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Santorini in Black & White
A mere mention of the name Santorini conjures images of turquoise domes, crisply-painted white walls, and a sparkling azure sea. Perhaps it is a sin to present this Greek gem in black and white, yet I appreciate how it opens the eyes to lines and textures often overlooked when the island is otherwise presented in…
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Exploring the Mysticism of Greece’s Byzantine Icons: Profiling Iconographer Dimitrios Moulas
In a two-room workshop dwarfed by the massive Meteora rock formations that surround it, 38 year-old Greek iconographer Dimitrios Moulas demonstrates admirable focus towards his subject — an icon that will soon represent Jesus Christ. With a delicate paintbrush in hand, Dimitrios carefully draws fine facial hairs. After a few moments have passed, the hairs…
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Culinary Diplomacy Through Spanakopita in Meteora, Greece
For the past five nights, we’ve been staying at a quaint guesthouse overlooking the mystical Meteora rock formations in northern Greece. Six mighty monasteries sit atop the unusual rocks. Some of the structures date back to the 14th century. As if things couldn’t get any better, our hostess and Greek mother for the week has been surprising…
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Photo du Jour: A Greek Orthodox Icon – Kastraki, Greece
A Greek Orthodox icon is drenched in sunlight in the Greek village of Kastraki, not far from the famous Meteora monasteries. Spring is in full swing in this beautiful part of southeastern Europe, with a bounty of roses, mint, mulberries, and (almost-ripe) cherries waiting for someone to pick them. In the image, you’ll also notice the flags…
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Finding Harmony on an Accordion in Shkodër, Albania
The moment we stepped into the tiny Albanian bar bearing mint-green walls, I regretted having not been more studious when learning Italian several years earlier. The five gentlemen inside the Shkodër establishment spoke Albanian of course, but between the two of us, Shawn and I only knew about five Albanian words. The seven of us quickly defaulted to Italian. When that…
