"Being mediocre has become the new measurement of failure," writes Mark Manson in his book The Subtle Art Of Not Giving a F**k. If you don't know him, Mark is a superstar blogger, and his book is on the list of New York Times bestsellers.

 

There is a lot of noise lately about this issue and of course a wide range of opinions. How do you feel about that? Do you think that if a person accepts their mediocrity, they will not achieve anything in life? Or are you one of those people who will use mediocrity as a springboard to strive for something better? By mediocrity, I mean being good enough. Are people that are merely good enough not valuable; are they doomed to failure?

 

Think of the people around you, those you hang out with. Think of your children. What advice would you give them? Does one have to be famous to become great and be admired? Only then is it worth it? Don't get me wrong. I do not mean that we should not try or that we should not step out of our safety zone, nor do I question the great minds and the impressive human achievements. But I believe what a good friend of mine says about herself: "I am unique! As is the case with every one of us!"

 

When my self-esteem is high, I know that I have both positive and negative traits in my character. It means that I can level with my negatives traits and personal limitations, accept them, and face them without rolling my eyes. It means I make an effort to improve myself. Then yes, I believe I'm a valuable human being and can appreciate simple things like a good book, a pleasant walk in nature, friendship, or helping someone in need.

 

People need this "special gift" that every one of us possesses. Have you found what yours is?

 

 

On Friday, May 14th, Greece lifted most restrictions on movement and launched its tourist season. With the country now open to travelers, the Greek version of the “green certificate” regarding travel to the islands came into force. 

Greece is among the first countries that will participate in the trials for issuing “green” digital certificates confirming that travelers have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

According to a senior European Union official, countries were divided into three groups based on how technically ready they are to issue certificates. Apart from Greece, countries belonging to the first group include Spain, Italy, Malta, Bulgaria, Estonia, and Luxembourg. Cyprus is in the second group and will carry out tests a little later.

The green digital certificate will be technically ready on June 1 and will operate fully on June 30.

Originally published on ekathimerini.com.

---

To learn more about Digital Green Certificates, please click here. 

---

Kalamata olives are only found on the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece and have played a part in the human diet for thousands of years. Growing under the amazing Greek sun, the olive trees here have much larger leaves than other types of olive trees around the nation and the world and absorb more sunshine.

This dark cherry-sized fruit — yes, the olive is a fruit — that has been used by Greeks for thousands of years not only tastes great, but it also serves up a host of nutritional benefits.

It’s no secret that doctors and dieticians call it one of the healthiest foods on earth and that’s because they are high in sodium, rich in healthy fats, and contain a natural antioxidant.

Kalamata olives contain a range of health-promoting vitamins and minerals and are particularly high in iron and vitamin A. It is said that regular consumption may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and various cancers.

History of Kalamata olives

The earliest cultivation of olive trees was probably over five thousand years ago, since Ancient Greek times. Despite being known as ‘Greek black olives,’ they are in fact deep purple in color and compared to green and black olives, they are bigger in size and have plumper, oblong shape.

Growers pick these Kalamata olives by hand to avoid bruising the fruit. Following the harvesting of the olives, workers either process them into olive oil or prepare them to be table olives.

Kalamata olives contain a stone in the middle, and generally, they are not pitted before being sold. However, when fresh the olives are incredibly bitter, and so they enter a process of ‘debittering.’

General Nutrition of Kalamata Olives

Kalamata olives are a good source of fiber, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K. They also provide some magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium per serving as well as B vitamins.

While Kalamata olives are high in fat considering their serving size, the majority of their fat is monounsaturated, also known as a “healthy” fat. It is said a 4-tablespoon serving of Kalamata olives has 2.7 grams of monounsaturated fats and 0.3 grams of polyunsaturated fats.

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

If you have decided to explore unknown Greece and venture past the famous tourist areas, the Peloponnese offers quite a few options.

Perhaps the most unique and wild is the Mani peninsula, which is home to the southernmost point in Greece, Cape Tainaron.

Within the Mani Region, you will find quite a few towns and villages, some more famous than others.

You may have heard of Stoupa and Kardamyli, where Patrick Leigh Fermor’s house recently opened to visitors. You may also have heard of Gythion, Areopolis, and the impressive Diros Caves.

Few people, however, have heard of places like Limeni, Gerolimenas, and Porto Kagio, which is all the way to the south of the Mani. A tiny village with just four small hotels, it is a very special place to visit, and perhaps spend a couple of nights.

Things to do in Porto Kagio

Mani Porto Kagio is a tiny village, and there is very little to do, which is why it’s ideal if you want to relax. The pebbly beach is quite small, and there is not a lot of space to sit on. However the water is clear and refreshing, and the area is great for snorkeling. The bay is fairly protected, even on windy days.

On the way to Porto Kagio, you will pass by Vathia, the stone village. Allow some time to wander around the pebbled streets, and observe the stone towers, silent remnants of an era long gone.

Porto Kagio is a great base if you want to explore Cape Tainaron, the Gateway to Hades. You can get there by a short hike, which is suitable for pretty much everyone. Standing at the edge of the world is really cool!

Make sure you get to the amazing Marmari beach, a long stretch of sand to the west of the Mani peninsula.

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

Main image: @daphne_kavoura

Romance means different things to different people. For some it’s embarking on wild adventures, for others it’s a city break packed with sightseeing, while many simply want to spend their alone time on a white sand beach. With such variety in what couples are looking for in their getaway, Big7Travel put together a list that covers all basis.

To do so, they’ve taken where popular honeymoon and mega-moon destinations, the most loving countries, the most popular proposal spots, romantic things to do, and how current travel trends complement romance into account.

Here are the top 10 best places for couples in the world:

1. Mexico
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
3. Paris, France
4. Bequia, St Vincent
5. Seville, Spain
6. Veneto, Italy
7. Maldives
8. Jordan
9. Santorini, Greece
10. Cappadocia, Turkey

Why is Santorini romantic?

Santorini is considered romantic due to its stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the famous sunset in Oia. The island's whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and cobblestone streets create a picturesque atmosphere, perfect for couples. In addition, there are many high-end restaurants and luxurious resorts that cater to couples seeking a romantic getaway. The unique and intimate setting of the island makes it a popular destination for honeymoons, anniversaries, and romantic vacations.

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

Athenian Brewery announced on Thursday it was launching Heineken beer exports to the Chinese and Italian markets, as the first batch set off on its long trip to the Far East.

The beer for export will be produced at the brewery’s Patra production unit, in an investment project amounting to 2 million euros. The decision was made in association with the parent company in Amsterdam and will boost employment in local communities as it involves the use of Greek raw materials.

“At first the new production line will be covered by existing employees, but this summer will see the gradual hiring of some seasonal workers,” Athenian Brewery’s managing director Zooullis Mina promised.


To read more please visit: ekathimerini
By Anestis Dokas

Open spaces in Greece and especially in its busy Athens capital, offer a unique feeling of freedom. “Openness” is very much a part of the Greek culture, history, lifestyle, entertainment and character. Here are some favourite parts of the city where you can really enjoy the freedom of open space, relax and have fun.

Lying in the most famous spots of Athens or tucked away in well-hidden areas, the lush gardens and parks of Athens adorn the city’s neighbourhoods and thanks to their scenic beauty they form oases in the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Whether you want to take a romantic stroll, relax or offer your children a pleasant environment to play, the gardens of Athens are definitely to be visited during your stay in the Greek capital!

Visit Athens National Garden, an oasis in the centre of the city with more than 500 different species of plants, trees, birds and animals; home to the Botanical Museum, a zoo, a pond, a playground, a children’s library, a traditional café as well as scattered ancient monuments and statues. Walk along Pedio Areos, the biggest park in Athens, recently fully restored, an ideal place for walking, relaxing or having fun! Don’t forget to visit Thissio Park, the south-westernmost part of the Ancient Agora archaeological site, a favourite spot of the locals and one of the most frequented city places.

Thanks to its rich morphology Athens has plenty of places where you can admire stunning panoramic views of the city. Romantic or not, let yourself be captivated by the Athenian cityscape as seen from above. Must “view” locations include Lycabettus Hill, Filopappou Hill, Kaisariani Monastery, Anafiotika in Plaka, Profitis Elias in Piraeus and Damari in Petroupoli.

To read more, please visit: Visit Greece

According to National Geographic, Greece has the best bookstore in the world and it's in Santorini!

Atlantis, which was founded by a group of friends from Cyprus, England and the United States, is situated along the main street in the picturesque town of Oia overlooking the water. This no. 1 bookstore hosts book readings on the terrace, bookbinding classes, and food and film festivals.

To learn more about this incredible Santorinian bookshop, visit their website HERE.

From the National Geographic's book Destinations of a Lifetime, here are the top ten bookstores in the world:

1. Atlantis Books, Santorini, Greece
2. Cafebrería el Péndulo, Mexico City, Mexico
3. Munro’s Books, Victoria, Canada
4. El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina
5. Powell’s City of Books, Portland, Oregon
6. Prairie Lights, Iowa City, Iowa
7. Shakespeare and Company, Paris, France
8. Gertrude & Alice, Sydney, Australia
9. Librairie Avant-Garde, Nanjing, China
10. Cook & Book, Brussels, Belgium

Source: National Geographic