HAPPY 2013

     Greece is a blessed place.

A country with thousands of wonderful beach sides,nature beauty and the most important friendly and warm people .

Happy new year to all of you!

ΤHE LONGEST CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE

       

     "Charilaos Trikoupis" Bridge is the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world.It connects Peloponnese with the Greek mainland above the Corinthian Gulf, between Rio and Antirio (south west Greece). It was the vision of Charilaos Trikoupis, Prime Minister of Greece in 1880. Its length is 3  kilometers from one coast to the other, and has 65 meters depth. 

It is a Herculean task: 250,000 cubic meters of concrete-beton, 172,000 tons of steel frame, four pillars of approximately 220 meters from the seabed to the head, that hold 368 wires spaced intervals  supporting a continuous and fully mounted deck length of 2,252 meters. 

ΤΗΕ ΜΟST BEAUTIFUL BAY

     Paleokastritsa is situated 25 km from the town of Corfu. The area became known thanks to the British travelers and artists of the 19th century who where  inspired by the fabulous and romantic environment. Its development began  after 1950 and gain tourist businesses, restaurants and accommodations.Paleokastritsa has  a picturesque harbor but the  feature of the landscape is of course the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and the beautiful beaches. 

Paleokastritsa has also a huge reputation  on the seabed.Divers from around the world choose as destination the rocks that rise in sea creating caves and the underwater wells in the area.

A LEGENDARY RIVER

     River Herceena runs through Livadia,a city in a short distance from mountains Parnassus and Helicon.The area was  known in antiquity for its oracle ,Trophonius.The ancient city was built on the right bank of the river Herceena crossing even today the city.
But the most important archaeological site is the sacred oracle which was identified and excavated the left bank of Herceena.
According to mythologie,Herceena was a beautiful bride ,beloved daughter of Trophonius who gave his name to the river .

In its waters came to bathe believers seeking an oracle .Today the Municipality of the city has created along the river an area for recreation and culture for residents and visitors which gives the town a unique natural beauty.

JOURNEY TO THE PAST

Monemvasia is the seaport of Laconia ,one of the most beautiful areas of  Peloponnese,south Greece.Connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of rock ,it is located 95 km from Sparta.

The famous castle, founded in the Byzantine period , was one of the most important castles in the area. Visitors enjoy a journey to the past through the high stone houses, imposing mansions, narrow cobbled streets, Byzantine churches and strong fortifications . Many buildings operate as guesthouses. Staying in these remains unforgettable to guests that love history and romantic mood.

COSMPOLITAN SPETSES ISLAND

Spetses. In the late 19th century,  the Athenians discovered the charm and nostalgic elegance of the island Today, Spetses remains one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands.The Greek Royal family used to  organize hunting events there and nowadays the "elegant" Greek and international society choose to spend their holidays in Spetses.

In August 2010 the  family of the former king Constantine organized on the island the wedding of prince Nicolaos and high guest of royal families attended the ceremony.

Every summer shipowners arrive by their own yachts and enjoy wandering in Dapia square and the old harbor. The island is one of the real diamond of  the  Saronicos Gulf, with fantastic sea and a chic city filled with majestic neoclassical paradise gardens and rare beauty pebble.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM GREECE

MERRY  CHRISTMANS

AMAZING SUNSET

     Hundreds of  thousands οf tourists from around the world travel to Santorini to enjoy the sunset , famous for its colors and the amazing scenery. Santorini is also known for its 

 volcanoes.

The island is located in the southern Aegean Sea and belongs to the Cyclades islands complex. Santorini, Thirasia and Aspronisi islands are remnants of the volcanic island Stroghili. The central part of it. Because of the eruption in 1613 BC the prehistoric culture of the island was destroyed.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MONASTERY

     The monastery of Simon Petra or Simonopetra was founded in 1257 AD in the monastic state of Mount Athos, the eastern peninsula of Halkidiki(northern Greece). The monastery is located on the southern coast of the peninsula, between the port of Dafni and the monastery of St. Gregory. 

The south coast of the peninsula is generally sharp, especially the part on which the monastery is built.. It is built on top of a huge solitary rock, practically hanging from a cliff 330 meters above the sea. Today the monastery has 54 monks.

THEOPHANIA IN GREECE

Theophania is one of the biggest festivals of Christianity. In this grand event celebrated the Baptism of the Lord in iordaneia NAMA and wondrous and rare manifestation of Trinitarian Godhead in the world.

The importance of great celebration seen from the fact that, after Easter is the oldest Christian festival

PATRAS CARNIVAL

     
     At the end of January begins the famous Carnival of Patras. Τhe city, located in western Greece, turns into a huge space for fun.

Young  tourists from Greece and other countries of the world participate in the games, parades and other Carnival activities.Night life is rich and lasts until dawn.

Pubs,bars and nightclubs organize events and exciting parties .
The celebrations close with the burning of King Carnival on Shrove Tuesday, a feast that marks the end of the carnival period.

TRADITIONS OF EPIPHANY

     Every year the January 6th, orthodox Christians all over the world celebrate  Theophany or Epiphany .

This is the day of Jesus Christ's baptism by John the Baptist .In Greece a large procession is formed and takes the road leading to the sea or to a river, maybe a water tank.During the religious ceremony the priest blesses the water and throws the cross in to it.

Young people dive and the one who brings the cross back is ,according to the custom, caries good luck for the new year!

CALM AND RELAXING HOLIDAYS.THE 10 TOP GREEK ISLANDS.

Astypalaia.Τhe "Butterfly shape" island in Dodecanese islands complex,in east southern Aegian, looks like a pirates era live scenery.

Ithaki,in Western Greece,Ionian islands complex,combines tranquility, serenity blue and green ... magic! 

Sifnos,located in Cyclades islands complex has amazing beaches and delicious local disches.

Paxi,in western Greece,belongs to Ionian islands.Ηundreds of thousands tourists characterize it as the most heavenly place in Greece.

  Anafi.Αt the "extremity" of the Cyclades.It is  fermented in the sun of the Aegean and the saltiness of the sea, lonely through his in its simplicity.

Samothraki,in northern Aegian,is  a place of outstanding natural beauty. 

Folegandros,is located in the Cyclades islands complex.It's a small  and picturesque island with pristine sea sides.

Alonissos, in Sporades islands complex, is famous for its national sea park,a shelter for the monachus-monachus seals.A real experience for guests.

 Kοufonisia ,in small part Cyclades,is ideal destination for relaxation.Popular to young people from all over the world.

Serifos belongs also to the Cyclades islands complex.It has wonderful beach sides and a very nice capital.

THE ENIGMA OF ANTIKYTHERA MECHANISM

 The Antikythera mechanism (known as the Antikythera astrolabe and the Antikythera computer) got its name from a shipwreck near the island of Antikythera, which was found in the year 1901 along with other artifacts.

    It is believed to be a computer engineer and astronomical observation instrument, which resembles a complex clockwork mechanism.Scientists presume ,the calculations performed are  resulting from the markings on its surface.Inscriptions refer to the calendar used in the Greek-speaking world in the last century BC, Sun,Moon and the five planets then known (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn).Ιt is exhibited at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens .

IOANNINA,JOURNEY OF SENSES

     
     Ioannina has two skies, one high above,embroidered with colored clouds and another in the  bottom of Pamvotida Lake.Narrow streets, beautiful stone houses with exquisite colors form the picture of Ioannina.

   It's a journey that will satisfies all  senses. Enjoy the smell of the local dishes ,wander in the memories of past centuries .Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local alcohol beverage,tsipouro.

KATAIFI. THE BEST DESSERT FOR CHRISTMANS

HOW TO PREPARE KATAIFI

1/2 pound of chopped nuts about
1/4 cup breadcrumbs 2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves or
1 teaspoon lemon zest ¼ cup sugar
3 tablespoons brandy
1/2 kilo Kadaifi
1 cup butter
1 cup margarine

FOR THE SYRUP
3 1/2 cup sugar
2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
little lemon zest
1-2 cinnamon sticks or a little lemon zest
Pistachios thick alesmenoAtoma: Are 30 pieces about Cooking time: 1 hour
  INSTRUCTIONS
Prop. Blend first 5 ingredients and sprinkle them with the brandy. Xanete kantaifi and divide it into approximately 30-35 parts to form elongated strips. keep it covered with a wet towel, not dried. Put aside each strip a spoonful of the mixture of the filling and gently wrap can roll. Do not tighten, tighten it during cooking and will become fluffy. Aradiaste in the buttered pan one ...

KICKBOXING "OLYMPICS"

K-1, the V.I.P sporting event in the Kickboxing 

world,that used to be

organized for the last 20 years in Japan, comes for the first time in Greece!

The "Olympics" of Kickboxing will be held today,Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Olympic Stadium of Athens, with the participation of the 8 best athletes in the  kickboxing 

world

, which emerged from the semi-finals in May.

Among the top 8,  Mike Zambidis, 13 times World Champion, who 

represents 

Greece .

 The remaining 7 players claiming the victory are:

Andy Ristie (Suriname)

Andy Souwer (Holland)

Artur Kyshenko (UKRAINE)

Chris Ngimbi (CONGO)

Murthel Groenhart (Holland)

Reece McAllister (UNITED KINGDOM)

Yasuhiro Kido (JAPAN)

KNOSSOS PALACE, AN ANCIENT MIRACLE.

 
According to the tradition, the palace of Knossos was the seat of the king Minos.It  is the largest of the Minoan centers of power. It is a building complex that covers an area of ​​15,000 sq.m. Built on a largely artificial hill was the most impressive of the Minoan Palaces. 

It was the administrative center of the Minoan Knossos, located 5 km SE of Heraklion City ,in Creta island,southern Greece. 

The first palace was built around 2000 BC and was destroyed by an earthquake around 1900 BC Immediately was repaired, but a second earthquake destroyed it anon in 1700 BC.A new palace , the most magnificent one ,was built in the mid-15th century BC ,at that time Achaean leaders sat in the throne room of the palace.

SYRTAKI DANCE

 Sirtaki is an internationally popular Greek dance . It was created in 1964 for the film «Zorba the Greek» needs.The music for Sirtaki is composed by Mikis Theodorakis.Its musical inspiration is based upon the slow dancing pace of hasapico traditional dance and the fast of another Greek dance ,called hasaposerviko.

 The main feature of this dance and music is to accelerate the pace. The name  Sirtaki comes from the Greek word "syrtos"(trolling) , a common name for a group of traditional Greek dances. Sirtaki dancers form lines or cycles by helding hands with the shoulders of the adjacent.watch the paces:

SNOWBOARDING FUN

Snowboarding is one of the most pop snow sports.In Greece young people love it.In many ski centers there are installations for it, experienced trainers and accessories rentals.

Try snowboarding  in Parnassos,(central Greece),Vasilitsa or Kaimaktsalan in northern Greece,in Menalon or Kalavryta in Peloponese (southern Greece).

In very short distance of the ski centrers there are many night clubs,restaurants and lounge cafes for visitors that love night life .

10 ΟF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GREEK VILLAGES

     Greece has thousands of picturesque villages with great history,many outdoor activities,delicious dishes and high quality traditional products.Let's see 10 of the most popular:

Syrrako,Ioannina,western Greece.It stands above the gorge of the  Chrousia River.

Arahova,Livadia,central Greece.A popular winter resort, thanks to the existence of the ski resort and its small distance from Athens.

Dikorfo,Ioannina,western Greece.Funded in 1431,its history is  witnessed by large stone houses, the library, the paved roads, the stone walls and gates that connect the houses.

Monemvasia,Peloponese,south Greece.It is world wide known from the medieval fortress on the eponymous "Rock of Monemvasia" which is literally a small island.

Dilofo ,Ioannina,western Greece.This extraordinary mountainous village in the prefecture of Ioannina belongs to the group of Zagori in Epirus. Built at an altitude of 1,000 meters on the slopes of Timfi Mountain.

Abelakia ,Larisa,central greece.Mansions clinging to the slopes of the mountain are  have left their own indelible historical touch.

Spileo,Grevena,northern Greece.It attracts members of several mountaineering clubs and sports enthusiasts such as climbing, canyoning or canoeing.

Nimfeo,Florina,northern Greece.Tour guides show it as one of the ten most beautiful villages of Europe.

Vlasti,Kozani,Northern Greece.It is a picturesque mountain village in the prefecture of Kozani .

Pertouli,Trikala,central Greece.It has all those infrastructure and standards to be distinguished as a "first line" touristic destination all year long.