Description of Greece

Total words: 1106

            In the midst of Greece's beautiful mountains and the picturesque shores of Chalkidiki lies Thessaloniki, the thriving city where I spend my summers. Thessaloniki is a lively city that shelters a rich assortment of monuments and the extensive unbroken urban history of Ancient Greece. This busy, vibrant city is one of the most important trade and communications centers in the Mediterranean.
            Greece is like a song. It can be joyous, inspiring, or sympathetic, but it's always emotional. The people are comforting and family oriented. This special place means more to me than any other place in the world. Thessaloniki is a warm, generous, and passionate city; the people are friendly, open, and proud of their culture. I'll never forget the freedom I felt when I was able to leave my apartment on the quiet street of Kerasountos, and see with one glance what Greece had to offer. As I walked to the bus stop, I observed the people on the sidewalks. The young people were walking in groups, talking and laughing, while the aged couples were strolling hand in hand towards the local Gyro shop. I could almost taste the Gyro on the rotisserie and the famous Thessaloniki Bougatsa (a pastry wrapped in fillo dough, with cream or cheese filling). Before me was a white stone historic tower that once protected the city's port. The White Tower is a defensive structure dated back to the 15th century, a symbol of Greek sovereignty over Macedonia. As I approached the tall building, I could hear the tourists talking about the various collections of sculptures and icons they saw in the museum housed in the White Tower. Beyond the tower, Mount Olympus soared above all the other mountains. Even though it was summer, the tip of Mount Olympus was covered in snow. On the right of the sparkling mountain lay a calm crystal blue ocean. I never recall seeing that shade of blue before in my life. There aren't enough words to explain the beautiful panoramic view in front of me. Staring at the perfect picture God created, I felt an uplifting of my soul.
            It gives me a comforting feeling when I think of the old saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." This village is Karpenisi, which is south of Thessaloniki and my grandfather's birthplace. When I went to my grandfather's village, many of the residents knew exactly whose granddaughter I was. Following their warm embrace, they told me stories of my grandfather's family. They showed me where they herd their sheep, and the village church of the Twelve Apostles where my great-grand parents were married, and where my grandfather was baptized. They showed me where my grandfather used to live during the war when the Turks invaded Greece. Sadly, my grandfather pointed out the mountain where his father was killed. Knowing the tragedies my grandfather encountered during his childhood, I felt a chill run down my spine as I walked through his village.
            Most of my family lives in Greece, and whenever I get together with them I feel like we pick up exactly where we left off the previous year. An aching part of me wants to go back to Greece, since my twenty-four cousins are there. It is a Greek tradition to name children after their grandparents; in my family the common names are Theoni and Alex. Out of the twenty- four, five are named Theoni, and five are Alex. Every afternoon, the cousins gather at grandma's house for a nice warm traditional spinach pie and baklava. Yet another aspect I enjoyed was the true friendships I built in Greece. I especially cherish these friends because we share the same morals and beliefs, which ultimately results in a deep, lasting friendship. This bond will tie us together forever.
            I count on my return to Greece because of the freedom teenagers are given. There is no legal drinking age in Greece. The teenagers, however, do not take advantage of alcohol. The first time I went out with my friends, I was shocked when they ordered Bacardi and Ouzo. Alcohol is only consumed when the youth are out with a group of friends for leisure, as opposed to getting drunk. The nightlife is the highlight of my stay. Around 10 pm the city lights of each restaurant reflect on the shoreline. The few dozen cafeterias that line the boardwalk are filled with traditional Greek music and delicious Greek food. The traditional notes of a bouzouki could be heard as I walked down the sidewalks. The smell of the grilling saganaki, flaming cheese, filled the air as we entered our favorite cafeteria, Asteri. The Greek concerts are a major part of the nightlife in Greece. They begin at midnight and continue until six the next morning. On one occasion my mom allowed me to go to these concerts with my friends. The greatest names of Greek music come to Thessaloniki and perform for two weeks. Going with my friends to these social affairs is a large part of my enjoyment.
My spiritual life is fulfilled in Thessaloniki. Greece is the home of Orthodoxy, and every corner has a church or a path leading to a secluded monastery. The serenity I felt as I walked past the historic churches that I once only read about gave me such peace inside. The sweet smell of incense lingered outside, inviting the faithful to stop for a moment and light their candle in prayer. The moment I stepped inside, my breath was taken by the magnificent Byzantine iconography that adorns the walls of these exquisite churches. While walking through the streets of Thessaloniki, I was reminded of my faith by the churches or the priests and monastics who walked about the city.
            As I began my return on the crowded bus for Panorama, I noticed the spectacular sunset, hiding behind the mountain of Hortiaties. The mile walk to my apartment seemed brief because I was busy greeting friends and neighbors along the way. The aroma of the dinner that awaited me filled the lobby of my apartment. As I looked outside my bedroom balcony, the dazzling city lights, the moonlight on the sea, and the shooting stars behind the mountains made me feel so blessed for being in God's most perfect land.
            Thessaloniki is the most adventurous and fun-filled place I have ever been to. Its spectacular views, historic land, and vivid family memories will remain with me for many years. I have spent countless summers and vacations there, and each time is a new adventure and learning experience. Greece is my second home.

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