As far as Greeks are concerned every experience touches the senses. During Greek Orthodox church service you step into incense laced air, icon covered walls (and sometimes ceilings) fill your vision, chant from Byzantine times and beyond is heard, and communion tasted. Check out http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith7061 to learn more about the dominant faith of Greece. These elements transfer into daily life from the aromas of our homemade meals simmering in our kitchens, our reverence of our icons in our homes, music filled with sorrows and joys of life, and the wine we share with loved ones. Kids enjoy getting a taste of what they will experience on vacation. A good way to get started is to have them attend a cultural event of where they plan to visit while still in their home area. You can do this very easily using the following tips and more resources to the right:
- attend a religious service
- go to a festival serving ethnic foods
- surf the web for music and recipes
- read books filled with history and folk tales
- study maps and make one of your own based on the Iliad or the Odyssey
- watch movies with English subtitles
- start a family journal before you leave filled with questions your family would like to answer
Though we've been to Greece several times my children and I are also doing some of these things in preparation for our trip. This way kids fill their senses before they arrive and do not feel like fish out of water. They look forward to solving their questions. The entire family will be able to relax and take in all of the sights and sounds. See the lists of resources and websites of interest on this blog.
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2 comments:
Pam,
These are great suggestions for introducing kids (and adults) to a country before going. Books and maps help, but actually joining the culture in some way while still in the comfort of normal surroundings is a wonderful way to get one’s feet wet. I’ve been to a Greek orthodox church a few times with my friend. I’m sure there are people from Greece who would share information and pictures, for those of us who don’t have any personal connections. I also like the idea of listening to music beforehand. I know that music (and other sounds) of different cultures can sometimes be dissonant to us; knowing what to expect beforehand can make the trip more pleasant. I also really like the idea making a list of questions to be answered on the trip. It sounds like a fun challenge, a way to help everyone be more observant and appreciative of the opportunity to travel, and will demonstrate just how much was learned.
Rachel
Lots of good tips and insider information for someone who has never been before. I'm going to try your recipe for the tomato and onion at a cookout for my friends this weekend. It will be a cool treat (and a surprise) on a hot night!
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