Travel the World and Be A Part Of It

Travel the world and immerse yourself!

Wherever you travel in the world, be a part of it!! Immerse yourself in the culture. Enjoy the local food. Learn a few key words to enhance your experience and show your interest in the places you visit!! When I travel, I do my homework first. Of course, whenever I book a vacation/holiday, it’s to somewhere I have an interest in visiting. Maybe it’s sampling the local food that sparks my interest. Or the culture might be the main reason I decide to visit a certain destination. Possibly a taste of the local wines!

However, all of the above are reasons for my recent trip to Greece!

I admire the culture. The history of Greece is amazing!

Greece is known for being the cradle of Western Civilization, the birthplace of democracy, the Olympic Games, and its ancient history and magnificent temples. Ancient temples in Greece include the Parthenon at the Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. On a future trip, Athens and Rhodes are a def “must-do”.

The local foods are also one of my favorite reasons for traveling to Greece!

I love the dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with minced lamb, rice and plenty of flavorful seasonings)! I also look forward to sampling some spanakopita, (a spinach pie mad with feta cheese and spinach all layered in a tasty phyllo pastry). And of course a fresh Greek salad is always scrumptious!

Last meal in Corfu Greece! Travel the world and be a part of it! — Spanakopita (spinach pie) (@amachotel)

Vine leaves filled with minced lamb and rice and drizzled with a tangy lemon sauce — Stuffed vine leaves(©amschotel)

Delish Greek salad with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, Greek olives, spices and plenty of feta cheese! Travel the world and be a prt of it! — Delish Greek salad (©amschotel)

And the Greek wines are such a treat!

I stuck to the white wines this trip, aiming for a light summery experience. The white wines from Greece are light, airy, and fruity with floral hints.

Fresh bread with Greek olives, virgin olive and a glass of Greek white wine
(@amschotel)

In order to immerse yourself when you travel the world, learn some of the local language.

You don’t have to be fluent, just some key words to show you’re interested in communicating in the native language! If you’re unsure of a pronunciation, ask! The locals are truly happy to help. Everyone loves when someone shows an interest in their language or culture. I’ve found that when I travel, especially when chatting with folks in the service industry, that they always ask about me! Where am I from? How long am I visiting for? Have I ever visited here before? And they are so pleasantly surprised when I ask questions in return! They love sharing their history, what their community is like, the perfect way they’re “yiayia” (pr. yaya, Greek word for grandmother) makes spanakopita!

So a few Greek words below to help when you travel to Greece to make sure you’re a part of it!

English Greek

Good morning	Kalimera
Good afternoon	Kalispera
Good evening	Kalinixta
Hello	Yassas
Thank you	Efcharisto
You’re welcome	Parakalo (see note below)
Cheers	Yamas
Yes	Nai
No	Oxi (oh-hee)
Grandmother	Yia-Yia (yaya)

Note: Parakalo is used in many ways! It can mean Please/ Thank you/ You’re Welcome. It is even used to answer a phone call or a knock at the door!

I have to say, “Yia-Yia” is my favorite Greek word. It’s what my granddaughter calls me. When she was younger, she couldn’t pronounce “gramma”, and it came out as “Yaya”! I didn’t even know at the time that this was the Greek word for gramma!