The majestic country of Greece…there is no other place in the world that can come close to the history, culture, traditions and beauty of my beloved Greece. My name is Spyros Constantinos, and while I moved to the United Kingdom many years ago, I will never lose my connection with my home country. There are so many reasons why I love Greece, better known to its inhabitants as Hellas, but I will try to mention those that are most important to me to serve as an introduction to my beautiful country.

Greece is located in Southern Europe and borders Albania, Turkey, Bulgaria and Macedonia. It is surrounded by three seas; the Mediterranean, the Aegean, and the Ionian. The country is also surrounded by too many islands to count, with the main inhabited islands being Crete, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. Some of these islands are very popular with tourists, while others remain largely undiscovered. Two of the biggest industries in Greece are tourism and fishing. These help to maintain our economy year round. While living in Greece, I always loved welcoming tourists to my homeland and sharing our rich history and culture with them. It is very fulfilling to see how much enjoyment others, from numerous different cultures around the world, can receive from my small country. Greece has something to offer everyone, from vibrant night life to peaceful sandy beach coves. I believe, however, that is the Greek people themselves that keep tourists coming back time after time. By nature we are vibrant, fun loving and welcoming. We maintain a positive outlook even when times are tough and believe strongly in our families and local communities. It seems that our optimism is infectious, and those who visit us cannot help but enjoy themselves as they explore everything the country has to offer.

Greece is perhaps best known for its architecture, which is certainly majestic and beautiful. Whitewashed buildings with their signature blue domed roofs are dotted throughout the country, particularly in coastal areas and on the islands. Of course, there are a number of famous features that attract tourists and historians alike. One such site is the Parthenon on the Acropolis in the capital city of Athens, a temple devoted to the Goddess Athena, considered to be Greece’s protector. Another is the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, built in the fourth century, that was the site of extravagant ceremonies and is now a beautiful setting for plays. While these classic sites are truly beautiful, and an important aspect of Greece’s history and tourism, it is the simple buildings and quiet churches built into the landscape that mean the most to me.

Summers in Greece are hot and dry, but there is always a cooling wind that prevents people from becoming uncomfortable. Nights are short and cool and most people enjoy an afternoon siesta to refresh themselves before enjoying the many options that exist for an evening meal. Most Greeks eat far later than their British friends. Both adults and children typically do not eat until ten or eleven o’clock at night. When many people think of Greece they think of food, and I am certainly no exception. However, Greek cuisine is about so much more than Greek salad, even though this is a staple of our diet that we truly love. Greek food is generally very healthy food and the Greek people take pride in their use of local ingredients. Essentials in a Greek diet include rich olive oil, herbs, fresh bread, fish, olives, cheese and yoghurt. Greeks tend to eat out of their homes far more than those in the UK, particularly in the summer. We dine in small, open areas called Tavernas, with grape vines above our heads, a guitar playing in the background and just the right amount of wine. The traditional foods I personally miss the most are Tzatziki, a cucumber dip to accompany meat and vegetables, and Moussaka, an eggplant and beef dish topped with sauce.

When I return home to visit Greece, I am almost instantly captivated every time by the sights, sounds and smells. What attracts me most, however, is the serenity. I do not typically visit the larger cities, but rather travel among the smaller villages of my childhood memories and take in the dusty roads, familiar ringing of mountain goat bells, the shade of olive trees and the beauty of vistas looking out to the Mediterranean blue. Perhaps it is a simple shrine to a loved one tenderly kept on the side of a mountain road, or a group of old Greek men playing games at a table in the middle of a small village that I will notice. The beauty and draw of Greece is in the small, simple details that require you to slow down to be fully experienced.

It seems that when many people think of Greece, they think of a struggling country in the European Union with a failing economy. While Greece has had many problems in its past, and is certainly not perfect, each time I go back to visit I realize just how much the country is capable of change. While just a few years ago residents would have to wait years for their homes to be built, to have a phone line installed or drive on a paved road, now Greeks have ready access to the Internet and mobile phones and most people own at least one car. In some ways it saddens me to see some of the progress that is occurring, as the country attempts to cater to more tourists with global food menus and modern hotels. I know, however, that Greece is populated by a people that will never let go of their heritage. Change in the country is inevitable, but the elements that I love remain strong and continue to be the draw for most visitors year after year!

Spyros Constantinos