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Greek Shepherds Currant Country and the Canal of Corinth
The Myth of the “Beautiful Greek Shepherd”
Writers of old romances often used the phrase “as beautiful as a Greek shepherd.” Yet, anyone traveling through...
The Traditional Greek Costume and Rural Life
The “Well-Greaved Greek”
The traditional Greek costume, often called the dress of the “well-greaved Greek,” is considered one of the most picturesque national outfits in...
Olive Oil Irrigation and Traditional Greek Life
The Wealth of Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of Greece’s greatest sources of wealth. The silver-green leaves of olive trees are among the most...
Entry Restrictions at the Golden Gate
In the tradition of the old Roman Empire, only emperors were allowed to pass through the Golden Gate during triumphal celebrations. Even the most...
Sir Thomas Roe’s Attempt to Take the Golden Gate Statues
In May 1625, Sir Thomas Roe, the English ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, wrote about his difficult mission: to try and obtain four ancient...
The Golden Gate and Imperial Ceremonies
In the time of the Byzantine Empire, the Golden Gate (Porta Aurea) was more than just a part of the city walls. It was...
Sunday Market in Belgrade
On Sunday mornings, everyone in Belgrade seems to go to the market. The display of fresh food is both large and interesting. There are...
A Royal Sunday in Belgrade
On Sunday morning, the King of Serbia gave an official audience to the Skupshtina, which is the name for the Serbian parliament. It was...
A Strange Carriage and a Police Stop
Our trunks were loaded onto an old-fashioned carriage—an ancient cab pulled by two tiny horses. These animals looked like they had more energy than...
Food and Living Conditions
In Bulgaria, meat and vegetables are inexpensive, which means that laborers and their families can eat well. The daily diet of the working people...
