Thursday, April 11, 2013

HISTORICAL MONUMENTS OF GREECE

 ACROPOLIS

The rocky hill of the Acropolis, which dominates the center of modern Athens, was the greatest and most magnificent temple of the ancient city, dedicated, primarily, to the patron goddess, Athena. In this sacred space related the major myths of ancient Athens, its greatest religious festivals, earliest cults of the city and several decisive for the history of events. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with the natural environment are unique masterpieces of ancient architecture, expressing combine different orders and styles of Classical art and influenced the intellectual and artistic creation for many centuries later. The Acropolis in the 5th century. B.C. is the most accurate reflection of the splendor, power and wealth of Athens in the age of greater tip peak, the'' golden age'' of Pericles.


 NAFPLIO

An unique place, mystic, blessed, full of natural beauty and culture, which for centuries now, continues to flourish and captivates every visitor who without realizing it, he initiated the Beauty, Harmony, and in front of the Dream becomes reality. The place is authentic and this is little sign of been inhabited will visit Nafplio.
The "Naples of the East" as they called the Venetian naval, stretched its roots with respect to historicity, the current Nafplion, the first capital of Greece in 1828, with the arrival of Kapodistrias, still adorned with all the traditional elements , untouched by time.

The focal point of the city, Mpoyrtzi, continues to keep alive the legends, polyfotismeni presence in the Bay of Argolis, built on the small island of Agios Theodoros



 SPARTA


Leonidas was a king of the city-state of Sparta from about 490 B.C. until his death at the Battle of Thermopylae against the Persian army in 480 B.C. Although Leonidas lost the battle, his death at Thermopylae was seen as a heroic sacrifice because he sent most of his army away when he realized that the Persians had outmaneuvered him. Three hundred of his fellow Spartans stayed with him to fight and die. Almost everything that is known about Leonidas comes from the work of the Greek historian Herodotus 



 WHITE  TOWER

The White Tower of Thessaloniki is Ottoman fortification built in the 15th century (probably built between 1450-1470). Today it is considered characteristic monument of Thessalonica and is what has been saved from the demolished Ottoman fortifications. The current form of the medieval fortification tower replaced the 12th century, to then be used as a hotel guard Janissaries and as a prison death row. Now serves as a museum and is one of the most known buildings-symbols cities in Greece. It has 6 floors, 34 meters high and 70 meters perimeter.

 KNOSSOS 

The archaeological site of Knossos (Knosós GR: Κνωσός) is sited 5 km southeast of the city of Iraklion.
There is evidence that this location was inhabited during the neolithic times (6000 B.C.) . On the ruins of the neolithic settlement was built the first Minoan palace (1900 B.C.) where the dynasty of Minos ruled.
This was destroyed in 1700 B.C and a new palace built in its place.
The palace covered an area of 22,000sq.m, it was multi- storeyed and had an intricate plan. Due to this fact the Palace is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur.




MYCENAE


The Mycenae, the legendary palace of Agamemnon, is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Peloponnese. H position of the acropolis of Mycenae was privileged and strategy. Naturally and artificially fortified not only has oversight of the entire Argolid plain, but also controls all the passages leading outside the Argolid. Thanks to this privileged position they had under their control and regulated trade with southern Greece, M. Minor, Cyprus and Egypt. As we are informed in Homer's Iliad, the ruler of Mycenae dominated the Corinthia, part of Achaia, and many islands of the Aegean. He was a commander in the campaign of Troy having 100 ships.
According to tradition, the Mycenae was founded by Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, the daughter of the king of Argos Akrisiou.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

RECIPE - EGGPLANTS WITH BEEF AND CHEESE

EGGPLANTS WITH BEEF AND CHEESE


Materials
6 medium eggplants
500 gr. ground beef
500 gr. tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic chopped
Rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, basil (dried) ½ teaspoon of
Salt, pepper, a little sugar
3 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 ½ cup milk
White pepper a pinch
A pinch of nutmeg
1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated cheese
1 cup. tea olive

CURRENT RECIPE COOKING
Remove the stem from the eggplant and cut in half. The dig removing about half the flesh. Salt them and leave them about half an hour to get the bitterness out.
Finely chop the flesh removed from the eggplant. Heat in a pan 4 tablespoons of olive oil and add the flesh, onion and garlic. Fry, stirring regularly, until soft. Take them off the heat.
In another pan heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and minced Roast. When roasted add the fried meat, herbs, tomatoes, salt, pepper and a little sugar. Cook over low to medium heat until the liquid has evaporated.
Wipe the aubergines from their fluids. Heat all the remaining oil and fry the aubergines from both sides. The array in a pan, the salt and pepper lightly and divide the meigma the meat the cavity dig.
Heat a saucepan melt the butter (careful not to burn) and add the flour. Stir and cook, stirring for one minute. Add the milk and continue stirring until thickened. Add salt, white pepper and moschokarydo. Divide the sauce over the eggplant and sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs.
Bake at 180 degrees for 40 minutes or until browned cheese. Serve warm

HALKIDIKI. FOR DEMANDING VISITORS

 HALKIDIKI. 


Chalkidiki, also Halkidiki, Chalcidice or Chalkidike is a peninsula in northern Greece, and one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of Central Macedonia. The autonomous Mount Athos region is part of the peninsula, but not of the regional unit. The capital of Chalkidiki is the main town of Polygyros, located in the centre of the peninsula.

The Cholomontas mountains lie in the northcentral part of Chalkidiki. Chalkidiki consists of a large peninsula in the northwestern Aegean Sea, resembling a hand with three "fingers" (though in Greek these peninsulas are often referred to as "legs") – Pallene (now Kassandra), Sithonia, and Agion Oros (the ancient Acte), which contains Mount Athos and its monasteries. Chalkidiki borders on the regional unit of Thessaloniki to the north.



A stroll through the garden of paradise is no longer impossible. Along the seashore under the sun, the indented coastline spreads out for many kilometres alongside the blue waters of the sea, into a secret garden of pleasing scents and lush vegetation. An artist would strive to find suitable colours to capture on canvas the countless shades of nature, the magnificent depths of the sea along sandy or rocky beaches and the patterns the sea has sculpted on the rocks and even the movement of the wind through the trees. Choose your favourite colours and paint your holidays in Halkidiki, like you have always dreamed of. 

Halkidiki has a variety and diversity which will satisfy even the most demanding visitors. Flavourful areas offering traditional cooking can be found in all the architecturally magnificent villages of the area, along with idyllic bays and small islands, stunning archaeological sites and a unique cave. There is also an exciting nightlife, beaches that seem to stretch forever and turquoise waters. These are just some of the things that make up this Peninsula. Archaeologists will lose themselves into examining civilisations stone-by-stone in Olynthos, Stagira, Petralona cave, Potidaia and Toroni. Romantic visitors will aimlessly wander the vast expanses of sandy beaches and traditional alleys, while the active types will enjoy all kinds of water sports on the beaches of Halkidiki, as well as biking or trekking in Mt Holomondas.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

AMORGOS ISLAND . "THE BIG BLUE"


AMORGOS  THE  MAGIC ISLAND 
 Amorgos Greece is one of the popular Greek Islands of the Cyclades and it is located near Naxos and Ios, at few hours from Piraeus, Athens. It is the island that was chosen by filmmaker Luc Besson for the scene of “The Big Blue”. The island’s trademark is the beautiful monastery of Hozoviotissa which is wedged into a huge precipice at 300m from the sea. This Greek island has a lot to offer: beautiful beaches in crystal waters, whitewashed houses and windmills...


 This section of Amorgos Island provides much information: pictures, map, villages, history, museums, architecture, excursions, weather and much more such as a large choice of hotels...
 The island offers desert amazing cricks and sandy beaches.

Amorgos has an active nightlife. It mostly consists of cozy little bars, restaurants and a dance club or two. It is concentrated in Amorgos Town and the port Karavostasi.


Thursday, April 4, 2013

MYKONOS ISLAND

 MYKONOS


Among the streets, next to the churches, behind the freshly painted shutters, through the delivery of island living, the heavenly beaches and the liveliness of the night, Mykonos still keeps its secrets: The happiest singular moments here, on the most famous island in the world, are UNIQUE.



 Mykonos retains full beauty over time, is a perfect host to visitors, offering unlimited vacation awaits you ......

 Mykonos is highly rated among top 'clubbing' destinations in the Mediterranean, while the nightlife is among the best in Europe.
Fair Mykonos has the title of the most cosmopolitan island of Greece. Here travelers from all walks of life and all cultures come together to create an atmosphere of joy unprecedented.


This unique island in the Cyclades has has managed over the years to attract more, and more visitors. It also attracts internationally renowned DJ's, the clubs and bars, which have become famous.
In addition, Mykonos is 'gay-friendly' island during the summer, and has many gay clubs.
  Worldwide known is the 'Super Paradise', Paraga and 'Paradise'.
Overall, the island is well known for its exciting nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs, which serve the most demanding tastes.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

MAY IN CORFU

The summer season begins in May for  Corfu ,or Kerkyra in Greek.During daytime it is hot and the 
 evenings are fresh. 
The island of Corfu is still empty with few tourists and it’s the perfect period to find lonely and relaxing beaches. The sea is mostly flat as there aren't strong winds and Kerkyra has a gorgeous nature full of flowers. 
Something very special happens in this period of the year: there is the possibility to admire millions of fire-flies in the countryside during the night! 

This is also the right month for those who like to assist to the Greek Easter celebrations. 

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

LONGEVITY,GREEK COFFEE AND IKARIA ISLAND



The secret of longevity is hidden in a cup of 

Greek coffee served in Ikaria island,in eastern 

Aegian Sea! 
According ABC NEWS :

   "study

published in Vascular 

Medicine  focused on 

elderly residents from the Greek island Ikaria 

between the ages of 66 to 91 and found that 

those who drank boiled Greek coffee at least 

once a day (rather than just the filtered coffee 

popular in America) tended to have improved 

endothelial function, meaning they had the 

better functioning cells that lined their blood 

vessels, which could mean better cardiovascular 

health." http://abcnews.go.com/Health/answers-places-people-live-longest/story?id=18838734#.UVqwpbLiaXs

It's a good opportunity to introduce Greek 

coffee into your life style and schedule a voyage 

to Ikaria ,a really magnificent place with nice 

beaches,good food and nice night life for all kind 

of interests.