Its All Greek 2 Me
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2nd cultural exchange
huge success
Dancers strike chord with European youth
On 21 August 2006, groups from Scotland (our own Glasgow Hellenic), Sweden, Italy, Cyprus and our host country Greece, met in the sweltering 42 degree heat of Athens for the start of this year’s European programme.
With the Acropolis as our backdrop, we were soon greeting friends from last year’s programme and making introductions to all the new faces, with the language barriers proving to be no problem at all.
As we gathered around the bus, the Swedish girls stripped down to their bikinis’ (much to the boys delight), the Cypriots started their singing and the Scots frantically applied sun-block and looked for the nearest café with air conditioning.
After an exhausting first day in Athens, shopping, visiting museums and the Parthenon, we set off on our 3 hour bus journey to the camp. This consisted of a football pitch, basketball court, kitchens, large communal dining area (where most of the singing and dancing went on all night long) and stonewall bungalows. This was to be our base of operations for the week and we couldn’t have asked for a more picturesque setting as we were situated 864m above sea-level on a mountain slope surrounded by forests with the most breathtaking view of mountains, valleys, fields and villages below us and a beautiful monastery tucked in between the trees on the mountainside just above us.
After getting split up and settled in our dormitories, we headed down to the dining hall for our first meal (pizza and hotdogs – Greek style!) and this set the standard for every delicious meal. There were no complaints about the food as we had a choice of chocolate croissants, breads, cheese and ham for breakfast and a variety of meals such as pastitsio, shark fish, chicken, potatoes, plenty of salad and much more for our lunches and suppers—all topped by some juicy fruit that was offered after every meal.
Of course it wouldn’t have been the same had the Italians not done what they do best and cooked up some fantastic pizza and pastas. But the gold medal had to go to the Cypriots for their mouth-watering Souvla!
The programme for the week’s activities was jam-packed and started off with ice-breakers on the Tuesday, where we learned everyone’s names and all the national groups practised their dance routines in the afternoon for their presentations. These kicked off on the Tuesday night with the Scots, who proved very popular for their shortbread and whisky samples. Michelle beautifully sang a traditional Scottish song for our audience accompanied by Kon playing the guitar, and after doing some exhibition dances, we got everyone up for “Strip the Willow” and the party began.
The Italians, Cypriots and Swedes did just as well with their presentations on the following nights, which all resulted in plenty of singing and dancing until the
early hours of each morning. The lack of sleep, however, could not dampen our spirits as the Cypriots and Italians seemed to have an endless energy and the singing and dancing continued even on the bus trips. Our day trips and activities included: learning archery, hikes up the mountain, a visit to Ossios Loukas 10th century monastery, which was hidden on a mountain slope overlooking a magnificent Tuscan-like valley, a trip to Delphi and its ancient ruins, and of course, what would a trip to Greece be like without a day at the beach! Other activities included a gallery at the camp, where we were fortunate to see some amazing photographs taken by some of the local photography students, and a trip to Livadeia for a panigyri (festival) on the Saturday night.
Sunday was our last night and most of the day was spent packing and preparing for the festivities of the “International night” party. Locals from the area joined us at the camp where a young local orchestra played music and sang songs from different Greek regions and all the groups did a short presentation of dances and songs Once again, this resulted in a non-stop singing and dancing fest that carried on all night and seemed only to stop with the arrival of the bus the next morning to take us into Athens.
It was a satisfied but exhausted group that travelled on that bus, with a few Cypriots still singing, but most of us just absorbing the memories of this unforgettable experience.
There were so many highlights. The best part for me was the laughter, which there was never a shortage of with Nevena and Jim around - Kon, striking it lucky with the water fight, and poor Michelle, who seemed to lose everything, including her luggage! But the ‘man of the match’ prize had to go to Mihalis, whose shrieks echoing through the campsite every time he came across the local “wildlife” (a variety of creepy-crawlies) reminded us all to wear insect repellent. He kept us constantly entertained with his stories and antics and seemed to win the heart of all the Italian girls! One of the greatest things about this trip was meeting new people from different cultures. We met as strangers but said our goodbyes as friends with the hope of meeting again soon.
huge success
Dancers strike chord with European youth
On 21 August 2006, groups from Scotland (our own Glasgow Hellenic), Sweden, Italy, Cyprus and our host country Greece, met in the sweltering 42 degree heat of Athens for the start of this year’s European programme.
With the Acropolis as our backdrop, we were soon greeting friends from last year’s programme and making introductions to all the new faces, with the language barriers proving to be no problem at all.
As we gathered around the bus, the Swedish girls stripped down to their bikinis’ (much to the boys delight), the Cypriots started their singing and the Scots frantically applied sun-block and looked for the nearest café with air conditioning.
After an exhausting first day in Athens, shopping, visiting museums and the Parthenon, we set off on our 3 hour bus journey to the camp. This consisted of a football pitch, basketball court, kitchens, large communal dining area (where most of the singing and dancing went on all night long) and stonewall bungalows. This was to be our base of operations for the week and we couldn’t have asked for a more picturesque setting as we were situated 864m above sea-level on a mountain slope surrounded by forests with the most breathtaking view of mountains, valleys, fields and villages below us and a beautiful monastery tucked in between the trees on the mountainside just above us.
After getting split up and settled in our dormitories, we headed down to the dining hall for our first meal (pizza and hotdogs – Greek style!) and this set the standard for every delicious meal. There were no complaints about the food as we had a choice of chocolate croissants, breads, cheese and ham for breakfast and a variety of meals such as pastitsio, shark fish, chicken, potatoes, plenty of salad and much more for our lunches and suppers—all topped by some juicy fruit that was offered after every meal.Of course it wouldn’t have been the same had the Italians not done what they do best and cooked up some fantastic pizza and pastas. But the gold medal had to go to the Cypriots for their mouth-watering Souvla!
The programme for the week’s activities was jam-packed and started off with ice-breakers on the Tuesday, where we learned everyone’s names and all the national groups practised their dance routines in the afternoon for their presentations. These kicked off on the Tuesday night with the Scots, who proved very popular for their shortbread and whisky samples. Michelle beautifully sang a traditional Scottish song for our audience accompanied by Kon playing the guitar, and after doing some exhibition dances, we got everyone up for “Strip the Willow” and the party began.
The Italians, Cypriots and Swedes did just as well with their presentations on the following nights, which all resulted in plenty of singing and dancing until the
early hours of each morning. The lack of sleep, however, could not dampen our spirits as the Cypriots and Italians seemed to have an endless energy and the singing and dancing continued even on the bus trips. Our day trips and activities included: learning archery, hikes up the mountain, a visit to Ossios Loukas 10th century monastery, which was hidden on a mountain slope overlooking a magnificent Tuscan-like valley, a trip to Delphi and its ancient ruins, and of course, what would a trip to Greece be like without a day at the beach! Other activities included a gallery at the camp, where we were fortunate to see some amazing photographs taken by some of the local photography students, and a trip to Livadeia for a panigyri (festival) on the Saturday night.Sunday was our last night and most of the day was spent packing and preparing for the festivities of the “International night” party. Locals from the area joined us at the camp where a young local orchestra played music and sang songs from different Greek regions and all the groups did a short presentation of dances and songs Once again, this resulted in a non-stop singing and dancing fest that carried on all night and seemed only to stop with the arrival of the bus the next morning to take us into Athens.
It was a satisfied but exhausted group that travelled on that bus, with a few Cypriots still singing, but most of us just absorbing the memories of this unforgettable experience. There were so many highlights. The best part for me was the laughter, which there was never a shortage of with Nevena and Jim around - Kon, striking it lucky with the water fight, and poor Michelle, who seemed to lose everything, including her luggage! But the ‘man of the match’ prize had to go to Mihalis, whose shrieks echoing through the campsite every time he came across the local “wildlife” (a variety of creepy-crawlies) reminded us all to wear insect repellent. He kept us constantly entertained with his stories and antics and seemed to win the heart of all the Italian girls! One of the greatest things about this trip was meeting new people from different cultures. We met as strangers but said our goodbyes as friends with the hope of meeting again soon.
Livadeia-Parnassos
This was our home for a week in August—a camp at the foot of the Monastery of Agia Ierousalim, 2 miles above the village of Davleia on the southern slopes of the Parnassos mountains. The hosts were the Youth Centre of the Holy Metropolis of Thivon and Levadias and the sponsor was the EU programme for Education and Civilisation, Youth Exchange.
This was our home for a week in August—a camp at the foot of the Monastery of Agia Ierousalim, 2 miles above the village of Davleia on the southern slopes of the Parnassos mountains. The hosts were the Youth Centre of the Holy Metropolis of Thivon and Levadias and the sponsor was the EU programme for Education and Civilisation, Youth Exchange.
‘man of the match’ Mihalis
After a safe flight, and a brisk jaunt around the Athens metro we were ready to greet the other national groups. There were the Cypriots, the Greeks, Italians and not forgetting….the Swedes!!! It was Father Kyprianos’s plan for us all to go up the steep slopes to visit the Parthenon, however, after a four hour flight and a long trail around parts of Athens in the Blazing heat, we Scot’s thought we would take a wee break. Whilst everyone else withstood the heat wave and got dragged around the acropolis by their guided tour, Father Kyprianos, the “Scottish group” took a rest in a nice cool, shady café bar in the centre of Plaka. When the others returned all sweaty and burnt from their brief taste of Ancient Greece not only were we glad that we had missed out but we were all refreshed and ready to move on!
On our bus ride to the camp, the Cypriots, including the priests, transformed our coach in to a travelling nightclub and they didn’t miss out a thing. From flashing lights to live music, they surely did have it all sussed! As usual the Greeks got their times a tad wrong and although we were assured it was just a one hour “taxidaki” we eventually arrived at the camp over three hours later.
There were various activities planned for us to keep us busy for the week and the first of these was archery!! Before this trip I would have deemed it impossible to share one bow and arrow amongst 50 people but those Greeks proved me wrong again!!!!!! Apart from these day to day games we got the opportunity to go and visit the ancient site of Delphi. Despite the ferocious heat it was an enjoyable experience and I think the group as a whole got the taste of ancient Greece that we missed on our day of arrival. Throughout the week there were several trips up the mountain which towered over our camp. When most of our group were snoring and still tucked up in bed at 6.00 am I took the opportunity to walk up the slopes of the mountain along with some other’s from camp. I was expecting a dramatic, difficult climb however our fellow Italians (see me above with the Italian group) who were very fond of their musical abilities, were singing, dancing and clapping all the way up and down, so our mountain “hike” ended up being something more like a scene out of “the sound of music”.
When we did our “Scottish” presentation I thought that no one could have possibly prepared more than us. We had a slideshow presentation, whisky, shortbread, all kinds of dances—it was perfect……until the Cypriots came along. Not only did they have all their traditional clothing and instruments but part of their presentation was to feed us their souvla!!
The bonus of the trip was that we got to meet loads of people of all ages from every corner of Europe. Mihalis Papmihail
After a safe flight, and a brisk jaunt around the Athens metro we were ready to greet the other national groups. There were the Cypriots, the Greeks, Italians and not forgetting….the Swedes!!! It was Father Kyprianos’s plan for us all to go up the steep slopes to visit the Parthenon, however, after a four hour flight and a long trail around parts of Athens in the Blazing heat, we Scot’s thought we would take a wee break. Whilst everyone else withstood the heat wave and got dragged around the acropolis by their guided tour, Father Kyprianos, the “Scottish group” took a rest in a nice cool, shady café bar in the centre of Plaka. When the others returned all sweaty and burnt from their brief taste of Ancient Greece not only were we glad that we had missed out but we were all refreshed and ready to move on!
On our bus ride to the camp, the Cypriots, including the priests, transformed our coach in to a travelling nightclub and they didn’t miss out a thing. From flashing lights to live music, they surely did have it all sussed! As usual the Greeks got their times a tad wrong and although we were assured it was just a one hour “taxidaki” we eventually arrived at the camp over three hours later. There were various activities planned for us to keep us busy for the week and the first of these was archery!! Before this trip I would have deemed it impossible to share one bow and arrow amongst 50 people but those Greeks proved me wrong again!!!!!! Apart from these day to day games we got the opportunity to go and visit the ancient site of Delphi. Despite the ferocious heat it was an enjoyable experience and I think the group as a whole got the taste of ancient Greece that we missed on our day of arrival. Throughout the week there were several trips up the mountain which towered over our camp. When most of our group were snoring and still tucked up in bed at 6.00 am I took the opportunity to walk up the slopes of the mountain along with some other’s from camp. I was expecting a dramatic, difficult climb however our fellow Italians (see me above with the Italian group) who were very fond of their musical abilities, were singing, dancing and clapping all the way up and down, so our mountain “hike” ended up being something more like a scene out of “the sound of music”.
When we did our “Scottish” presentation I thought that no one could have possibly prepared more than us. We had a slideshow presentation, whisky, shortbread, all kinds of dances—it was perfect……until the Cypriots came along. Not only did they have all their traditional clothing and instruments but part of their presentation was to feed us their souvla!!
The bonus of the trip was that we got to meet loads of people of all ages from every corner of Europe. Mihalis Papmihail
Rania’s Camp Story
Despite a long journey to the camp and not knowing quite what to expect I was pleasantly surprised by our surroundings and the spectacular views. It didn’t take us long to pick our beds, dump our bags and get settled in.
Our first challenge of the camp was to try and learn everyone’s name, not an easy job with around thirty people from four different countries but by the end of camp we didn’t have to think twice. Although we were only to stay for seven days there was plenty to do. Our days were filled with seeing sights and visiting ancient monasteries. In our free time we got to play basketball, sunbathe and try our hand at archery, where Nevena (despite her best efforts) was unable to add to the recent forest fires going on around us. Let’s just say there was an arrow, a rock and a spark but luckily we didn’t have to evacuate the camp. In the evening we would always have a tasty meal together followed by a presentation and a dance demonstration from one of the other groups. By the end of the week we were all sad to leave as we had such a good time and made so many new friends. I really enjoyed being able to meet the other group members and learn about their different cultures and customs. I know we would all like to meet again and hopefully in the future we will get the chance. Rania Panayi
Despite a long journey to the camp and not knowing quite what to expect I was pleasantly surprised by our surroundings and the spectacular views. It didn’t take us long to pick our beds, dump our bags and get settled in.
Our first challenge of the camp was to try and learn everyone’s name, not an easy job with around thirty people from four different countries but by the end of camp we didn’t have to think twice. Although we were only to stay for seven days there was plenty to do. Our days were filled with seeing sights and visiting ancient monasteries. In our free time we got to play basketball, sunbathe and try our hand at archery, where Nevena (despite her best efforts) was unable to add to the recent forest fires going on around us. Let’s just say there was an arrow, a rock and a spark but luckily we didn’t have to evacuate the camp. In the evening we would always have a tasty meal together followed by a presentation and a dance demonstration from one of the other groups. By the end of the week we were all sad to leave as we had such a good time and made so many new friends. I really enjoyed being able to meet the other group members and learn about their different cultures and customs. I know we would all like to meet again and hopefully in the future we will get the chance. Rania Panayi
Nevena—on AthensWhat I looked forward to most, and it did not disappoint, was Athens.
This was my first time in this very interesting city, a city that was neither western nor eastern. I was very impressed by how well it functioned with the five and a half million people that walked its streets every day. There was an organized buzz, which other cities such as London and Paris can’t quite match. The smell of food, the pretty people and the mix of very old and very new architecture were enough to make me want to go back for more. We experienced many aspects of Athens life, such as the shopping, nightlife and café-life, all of which were in a way special to this great city and all of which made my time in Athens very memorable.
The climb up to the Acropolis-though it was tough in the scorching heat- was something not to be missed. I feel that my experience of Greece would not have been complete without seeing this most famous of all landmarks. Feeling like the whole of Athens is on the palm of your hand, seeing it expand towards the sea on one side and mountains on the other was only matched by the grandeur and gracefulness of the Parthenon, towering above you and the city itself. I encourage those who have not experienced Athens, to go and experience it for themselves, but make sure you go with some fantastic friends, without whom even Athens would not be the same, I’m sure.
Nevena Marjanovic
Not long after our return from Greece, the dance group were invited to perform at the Greek School Ball of the Greek Community of Leeds and Surrounding Districts.. Here Anna & Georgios tell all...
Leeds
In September, the Glasgow Hellenic dancers were invited by the school of the Greek Community of Leeds and Surrounding
Districts to perform at their Annual Dinner dance – perhaps, I should say “at our Annual Dinner dance” as I’m now part of that community. The group drove to Leeds and spent a weekend with us. Most time was spent on rehearsals but they also performed for the children of the Greek school and had lunch with members of the community.
Literally hours were spent planning the visit, but if anyone asks me whether it was worth it I would say definitely. The excellent organisation by the Committee, the music repertoire of the Greek band, and the dance group’s performance all made the event a great success.
On a personal note, the visit has had a more important impact, which was only realised weeks after. The visit to the Greek school (where I’m the teacher of Greek dancing) was the first encounter for my students with a group of ‘professional’ dancers. It was an inspiring lesson—they saw another form of Greek culture, discovered the “power” and “smoothness” of Greek dances, and realised that “Greekness” can survive no matter what country you live in. It was an unforgettable experience that has motivated my students to try to discover their Greek-selves, learn more Greek dances, and form an advanced dancing group in order to do so. And, that is for me the real impact of the group’s visit to Leeds.
Georgios Vardaxoglou
In September, the Glasgow Hellenic dancers were invited by the school of the Greek Community of Leeds and Surrounding
Districts to perform at their Annual Dinner dance – perhaps, I should say “at our Annual Dinner dance” as I’m now part of that community. The group drove to Leeds and spent a weekend with us. Most time was spent on rehearsals but they also performed for the children of the Greek school and had lunch with members of the community.Literally hours were spent planning the visit, but if anyone asks me whether it was worth it I would say definitely. The excellent organisation by the Committee, the music repertoire of the Greek band, and the dance group’s performance all made the event a great success.
On a personal note, the visit has had a more important impact, which was only realised weeks after. The visit to the Greek school (where I’m the teacher of Greek dancing) was the first encounter for my students with a group of ‘professional’ dancers. It was an inspiring lesson—they saw another form of Greek culture, discovered the “power” and “smoothness” of Greek dances, and realised that “Greekness” can survive no matter what country you live in. It was an unforgettable experience that has motivated my students to try to discover their Greek-selves, learn more Greek dances, and form an advanced dancing group in order to do so. And, that is for me the real impact of the group’s visit to Leeds.
Georgios Vardaxoglou
MISSION
1 To seek out ‘The Host,’ a.k.a. ‘Georgios’
2 Assess training troops, a.k.a. ‘The Kids’
3 Undergo ‘Operation Dance’ at Leeds Greek School Ball
Anna Symeonides reports
On 29th September 2006, team ‘Hellenic Dancers’ piled into their sleek saloons and drove south to their destination in Leeds. Agents carefully disguised themselves as average travellers with ‘rental cars’ and ‘road music’ – special mention to Agents Nev and Ourania, who did a very convincing rendition of Shania Twain’s ‘Feel Like a Woman.’
Come nightfall and Mission One had already been completed. Team H.D. arrived in style and easily sought out the A.W.O.L. Agent Georgios, who led us to Chief Operators, Barry and Androulla, of the notorious training ground, also known as ‘
The Greek School.’ After a hearty welcome, Agent Georgios led us to our temporary headquarters. Luxury accommodation awaited Team H.D., who was very grateful to embark upon a most comfortable night’s sleep before an early rise the next morning.
Sunrise on the 30th September and Team H.D. were already on track with the next stage of their mission. Agents worked hard to perfect their actions in rehearsal for the evening’s operation but quickly realised that punctuality was failing them.
Onwards our trusty team drove their sleek vehicles to the beautiful Greek Orthodox Church, setting to the Leeds training corps. All agreed that The Kids were most talented in their abilities and congratulated them on their enthusiasm. The future of Operation Greek Dance is certainly safe in their hands!
Team H.D. were very lucky to receive a veritable feast for lunch and thanked our hosts profusely before embarking on the next stage: Operation Dance.
Preparation began. Agents donned their standard issue evening dress. On seeing photos, Bond and his girls are quoted as being extremely envious. Sitting around the dinner table on location at the Dinner Dance, agents impressively blended in with the crowd. Cunningly, a distraction in the form of Belly Dancers allowed agents to sneak out and change into their traditional operation attire and appear as if from nowhere to wow their audience with their Dance of the Greeks.
A smooth and expertly executed operation then descended into chaos as agents ‘got down with their bad selves’ for the rest of the night. In the commotion, agents managed to lose the only recently captured Agent Georgios in a devious auction. And so, the sequel has been set up… MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ….
Special thanks to Georgios Vardaxaglou, Barry and Androulla Paschali and Christos Varnavides of the Leeds community.
1 To seek out ‘The Host,’ a.k.a. ‘Georgios’
2 Assess training troops, a.k.a. ‘The Kids’
3 Undergo ‘Operation Dance’ at Leeds Greek School Ball
Anna Symeonides reports
On 29th September 2006, team ‘Hellenic Dancers’ piled into their sleek saloons and drove south to their destination in Leeds. Agents carefully disguised themselves as average travellers with ‘rental cars’ and ‘road music’ – special mention to Agents Nev and Ourania, who did a very convincing rendition of Shania Twain’s ‘Feel Like a Woman.’
Come nightfall and Mission One had already been completed. Team H.D. arrived in style and easily sought out the A.W.O.L. Agent Georgios, who led us to Chief Operators, Barry and Androulla, of the notorious training ground, also known as ‘
The Greek School.’ After a hearty welcome, Agent Georgios led us to our temporary headquarters. Luxury accommodation awaited Team H.D., who was very grateful to embark upon a most comfortable night’s sleep before an early rise the next morning.Sunrise on the 30th September and Team H.D. were already on track with the next stage of their mission. Agents worked hard to perfect their actions in rehearsal for the evening’s operation but quickly realised that punctuality was failing them.
Onwards our trusty team drove their sleek vehicles to the beautiful Greek Orthodox Church, setting to the Leeds training corps. All agreed that The Kids were most talented in their abilities and congratulated them on their enthusiasm. The future of Operation Greek Dance is certainly safe in their hands!
Team H.D. were very lucky to receive a veritable feast for lunch and thanked our hosts profusely before embarking on the next stage: Operation Dance.
Preparation began. Agents donned their standard issue evening dress. On seeing photos, Bond and his girls are quoted as being extremely envious. Sitting around the dinner table on location at the Dinner Dance, agents impressively blended in with the crowd. Cunningly, a distraction in the form of Belly Dancers allowed agents to sneak out and change into their traditional operation attire and appear as if from nowhere to wow their audience with their Dance of the Greeks.
A smooth and expertly executed operation then descended into chaos as agents ‘got down with their bad selves’ for the rest of the night. In the commotion, agents managed to lose the only recently captured Agent Georgios in a devious auction. And so, the sequel has been set up… MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ….
Special thanks to Georgios Vardaxaglou, Barry and Androulla Paschali and Christos Varnavides of the Leeds community.