The first Periptero in Greece appeared at the end of the 19th Century, as a form of financial assistance to the war-wounded. At first, the only products sold in a kiosk were tobacco and newspapers. In the 50’s and the 60’s, kiosks also had telephones and as most Greek households didn’t have land-lines, they became very popular.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek City Times

Even though many people have made donations following the devastating wildfire in Mati that claimed the lives of at least 102 people last July, Antetokounmpo's really stands out.

On the occasion of the May 26 election the mayor of Pikermi-Rafina, Vangelis Bournous announced that the Milwaukee Bucks superstar has decided to finance the construction of a basketball court at a theme park of some 3,000 m2; the park will be established near Ble Limanaki and include numerous pioneering environmental activities!

The “Odontotos” railway in Greece, one of the few surviving cog railways in Europe, travels across the country and over and through its spectacular mountains.

People in many mountainous countries in Europe and beyond are used to cog, or “rack,” railways, trains which have been technically altered by the addition of cogs, or teeth, to be able to safely climb mountains.

Although Greece’s railway network is not massive, as it only connects its largest cities, the local train service between the towns of Diakopto and Kalavryta in Achaea, Peloponnese has its own, unique history and beauty.

Traditionally known in Greece as ”Odontotos,” which means ”the one with the teeth,” it once served as the main means of transportation for those who lived in the mountainous villages of the northwestern Peloponnese.

Now, the Odontotos serves as a popular tourist attraction, and tens of thousands of people every year go there to enjoy the beautiful landscape while they sit in comfort on this historic train.

The modern route runs for a total of 22 kilometers (14 miles) from the town of Diakopto through the famous gorge of Vouraikos and the old monastery of Mega Spilaeon, all the way up to the historic town of Kalavryta.

To read this article in  full, please visit: greekreporter.com

Once upon a time Greeks decorated boats, instead of trees, with festive flair! While this tradition may not be as common nowadays, the memory of adorning sailboats for Christmas still floats on the seas of nostalgia.

Imagine the picturesque coastlines of Greece where communities would gather to decorate their sailboats and fishing boats into dazzling Christmas showpieces. Forget the tinsel and the tree—these folks were all about making a splash with twinkling lights, ornaments, and garlands that turned the seaside into a wonderful wonderland.

Of course, the choice of a sailboat wasn't random—it was a nod to Greece's maritime heritage. These boats weren't just vessels, they were floating symbols of adventure, exploration, and the salty spirit of the sea. The tradition paid tribute to the sailors and seafarers who had charted the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean waters.

In some coastal areas, there's a spirited effort to revive the sailboat tradition as it's not just about decorating a humble sailboat into a festive fiesta; it's about reviving joy, community, and a charm that made the tradition so special for so many generations.

I know we have all heard almost everything there is to hear about Greek culture… We know very well about the achievements, the triumphs, the legacy. And yes, it’s pretty amazing. But perhaps we haven’t seen all there is to see. Sometimes ‘seeing’ impacts us in a way that ‘hearing’ cannot. The other day, the gremlins in my Facebook feed thought I should see a new video – and I’m glad I did.

This video is about the Benaki Museum - but it’s about much more. It’s a new marketing piece developed as a story told by Antonis Benakis about his culture, his own history, his museum.

It is a beautiful film, with incredible imagery and haunting music – done in a very subtle way. It’s directed by Athena Rachel Tsangari and narrated by Willem Dafoe.

Watching this video – yes, a promotional video – brought out a strong emotional response in me: pride. I was proud of being Greek, and I felt the video represented much of what being Greek means for me. Beauty, simplicity, energy, life. And it's so fitting: the Benaki museum is about the visuals - the 'objets' - but it's about so much more - and (I assume) this is what the piece is trying communicate. If this is the case, then it's a brilliant piece of film-making and a brilliant piece of marketing.

Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but you can judge for yourself…

It’s worth the 7 minutes to watch it – check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaPfkWSPHgE

Credit goes to Peter Economides for sharing the link, and to the Benaki team who produced this thing of beauty.

“Our land is full of treasure. Let’s not forget this.”

And yes, the video worked.  I will definitely make a visit to the Benaki museum!

Until next week,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…