I’m back…I’ve been back for a couple of days, but I haven’t felt like writing. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m still hanging on to what I call “the Greek feeling”.

Paralia Katerinis

Greece was…absolutely amazing, in every way! We went to Paralia Katerinis, one of the seaside resorts on the North-Eastern Greek shore. This resort is in the region of Hellas, near to the plain of Thessaly. The first thing that struck me at this country was the relaxed attitude it exulted. The white, dusty roads of Greece sang from every speck of dust. The first impression was that life here had a determined meaning and a rhythm of its own, not imposed by humans. The small, cozy hotels lined up cheerfully and invited us inside. The people were warm and kind, always smiling and the men…the men were gorgeous, but I’ll get to that soon. The resort was not so big, but filled with shops and quite busy by night. Music was played almost everywhere and the small beach has a charm of its own. In spite of all the excitement, I had a sense of peace, that I hadn’t brought from home. There was something about that place that changed the pace of my mind…and it felt wonderful. It was like taking a break from myself to breathe in all the mystery and beauty of the place.

Greek men and Greek clubs

Greek men are beautiful. Stunningly beautiful. Their beauty is so obvious, that I could not take my eyes off them. With their tanned skin, green or dark eyes and the most seductive smile, they could make any woman fall – at least a bit – for them. Zeus certainly has worthy successors! I’ve been told that they’re womanizers, but, in the end, they’re too beautiful not to be shared! :)) No, I had no one-night stand or affairs, but I allowed myself to admire the Greeks. It would’ve been a pity no to. 😉 If you want to take a look at one of such Greek beauties, girls, feast your eyes on Kostas Martakis!

Although we were dead tired, my cousin and me went to a club, because we couldn’t cope with the curiosity. We went to Da Luxe club, a place that made our jaws drop! Bigger than any club I had seen in Bucharest and definitely better looking, Da Luxe was really impressive. The impression was reinforced by the wonderful service, the good music and the great atmosphere that the club’s staff created. I had a great time!

Meteora, land of faith

The fourth day, we took a trip to Meteora.

“The Metéora (Greek: Μετέωρα, “suspended rocks”, “suspended in the air” or “in the heavens above”) is one of the largest and most important complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Kalambaka, Greece and is second only to Mount Athos. The monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars, at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Peneios river and Pindus Mountains, in central Greece. The Metéora is home to six monasteries and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.” (Wikipedia)

Of all the monasteries, we visited the biggest: Megalo Meteoro. “The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron – This is the largest of the monasteries located at Metéora. It was erected in the mid-14th century AD and was the subject of restoration and embellishment projects in 1483 and 1552. The building serves as the main museum for tourists. The Katholikon (main church), consecrated in honour of the Transfiguration of Jesus was erected in the middle of 14th c. and 1387/88 and decorated in 1483 and 1552.” (Wikipedia) The view was breathtaking and the feeling of the place was incredible! It was amazing how man had made its way all the way up here, without any way of access. I can’t say I was impressed spiritually or religiously, but it was interesting to see how much determination people use to have. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer of us posses that ability today. Next, we visited the Monastery of Rousanou, which was founded in the middle of 16th century AD. Next, we went to the Monastery of Saint Paraschiva, where – they say – was a river who’s water made the men rich and the women eternally young by drinking its water. Considering the fact that it was not too clean, I refrained from searching everlasting beauty and avoided getting and everlasting rash. The trip was beautiful, but very tiresome. Still, we went on.

The Greek night

When we returned, we head off to the Greek night, an event organized by the travel agency we had come with. There was traditional food (more or less), dancers that put on a nice show with traditional dances from different parts of Greece and, of course, Greek music. It was nice, but it was too much fuss around me, I was tired, so I couldn’t fully enjoy it. But I’ll tell you this, I liked Greek food, although it was similar to the Romanian one, with small differences. What made the difference was the service, which was very good.

Skiathos, my love…

The next day, we went on a cruise to SKiathos Island. On our way, we passed through Olympic Beach (another nice r5esort), Larissa (the second biggest city in Greece, by surface) and we took the boat – Elisabeta Demetra – from Achilleo Seaport. I cannot begin to tell how beautiful that day was. I could not take my eyes off the beautiful Aegean Sea: it was so blue and still, that it made me believe in its myths and stories. The mountains covered in pines, marble and the islands composed a unique landscape, who’s picture I will forever have imprinted in my heart. Then, we finally arrived to Skiathos Island. The island was amazing and every corner of it was perfect! I had never seen something more beautiful! Greece kept surprising me with its beauties. After each corner, something even more beautiful arose. Colorful and cheerful, the island seemed to be one of the most romantic places I had seen until then. I had time to sit on a rock, with my feet in the clear water and just think. It made me feel like I could leave everything behind and go hide in that corner of the world, were life has another rhythm, where time flows in ways unknown. I could ask for nothing more. Well, maybe someone’s company was missing…but there was nothing I could do. There was someone I was supposed to share that experience with, but that’s along lost story. Skiathos is a place that makes you believe in myths of ancient gods and sirens, a place where silence and the fervor of spirit combine. Still on the outside, but burning with passion inside. It makes one pure, with it’s crystal clear sea. Beyond the voices of people and the roaring of boats, the Mediterranean philosophy of life is flawless. No wonder the Greeks were the biggest thinkers in history.

We traveled to another side of the island, to Koukounaries Beach, the second most beautiful beach in Europe. Koukounaresi, meaning “pine cones” after the trees surrounding the beach, is a spectacular place to be! I could not step out of that pure water (though a bit too salty for the “taste” of my eyes :)) ), because it was too fine! 😀 The sand was golden and I had the impression that it was a place made by the Gods for their taste. It was the hard to leave that beach, that island, that had given me so much…

Larissa

I had a very nice surprise when I visited one of the Greek cities, which turned out to be related to me more than I knew. To all of those who don’t know, my other name is Larisa. The city we went to was also called Larissa and our guide, Sophia (the sweetest Greek woman!), told us a lot about it. Firstly, and most importantly, Larissa was the sister of Alexander the Great, so it was quite an important figure of the Greek history. Secondly, the first people who ever rode a horse were from Larissa. This is also the source of the myth about the Centaurs, who were mythical creatures, part human, part horse. They were said to be great thinkers and doctors and, to this day, the greatest orthopedists of Greece are found in Larissa.

This made me have a new respect for my name. Before this, I didn’t care much about it, as it seemed to me to be of Russian descent (I don’t know why I had that impression). My great-great grandmother was Greek and it turned out to be a learning experience for me to come here and discover what could me my roots.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki was another city we visited, the second largest city in Greece, in terms of population. It was a nice city, with historical sites spread all over, but completely hectic because of the lack of any urban architectural sense. I noticed that the Greek are a very religious people, because there were a lot of churches, many of them very old and quite beautiful. The White Tower of Thessaloniki was not as impressive as it sounded or as it looked in the pictures I had seen, but it was nice nevertheless. I liked the squares and the parks and the nice people.

The Greek feeling

I decided to give my experience in Greece a name: The Greek feeling. I chose to do so, because, for me, Greece is almost a person. The Greek feeling means crickets singing in the olive plantations, dusty roads, heat and a generous sun, clear skies without any clouds in sight, the perfect blue sea, mythical islands and the wonderful music, the white houses with blue windows, smiles and beautiful men. Greece is a feeling, a synesthetic experience that every person should have. The language tickled my ears and I cannot wait to start learning it. 🙂 It sounded very sensual and made my tongue roll. 🙂

I came across a very nice quote about Greece: “There are two kinds of people – Greeks, and everyone else who wish they were Greek.” For me, that is true and I hope to visit that great country again!