August 2025 – Thalysia

September in Greece: The New Ecclesiastical Year of the Orthodox Church

September sweeps into Greece with a sense of transformation, a vibrant blend of history, tradition, and hope. For Greek Orthodox Christians, the first day of September isn’t just another stretch of the calendar. It marks the beginning of the new ecclesiastical year, a spiritual reset deeply entwined with centuries-old customs and the rhythms of rural life. Whether in bustling cities or remote villages, the air tingles with anticipation, prayer, and communal activity, drawing an unbroken thread from the past to the present.

Grasse: Where the Art of Perfume Comes Alive

Nestled between the scenic slopes of the southern Alps and the dazzling blue of the Mediterranean, the town of Grasse stands as a vibrant testament to centuries of perfume artistry. This picturesque French town, with its winding serpentine streets and hidden courtyards, welcomes visitors into a world where scent is elevated to craft and history intertwines with the air itself. Yet, as charming as Grasse appears, its true treasures often remain behind closed doors, accessible only to those invited into its secret perfumed sanctuaries.

The Greek Word Opora and Its Fascinating Ancient Meaning

The Greek language is a treasure chest of history, myth and culture. Each word reveals layers of meaning and tells the story of a civilization in conversation with its gods, its land and its traditions. Among these words, few are as flavorful and evocative as “Opora,” once the ancient Greek name for fruit, abundance and a season of change.

Olive Tree: Bring Your Holiday Dream into Your Garden

For anyone who has spent a summer holiday in the south, the sight of an olive tree instantly evokes memories of warm breezes, sunlit terraces, and the scent of the Mediterranean. Olive trees are deeply rooted in the landscapes of Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. Yet in recent years, they have also found a place in gardens and terraces much further north. With the right care, an olive tree can bring that same Mediterranean charm to your own outdoor space, whether planted directly in the garden or kept in a container on the balcony or patio.

The Mediterranean Lifestyle is a Global Key to Longevity—Even Far from the Mediterranean

For decades, scientists have agreed that the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest eating patterns in the world. Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil, it has been consistently linked to longer life expectancy, reduced risk of chronic disease, and improved quality of life. Originally rooted in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea such as Greece, Italy, and Spain, this way of living has always been associated with sunny coastlines and fresh local produce. But recent research suggests that reaping its health benefits does not require living near the Mediterranean at all.

Furious Feline’s Journey: Cat Naps in the Mediterranean, Wakes Up in Austria!

Sometimes, vacation souvenirs are a little more unexpected, and livelier, than fridge magnets or postcards. This was certainly the case for a family returning from their Croatian holiday, whose homecoming took a dramatic and furry twist no one had seen coming.