travel and culture Archives | The Greek Vibe

Category: Culture & Music/Destinations/Experience/Tips & More/Travel

3 Places to Have ‘Pure’ Carnival Fun in Greece

Posted On February 21, 2020March 17, 2020 By Maria Paravantescomment

Skyros Greece carnival

Visiting Greece during the Apokria carnival season is perhaps the most immersive travel experience one can get as it combines song, dance, and revelry with food, drink and human interaction.

Category: Destinations/Tips & More/Travel

Ebullient Athens vs Eternal Rome: 7 Travel Differences

Posted On January 31, 2020March 17, 2020 By Maria Paravantes2 Comments

When it comes down to choosing between two of the world’s most popular destinations, it’s hard to make up your mind – ideally both would be your best bet. But what if you had to select one? Are you a Rome or and Athens type of traveler?

Category: Culture & Music/Destinations/Tips & More/Travel

Kastanitsa: A Traditional Greek Mountain Village Getaway

Posted On January 10, 2020March 17, 2020 By Maria Paravantescomment

In the embrace of Mt Parnonas in the Peloponnese, at an altitude of 850m you will find the quaint village of Kastanitsa, one of the few remaining traditional Greek settlements where the sites, sounds and aromas of yesteryear are alive and well.

Category: Tips & More/Travel

5 Real Reasons to Visit Greece in 2020

Posted On January 3, 2020March 21, 2020 By Maria Paravantescomment

Greek islands

Vacation countdown has begun and you’re still thinking about where to go? Here are five real reasons why you should plan your trip to Greece now.

Hi! I’m Maria, a Chicago-born Greek-American living and working in Greece as a professional journalist for the past 30 years. Like you, I love traveling, eating, drinking, relaxing, and having fun, and I know exactly where and how to do just that in Greece. If you want to get the most out of your trip to Greece, then look no further. As a seasoned travel and tourism professional but also as a traveler myself, I know from firsthand experience Greece’s best-kept secrets and much more. So join me and let’s Travel, Learn and Grow… in Greece, together.

What do you do when you receive a “kerasma”?

“Kerasma” means “treat” or “to be treated” and it is one of Greeks’ favorite ways to show affection. They either like you – as an indirect form of flirting, they are fond of your company demonstrating friendship or they are extending their hospitality.

A “kerasma” is usually declared out loud: “Kernao ego” by the one doing it.

Always accept, of course! You are being treated to food, drink, coffee and sweet by a friend. Be grateful and enjoy!

In the case the “kerasma” is sent over by someone keen on flirting, you can either accept or decline politely. On Crete, of course, this is often not recommended. Cretans are very persistent and take offence when being turned down.

When a “kerasma” is accepted you raise your glass to the person who sent it over (you’ll be shown by the waiter) raise your glass and simply nod and/or smile depending on how far you want to go. If you like the sender and would mind coming a bit closer, you can also send a “kerasma” in return after you finish yours of course (this applies to drinks).