KYRA SARAKOSTI · The Season of Lent

text and photo by: http://familyexperiencesblog.com

*

kyra-sarakosti_1web

She has seven feet and wears a long dress. She has no mouth, no ears and her hands are folded. In her hair she carries a cross. She is made of dough or paper. Who is this mysterious figure? She is called Kyra Sarakosti !

***

I first met her when my daughter brought her home from Kindergarten a couple of years ago. In her Greek class she had made a Kyra Sarakosti, translated Lady Lent. Traditionally Kyra Sarakosti is crafted on Clean Monday.

Lady Lent has seven feet. They represent the seven weeks of Lent. Each passing week, on each Saturday, children get to break off one foot. This is a great visual way to countdown the weeks until Easter.

After the last foot is cut off, it is tradition to place this foot in a bowl with fruits and nuts and whoever finds it receives a special blessing.

 

Lady Lent has no mouth. The missing mouth symbolizes fasting. No consumption of meat, dairy products or eggs. She has no ears, this means that she refuses to listen to gossip. Her cross represents the easter religious services in church, her hands are folded for prayer.

 

Read more/bake your own Lady Lent @ familyexperiencesblog.com

Commentaires de nos amis Francophones

Kalispera,
Merci beaucoup pour cette très belle journée.
Nous sommes sur les genoux mais le cœur plein de bonheur et de très bons souvenirs.
Si tous les Grecs sont comme vous, gentils, souriants et évidemment très professionnels, votre pays doit être un avant goût des champs Élysées
Bisous
Muriel, Mario, Andrea, Rafaele et Antonella

 

Merci beaucoup Katerina pour cette journée magique. Tu nous as fait découvrir des endroits magnifiques, et partager ton amour pour cette belle ville d Athènes. Bonne continuation. Jerome

 

Catherine parle d’or. L’histoire n’est plus. On vit avec elle le passé au présent et le présent au
passé : des heures anciennes au siècle de Périclès, puis des passages des romains aux
ambitions d’Hadrien, des siècles où Athènes s’endort à ceux où elle se rebiffe, des années où
on l’humilie à celles où elle se reconstruit. On suit Catherine en pleine confiance dans les
ruelles qui remontent vers les murailles : en pénétrant les jardins secrets et les maisons
modestes des bâtisseurs du quartier de Plaka ; en apostrophant les moines souriants d’un
minuscule couvent caché sous les figuiers ; en débusquant au coin des rues et au pied des
murs fresques et pierres oubliées de la grande histoire ; en distinguant les musiques grecques
les unes des autres. On en oublie la grande ville blanche qui s’étire à nos pieds jusqu’à la mer.
Le charme que Catherine veut et arrive à nous faire partager, c’est le charme de l’inattendu, du
paradoxal. Quelque chose de différent du codé et de l’organisé. Quelque chose qui a la logique
de l’illogique : celle d’une démocratie qui se construit en 1830 par exemple en demandant un roi
pour la mettre en œuvre, celle de répondre à l’urgence en optant pour le temps long, celle de
dire oui en affichant un geste de dénégation, celle de donner à un chocolat le nom d’un tyran :Leonidas

Pascal.

***

Κaterina est une guide super accueillante avec une jolie de vivre incroyable!!! Elle nous a fait découvrir athenes sous un angle de vue incroyable!!! culture, gastronomie, lifestyle, tout était parfait! Elle a su trouver la visite à la mesure de nos deux familles tant pour les adultes que pour les enfants!!! merci pour tout! nous recommandons à 100%!!! une très belle personne de surcroît!…
Dimitri

***

 

Katerina est une guide hors norme. Particulièrement cultivée et si passionnée. Nous avons adoré la journee passée avec elle hors des sentiers battus. Avons eu l’impression de passer la journée avec une personne de la famille. Une seule envie, revenir à Athènes pour passer plus de temps avec elle. Thanks katerina. Hope To see you again soon. Judy et beatrice

***

Katarina a été adorable avec les enfants. Elle a su s adapter aux âges des 5 enfants lors de la visite de la ville et lors de la visite du musée.
Katarina ponctue son discours d anecdotes rendant la visite dynamique et plaisante pour tous les âges. Elle nous a fait goûter des spécialités adorables.
Merci beaucoup pour votre gentillesse.
Bises.
Mélaine et la famille.
***
Bonjour Catharina,
Je me fais l’écho des réaction des 15 personnes de mon groupe: tous étaient très satisfaits de leur séjour en Grèce,ils ont beaucoup appréciés le programme et l’organisations des visites des sites archéologiques.
 Votre disponibilité ,votre sens de l’organisation,votre connaissance de la ville, mais aussi votre personnalité attachante, enthousiaste chaleureuse ont largement contribué à la réussite de notre visite découverte d’Athènes.
  Je suis rentré en France avec le désir de retourner en Grèce et je suis prés à recommander votre organisme à toute personne qui souhaite visiter la ville avec un petit groupe.
J’aurai grand plaisir à vous rencontre à nouveau soit à Athènes, soit si vous veniez en visite dans l”Est de  la France.
Cordialement, Christian
***
Salut Katerina,
Un grand merci de la part de toute la famille pour cette supere journée;)
C était une chance pour nous de passer ce moment avec toi et ton amour d’Athenes.
Merci pour le cadeau
Emmanuel
***
“Partagez notre amour pour Athènes”
Un superbe petit tour dans le vieux Athènes avec Katherina qui nous a livrée tous ses secrets et nous a fait découvrir des petits recoins admirables et originaux.
Un grand merci Patrick & Sonia
***

Bonjour Angélique,

Toute la famille se joint à moi pour vous remercier encore pour cette superbe visite hier.
Nous avons tous apprécié vos connaissances et votre enthousiasme à les faire partager.
Remerciez également Dimitri qui nous a véhiculé dans tous les sites d’Athene(s) que nous n’avions pas encore vus.
Nul doute que nous vous recommanderons à nos amis s’ils ont l’occasion de passer par la Grèce.
A bientôt pour de nouvelles questions.
Une bise de tous.
Dominique et la famille

***
Un
Grand merci pour cette visite hier très instructive et familiale

Je vous souhaite à vous et votre famille beaucoup de bonheur
Amicalement , Dominique
***

Bonjour Katerina

Nous aussi, nous avons passé une excellente journée en votre compagnie.
Vous avez été une guide attentionnée,
Souriante et convaincante. Vous avez su nous faire partager l’amour pour votre pays et toutes ses saveurs. Nous avons passé 8 h en votre compagnie et nous avons à peine eu le temps de nous en rendre compte.
Nous essaierons en fonction du wifi de vous donner de temps à autres nouvelles et photos.
Nous vous embrassons
Jean=Marie et ses amis
***
“Partagez notre amour pour Athènes”
Notre tour “Partagez notre amour pour Athènes” est très prisé chez nos clients, leurs proches, amis ou invités. 
C’est un peu de tout: histoire, mythologie, architecture, dégustation de préparations locales, tradition grecque, l’Athènes d’ aujourd’hui, du shopping etc.
Ça se passe au centre historique d’ Athènes, à Plaka, à Psiri, à Monastiraki et les quartiers autour avec leurs petits secrets, leurs monuments et vues uniques, leurs petites chapelles et bien sûr on se régale en goûtant des spécialités locales dans le vieux marché…
On s’amuse à faire de petites pauses pour un café ou un rafraîchissement, pour un snack, une dégustation ou déjeuner sur des terrasses-jardins et des lieux que peu connaissent.
Dans le prix ne sont pas inclus les cafés, les rafraîchissements, le repas ou le vin ou bien les entées aux sites qu’on visite.
Pour tout dire, c’est un tour coupé sur mesure, on s’ adapte alors, volontiers, aux intérêts, aux goûts, aux suggestions ou les préférences de nos groupes.
***

Reservez votre Tour maintenant sur info@livinlovin.gr

We absolutely loved our trip to Athens !!!

 

“I have been meaning to email and send you a thank you – Toby, Gracie and Annabelle absolutely loved their trip to Athens. Even their teachers have said how they have returned so knowledgeable on Greek mythology!
Thank you again and again for your time.” Juliana

You and your family, relatives, loved ones, and friends, deserve the best !!!
Book your “Sharing the Athens we Love” Walking City Tour or “Sharing the Flavors we Love” Food Tour NOW !!!

 

 

“A family vacation that will go down as our favorite vacation ever”

This trip was for our daughter’s 16th birthday. When we reached out to our Livin’ Lovin’ we gave them a list of things our daughter (huge Greek mythology fan) wanted to see and do and then asked for recommendations to make it happen.

                                                              ***

***

We have a 16 and 12 year old children and any family that has traveled overseas knows that after the 2nd or 3rd day looking at sites the kids really just want to go to the beach or the pool. Never once did our kids ask for either and I have to contribute this to our guides.

***

***

Our guides (Xenia in Athens, Georgia in Delphi, and Sofia in Peloponnese), were there waiting for us at the met up time and were so patient with our kids. Our son asked question after question and each time a question was asked it was answered with a high level energy that our son kept looking for more questions to ask. Our great guides asked the kids questions also to keep them engaged and when it came to telling the background stories of the Greek gods they looked to our daughter to tell the story and then praised her for her detailed explanation of each.

***


***

When our guides saw an interest in something they were showing from one of the children you saw them explain it further and in greater detail with pictures, books, and maps they brought with them.

***

***

Our “behind the scenes” tour of Athens was exactly the same. We wanted to see and do things outside a normal tourist would see so we could have a chance to “understand” Greece. The passion and pride Katerina showed when talking about the architect of the houses or how a specific area of the city was being reconstructed was intoxicating. She knew exactly where she was taking us and told her such small details about the history of paintings that were done on hidden on a staircase, how houses that were built into the mountain, and even how “street taggers” art was part of the city and made it special (ask her about a dog that was killed accidentally by police and the mural of him). 


***



***

The whole trip was with guides who were knowledgeable, engaging, empathic (when the kids needed a break out of the hot sun), and flexible. Every suggestion they made was spot on and they made not only our daughter’s 16th birthday special but a family vacation that will go down as our favorite vacation ever. 
Jeanette

***



***

***


makingAdifference #athens #greece #uponrequest #tailormade

#tripplanning #vacationplanning #familywithkids #guidedtours

#bestguides#licencedguides #private #grouptours #mythology

#sharingtheathenswelove#citytour #walkingtour #foodtours 

#sharingtheflavorswelove #onceinalifetime

***

Book your tailor made Tour now at: info@livinlovin.gr

 

Land Line: (+30) 210-8077073

Cell phone: (+30) 698 8607866 

WatsApp:  (+30) 698 8607866 

Viber:  (+30) 698 8607866

 

“Asclepieion of Epidaurus: a timeless journey to health”

Our next event will give you a new perspective of Guided Tours:

 

“Asclepieion of Epidaurus:

a timeless journey to health”

 

(The theater and entertainment as means of the healing process)

***

EPIDAVROS 0005-Front

 

In ancient times the sanctuary of Asclepius was an organized medical – treatment center that signaled the transition from magic to real medicine, namely the healing of any disease by diagnosing and implementing tailor-made treatment or surgery, which was believed to be guided by God.

In our continuous efforts to enrich our  knowledge of the Ancient Greek history and culture, and offer you the very best we are proud and honoured to announce our cooperation with Diazoma, one of the most prestigious organizations dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Ancient Greek Theatres.

A few words about Diazoma from its founder S. Benos:

diazoma…”At once I found myself surrounded by an enthusiastic and dynamic group of people, which widened in the blink of an eye. All of them, ‘as one long prepared…’ Scholars, intellectuals, artists, people in local government and pro-active citizens embraced ‘DIAZOMA’. Fellow-citizens who have decided that the research, study, protection, enhancement and, wherever feasible, the use of ancient theatres and other venues for spectators and listeners, such as ancient odeia and stadia, are also their concern. And they are resolved to take these monuments’ fortunes into their own hands, to work together dynamically, as helpers of the State and the services responsible, in the major task of including ancient theatres in modern life”.

…”And it is my hope that ‘DIAZOMA’ will be an Association that expresses a new way of thinking, of dealing with and managing affairs that concern us all. An Association that mobilizes both Citizens and State”

 Stavros BenosPresident

read more about DIAZOMA.   VIDEO about the Asclepieion of Epidaurus

 

Our first adventure with Diazoma will be a visit at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus like we’ve never seen before:

Professor Lambrinoudakis*, member of the society of Diazoma, will tell us about:

 

– The theater and entertainment in general as means of treating mental illness

– Water as a means of ritual cleansing of the soul and healing element.

 – Diet as a means of healing. 

– Sleeping and dreams as elements of treatment.

– The use of medicines  

– Interventional 

– surgical medicine. 

– Healing and Miracle. 

– The practice of sports as an element of conservation and restoration of health.

 

 

e-mail: tsitsipi@gmail.com

landline: 210 8077073

Cell:       698 8607 866

 

LET’s PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP TOGETHER !!!

 

 

“Dear KaterinaAristotelis,
Thank you for organising wonderful holiday for Lalita and me. You were not only informative and so detailed but also thoughtful and ensuring our trip to Greece, even after we left Athens. Aris ensuring that we saw everything that was worth seeing in Hydra and Crete, and constantly keeping touch, made us feel special and was so very helpful.

Love you two so much ……

Highly recommend anyone travelling to Greece, take the walking tour with Katerina …. she will show you Athens in one afternoon that would otherwise take you days to discover and see …. and of course the very best of restaurants….”
Ramkumar

 

Please allow me to inform you that except for activities, tours and events, we also help our clients with the whole planning (the coordination and with all the necessary bookings) of their trips from scratch, allowing them to enjoy their most relaxed, enjoyable and memorable vacation ever !!! All our tours and events are tailor made, adapted to each group’s interests, likes, needs, budget, time, even professions, as we do not have any ready prefabricated packages.
We always offer our clients the very good and value for money prices we manage to get, due to our long cooperation with all kinds of companies in our field (hotels, car rentals, guided tours, all kinds of transfers and for various other services).
What differentiates us from others is that except for the preparation planning, booking and coordinating your trip from scratch to every little detail, we will “accompany you” throughout your trip. We will always be available from the arrival to your departure to assist you, solve any problems that might arise, and will always be one step ahead to check out everything is running as planned, will be flexible and ready to adapt to any unforeseen changes ie weather, strikes, insuring your holiday will be a memorable one.

 

The LIVIN’ LOVIN’ Team

 

 

 

ΧΙΛΙΑ ΚΑΛΩΣ ΟΡΙΣΑΤΕ , ΧΙΛΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΕΙΣ ΧΙΛΙΑΔΕΣ (*) !

(*)Welcome 1000 times !!! 

Welcome to the world of the Greek tradition 

 

Dear friends
this time you will have the chance to literally “live” in the world of the most important elements of Greek tradition and culture: the traditional Music, songs, costumes and dances.
*
*
We are going to visit Idryma Zisi (Zisis foundation), founded in 1975, which is one of the most important foundations working hard all these years to restore, preserve and spread the Greek traditional and Byzantine music, traditional songs, costumes, dances and instruments from all over the country. 
Its aim is to give an overall insight into Greek culture and tradition. 
 
Our visit will start with the history of the foundation and an introduction to the significance of the Greek tradition.Then the foundation people will show us their rich collection of 1200 costumes and give us info about them, and then, the people who would like to, will have the chance to dress up with some of them and take photos! 
 
Following the “theoretical part” of our visit, we have two surprises prepared for you !
  Not only will you practice your first steps of a few Greek traditional dances with one of their teachers, 
but also will have a lesson with one of their most talented traditional song teachers !
*
*
This whole event will take place in Halandri, at 5 Kolokotroni str. right after Dourou square – platia Dourou- (Google maps)on Sunday February 17, will last for approx 3 hours – 1 hour costumes and photos, 1 hour dancing lesson and 1 hour singing lesson –  from 11:00 to 14:00, and, needless to say, afterwards we will all go eating at a nearby taverna.  Bear in mind that we changed the date from the 10th since some of you told us you couldn’t make it ! Since the event is on a Sunday, it won’t 
be difficult to park on the side streets near the foundation. Alternatively, there are parking lots nearby.
Details will follow.
*
*
Date: Sunday February 17
Time: 11:00 to 14:00
Place: 5 Kolokotroni str. Halandri (after Dourou square)
 If the group is large, then we will have to form two  separate groups which will work at the same time, and we will need more teachers and a translator. 
Please apply by February 15
More details and  applications by 
email tsitsipi@gmail.com (Katerina Tsitsipi)
land line: (+0030) 210 – 8077073
Cell, Whats App, Viber  (+0030) 6988 607866
 
Do not miss this event !!!

“MUST SEE ATHENS” Guided Tour

“MUST SEE ATHENS” GUIDED TOUR

***

 Photo Credits to: Dido, Carina, Kim and Aris

***

We are born and raised Athenians. We thought we knew everything about Athens.
WRONG!

Then came Aristotelis and a treasure of knowledge emerged from his magic box!

And we learnt things that were so interesting and new to us, as well, that we couldn’t believe it.

*

 *

We Had to stop after the first hour due to heavy rain and go for coffee inside beautiful Stoa Spiromiliou, a break that was welcome by all, since we had the chance to sit and chat.

 *

 *

Then we continued  at the excavations of the Metro at Syntagma, the monument of the

Unknown Soldier,

through the National Garden- beautiful after the rain-,

at the Presindential Mansion, Panathenaic Stadium, Zappeion Megaron,

and ended the tour at Hadrian’s Arch.

 *

 *

We loved it, and so did everyone else.
Take a look at the photos to get an idea and we hope to see you at our next one.

*

Katerina Tsitsipi, Aristotelis Makris
 Contact us @: info@livinlovin.gr
Land Line +0030 210-8077073
Cell: (+0030) 6988 607866
Cell: (+0030) 6980 120978

 

“Passage into History” Nemea Tour with Professor S. Miller.

 

“Passage into History” Nemea tour.

***

On Saturday 17/10 we had the privilege of sharing the dream of this man with him.
Professor Miller, the archaeologist who has dedicated his whole life on the excavation first and the revival of the Games then, met us at the Museum and gave us a long tour of the museum, the site, and then told us stories about his early days there. We also saw the trailer of the film that has been made by Yiannis Lapatas about the previous games in 2012.

We didn’t want him to stop talking, but eventually he did. It’s always an experience to become part of such an exceptional person’s dream !
As always, after that we went eating at a small taverna in a village nearby, where the food was great, the company was great, the wine was great, – we didn’t visit a winery this time, but we are already working on it, we promise !

Now guess what our next plan is ! We will organise our support and participation in the Nemean Games of June 2016, so stay tuned.

 

Heading to OUR “Passage into History”

 

After a quick stop at the Corinth Canal for a coffee and some photos…

 

… we arrive at the village of Ancient Nemea

 

Professor Miller

 

In the museum, fascinated by Pr. Miller’s stories,

 

At the archaeological site

 

The Baths of the athletes

 

The Temple of Nemean Zeus

 

Pr. Miller talking to us about the restoration of the columns of the temple

 

The “undressing room” (apodyterion)

 

Passing through the entrance Tunnel to the Stadium

 

Inscriptions inside the entrance tunnel

 

entering the stadium…

 

Pr. Miller explaining us about the mechanism of the starting line (balbis)

 

and the winner is …

 

The Stadium

 

In Pr. Miller’s office

 

The documentary about his dream of reviving the ancient Nemean Games

 

As always we finished our trip eating at a small taverna in a village nearby.

 

Katerina Tsitsipi, Aristotelis Makris
 Contact us @: info@livinlovin.gr
Land Line +0030 210-8077073
Cell: (+0030) 6988 607866
Cell: (+0030) 6980 120978

 

 

 

 

 

A guided tour at to Ancient Agora, Stoa Attalou, and Thission

The guided tour at the Ancient Agora was one of the most interesting and successful tours. It was a very hot day, in spite of the weather forecast, that had announced clouds, so Elli tried to do all the tour in the shade under the trees. Through her stories, we could actually picture a typical day of an Athinian. She was amazing as usual !







After the tour, some of us went to the food festival at Technopolis Gazi, where he had the chance to taste flavors from all over Greece. Many thanks to Athinorama for their special OFFER of 2 for 1 tickets, as well as the FREE invitations they offered to our group so generously.