Greek natural cosmetics have earned wide appeal on the international market and are currently in high demand.

The history of natural cosmetics goes way back into the gorges of time to all the great civilizations. The Ancient Greeks used to make cosmetics with balsam, myrrh, common lime leaves, and iris.

They would also dye their hair with sage leaves and myrtle fruit, and spread oilon their bodies. Thousands of years later, it has now become a trend to use natural cosmetics and healthy beauty methods. The secrets of Natural health and beauty exist in a wide range of products that are commonly found in the stores we shop in daily. But did you know you can make some of them on your own too?

Visit here for Natural Greek Cosmetic Recipes

Image Courtesy of The Daven Blog

Today I came across a great new website for Greek Wine Enthusiasts called Grape Rover published by Cornelius Wesseling.  Cornelius a true wine aficionado and cook, has worked his way traveling around the world for many years as a cook in various degrees. His interest for wine he developed during cooking at, and visits to, various wineries in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Spain, Italy, France and Germany.

He has a great fondness for the Greek Islands and during the first six months of 2012, and again during the early spring 2013,  Cornelius was/is on the move to most of the Greek wine regions, meeting winemakers, tasting their wines and gathering extensive information on Greek wines in general and, more specific, the numerous indigenous Greek grape varieties.  He has also developed some Greek Island wine applications that are free to download.

For more information on Greek wines and wine making in Greece Visit our previous post

According to Stella Tsolakidou from the Greek Reporter, the best part of Christmas is the anxiously expected Christmas table where Greeks gather with friends and family to enjoy traditional recipes passed on from generation to generation.

The basic Christmas menu differs from region to region across the country with local delicacies being praised from Christmas Eve to Christmas day.

Five Greek Christmas Recipe Ideas

1. Avgolemono (Egg-Lemon Chicken Soup)

2. Pork, Fennel and Leek ragout (hirino me prasa)

3. Melomakarona

4. Kourabiedes (Kourabiethes)

5. Loukoumades (Loukoumathes)

Click here for the Greek Recipes

Image Credit; Greeks Know how to Party

The Premier Greek Film Festival is the annual event taking place in Greece’s wonderful northern city of Thessaloniki.  In November, Thessaloniki, Greece otherwise known as the  arts city – becomes the center of international film making.  Both Greek and foreign film artists arrive  to compete.

 
The festival was established in 1960; it has since then remained in the center of the Greek film production and has provided the means for promoting great film producers according to Visit Greece.  The best news is that University students, the unemployed and persons over the age of 65 are entitled to free admission– provided there are seats available – to all screenings starting before 15:00. A valid student pass / unemployment card / ID must be presented.

For more Information of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival Screenings visit here

In Dario Ciriello’s ‘Aegean Dream’ Dario and his wife Linda gamble everything on their dream—a new life on the tiny Greek island of Skópelos. They’ve studied Greek, done their research, and have a simple goal: to set up a small business and live happily ever after. But the Greek Gods have other ideas, and before long the couple find themselves snarled in a web of corruption and incompetence, their dream slipping hopelessly out of reach.

In Greece, connections are everything. But will the efforts of their friends—be enough to help them overcome their difficulties before they’re forced to abandon their dream?  Comic and tragic by turns, Aegean Dream is a compelling tale of love, resilience, and the power of friendship. A charming window on the daily life of a Greek island and the spirit of its people, this book also provides hard and timely insights into the broken institutions that would soon shake the entire global economy.

- What’s it really like to live on a tiny Greek island?
– Why is the Greek economy so messed up?
– What IS ‘The Secret’?
…and what do mysterious skulls, Russian prostitutes, President Bush the elder, and Pierce Brosnan have to do with it all?

About the Author

To Purchase the Aegean Dream

Information on Skopelos Greek Island

Delphi, Knossos, the Acropolis of Athens and Olympia are among the archeological sites that left the most lasting impression on those who visited them according the Greek National Tourism Office in Fall of 2010.

Delphi

Is one of the most impressive archeological sites anywhere, and the ancient Greeks believed that it was the center of the world. Whoever visits Delphi is bewitched by its mysterious sacred character and feels the resonating presence of the ancient oracle.   Visitors should bear in mind that Delphi was the most important oracle in the classical Greek world. Kings and ordinary citizens, generals and politicians came to consult the oracle during the nine warmest months of each year.

The grandest building at the site of the oracle is the Temple of Apollo, destroyed in 373 BC by an earthquake. The sacred precinct was arranged around the temple on different levels; the Sacred Way, a wide steep path, passes in front of the votive offerings (treasuries, statues and altars) dedicated to Apollo. The most prominent among these are the Treasury of the Siphnians and the re-constructed Treasury of the Athenians.

Take the path that leads to the Stadium in the highest part of the ancient site – the view is stunning. It is here that the Pythian Games were held every four years. The visit continues on to the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, where the enigmatic Tholos stood, a fine marble rotunda whose purpose remains unknown. A short distance away is the celebrated Castalian Fountain; in this spring, Pythia (the priestess) and all who arrived in Delphi for an oracle had to bathe in order to purify themselves.

The end of the visit to Delphi is best topped off by a visit to the Archeological Museum, which displays some masterpieces of the art world. Especially rich in Classical sculpture, the museum contains the famous charioteer bearing on his head the victor’s fillet (ribbon).

Knossos

In the suburbs of Iráklio, Crete (6 km SE) the most famous archaeological site of the Minoan civilisation has been brought to light, thanks to the massive excavations carried out by Sir Arthur Evans.  The palace of Knossos was not just a royal residence but also the political and ceremonial centre of Minoan culture. It covered nearly 22,000 sq. m. and contained storage rooms, living quarters, religious areas, and banquet rooms. Its mazelike structure brings to mind the legendary Labyrinth that held the Minotaur.

A visit to the palace starts from the entrance of the west wing, which led to the throne room in the central court. It was here that the almighty prince of Knossos received visitors from all over the world, or his counselors and courtiers in order to decide on state affairs.  You can see the extensive storerooms (also called magazines) with the large pithoi (clay vases) that once held the famous Cretan olive oil. Next to the storerooms, in the north wing, is the “Customs House” and further to the east the workshops of the skilled Minoan craftsmen. In the east wing you can appreciate the splendor of the royal apartments: the Queen’s megaron with an example of the first flushing toilet system adjoining the bathroom and the Shrine of the double axes.  To the south the palace enjoys a superb view of Mount Júktas, which was sacred to the Minoans. The great South Propylon (monumental gateway) faces a fertile plain with orchards and olive groves.

Acropolis

Climbing up to the rock of the Acropolis, visitors are overwhelmed with awe and admiration for the architectural masterpieces built on this eminent archaeological site. The visionary building program of a charismatic politician, Pericles, was superbly carried out thanks to the incomparable skills of a great artist, Phidias. The whole project led to the creation of an invaluable art treasure, making Athens a universal benefactor of mankind.

South of the entrance to the Acropolis stands the charming temple of Athena Nike in the Ionic order; it was built in commemoration of the victory of the Greeks against the Persians. There is a superb view as you pass through the exquisite but unfinished Propylaea of Mnesicles: the Parthenon, the most splendid architectural achievement of classical Greece. The architects of this unique temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron of the city of Athens, were Ictinus and Callicrates, while Phidias acted as supervisor for all the architectural and artistic works for the Acropolis in Athens.

Opposite the Parthenon is the Erechtheion, with the renowned Caryatid Porch at its south end. Descend the south slope of the Acropolis to continue your visit.  To your right is the most ancient theatre in the world, the Theatre of Dionysus. Above the theatre is the Stoa of Eumenes, which provided shelter to theatregoers in the event of bad weather. Next to the Stoa lies the once roofed Odeion, built by the wealthy Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Rigilla. Nowadays it is a venue for Athens Festival events.

There is access to the Acropolis for the disabled on the North Slope; platforms, gently inclined ramps and a special lift provide access to the archaeological site. At the top of the Acropolis, specially surfaced paths have been laid to assist those touring the monuments. Just 800 feet from the Acropolis, the New Acropolis Museum brings together all of the surviving artefacts ever found on the site.   Replicating the natural light and atmospheric conditions found on the Acropolis, the Museum’s architecture allows you to view simultaneously the exhibits and the place from where they originated.

Olympia

At the confluence of the Rivers Alpheios and Kladeos, next to the conical Kronios hill, is ancient Olympia, the shrine of Zeus, in whose honour the Olympic Games were held every four years. Specially renowned in antiquity, Olympia still fascinates thousands of travelers each year that are lucky enough to visit the archaeological site.
The temple of Zeus (5th c. BC) rises prominently above the ancient site; it used to house the chryselephantine statue of Zeus, a masterpiece of Phidias and one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Nearby stands the temple of Hera (Heraion-7th c. BC), one of the oldest peripteral temples in ancient Greece.
Next to Heraion the remains of the Philippeion, an impressive circular monument built by the king Philip II of Macedon, are still visible. Around the two temples the public buildings and accommodation for the Olympic Games were erected. Starting from the south of the temple of Zeus, you can see the Bouleuterion (Council House) where the athletes took the oath, the Leonidaion, a hostel for distinguished visitors, the Palaistra (“the wrestling school”), the Gymnasion, built for athletes of various sports to practise and the Prytaneion, where the ten hellanodikai (umpires) sat.
To the east there is an imposing Stadium that could accommodate 45,000 spectators. It is clear that the shrine of Zeus was designed especially with the Panhellenic festival of the Olympic Games in mind.
Next to the Stadium you can stroll along the line of treasuries built by other Greek cities to contain their offerings. You should not miss the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of the greatest museums in Greece. It boasts spectacular masterpieces of ancient Greek art. Among its exhibits on display you can admire the pediments of the temple of Zeus, the famous Hermes bearing the infant Dionysus by Praxiteles, the Nike of Paionius and its unparalleled collection of bronzes.
Finally, stop off at the Museum of the Olympic Games, which features a collection of artefacts from the modern Olympics, plus plenty of photos and documents from the revival period and a nice summary of each host city for all summer games.

 Brought to you by DelosVacations.com  Information Courtesy of the GNTO.GR

To Book a Sightseeing Trip in Greece, visit Greece Sightseeing

Delos Vacations 800.766.DELOS

As per the Greek Reporter,  celebrities came flocking to the Greek Islands to spend their summer vacations in Greece this year and the list was long.   One of the first stars spotted hopping the Greek Islands was John Travolta, then came Robert DeNiro and even Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie graced Greece with their presence.  Most recently actress Demi Moore was the next Hollywood star to arrive.

When locals of the world famous Greek  island of Mykonos spotted Moore having dinner at a well-known restaurant all heads were turning.  The Greek reporter went on to say that “Eye-witnesses said they were amazed to see the gorgeous Moore since neither Greek nor international media were aware of her visit”.

Click Here to read more about the Famous Visitors to the Greek Islands

When on the Greek Islands start your day with a delicious and healthy Greek breakfast.  Breakfast on the Greek Islands features a simple whole food selection that is always acquired from the island that you are visiting and rarely imported from outside Islands.

Each Island Group in Greece offers a diverse culture featuring their own food products that will be sure to satisfy your culinary desires.   It’s always best  to start your day with a full and hearty breakfast while in Greece.

Greek breakfast ingredients are classified as follows:

• Bread, pastries and buns
• Cheeses, Greek yoghurt, traditional yoghurt, butter, sour milk, etc
• Cold cuts
• Honey, sesame bar and  tahini
• Local traditional marmalade’s
• Pure Greek Olive Oil
• Farm fresh eggs
• Pies featuring spinach, cheese or meats
• Local sweets
• Fresh Fruits, juices, fruit salads, seasonal vegetables
• Cereals
• Herbal drinks
• Greek coffee

Visit Here for more information on Greek Island Breakfast

Today fire rages on the island of Chios threatening the inhabitants of the island as well as the thousands of acres of Mastic Trees which produce countless products used from Ancient Greek Times to the days of Christopher Columbus.

“Chios mastic is a natural, aromatic resin in teardrop shape produced from the mastic tree only growing in the  southern part of Chios Island where weather and soil conditions allow this tree to flourish.  Mastic is first mentioned by Herodotus, who refers to its usage in embalming.   In Roman times, women used it to freshen their breath and whiten their teeth.  Christopher Columbus himself was astonished by the properties of mastic when he visited the island and he actually believed that mastic was the cure against cholera.   In Arabia, water jars were perfumed with mastic smoke, while in ancient Egypt mastic was used as an embalming agent.”

Today Mastic has been used to treat duodenal ulcers, heartburn and is believed to have anti-cancer properties, while also providing anti-aging benefits which results in reduced appearance of wrinkles and aged skin.  Commercially Mastic has many uses ranging from the medicinal to the functional, including use as a stabilizer in paints and making varnishes, especially for musical instruments.  Mastic has also been used in the production of tires, aromatic soaps, insecticides, electrical insulators, dentistry, toothpaste, chewing gum, confectionery and paints.   A Greek grape spirit, mastiha, is flavored with the resin and over the centuries Mastic is used for making breads, pastries, ice creams, sweet puddings, almond cake and the traditional Greek spoon sweets.

Special Thanks to visitgreece.gr for providing Content for this article.

Click here to see NASA Image of  Chios Fire