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Culture Greece A comedian might, in jest, say that “Greek Culture” is an oxymoron. Of course we all know that if it weren’t for Greece, “culture” as we know it would not exist today. From the philosophers who have defined our present mindscape and way of relating to the world for the past four millennia and the democratic institutions which set the standard for world affairs today, to the exquisite cuisine, dance, music and leisurely look on life that Greece has contributed to the world in a much more humble capacity – after stepping down as the center of the civilized world, already thousands of years ago – Greece is an indispensable part of who we are as citizens of the world, and the best way to delve deeper into Greek consciousness is to go visit this country yourself.
One of the first features of Greece, that any visitor will note right off the bat, is the vast series of islands that make up the geography of this land. A map of Greece practically reveals more clusters of isles and elongated peninsulas than solid, unbroken territory. Obviously, therefore, Greece is indisputably defined by a certain “island culture”, its people’s economy, art, and collective consciousness is largely shaped around a fundamental relationship with the watery side of life. Fishing communities abound, and the sheer number of quaint, coastal seaside villages with that paradoxical one-of-a-kind feel to them is astounding, in a good way. Waterfront rental apartments and villas provide a cool, relaxing way to discover Greece in the ultimate Greek style: relaxed and carefree.
The legendary Odyssey penned by Homer is an epic Greek tale of seafaring adventure amidst innumerable isles, once again attesting to the important connection between Greece’s geography and the narrative that is the backbone for most of Western Literature, regardless of whether subsequent thinkers lived in Kansas or the Ural Mountains. Homer himself is said to be resting on the remote island of Ios, which has today become the hottest European party destination outside of Ibiza. Interestingly, however, Greece is much more than islands – its countryside spans some of the most incredible snowcapped mountains, lush national parks and typical Mediterranean countryside with farmers selling fresh goat cheese and home bottled wine, olive oil, and artisan cured meats that are perfect for a hillside picnic overlooking the ocean on a hot summer day. Yes, it must be said: you will feast like the gods in Greece!
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