Category Archives: culture

Cooking with Yiayia : Traditional Greek Phyllo

Phyllo, or filo, is a dough, used in the Greek kitchen to create the most delicious sweet and savory pitas, the Greek pies. There is nothing more tasty than a pie with traditional Greek phyllo. However, the dough is not easy to make. It requires both time and skill, but the taste in the endContinue reading “Cooking with Yiayia : Traditional Greek Phyllo”

What an after-vacation dip can tell you

Many of us don’t like it when our vacations are about to be over. During a holiday, you can enjoy a free life without stress. You can forget about time and surround yourself with the environment that suits you best. But when this time comes to an end, and you start having nightmares about havingContinue reading “What an after-vacation dip can tell you”

Happiness on vacation. Don’t expect perfection

While planning a holiday, we often obsess over finding the perfect destination. The highest mountain, the bluest sea, or the most beautiful sunset is what we all aim for. However, having high hopes and great expectations for the perfect holiday might end in disappointment. Why don’t we find happiness on our vacation? Maybe we shouldContinue reading “Happiness on vacation. Don’t expect perfection”

How to cook like a Greek yiayia, grandmother?

I finally attended cooking classes with yiayia, my boyfriend’s grandmother. Her generation of Greek women cooks the most delicious meals. Tasty and seasonal, with local products gathered from friends and family who live close by. And one of the goals I had set for this year was to learn how to cook like her.  EnteringContinue reading “How to cook like a Greek yiayia, grandmother?”

Why you should not rely on paying with your credit card in Greece

Paying by card is not as common in Greece as in other countries. Although quite a few places do allow card payment, some may not. Cash is the norm for many smaller Greek shops, restaurants, and hotels. When traveling in Greece, you should never solely trust your card. Always carry real money with you instead.Continue reading “Why you should not rely on paying with your credit card in Greece”

Why do many Greek men have a beard?

While strolling around a Greek town or village, you might be surprised by an abundance of facial hair. And abroad, you are often able to recognize the Greeks by their beards as well. Although Greek men have a variety of facial hair, from mustaches to stubbles to full-grown beards, not often do you see aContinue reading “Why do many Greek men have a beard?”

How to stay cool in the Greek summer heat

Telling a Dutch colleague, friend, or family member that I will spend my summer in Greece, often results in the same reaction. That is too hot! Good luck! My body is not made for those temperatures! Prejudices. Because although the Greek summer heat is quite high, it rarely feels like it is too hot toContinue reading “How to stay cool in the Greek summer heat”

Does Greece feel safe when traveling alone?

Deciding which country to travel to on your own, might be a bit tricky, especially as a woman or girl. Men see us as the more vulnerable sex, and traveling alone to a less safe country might result in unpleasant situations. In Greece, however, I have never been close to any danger. Greece is safeContinue reading “Does Greece feel safe when traveling alone?”

A Greek baby is a family project

Whoever believes that babies are just the offspring of their parents, has never been to Greece. In this country, having a child is a process that involves the whole Greek family. Even long before the child is conceived. The whole family wants your child I stopped counting the amount of times yiayia, mother, and sisterContinue reading “A Greek baby is a family project”