Δευτέρα 28 Δεκεμβρίου 2015

Plakias from above: Paligremnos, the far end..

Plakias is the perfect holiday spot, located on the south coast of Crete.
It is not too large, and so retains the traditional Cretan friendliness, but it is big enough to have a good range of accommodation, tavernas, shops etc.
The beautiful south facing curved bay in which it sits is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
The hills behind provide wonderful walks, on trails through the olive groves and beyond.

Πέμπτη 24 Δεκεμβρίου 2015

Amazing Crete..

Crete is the largest island in Greece, and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea.
Here, you can admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountainscapes, fertile valleys and steep gorges, and become part of the island’s rich gastronomic culture.
Crete is, after all, a small universe teeming with beauties and treasures that you will probably need a lifetime to uncover!
















 

Τετάρτη 23 Δεκεμβρίου 2015

Greek art depicts Christmas and New Years Day traditions

The prettiest, happiest time of the year is close and all Greek towns put on their best! Houses, shops, and squares put on a festive appearance with decorated Christmas trees and Christmas boats, the streets and the cafes are lit up with coloured lighting and cheerful tunes are heard in the streets. Young and old children get ready for Christmas and New Year’s Day with customs and traditions whose origin is lost in the mists of time. Join us and be acquainted with some of them through Greek art!


Decorating the Christmas tree…
The festive tree decoration dates back to antiquity. Ancient Greeks used to dress olive or bay branches with red and white ribbons made of wool or with various sweet treats as a gesture of thanks to the gods for the previous year’s crops and ask for their favour for the coming year’s harvest. Next, they would carry the decorated branches in a procession or they would hang them outside the front door until the beginning of the following year.
 
Today, in most Greek houses it is customary to decorate a fir tree, a practice brought to Greece by the country’s first king, Otto. As Christmas is drawing near, children look forward to decorating the tree with great joy, as pictured in the painting “Christmas Tree” by Spyros Vikatos, on display at the National Gallery.


or perhaps … a boat model?
Greece is a maritime nation and as such, it is customary in many islands for the children to decorate boat models instead of a Christmas tree. In old times, kids used to carry them along while they visited houses and sang Christmas Carols; they would put the treats they received for their singing inside the little boats. Today, boats are decorated in many Greek houses or squares near areas with a maritime history such as Aristotelous square in Thessaloniki.


May we sing the Carols?
Wish making and happy melodies are standard things during the Christmas period and the New Year’s Day! According to tradition, on the Eves of Christmas, New Year’s Day and Epiphany Day [January 6], children visit one neighbourhood after the other, they knock on the door and ask: “May we sing the Carols?” By playing their little metal triangles and their drums, sometimes also harmonicas and accordions and on the islands violins and guitars, they ‘rain’ wishes and bring joy on every household.

The most acclaimed picture by a Greek painter, depicting this festive tradition in an austerely simple and most sensitive manner, is “Carols” by Nikiphoros Lytras. The painting is a major work of art depicting a scene of Greek life, customs and traditions [called Ethography], heavy with symbolism and with disarming sincerity.

Pomegranate for good luck

The pomegranate has been the symbol of good fortune, abundance, youth and fertility since antiquity. The deep red-coloured beneficial fruit with the wonderful taste and the magic properties has been the source of inspiration for many artists, such as Georgios Jakobides for his painting ‘Pomegranates’. 
According to myth, Persephone, the daughter of goddess Demeter, tasted the fruit during her stay in Hades; since then the pomegranate became associated with the regeneration of nature and the cycle of seasons. 
On New Year’s Day in many Greek areas, the householder stands outside the front door and breaks a pomegranate hitting it hard on the floor so that the seeds may spread everywhere and bring happiness and good health to the household. So, you too, break a pomegranate on your doorstep and make your own fervent wish for the New Year!

Hobgoblins. Visitors on the Twelve Days of Christmas!

From Christmas Day until the Eve of Epiphany Day, the legend of the kallikantzaroi [hobgoblins] is reanimated throughout the country. In the popular imagination they are little monsters with bandy legs and arms, hunched backs, over-sized ears, and just about any other type of deformity one could possibly imagine! 
For this reason they are doomed to live underground and throughout the entire year they keep sawing the tree that supports the world! 
At Christmas though, when their sawing is nearly done, they decide to visit the humans, have fun and play all kinds of pranks on them! Humans in turn do their best to ward them off by placing a sieve outside their door or by hanging a large onion! 
Painter P. Tetsis has created lively illustrations of hobgoblins in the book Fairies, elves and hobgoblins by Th. Velloudios
The celebrated folklorist Nikolaos Politis has also made vivid descriptions of goblins in his book titled Traditions.
Season’s Greetings!
(source:visitgreece)

Double Award Win for Region of Crete at ‘Bravo Sustainability Awards’

The Region of Crete collected two national awards this month for its work in social welfare and web governance during the 2015 Bravo Sustainability Awards for Sustainable Development and Responsible Business, organized by the nonprofit QualityNet Foundation at the Acropolis Museum.
Crete - The Island Inside You“It is with great pride and satisfaction that the Region of Crete accepts both awards… it marks a further commitment for us to continue working towards making the Region of Crete a model of sustainable development through the implementation of innovative actions and far-reaching social policies,” said Crete Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis.

The Region of Crete was awarded for its supportive teaching and community sports programs, made possible with the support of local educators, sports clubs, foreign language institutes, the University of Crete and volunteers.

The second distinction recognized regional authorities’ efforts to introduce total transparency and accountability and improve productivity and performance to the benefit of the public.
(source:gtp)

Athens Campaign Video Released: #ImAnAthenian – Speak Athenian. Be an Athenian.

A video of the new campaign for the international tourism promotion of the Greek capital dubbed #ImAnAthenian – Speak Aθenian. Be an Aθenian.” was released on Friday.

The new campaign aims to innovatively promote Athens as an ideal city break destination through a brand new hybrid lexicon.
 ImAnAthenian_1
The campaign revolves around combinations of Greek and English words and letters, like Hipstorical, Philosofa, Theatricult and Bistrocrαcy.
Athens_hipstoricalThese new terms seek to imaginatively convey the way that Athenians spend each day in a city with a one-of-kind personality that blends history with contemporary life and urban culture, and even a beach-studded coastline that lies just half an hour from downtown Athens.

A special mobile app — the Athenian Application — is available from www.imanathenian.com and allows participants to upload their own photos from their personal Athenian experience as Hipstoricals or Atheniants and their own Theatricult or Bistrocracy moments in the city.

The campaign has been launched by Athens International Airport and Marketing Greece and is being held under the auspices of the Municipality of Athens with the support of the Athens-Attica and Argosaronic Hotel Association and Aegean Airlines.

(source:gtp)

WTM 2015: Crete Ready for New Season, Set to Launch Info Site for Tourists

Promoting alternative and adventure tourism and at the same time bringing the celebrated Cretan hospitality to the frontline of its tourism strategy for 2016, the Region of Crete is moving full speed ahead to prepare for the new season, its Commissioner of Tourism, Michalis Vamiedakis, told the GTP during the World Travel Market (WTM) on Monday.

“We’re primarily focused on bringing to the fore the island’s different side, beyond the conventional, to extend the tourism season, because we are aware that this will increase the number of visitors, and of course place emphasis on the human side of Cretan hospitality because this is our winning  card and what sets us apart at the end of the day,” Mr Vamiedakis said.

Crete has been and continues to be one of Greece’s leading destinations, primarily winning over German, French and British tourists.
crete-island-inside_f“International tour operators are telling us that their customers want to know more about events taking place all year round on the island but also about different activities and alternatives on offer,” he added.
 “So we’re ready to launch our new site that will aim to keep travelers updated on what’s going on where on Crete all year round.”
 
The Region of Crete is aiming through its participation in the WTM this year to build even stronger ties with existing partners and at the same time find new friends.

“We are firm believers in the positive results of events like the WTM, but we also believe that what plays a more vital role is what happens before and after these events… through talk with sector professionals we learn how to improve our performance.

Crete wouldn’t be Crete without its gastronomy, and Mr Vamiedakis stressed that a major part of its tourism strategy is based on the island’s culinary wealth. Paraphrasing the popular phrase, he put it aptly: “The heart of tourism is through the stomach… that is why during all of our promotional activities abroad we feature Cretan cuisine,” he added with a smile.

(GTP is an official media partner of WTM London 2015.)

Katsikaki Tsigariasto – aka Goat in Olive Oil

Arni Rodikio Top 940x460 Katsikaki Tsigariasto   aka Goat in Olive Oil
Katsikaki means baby goat in Greek. In Crete, we love to cook it in many ways, but the following recipe will make your mouth water. 
Keep in mind, that you may accompany it with freshly cooked in its sauce radishes or mashed potatoes.
The 100% authentic recipe combines the goat with a very rare -only cultivated in Crete species of greens – which is called STAMNAGATHI – as seen on the photo.
But you may substitute it with fresh radishes and the effect will be almost the same.

INGREDIENTS: 
1,5 kg baby goat’s meat (cut into portions)
  • 200ml extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic mashed
  • 3 finely chopped spring onions
  • juice of 3-4 lemons
  • 200ml white wine
  • salt
  • ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp oregano
  • 4 bay leaves
Preparations:
1) Prepare the meat, sprinkling it with salt and ground pepper. I prefer using fleur-de-sel, since the taste is more refined and yet distinguishly salty. 

2) Heat the olive oil well and add the meat. Sauté well until golden brown.

3) Add the mashed garlic and the chopped spring onions and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Pour in the white wine and wait 1-2 minutes for the alcohol to evaporate.
 
4) Add the oregano, bay leaves, lemon juice and water until the meat is covered and let it boil.
5) Cook in medium to low temperature for about an hour until the meat is tender.
 
6) In another pan, heat 2-3 spoons of olive oil and sauté the radishes for 2-3 minutes. Then add them in your meat.
 
7) Serve while hot. What I usually do is to serve just before the dish a shotglass of juice from our casserole with a little bit of lemon juice. Don’t forget to heat some fresh bread. ENJOY!
 
You may enjoy it with a bottle of white wine !!!
(article by trofos)

Δευτέρα 21 Δεκεμβρίου 2015

Christmas wishes


We wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thank you for the successful year that we had!


Πέμπτη 17 Δεκεμβρίου 2015

Greece to Hit 2015 Tourism Goal of 26 Million Int’l Arrivals

Greek tourism is on track to end 2015 with a record of 26 million international arrivals, the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) said on Monday after reviewing November figures released by the country’s main airports.

According to the recent data, the number of international tourist arrivals in Greece registered a positive growth during the first 11 months of the year.
 passionforgreece_girl_santorini
International air arrivals increased by 5.7 percent to over 15 million during the January-November 2015 period, which corresponds to nearly 820,000 additional arrivals compared to the same period of 2014.

Last month, Athens saw a double-digit increase with arrival numbers up by 11.3 percent compared with November 2014. In the first 11 months of the year, the Greek capital saw arrivals up by 23.6 percent.

The Cyclades island complex maintained its arrival growth rate of 15 percent over the first eleven months of 2014.

On the other hand, the Dodecanese and Crete continued to record a slight drop in arrivals by 2 percent and 0.8 percent respectively, compared with the same period of 2014.

The data showed that the whole country — not including Athens — moved on an 11 percent negative rate in terms of foreign arrivals by air compared to November 2014 and a marginal growth rate of 0.7 percent compared with the first eleven months of 2014.
(source:gtp)

Τετάρτη 16 Δεκεμβρίου 2015

Aki’s Spiced Christmas Cookies in Syrup! (Melomakarona)

Clock dfcc0e208d138d9bd767c6f1f85dfe28624afa0652c24ad00a1a457ca3ec6e0d
1 hour
Preparation Time
Shares 5606bf075942176c08f602bcfddfb1eae4f9ffc25749ab7454da85f803864740
80
Portion(s)
Difficulty ff7c9d703c99daf2ec2af59a591ebe31b6bd74796afe6167236e1316b56ed4a6
3
Difficulty


Method
These amazingly aromatic little cakes are a traditional Greek Christmas sweet…called "Melomakarona". Your house will be filled with aromas of orange, honey, cinnamon and cloves… Each bite is so deliciously Christmassy…it will become an instant personal favorite!
For the syrup:
  • Boil all of the ingredients for the syrup, apart from honey, for 3-4 hours. This is done so that by the time the cookies come out of the oven, the syrup will have cooled.
  • When the syrup is ready, remove from heat and add the honey. Stir and set aside to cool completely.
For the cookies:
  • Preheat the oven to 190* C (370*F) Fan.
  • To make the cookies, you need to prepare 2 separate mixtures.
  • For the first mixture, add all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix, using a hand whisk.
  • In a separate bowl, add all of the ingredients for the second mixture.
  • Combine the first and second mixture.
  • Mix by hand, very gently and for a very short time (10 seconds at the most). If you mix longer the mixture will split or curdle.
  • Mold cookie dough into oval shapes, 3-4 cm in long, 30 g each. Try to keep them as similar as possible.
  • Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until they are crunchy and dark golden brown.
  • As soon as you remove them from the oven, soak the hot cookies in the syrup for 10 seconds.
  • Allow them to drain on a wire rack.
  • Drizzle with honey and chopped walnuts.
Tip
Be careful not to overwork the cookie dough because the oil may start to seep out and then they won’t turn out crispy! The orange used for the syrup should a whole fresh orange, cut in half!  

Ingredients
For syrup:
  • 500 ml water
  • 800 g granulated sugar
  • 150 g honey
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 orange, cut in half
 1st mixture:
  • 400 ml orange juice
  • 400 ml sunflower oil
  • 180 ml olive oil
  • 50 g caster sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2-3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • grated zest of 2 oranges
2nd mixture:
  • 1 kilo all-purpose flour
  • 200 g fine semolina

Παρασκευή 11 Δεκεμβρίου 2015

Photo of the day..

"December, being the last month of the year, cannot help but make us think of what is to come."
 -Fennel Hudson
 Yesterday photo at Plakias!

Τρίτη 24 Νοεμβρίου 2015

Photo of the day: Preveli beach

 Heart-shaped rock on Palm Beach, Preveli, Rethymno, Crete, Greece. 
 Preveli is located about 35km south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias.
 It is certainly the most famous beach in southern Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every   summer.

Τρίτη 17 Νοεμβρίου 2015

Photo of the day: Autumn sunset..

Beautiful late afternoon at Plakias Suites beach in Crete island...

The Greek islands on the top, for the Conde Nast Traveller worldwide list.


 The Greek islands received the votes of Condé Nast Traveller readers and ranked first in the “Favorite Islands” category.


The world’s best islands – Top 20

1. Greek Islands
2. Balearic Islands
3. Maldives
4. Hawaiian Islands
5. Bali
6. Mauritius
7. Sicily
8. Seychelles
9. St Barth’s
10. St Lucia
11. Koh Samui
12. Jamaica
13. Barbados
14. Antigua
15. Great Barrier Reef
16. Capri
17. Sardinia
18. Malta
19. Cuba
20. Lombok

 Access the full study here.

Tirokafteri: a delicious, creamy cheese spread from Greece.

tyr
It is usually served as part of a mezze platter but it can also be enjoyed by itself, with slices of warm bread.
  
Serves: 1 jar Preparation time: 10m Cooking time: 5m Ready in: 15m

A delicious, creamy cheese spread from Greece. It is usually served as part of a mezze platter but it can also be enjoyed by itself, with slices of warm bread.
Ingredients
1 Florina pepper or any sweet pepper
1 -2 chili peppers (depending on how spicy you want the spread to be)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
250 gr. anthotyro, a traditional fresh cheese
250 gr. crumbled feta cheese
A pinch of sweet paprika
Preparation method
Step 1
Remove the seeds from the Florina pepper and the chili peppers and finely chop them.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil over medium heat and saute until tender.
Step 3
Place the anthotyro cheese and crumbled feta cheese in a blender. Add the sautéed peppers with the oil from the pan and the paprika and process the ingredients until you get a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
Step 4
Keep the cheese spread refrigerated in a glass jar, pouring a little oil on the surface from time to time.

Source: Olive magazine
Chef: Ioanna Stamoulou
Photo: George Drakopoulos
Food Styling: Tina Webb

Τρίτη 10 Νοεμβρίου 2015

Photo of the day: calm evening by the sea..

By reaching the first days of November, the touristic season gradually fades away, and Plakias returns to its easy and relaxing winter pace....

Σάββατο 31 Οκτωβρίου 2015

New Review on Tripadvisor: “Better than ever” 5 of 5 stars

 Reviewed 1 week ago...



We have just returned from our 4th stay at Plakias Suites, our first in late season, and it was perfect! 

Eleni and Giorgos are such wonderful hosts. 

The proximity to the fabulous beach, beach bar, and the great taverna next door makes it an ideal location for relaxation. 

Every day we returned to a spotlessly clean apartment. I wish we could stay there for ever!
  • Stayed October 2015, travelled with family.
See here: http://bit.ly/1WqcDyL

 Plakiassuites: Ranked #1 of 46 Speciality Lodging in Plakias
  
91 Reviews Certificate of Excellence

Παρασκευή 30 Οκτωβρίου 2015

Photo of the day! October sunset..

Plakias: Set beside a long southern-coast beach, between two immense wind tunnel gorges, Plakias was once a humble fishing village. In 1961, the official census recorded a population of just six!! Today its population explodes each summer with Central European package tourists...

Plakias has some decent restaurants and plenty of accommodation options. From here you can walk through olive groves, along seaside cliffs and to some sparkling hidden beaches. It’s also a good base for regional excursions..

33rd Athens Marathon. The Authentic..


 http://www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr/images/phocagallery/Multimedia/2012/thumbs/phoca_thumb_l_Elite_Finishers_8.JPGThe Athens Marathon, the Authentic Marathon, will be held on Sunday November 8, 2015 along the route from Marathonas to Athens, offering the opportunity to those participating to make their dream come true.

A record number of 16,000-plus runners are expected to take to the classic course from the town of Marathon to the 1896 Olympic Stadium in the heart of Athens which was the route used for the 1997 World Championships and 2004 Olympic Games.

In total 43,000 runners are expected to take part in all the running events on offer.

With this gesture, the organisers invite runners from around the world to run the Athens Marathon in solidarity with the Greek people at this testing time. Online entry for the marathon race is still available on the website at www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr.

Date: 08/11/2015. Area: Attica. Place: Athens (5km and 10km Road Races, and Fin. Point of the Marathon Race). Start. T.: Marathon Race: 09:00, 5km Road Race: 07:45, 10km Road Race: 08:45, 5km Road Race Afternoon: 16:00.

For more info: www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr

Do you know how Cretans make rakí?

Rakí is the traditional Cretan spirit that is famous throughout the country for its very high alcohol content and its richness of aromas. Rakí is so intrinsically connected to joy that even its making procedure sets Novembers in Crete on fire!
At the end of summer, the infinite vineyard of Crete generously offers its valuable harvest to the special century-old procedure of making the renowned Cretan rakí, a procedure that remains unaltered through time: the Cauldron feasts (called kazanemata).
Rakí (or tsikoudiá) is much more than the aromatic nectar of the Cretans; it’s their loyal companion to happiness, sadness, meetings with friends, dances, festivals.
No wonder the feasts of rakí making are the mega autumn event in Crete. Travel there in November and visit the mountainous villages of the hinterland to see the farmers in the act!

Distillation
Pulped grapes - called tsikouda or strafylla - leftovers from wine-pressing are stored to go through a process of fermentation for 20-40 days. They are subsequently poured into the cauldrons with water. Boiling i.e. distillation starts right away before your very eyes!
In just one hour the first rakí starts falling in small drops; it’s very strong, almost pure alcohol! Little by little, distillation passes through several alcohol percentages to reach its minimum number at 18 degrees. That is when the cauldron is put out and hot rakí urges everyone to careless dancing.
Tables are set early enough. Luckily, it is Cretan food guests will be treated with: small pies of all kinds, kalitsoùnia (sweet mini cheese pies), dácos (the traditional hard Cretan bread accompanied with tomato, mizithra cheese and plenty of virgin Cretan oil) snails boubouristì (popping fried snails), sausages, gruyere cheese. Barbecues bend under the loads of meat.

Cretan products lend their touch of freshness to the table: chestnuts, pomegranates, apples and quinces.
The rakí “orgy” has just begun with friends, guests, even passersby lifting their glasses to toast, and wishing well to each other. Instruments start play; hearts warm up; arms open; spirits are high! Big Cretan men lead the dance, while women and men alike sing traditional songs. People exchange smiles, banters, good feelings.
After all, that is what Cretan culture is about and that is exactly what rakí is about: to bring people back to the age of innocence, directness, authenticity.
(source:visitgreece)

Τετάρτη 21 Οκτωβρίου 2015

New Review on Tripadvisor: “Saved our holiday!” 5 of 5 stars

 Reviewed yesterday..


 I can't say enough about Plakias Suites and the hospitality of the owners (Eleni and George). We had a horrible accommodation experience in the early part of our holiday (we walked away from a paid booking) and Eleni took us under her wing and ensured we had a fantastic rest of our trip.
Her suites are simply lovely! The beach is perfect, views are amazing, and the in suite amenities are divine. Exceptional value for money!

Eleni even researched the next area of Crete we wished to visit and found our next accommodation for us! What service!!!

We would happily bring our whole family from Canada across the Atlantic just to stay at Plakia Suites again:) 

Stayed October 2015, travelled with family
 Plakiassuites: Ranked #1 of 46 Speciality Lodging in Plakias
  
90 Reviews Certificate of Excellence

Δευτέρα 19 Οκτωβρίου 2015

Balos Crete - One of the most beautiful beaches!!

The surreal beauty of Balos enchants anyone who visited. On Crete's most northwesterly peninsula. A mix of bright white and pinkish sand and incredibly vivid turquoise water in the lagoon have made this one of the most beautiful beaches of the world.


(By nikos sarantos)

Photo of the day

 30 degree today…stay at the beach!



Holidays in Plakias, Rethymno, Crete, Greece.

Heidelberg Museum returns fragments of the Erechtheion to Greece..

ERRR
A small step towards the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures

The Museum of Ancient History of Heidelberg intends to return to fragments of the Erechtheion, the ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis, to Greece. The announcement was made by the Culture ministry on Friday.

The decision for the return was expressed by Dr. Reinhard Stupperich, during his meeting on Thursday with Greek Culture Minister Aristides Baltas. The meeting was also attended by the head of the International Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, David Hill and the Chair of Marbles Reunited, Andrew George.


(source: protothema)

2015 Expedia travel survey on etiquette reveals the worst hotel guests...

 Travel can be strenuous, and the last thing we want to deal with when we settle into our hotel room is annoying behavior from strangers. And yet, no matter how lovely our hotel experience ultimately is, it seems there's always some person or group of people we encounter that really get on our nerves!

 http://www.mywayaccess.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/top_hotels_large.jpg
 Online travel site Expedia has released its first study on hotel etiquette, asking people to rank the types of guests that most aggravate them at hotels.

 See the full list:
1. Inattentive Parents
2. The Hallway Hellraisers
3. The Complainers
4. The In-Room Revelers (noisemakers nearby)
5. The Bickerers
6. The Poolside Partiers
7. The Loudly Amorous (indiscreet lovemakers)
8. The Hot Tub Canoodlers (amorous couples in a public hot tub)
9. The Business Bar Boozer (sloshed business travelers0
10. The Elevator Chatterbox

The world's most spectacular theatres

See some of the most amazing theatres in the world, as Telegraph shows:


1.The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Greece 

 

 Odeon of Herodes Atticus athens spectacular amazing beautiful theatre
Situated on the southwest slope of the Acropolis Hill, Athens, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, completed in 174AD, originally had a wooden roof and a capacity of 5,000. The seating and stage was restored in the 1950s, since when it has hosted concerts by singers ranging from Maria Callas to Elton John.

 2.The Seebühne, Austria
 seebuhne bregenze austria lake constance spectacular amazing beautiful theatreThe Seebühne (floating stage) juts into the Austrian waters of Lake Constance, and is the most dramatic setting for performances at the Bregenz Festival. The photo here shows a 2002 production of La Bohème

3.Gran Teatro La Fenice, Italy

la fenice venice spectacular amazing beautiful theatreVenice's La Fenice theatre staged world premieres of operas by Rossini, Donizetti and Verdi. The theatre's name translates as "the Phoenix", which is appropriate as it has burned down twice in its 224-year history

Access the full study here.

Κυριακή 18 Οκτωβρίου 2015

One of the most traditional recipes of Greek cuisine: Fasolada (bean soup)

fasolada
Fasolada is considered Greece’s national dish and is definitely one of the most traditional recipes of Greek cuisine. Every Greek family eats this dish at least once per month, especially during winter.
Serves: 6 Preparation time: 10 mins Cooking time:1.20 mins Ready in: 1.30 mins
INGREDIENTS
500 g beans
1 large onion, chopped
1 leek, chopped
2-3 carrots, sliced into small round pieces
1-2 tablespoon of tomato paste
½ cup chopped celery + some more for serving
½ red pepper
1 red chili pepper
1 cup of olive oil
salt, freshly ground pepper
PREPARATION METHOD
Step 1
Place the beans in a saucepan with plenty of cold water to cover them. Bring to the boil, turn the heat down to medium and parboil for 30-35 minutes, until slightly tender. Drain in colander and set aside.
Step 2
Fill the saucepan with water up to the middle. Boil the beans with the onion and leek until they are soften and then add the carrots.
Step 3
Add the parboiled beans and boil. Then add tomato paste, celery, red pepper, salt, pepper, chili pepper and continue cooking for about 15 minutes more or until the soup becomes thick and creamy soup.
Step 4
Serve this traditional Greek bean soup (fasolada) while still steaming hot with feta cheese and bread.
 Source: www.olivemagazine.gr

Πέμπτη 8 Οκτωβρίου 2015

Save Greek nature! By WWF Greece.

Do you have a soft spot in your heart for Greece? If the answer is "yes", this probably has a lot to do with the magic of Greek nature! But what will Greece look like if it loses the most precious pieces of its natural heritage?

The campaign is organized by WWF Greece and invites people to participate to help WWC to fight for Greece’s future, Greek nature.

For more information, click here.