Greece and Culture.

Daily writing prompt

What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in?

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Greece, except being one of the most famous destinations for summer breaks, is home to many cultural resources. No matter where you go, you will realize that there is a wide distribution of momuments from various eras and that the Greek food is quite famous as well as delicious. But what am I proud of the most?

First and foremost, one of our cultural aspects I take great pride into is our hospitality. Note that not everyone is as welcoming. But in majority, Greek people are! This is mostly evident in the Greek islands or the rural areas of Greece. Many of the locals will offer you a coffee or a beer in summer, or wine in the winter. And this will probably lead to an invitation to dinner which will escalate to an invitation to a family event!

Greek food. Mentioned above, and now again. Our food can vary from delicious, seasoned meat to our Greek salad, known as choriatiki. Easter is probably one of the most famous times during the year I would recommend for you to visit. You will embrace all the festivities of a meat-eating culture and try this well roasted lamb. Visit a tavern and try seafood like kalamaraki (squid) or xtapodaki (grilled octopus). And of course, the one food I love eating, and recommending, is the souvlaki often referred to as gyros in some countries.

As a third cultural aspect, I will mention our Philosophy. Some of the greatest philosophers came from Ancient Greece, and as quoted even now. Aristotle, Plato, Sophocles, etc. You might have read some of their works or you might have been told about them. They concerned themselves both with life questions but also discoveries.

Greek language is a unique one. Don’t you think? First of all, it is one of the most difficult languages to learn, especially as the alphabet has letters that other languages do not have in theirs. But in addition to that, the Greek language is filled with words that have no translation in other languages. For example, the word kapsoura which means this uncontrollable desire for someone, or the word meraki which is used when someone puts great effort and care into making something.

Lastly, I will say that one thing we Greeks take pride of is our history. Ancient Greece is so interesting and someone can easily learn about it and explore it even now through all the momuments found scattered across the country. The architecture of the temples and homes is a wonder. But even the Modern history of Greece, from the years of the Ottoman Empire, which can be found mostly in the North and South these days, has its interesting aspects.