May 22

May 22 Things that Aren't GREEK

Being 100% Greek is definitely a commodity these days... and if you are with my family and I for 5 minutes, you definitely will know just how Greek we are! People ask me if "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is reflective of what it's like growing up Greek. I always say that the movie is definitely stereotypical. I mean take the Easter scene. They roast a whole lamb in the front yard... in reality, we roast a whole lamb in the BACKYARD. ;) The movie is definitely a good depiction, and as with all comedy, it is an exaggeration of the truth. But what makes it funny is that it plays to the truth.

I thought it would be a good idea to break some stereotypes of the Greek culture. There are so many things that people think are Greek, that in reality are far from it. Here are some things that aren't Greek...

Food

5. Baba ganoush.

4. Tabouleh.

3. Shwarma.

Looks like it could be, but definitely NOT Greek.

2. Falafel.

1. Hummus.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but Hummus is NOT Greek.

Greece is in Europe, not the Middle East. (You'd be surprised how often people don't know this one.)

Greece is to the right of Italy! Una fatsa, una ratsa!

Greece isn't falling apart and anarchy is not taking over. While there may be some turmoil and protests, the news media magnifies this to an insanely inaccurate depiction. There is a small group of people who are doing things like this, and Greece is SAFE TO TRAVEL to. There is crime in parts of LA, but you don't see less tourists traveling here. Just like anywhere else, you stay away from the "bad areas." Greece thrives on tourism...email me for recommendations! I would be more than happy to provide them :).

While we may love meat, the Greek diet is actually a very well balanced one- heavy in fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

Meat is not necissarily consumed with every meal. In the summertime, the largest meal is actually lunch not dinner, and we eat a small meal for dinner after 9:00 pm. Greeks walk a ton, as well...and wine is always welcome!

True Stereotypes

A home remedy for everything.

My yiayia (Greek for grandma) had an at-home remedy for everything! And let me tell you, they ALL WORK! And most of the time they are much healthier for you to use than the majority of products we purchase in stores.

Being passionate about life... and oftentimes loud haha.

Guilty as charged. I come from an exuberant, vibrant culture and I am proud of it! Sometimes people confuse my passion for anger... trust me you will know when I am truly angry. It's very, very rare...and you don't want to be there when it happens (haha).

Philotimo.

The Greeks instill the idea of philotimo into each passing generation. Philotimo is kind of a hard thing to translate... If I had to, I would say that it is a code that we live by fueled by honor, dignity and pride that also encompasses responsibility and hospitality to each member of society. This video does a great job of explaining it:

Food THAT IS GREEK

5. Spanakopita.