Living In Greece
Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and has a well-spring of superb natural resources. Greece's extraordinary topography, with dramatic mountains, lush valleys and groves, and a coastline that extends more than 16,000 kilometres, provides residents and visitors with a wealth of leisure and recreation options that are unequalled in the Mediterranean. Combining a modern infrastructure and the stark beauty of the ancient world, the birthplace of Western civilization is one of the leading tourism destinations globally that satisfies young and old, the adventurous spirit and the academic researcher, the wandering Odysseas and the urban habituι.

History
The period from 700BC saw the rise of the great city states of Athens, Corinth and Sparta while during the fifth century BC Athens was heralded as the cultural centre of the Mediterranean, boasting excellence in architecture, sculpture, drama and literature. Athens was the city where mankind's most enduring and entrenched moral values were founded. Democracy, freedom, justice, free inquiry and opportunity, the core principles of Western civilisation and our society today, are ideals conceived in this great city. The historical and cultural heritage of Greece still resonates amidst its modern Western world development.

The Beginnings Of Trade
It can be said that the first efforts at global trade were conducted by the ancient Greeks, who developed a maritime tradition that continues to this day. Trade by sea to destinations near and afar characterized the commercial spirit of Greece and set the foundations for the development of regional trade that were to have far-reaching consequences on the material prosperity of Greece and the sense of adventure that was to be documented in literature that we still read today.

Culture
As the birthplace of the nine muses, Greece lies at the root of Western culture. Poetry, theatre, music, dance, art and architecture of the West all derived from the ancient Greeks. In addition, scientific inquiry-what began as philosophy-has its origins in such thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates. Poets, historians, and medical pioneers-think of Sappho, Herodotus, and Hippocrates-began their trade in Ancient Greece, as did lawyers such as Solon, architects such as Phideas, and mathematicians such as Archimedes.

Today, Greece is a treasure trove of museums, archaeological and historical sites, theatre, dance, and musical performance, The Acropolis, perched on the Parthenon in Athens, is the crown jewel of Greece's archaeological splendour. And museums, such as the National Archaeological Museum, the New Acropolis Museum, and scores of others throughout the country house collections that chronicle the evolution of Western civilization. Sites such as Knossos on Crete, Ancient Olympia, Delphi, and Vergina in Northern Greece are easily accessible for day trips or weekend excursions, and make living in Greece a true pleasure.

In Athens and Thessaloniki, superb concert halls present world-class performances throughout most of the year. In the summer months, visitors from around the world flock to the ancient theatres of Epidaurus and Herod Atticus and to other international and local festivals to partake in a rich offering of artistic events, Opera is also well represented and Athens is soon to be home of a spectacular new waterfront opera house and library complex designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano.

In addition, more popular forms of culture such as rock concerts, nightclubs, jazz and pop abound throughout this land, with venues ranging from urban settings to island festivals.

More Info
For an introduction to Greek culture and a guide to events, exhibitions, museums, and venues, visit http://www.culture.gr/

Gastronomy
It has often been said that the true Mediterranean diet is based on traditional Greek cuisine, with its emphasis on vegetables, fruits, grains, seafood, fresh meat and dairy products, and pure wine.

Greece offers a bountiful array of raw ingredients and traditional products and a cuisine that is healthful, simple, yet rich and varied. Based on the olive, the staple of the Mediterranean, Greeces cuisine can be enjoyed in simple tavernas, at traditional ouzeries, or in modern restaurants that offer daring interpretations of time-tested classics.

One of the joys of living or travelling in Greece is the ability to eat, drink, and be merry at sidewalk cafes, cozy estiatoria, or along a seaside quay. Locals and visitors enjoy meze of freshly caught seafood, cured and smoked meats, blazingly fresh salads, and favourites such as moussaka, souvlaki, roast lamb, and grilled specialties prepared to order.

Well-known items such as feta cheese, yogurt, and honey please millions of people daily, whether in Greece or abroad. Not surprisingly, though, interest in exploring new facets of the Greek table has led to a robust and exciting movement among younger chefs who are redefining age-old recipes and re-establishing an interest in creating new, bold, yet satisfying foods. These trail blazers are helping to elevate Greek cuisine to a level that is appreciated by gourmets around the world.

Tipples including ouzo and retsina have become identified as the quintessential accompaniments to a host of Greek specialties. Nevertheless, oenophiles around the world are taking note of Greek wine being made today from unique grapes and are heralding the fine quality and interesting character of the wines, whether made from the volcanic soil of Santorini or the rich soils of Nemea.

More Info
For more information about Greek cuisine, visit http://www.kerasma.gr/

Lifestyle
Without a doubt, the climate in Greece makes living in this Mediterranean destination a year-round joy. In the south, and many of Aegean islands, the temperate weather allows residents to enjoy hiking, sailing, and sports such as golf throughout the year. Likewise, winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are within easy reach of Athens and Thessaloniki, when snows fall on nearby mountains. Lovers of the outdoors can choose from a wide variety of activities in some of the most spectacular locations in Europe. Sailing, rafting, hiking, paragliding, biking, and spelunking are enjoyed by young and old alike in the varied landscapes of Greece. In addition, more traditional sports such as tennis, golf, basketball, volleyball, and soccer are part of everyday life in Greece.

In both Athens and Thessaloniki, a charming and vibrant lifestyle offers a large selection of leisure venues with entertainment suitable for every taste and preference. The personalities of the cities are a mixture of Eastern and Western cultures with a dynamic intertwine of modern and ancient structures. Greece offers history and sights, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, nightlife and entertainment. Exciting options vary from the hustle-and-bustle of international nightlight life to the many activities of a large expat community. A dynamic restaurant scene offers cuisines from around the world and Greece is justly famous for its 'cafι society.' Shopping is now equal to major European cities and services, from shoe repairs to IT needs, are readily available. A huge selection of accommodation is also available with establishments ranking high among the leading in the world for business, romance or family leisure.

Quality Of Life
Weekends are easily used to escape to the islands in the summer or a variety of mountain destinations year round. The sea is never more than 80 kilometres (50 miles) from any point on the mainland. Greece has relatively little crime, even in the major cities. The wide selection of excellent Greek and international schools, teaching in numerous languages, responds to the needs of the substantial foreign community. Many foreign institutes, clubs, and associations help pave the way to integration for newcomers.

Public Holidays
New Year's Day: January 1st
Epiphany: January 6th. The seas are blessed. A Cross is thrown into the sea and young men dive to retrieve it.
Ash Monday: 41 days before Easter. Lent begins. On Ash Monday, Greeks fly kites, eat lenten food and celebrate the koulouma.
Independence Day and the Feast of the Annunciation: March 25th , Military parade.
Easter: Good Friday-Easter Monday. Vesper evening is on Good Friday and every church decorates an Epitaphios (bier). The Epitaphios processions, followed by people holding lit candles and chanting hymns, fill the streets of every city, town and village in the country.
Anastasi (Resurrection): celebrated with fire-works and lit candles at midnight, on the eve of Easter Day.
Pascha (Easter): on that Day Greeks traditionally eat lamb, spit-roasted on charcoal. The festivities include singing and dancing through the day.
Labour Day: May 1st . Many Flower Festivals take place all over Greece.
White Monday: 50 days after Easter.
Dormition (Assumption) of The Virgin: August 15th .
October 28th: rejection of the Italian ultimatum in 1940. Military parade.
Christmas: December 25th -26th.

More info
Secretariat General of Communication:
Extensive links on Greece
http://www.minpress.gr/minpress/en/index/currevents/publ_about_greece.htm

City of Athens official web portals:
Breathtaking Athens (http://www.breathtakingathens.com/) is geared towards a wide user audience and potential visitors to the city, providing comprehensive information on accommodation, transport, entertainment and sightseeing, as well as features such as an interactive map, Athens in 3 days, Athens top-10, etc.
acb (http://www.athensconventionbureau.gr/) is aimed at the professional market for business and conference tourism.

City of Thessaloniki official web portal:
http://www.thessalonikicity.gr/English/index.htm