάκια μιλάνε; Από πότε ο Έλληνας σκέφτηκε τον οποιοδήποτε πέρα από την πάρτυ του; Και στην περίπτωση αυτή, καλά κάνει!

2. Τα μεσημεριανά... ολόκληρη ζώνη στην τηλεόραση αφιερωμένη στο κουτσομπολιό. Δεν θα το παίξω υπεράνω του κουτσομπολιού. Ειδικά όταν έχεις γυρίσει από την δουλειά και βαριέσαι να σκεφτείς, είναι το κατάλληλο φάρμακο χαλάρωσης να ακούσεις ανούσιες μπούρδες. Νιώθεις και καλύτερα όταν βλέπεις ότι υπάρχουν πολλοί ηλίθιοι εκεί έξω οι οποίοι κάνουν όλους εμάς τους νορμάλ να φαινόμαστε πιο έξυπνοι. Μια παράκληση μόνο: ας σταματήσουν επιτέλους στα πάνελ να μας παρουσιάζουν σκάνδαλα και αποκαλύψεις σχετικά με τις δουλειές τους και τον μικρόκοσμο των δημοσιογράφων/παρουσιαστών. Είναι σαν να αρχίσω να λέω εγώ τα κουτσομπολιά της δουλειάς μου σε άσχετους. Εμένα με νοιάζουν. Αυτούς θα τους νοιάξει; Επίσης, δεν με νοιάζουν τα νούμερα των εκπομπών, εκφράσεις όπως "ραβασάκι" και "δεν υπάρχει", και κάτι άλλο. Δεν είναι όλοι πια διάσημοι παρουσιαστές και μοντέλα αν τους ξέρει μόνο η μάνα τους και ο μάνατζέρ τους!

3. STAR CHANNEL. Δεν βαρέθηκαν να παίζουν τις ίδιες ειδήσεις από το πρωί μέχρι το βράδυ; Σταματήστε να συνεισφέρετε και πολλές φορές να χτίζετε από την αρχή την "φήμη" άσχετων ξανθών κυριών και δεσποινίδων οι οποίες ανοίγουν το στόμα τους χωρίς να σκέφτονται νομίζοντας ότι η Ελλάδα όλη κρέμεται από τα χείλη τους. Πετρούλα... seriously... έχει καταντήσει ακόμη πιο γελοίο. Επίσης, τρελαίνομαι για τους "δημοσιογράφους" και αυτά που ξεστομίζουν στα βιντεάκια τους!

4. Οι ειδήσεις σε Alpha, Antenna, και μερικές φορές Alter. Αυτή η μουσική τρόμου που συνοδεύει τα περισσότερα βίντεο και οι λαϊκιστικές εκφράσεις των παρουσιαστών αλλά και των δημοσιογράφων/ρεπόρτερ μειώνουν κατά πολύ την εγκυρότητα του δελτίου σας. Πάρτε το χαμπάρι! Λες και γυρίζετε ταινία δημοσιογράφους-ηθοποιούς που θα κάνουν τα πάντα να συγκλονίσουν το κοινό τους!

Πολλά είναι, πολλά... που να τα γράψω όλα! Ουφ, κουράστηκα! Πάω να δώ κάνα σήριαλ...

www.allthegreeks.com

Image: http://www.milkman.gr/κλειστε-την-γιατιθα-χαζεψετε/

Greek Mamas and Their Multiple Personalities

Protective, sensitive, passionate, fierce... a few words of the hundreds that could describe the breed of Greek moms! They're like cartoon characters with such strong traits that immediately separate them from the rest. You can't really describe the Greek mama with one word, though. She's got several sides to her:

The Cook

It's what she does. She cooks and she feeds. She cooks and she feeds. She's taken her role of prolonging the human species very seriously, that's for sure. How many times have you been force-fed? "Τι με κοιτάς παιδί μου; Φάε το φαγητό σου! Τα παιδάκια στην Αφρική δεν έχουν να φάνε κι εσύ που τα έχεις όλα, κάθεσαι και παίζεις με το φαγητό σου!"

This doesn't stop when you get older. You're now old enough to respond to the growling sensation in your stomach and recognize that it is hunger. After all, you are living alone in college. This small detail doesn't seem to matter to the Greek mom. Her usual question when she calls you: "Εφαγές σημερά; Τι έφαγες;" and then you hear "Πάλι βλακείες τρως; Εγώ φταίω που κάθομαι και σε ακούω! Αντί να πάρεις το φαγητό της μανούλας σου και να το έχεις έτοιμο εκει να το τρως όποτε πεινάς, κάθεσαι και μου τρως σκουπίδια απ'έξω!" And then the next time she sees you, she'll be the first to notice any change in your weight, no matter how trivial.

The Stylist

Yes, the stylist. She's got an opinion about everything you happen to be wearing throughout all of your life and all of the fashion stages you may go through. She insists that when she dressed you - up until your tenth birthday - it was the best you ever looked. On the other hand, looking at old pictures now, you swear you'll never make your kid wear anything that tacky!

"Pull your pants up" is her constant greeting when you're a teenager and when you decide to get a piercing, usually innocent, she'll scream: "Τώρα μάλιστα! Μετά από αυτό τι να περιμένω δηλαδή από εσένα; Άλλες 3 τρύπες στα αυτιά και μετά θα μου φέρεις και κανά παιδί στο σπίτι!" Getting a few extra piercings automatically means losing your morals.

(Read more about the Greek Mama at www.allthegreeks.com)

Image: http://christophermattix.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/mother-and-child.jpg

Where to Go When It Gets Cold

Temperatures are dropping. The beaches have been left with those few dozen people that enjoy swimming in winter and we've even seen a few chimneys smoking here and there. It's official. Summer is over. So, where to now?

Mount Pilio

Entering the city of Volos from Athens, you cannot help but notice the towering mountain of Pilion overlooking a sprawling city that ends where the beautiful Pagasitikos Gulf begins. Known as the mountain of the Centaurs in mythology, and as the place where the original conflict started that led to the Trojan war, Pilion traces its history back to the ancient times. Today, many of its villages are tourist attractions. Makrinitsa, Portaria, and Hania are the most popular ones on the northern side. Makrinitsa overlooks the city of Volos and the view from almost anywhere in the village is just stunning. The inhabitants of Pilio weigh in heavily on tradition, as most of the houses, new and old, are built of stone. Try the several kinds of jarred sweets and other dried herbs that are sold there. Have a coffee at the village squares where the giant age-old trees serve as a natural tent. Past Hania you will find the Ski Center of Pilion.

If you decide to head towards the northeastern side of the mountain, you will find picturesque villages such as Milies, Tsagarada, Zagora... All of them offering a sense of seclusion, yet with an air of calmness and peace. Before you head up the mountain, you will see the villages Kato and Ano Lechonia. This is where you can take the Pilion train "Moutzouris" that will take you through a graphic journey in the mountain, ending in Milies. Don't forget to try the apples of Pilio and the chestnuts that are sold! (Tickets for the Small Train of Pilion: 12,90 adult, 8,90 child. For more info call: +3024210-28555) Volos and Pelion are approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Athens and a 2-hour drive from Thessaloniki.

Arahova

Perhaps the most popular and cosmopolitan of all winter destinations in Greece, the town of Arahova sits on the side of Mount Parnassos. Despite its popularity, Arahova has maintained its architectural roots in tradition with stone buildings and narrow paths in the town. By staying in Arahova, visitors have access to the three ski centers of Parnassos and the ancient archaeological site of Delphi. Another link to archaeology is present with the cave of Korikion Antro, where you will see countless stalactites as you get lost in the dark cave, which was used by Ancient Greeks as an oracle. If you're more the adventurous type, besides skiing, you can also enjoy mountain biking, mountain climbing, and hiking. (For more information visit: http://www.arahova.gr/) Arahova is a 2-hour drive from Athens.

Karpenisi

Karpenisi is a hidden gem nestled in Timphristos Mountain in Evritania. Karpenisi is known for its Ski Center and large number of activities of alternative tourism. For example, Karpenisi is the place to go mountain biking, rafting, canoeing, horse-back riding, archery, nature orientation and so on. The area is also rich in religious sites, such as several churches and the beautiful Monastery of Proussos, which is about 45 minutes away. (For more information on the activities mentioned call +3022370-24606). The road to Karpenisi is mountainous and full of turns. If you're coming from Athens, through Lamia, It'll take you about 4 hours. A list of activites, information on the ski center and the area can be found at www.karpenissi.gr. (Read about 2 more destinations at www.allthegreeks.com)

Three Major Sites of Religious Importance Worth Visiting

From the idyllic peninsula of Athos in the North, to the natural wonders of Meteora in Thessaly and the holy island of Saint John in the Aegean, Patmos... Greece holds three of the most important sites for the Orthodox Christian faith among all of its other famous natural and archaeological attractions.

Agion Oros

Mount Athos or Agion Oros, as it is known in Greek, is the holiest place for all Orthodox Christians in the world. It is an area located in the North of Greece, on the third “leg” of Halkidiki. There are 20 major monasteries on this amazingly beautiful peninsula, where only men are allowed.

Yes, unfortunately, ladies cannot visit this holy place, which is also known as the Garden of the Virgin Mary. Many men take trips there to forget about the outside world and find inner peace, as they are being hosted in one of the monasteries. Women can take a look at the monasteries by taking a tour around the peninsula by boat from Ouranoupoli. That’s the closest they can get to the miraculous icons and pristine beaches!

There are even stories of women that tried to go there dressed as men or as they were. One of them was the daughter of Theodosios the Great (379 -395 A.D.), Plakidia. When Plakidia entered the area she heard a voice from the heavens saying: “What do you want here? There are monks here. You are a woman! Why do you give the enemy a reason to fight them?” Legend says this was the voice of the Virgin Mary herself.

Meteora

At first sight they look like small miracles of nature, but upon closer examination one can count 24 monasteries built on top of huge rocks, as if they were part of them. Today only 6 of these monasteries are inhabited; some of them are men’s and some women’s. The United Nations have declared this network of monasteries as a Landmark of Cultural Heritage. (Read more about Meteora and Patmos at www.allthegreeks.com)

The Top Conspiracy Theory Among Greeks

Greeks love them! They live and breathe conspiracies. The countless magazines on extra-terrestrial life, mysteries of life etc confirm the thirst of the Greeks for such subjects. Not to mention TV shows such as those of Mr. Hardavela and Mr. Liakopoulos. Here's a list of the most prominent conspiracies whose existence most Greeks take for granted:

"All Jews are rich and they control the world."

This is one of many world-domination theories where the Jews are responsible for all things happening in the world. The richest men in the world are Jews, they say, and even if they're not, they are controlled by them. They're behind everything. You name it: wars, diseases, literature and art that the Orthodox Church does not approve of... it's all their fault. They're trying to brainwash everyone. I guess many Greeks imagine the most powerful Jews in the world getting together at meetings in order to determine what their next step will be towards world and religious domination.

"Globalization - A New World Order"

For some reason, the word "globalization" has very negative connotations among the common Greek. For them, it means loss of national identity and, on a practical level, loss of job positions. They get more imaginative than this, however. Organizations such as the Masons and the Bilderburg Group push their agent to powerful governments around the world, they say. After all, the members of such groups are presidents of countries, tycoons, and media owners: a mixture of people that can manipulate public opinion to serve their own interests. The secrecy of such groups exert a kind of mysticism that's enchanting to the average Greek.

"Everyone is after Greece."

The Albanians, the Slavs in FYROM, and the Turks are all after pieces of land in Greece. Some maps from Albania show the "Albanian Dream," which is the extension of their country the whole way down to Preveza. Skopia, on the other hand, give out maps where their country extends to include all of Macedonia down to Halkidiki and Thessaly. Of course, the Turks are the lifelong enemy... who knows what they're after. An excerpt from a speech made by H. Kissinger in 1974 keeps feeding the fire of this conspiracy until today: (read the excerpt and the rest of the Conspiracy Theories at www.allthegreeks.com).

Image: http://digital-camera.gr/index.php?option=photos&action=view&photo_id=15438

Between Two Worlds

Being around Greek-Americans, or Greeks that have lived in any western country for many years on end, makes one realize just how torn these poor souls are between their home countries and their host countries. When they're in the U.S., they miss Greece. When they're in Greece, they bicker about it and talk about how great the U.S. is. This is characteristic of the older generations. Go figure...

In the U.S. they reminisce about their carefree childhood, and about how you don't need money to be happy in Greece. "We didn't even have anything to eat, but we were happy," my grandmother would tell me. "These Americans... they don't know how to live! They go from their homes to their jobs, and from their jobs to their homes. This isn't life!" The other popular topic of conversation is the beauty of Greece. It's scenic landscapes, mesmerizing beaches, the mountain villages hidden amidst trees... All of these are described with pride to their American friends. The topic that makes them fill up with pride is how "smart" and "cunning" Greek people are. They actually admire their fellow countrymen's wit and ability to get out of anything. After all, this is one of the biggest assets they had in order to survive in a foreign country for so many years and become successful, too.

However... this asset becomes a nightmare when they come to Greece for a few weeks to relax. They spend most of their vacation time bickering about the Greek system, the cunningness of all Greeks, how you can't trust anyone in this country, and so on.

Read more at www.allthegreeks.com.

Image: http://eu.art.com/asp/default-asp/_/posters.htm?ui=24A994CE83FE416095C98EF43FEAB546:

Where Image Beats Essence

You walk into your first interview, all dressed up and polished. Your future employers start describing the position and you get nervous just thinking about how demanding and respectable these suit-clad people must be. A few weeks into the job, you realize just how far from the truth this first image is...

As social beings we feel the need to conform to society's rules and always try to reach success, popularity and happiness. After all this is when most people respect you and give you the time of day. In this country where "you are who you declare to be," people and businesses have put a new twist on things. As long as they look serious, they wear suits and use big words, many believe that they can actually become someone important. The background or what happens behind the scenes is irrelevant.

My first personal shock when I moved to Greece had to do with the American college that I transferred my credits to in Athens. The website showed an organized environment where education was taken extremely seriously, and the dean of the school attested to this image. Unfortunately, I witnessed several situations there that shattered my initial image. Other transfer or study-abroad students also expressed the same dissatisfaction during their first visit, and some even went back to their countries before the semester even started. Student housing was in decrepit buildings with the absolute necessities, a variety of majors were offered without any professors to teach some of the higher-level courses, rich Greek students showing up a day before finals for the first time and passing the class, and several other instances where greediness overpowered the need to educate. Despite these circumstances, I met some of the most reliable and brilliant professors there that were just doing their job.

The second shock came at my first job in Athens. Although my coworkers were pleasant and the atmosphere was excellent overall, the president of this organizational software company, that was one of the best of its kind in the country, seemed so stiff and demanding. After staying there for a couple of months, I learned that this oh-so-serious man hadn't paid his over-worked staff for over six months, while he was trading in his old car for a new one every couple of months. Another employer serves as a similar example of the latter. As the owner of a private English school, who preaches dignity, compassion and true interest in the education of his students, another employer of mine opted to spend money improving the physical image of his school, so that it would be more attractive to potential clients, rather than investing in the underpaid teachers, smaller groups of students per class, and better organization in the chaotic working environment.

But this is Greece's market in its majority at present. This is the country where a small electrics shop places an ad in the paper as "the biggest gas-supplier of Northern Greece." This is the country where a simple teller or cashier at a public office, claims to be his department's supervisor. This is also the country where a measly dentist that never spoke English can put up a big sign outside his office stating that he has a Masters degree from a major college in America, when in reality the most he's done is observe a few auditing courses there. How can we expect anything to change in this country, if we don't make a few changes ourselves?

Visit www.allthegreeks.com

Image: http://mukha.sulekha.com/blog/post/2009/05/the-mask-eyc-63.htm

There's No Time Like Coffee Time!

It's the Greeks' favorite pastime, and they've got a cafe at every corner in every city or village to prove it. There's nothing like sipping your favorite coffee with friends while talking about everything and anything. Don't be rash to judge it until you try it. You'll be hooked...

Here in Greece, any time is ideal for coffee, and there are places for every age to enjoy it. You start going out with your friends "yia kafe" when you're probably around thirteen. You may not drink coffee at first. It'll probably be juice, or the sweetest coffee the store has to offer. The biggest coffee drinkers, however, are university students. Most of them have so much free time to kill that they spend at least 2-3 hours chatting with friends over coffee. Coming into the real world, the hours of enjoyment may be reduced drastically, but the relaxing effect of coffee time still remains. Now, you look forward to that one Sunday, when you can wake up, buy the newspaper and enjoy your favorite java. As you step into middle age with a spouse and children, you find yourself going out with families to coffee places that have activities for your children. Finally, the golden years of retirement find most men these days at cafes called "kafeneia" where a whole different subculture has developed over the last several decades.

It's a sacred time, you know, for the Greeks. People of this nation are not ones to take a quick sip just to wake up or stay on edge. They relish every sip, every minute spent around that coffee table. Perhaps this is why coffee is actually quite expensive in Greece: if you were a cafe owner that has spent thousands of euros on a stylish decoration and music in a country where people come and grab a table for 3-4 hours, while only drinking one coffee each, then you too would raise your prices to make the business worthwhile.

Although the average tourist visiting the country either doesn't drink coffee or just doesn't enjoy sitting with one drink for three hours, they have to admit that at least there's a variety of coffee that you can at least try:

(visit www.allthegreeks.com to read about the coffee Greeks drink) Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33284937@N04/3808242154/

Fitted, Stylish and Ironed

You could use this title to describe the general dress code of the Greeks. There are variations that come with age, region and, of course, earnings, but the general formula exists. The wandering tourist can witness trends that range between the most traditional and conservative to the most colorful and radical. Whatever the case, Greeks dress to impress.

Let's start off with the teenagers, who tend to massively embrace new trends. Now the city teen differs from the rural teen, as does the Athenian teen from the Thessaloniki teen. Jeans are a favorite. Skinny leg for girls and fitted for guys. Ok... guys used to wear super-tight pants a few years ago, but thank God they've loosened up in recent years. Any weird t-shirt - colorful, trendy, with a statement- will do. Shoes are most likely Converse or some other funky brand, but they're definitely not bland. Now, if you're really following the trends, a row of bracelets and/or necklaces, earrings etc will give the final touches to the "careless teen" look. The last couple years in Athens have seen a rise in the Emo generation, which really differentiate themselves by wearing their hair in front of their faces and lots of eye makeup. This is supposedly symbolic for their despair after seeing all of this sorrow and instability in their future. In the richer neighborhoods of Athens and elsewhere, you can also see many preppy kids with their sweaters thrown around their necks, their 500-euro moccasins and the look of I'm-about-to-go-to-a-tennis-match. Now in Thessaloniki just take the sexiness up a notch. Lots of makeup, dark sleek hair, jewelry and sexy outfits. Guys there also tend to follow fashion a bit more fanatically and it shows in their hair styles, which are fixed with gel down to the last piece of hair. I would say that the young people of Thessaloniki have a more polished look.

The transition from a young person to an adult does not mean that you start dressing in pleated mom-jeans for the Greeks. It just means you wear age-appropriate clothes that are still stylish. Some women in their 40s do tend to dress like their 15-year-old daughters sometimes, but you won't see them going out in pjs and huge boyfriend sweaters. Everything is fitted, ironed and clean. (Read more about what to wear in Greece at www.allthegreeks.com)

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/44571756@N00/1428445587

Elections Are Like A First Date

They really are. Think of the pre-election period as the flirting stage, when you're not really sure who you want to choose, yet, but you're playful and open to suggestions. Hmmm... Yiorgaki or Kostaki? Or maybe one of their "neighbors"?

Then finally, election day is here. You chose. If Kostaki was your guy, then it looks like your first date was a disaster, but if it's Yiorgaki you chose, it's like the beginning of a new relationship. A new relationship with the jitters and excitement that accompany the exploration of unknown territory. You're no fool. You know how the majority of relationships eventually end up: in heartbreak and disappointment. But, you want to hope. You want to give this new person a chance to prove his worth. These are some of the things we hope Papandreou will be:

Honest: White lies are generally tolerated, but we need someone who can tell it like it is and avoid covering up rotting situations, whose stench gives them away anyway.

A philanthropist: There are so many groups in need in this country. The people in this relationship need a prime minister they can lean on.

Open-minded: Open up the windows in those government offices and let some fresh air in. Young people, innovative ideas and a new outlook on life, work, education and the environment.

Brave: He needs to take initiative and prove that he puts the general welfare over the benefit of the few and uber-rich.

A hard worker: Promises must be backed up by actions. Even the most emotional and powerful words lose their meaning when no action is taken to support them.

However, just as there is no perfect mate in a relationship, there is also no perfect prime minister for the Greeks. The point is: will his virtues and actions outweigh his shortcomings and mistakes? Hopefully, because... (Read what we don't want to see at www.allthegreeks.com)

Image: www.pasok.gr

No "Meson," No Job

Your parents, godfather or aunt know someone who is friends with or related to someone in a position of power. Greece is a really small country, so this case wouldn't be that unusual. Do you use your "meson" (or connection) to get a job or do you kiss certainty goodbye?

There are three potential answers to this question, from three different types of people. There are those who would use any means possible, in a heartbeat to get a job - no feelings of shame included. Then, you've got those who would deny the use of their "meson," because they're too proud and they want to show their real worth and make it on their own. Last but not least, you've got those who say they would never accept it, and criticize those who do with every chance, but they're only against it because they know they don't have any meson... if they did, they would accept his/her help no questions asked.

The average Greek belongs to the first category, while the rest probably belong to the last one. Now when I speak of "meson" I am talking about any person in a position of power that can help you get a job in any department and any position. This person may be a supermarket manager or a well-known politician. It doesn't matter. Most people nowadays will get anything they can. If you want to work in a small business, for example, it would help to know the owner, the manager or even someone that works there (although I realize this isn't necessarily a position of power), because owners or managers tend to trust people they know or people their most outstanding employees know. I have heard of several people that have gotten jobs in supermarkets and clothing retail stores, because they knew the manager or because one of their friends that already works there recommended them. If you think about it, it's pathetic that we can't count on our potential employers to be objective even when we apply for positions such as "cashier" or "salesperson."

Things get worse when applying for a job in the public sector or a company in which the government has shares. Until a few years ago, anyone who had a friend or relative working as the head of any department in the public sector (of course this includes politicians) could easily get a job in the public without evaluation of credentials. Nowadays, there is... (read more about networking and connections at www.allthegreeks.com)

Welcome to Greece Freshman

You've made up your mind. You're moving to Greece. You found a college you like and you just want to have your freedom in a country you know that fun is just around the corner at all times. Your parents hate to see you go, and you start feeling uneasy the days before you move, but these feelings disperse once you set foot here. Whether it's Athens or Thessaloniki, there are a few things to do before you start classes:

Find an apartment

There's plenty of houses in Athens and Thessaloniki for rent, so don't hurry and book the first one you see. There's many different ways you can look for an apartment: You can check the classified ads of local newspapers (there's also free press with just ads in the center of cities near bus stops and metro stops), you can check any posted ads on your school's bulletin, or you can go to a real estate agent or mesiti. Don't forget to ask people at your school on whether they have housing, or a list of real estate agents that work with them or a list of other students looking for roommates. Roomies are fun to split the bills and feel like you always have someone if you need anything, but I'm sure you've heard of horror stories about how you may eventually start fighting over who's turn it is to do dishes or who ate who's food.

Before you even start looking, however, you need to determine where you want to live. Usually apartments near universities and metro stops are more expensive. Perhaps you should find out which buses stop near your school and find an apartment somewhere along the route of that bus. Once you've determined the neighborhood you want to live in, go to an agent that's in that neighborhood. Remember to look at lots of apartments, even if you love the first one you'll see. Unfortunately many apartments in the center of both Athens and Thessaloniki are very old, so be prepared for that. What you should ask: of course the monthly rent and don't be afraid to negotiate (one bedrooms are around 300-400 euros, but don't rule out 2-bedrooms, because you may find some cheaper) and the koinoxrista or else maintenance bills per month (you pay for the elevator, cleaning of halls/stairs, heating, maybe even gardening depending on the building). Plumbing is important too (how old is it?), and also if you can control your heating independently from the rest of the building that would be great. See, when you don't control it, they turn the heater on for 2 hours in the day and 2 hours at night (perhaps hours you're never home) and you end up paying lots of money. Beware of air conditioners - if you use that all winter for heat, your electrical bill will skyrocket.

Read more at www.allthegreeks.com

Image: http://squarelogic.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-post_30.html

Greek Politicians Are Amusing... Really

That's the way I prefer to look at things when it comes to politics in this country: amusing. There are other ways to look at it, too. You could actually try to get involved to change things (and probably end up being swallowed by the system of corruption) or you could cry.

Yes, cry, because if you look at the overall picture of politics in Greece, and you really see the caricatures that are supposed to be our leaders, then you start thinking: "Hmmm, if it's true that politicians are just a mirror image of those who vote them in office, then we must be really screwed up!"

But then again, there really aren't that many choices, are there? For example, we've got elections coming up in a couple of weeks. Who do you vote for? The party that failed and wants a second chance or the party that just can't seem to take advantage of the leading party's failure? Despite almost six years of scandals and an inability to control even the politicians in his own party, Prime Minister Mr. Karamanlis preaches "responsibility" and "determination" to improve things. Those are the two most popular words in his speeches lately. He takes responsibility, he says, for the mess with the Vatopaidi case (you know, where the government was exchanging millions of euros worth of land with the monastery to get land of 1/10 of that value), and there's also the Siemens case (where the technology-giant was bribing both major political parties with millions in order to later land government projects), the millions of euros of tax-payer's money from the biggest insurance agency (IKA) gambled away and never truly accounted for, and so many other scandals that involved key ministers and politicians of his party, Nea Dimokratia. And so what if he takes responsibility? Is any of the stolen money returned? No. On the contrary, due to the "economic crisis" there will be more taxes, a relentless search for tax evaders (not among the rich, of course) and a very "rough road ahead" as he likes to say. But he needs people to remind him that he is wanted, again - two years after the last election. Hmmm... it seems to me likes he's quitting.

Ok, so if this guy isn't right for the job, who's the next one in line? The American boy of PASOK: Mr. Papandreou. You know... he tries really hard to look serious the poor guy, but he just can't pull it off. You feel the urge to doze off after the very first sentence of his speeches. He just doesn't have the fiery passion of politics in him - he's just the guy that had to continue the family tradition even though he probably doesn't want to. At least he's not showing anyone that he can pull the country out of the corruption pit. I haven't heard any solutions contrary to what Nea Dimokratia is saying and that I can adopt as a citizen. There's just constant blame for the opposite party. And don't tell me that buying back half of Olympic Airlines and OTE while also endorsing agriculture are valid solutions. For a country that's in debt billions of euros, I just don't see where that money will come from. But Mr. Papandreou can do it... because he's smart, and he exercises and rides his bike in public like leaders of "civilized" nations do. (Read about politicians in Greece at www.allthegreeks.com)

Volos-Pelion: A Destination for All People and Seasons

Whether you decide to visit in the heart of winter or in the hottest month of summer, Volos is a city that will always have something to offer to its visitors. Snuggled at the foot of mount Pelion with a view of the Pagasitikos Gulf, it is the ideal base for your excursions to both sea and mountain.

The best aspect of Volos is its proximity to some of the most amazing beaches in the country and the most picturesque mountainous villages. But lets start out with the city itself. Volos is situated somewhere between the two largest cities of the country: it's about a 2.5-hour drive from Thessaloniki and a 3.5-hour drive from Athens (accessible by both train and bus).

As a city it's fairly easy to navigate due to its neat planning, with the biggest meeting point being the port or seafront. A car-free area with a long row of cafes for all types and where the cafes stop, eateries pick up. There's pizzerias and, of course, the famous tsipouradika. "What are tsipouradika?" you may ask. They are seafood restaurants where you order small bottles of tsipouro (aka moonshine in the U.S., but in Volos it tastes like ouzo) and for every two bottles (one has the quantity of a shot in it) you get 3 small appetizer dishes that are usually a little bit salty and vinegary to suit the tsipouro. These dishes may be anything from octopus, to shrimp, to potato salad, cabbage salad, squid, fish, mussels and the list can be endless. The tsipouradika and other eateries that are located at the port, may always seem busy, but they are very tourist oriented. Some of those preferred by the locals: "Bokos" and "Karakatsanis" in Nea Ionia, "Kochili" in the center on Metamorfoseos St., "Movoros" at Pteleos beach, "Mimikos" at the end of Alykes beach and the list is endless.

And although coming to the famous tsipouradika where octopus tentacles hang on a line to dry is good enough reason to visit Volos, the beaches within an-hour radius are an even bigger temptation in summer. (Read more about Volos and Pelion here)

Basics in Greek Mythology: The 12 Gods

Greek mythology is a subject that was fascinating for me especially when I was younger: all the gods and deities that governed the everyday life of the ancient Greek. Most people know that the basic or more important gods were the 12 gods that resided on the highest mountain peak of Olympus. From there Dias (Zeus) and the rest could see everything below them in Greece. They drank nektar and ate ambrosia, which sustained their immortality, but their personalities were flawed like those of humans. The Greeks imagined their gods to have love affairs, compassion, feuds, jealousy, betrayal and everything else that happens in a human's life.

The king of the gods and father of all was Dias or Zeus as the Romans later called him. Dias is depicted as a wise old man that gets weak around women with whom he has several affairs. His symbol is the thunderbolt and it's what he he uses to punish and show his power to people.

Dias' wife is Ira (Hera). She's also his sister but that doesn't really matter to them. Ira knows of almost all of Dias' infidelities and hunts these women down behind his back. She also persecuted any bastard sons that Dias had (especially Iraklis or Hercules). She was the goddess of women and marriage and was seen as a very vengeful goddess, but also very compassionate and helpful with those she liked.

Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty. The creation myth says that she was born from the blood that dripped into the sea after Dias castrated Ouranos. It is said that she was born out of the waves in the shores of Cyprus. There are other stories of how she was born, but this is the most prominent.

Aris was the son of Dias and Ira. He was the god of war and was seen as a bloodthirsty man who was also depicted as a coward in some stories. Aris had several love affairs, but his greatest is the one with Aphrodite.

Athina was the goddess of wisdom and knowledge. She was also a warrior, but she wasn't depicted as bloodthirsty. Dias and Metis are Athina's parents. Metis was so wise and smart that Dias feared she would take over his throne, therefore he swallowed her whole while she was pregnant. When it was time for Athina to be born Dias had a such a big headache that he called on Iphestos to crack his head open with an axe. That's when Athina jumped out. She is one of Dias' favorite daughters.

Apollonas was the god of light and prophecy. He had a twin sister, Artemis, who also became an Olympian goddess. Their father was Dias and their mother was Lito, a goddess that was persecuted by Hera all over Greece when she was pregnant. Finally, in order to protect her, Dias gave rise to the island of Delos, which was supposedly hidden from the sun (and from Ira's view) where she secretly gave birth to her children. Apollonas was the protector god of the oracle of Delphi.

Artemis was the goddess of hunting and wildlife and she was the twin sister of Apollonas. She was born first and was magically able to help her mother give birth to her brother. Artemis is seen as a carefree virgin wandering the forests. She tended to get very vicious if humans disrespected wildlife or her.

Iphestos was the god of volcanoes, fire and ironsmiths. He was the ugly god with a limp. It is said that Ira gave birth to him by herself in order to avenge Dias for one of his infidelities. She was aiming to have the most handsome son, but when she saw how ugly he was, she threw him off Olympus into the sea and that's how he got the limp. His wife was Aphrodite, ironically the most beautiful goddess. He's shown as a very helpful god that gets coniving if you cross him.

Posidonas was the powerful god of the sea and earthquakes. He was Dias' brother and he was also a ladies man, fathering several children to many nymphs and deities of the sea. He assists the Greeks in the Trojan war.

Ermis was the messenger of the gods and the god of merchants and thieves. He was also the son of Dias and his mother was a nymph named Maia. Ermis is depicted wearing golden winged sandals. In several stories he steals from people or plays tricks on other gods just for fun, but he's also a very trustworthy messenger.

Dimitra was the goddess of agriculture. She was another sister of Dias. The most famous myth regarding her was the one with her daughter, Persephone. The god Adis of the underworld wanted her as his bride and abducted her. Dimitra was so devastated that she refused to allow any grain to grow on the land until her daughter was returned to her. Finally, a deal was made to allow her on the earth for 6 months - this is spring and summer. Winter and fall represent the other 6 months that Dimitra is mourning her daughter in the underworld.

Estia was the goddess of the home and hearth. She was the eldest sister of Dias and is depicted as a modest virgin goddess that guards the home, and is an integral part of every sacrifice made to the gods.

There are some accounts that include Adis (the god of the underworld and brother of Dias) and/or Dionysos (the god of wine and entertainment) in the 12 Olympian gods, while leaving out Dimitra and/or Hestia.

For more myths go to www.allthegreeks.com

Greek Family: Blessing or Curse?

Even if you're not Greek you probably know that family is very important for every Greek. Your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents are bound to be a part of your life whether you like it or not. It's something like a birth right... or - as some people may come to see it - a burden.

First of all, the biggest reason why a Greek family is viewed as a blessing is because no matter what may happen in your life you will always have the support network of your family (that is, of course, if you don't tell your dad you're a homosexual - then you might just get mom's secret support). You can rely on them to babysit for you without prior notice, pull strings to get you a good job or even help you open up your own place, pay your college bills and support you even after you get out of college until you find a job. These things are particularly true for families that live in Greece, but Greek families living abroad aren't too different either.

Especially when it comes to holiday gatherings, the atmosphere in a Greek home is truly unmatched. You've got everyone working together, lots of great food, stories, music and other entertainment (I'm sure we've all got a weird uncle or cousin that manages to spark up all gatherings with his hidden talents). Oh and when you're in your twenties you've got all of these people that genuinely care whether or not you'll find a person that's husband/wife-material. In general, as a part of a Greek family you learn to value blood ties and be there for everyone's sad and happy times, because being there for the people who love you and grew up with you is what matters most.

For some people, this is exactly where the recipe spoils. (Read the rest at www.allthegreeks.com)


Image: http://www.azteenmagazine.com/global-culture.php?article=261

Up in Flames

How tragic! How tragic it is to watch people lose their homes and to witness the utter destruction of the much-needed forests in Attiki, Karistos, Viotia, Zakinthos. The biggest question everyone is asking is Why? Why is it that we never learn from our mistakes? Why is it that we don't have enough hydroplanes and firetrucks to go around to all locations that are up in flames? Why is it that every year our government prefers to shovel out money at the end of a destruction rather than to give a quarter of that money beforehand in order to prevent it? Whose fault is it afterall?

It's the government's fault for choosing to cover up big problems instead of deal with them at the root and get rid of them: i.e. hire more firemen, spend more money on protecting the environment, ensure that all public forces including the fire service have a healthy structure, good leadership and honorable organizational culture, etc.
It's the local authorities' fault for showing such short-sight when it comes to protection from a phenomenon that is seen every summer in Greece.
It's the Head of the Fire Service's fault for failing to coordinate his forces and show readiness when dealing with one or multiple fires.
It's the media's fault for magnifying the destruction of certain areas while ignoring others and for exercising judgement over the efficiency of the fire service in order to get ratings.
Finally, it's our fault. All of us are to blame for complaining that the government and authorities are inefficient when we were the ones that put them into power. We speak of conspiracies to clear our forests in order to build more and more houses, yet many of us have houses in forests that are illegally built.
Unless we all change the way we deal with major catastrophes and their avoidance, unless we start worrying more about the future and not just the present then none of our elected officials will change their ways either.

Dreams of Returning to the Homeland

There are two types of Greeks that live abroad: those who have settled in their new countries and enjoy visiting Greece during the summer and those who one day dream of returning to Greece. The latter may include people of all ages and the feeling of nostalgia does not stop in first generation immigrants, but is also passed along to their children and grandchildren. I should know; I was one of them. This nostalgia can only be described as a deep, blind love for a country that is described ever so romantically by your elders and which is reaffirmed during the careless summers you spend in this country as a child. You start feeling different, because you are different; you're Greek. Every one of your school friends know it and you brag about your descent every chance you get, even making screen names that include the word "greek" in there somewhere.

And so the years pass with you feeling like you're part of a Greek group, all proud of the history, the culture, and even the attitude of the Greeks. Coming to Greece in the summer is the one thing you look forward to all year round, and you come back with tales of summer crushes, amazing beaches, excessive clubbing/drinking and stories of admiration for the Greek-relaxed way of life.

The truth is that... (read the rest at www.allthegreeks.com)

Living the Simple Life in Greece

For the first-time visitor Greece is a heavenly destination due to its natural beauty, ideal climate and happy summer atmosphere. Even from looking at pictures alone some people dream of one day living in Greece permanently to get away from the busy routine life they live in their country. In the end, for most people this remains a dream. There are those, however, who are bold enough to make the move risking to set everything out of balance and start from scratch. How can this brave action be done?

First off, by seeking the simple life, I assume most people mean living in a quiet but beautiful area, within their means and with the basics in a cozy house with friendly neighbors and a garden. If you're planning on moving to Greece looking for the simple life in major cities such as Athens or Thessaloniki, there really is no point in doing so. Finding a job is quite difficult, especially anywhere outside Athens, whereas even if you do find a job, the working hours will be so long that you'll find yourself reliving your old life in a foreign country.

The only reason worth moving to Greece (again, to live a simpler life) is if you live in a small town or island where everyone knows each other by their first name and instead of cars, you hear birds chirping in the morning. If you're kind to the locals and they take a liking at you, they will definitely help you in any way they can. You must, first of all, have an open mind. Don't expect people to know your native language. Make an effort to learn Greek and try not to demand of others to follow your guidelines of courtesy and manners. (For the rest visit www.allthegreeks.com)

Image: cordelia.typepad.com/ cypria/travel/