Greece is one of the most popular summer tourist destinations around the world – known far and wide as the perfect vacation spot for many reasons.
For one, as an EU member state it is accessible, and English is commonly spoken by Greeks living there. Also, most places have fair prices. The natural beauty in the mountains and at the beaches draws in tourists by the hundreds of thousands. It is a place where it is easy to relax, but also safe to explore.
The history and archeology is unmated, and simultaneously the nightlife and social scene is renowned, proving a trip to Greece offers something for everyone. And most well-known is the astounding gastronomy, which will leave a delicious taste in your mouth long after you leave. These great reasons, and many others, are more than enough to convince people to visit the country. For those visiting with Hellenic descent, however, a trip to Greece is so much more. In fact, it is a necessity.
For those of us in the Diaspora, time spent in Greece is an opportunity to explore who we are and where we come from. In some ways, it is the culmination of how we have been raised.
The traditions and values that our lives revolve around and what we see everyday are viewed as odd in a diasporic land, but in Greece those same customs are the roots of society. This means that wherever you go, it will feel like home.
Knowing we have this strong, living connection gives the practices a new meaning and vigor, and it leads to more personal growth than any ordinary vacation. The familiarness and love that exists throughout our ancestral nation gives a sense of purpose that is usually only found in a few special places back in the USA.
Even in the rain, Greece is a sight to behold.
For those with family in Greece, visiting the country is an opportunity to grow the love we already have for our immediate family. It is also a time to gain perspective, share stories, and interact with a group of people who will help you discover the legacy and history which you have inherited, as well as discover the best local restaurants! Not only is meeting your family overseas invaluable, it is a reason to always come back.
Even for those who no longer have contact with family in Greece, the shared experience can still be gained by spending time with friends, cousins or immediate family. It is still an opportunity to get more in touch with those close to us who share the heritage. This engagement is what strengthens the power of our culture and will last long after flying home.
The foremost reason traveling to Greece is important for those with Hellenic heritage is because of the shared legacy we belong to. When you walk up to the Acropolis, you know that’s the same cobble walked by our heroes such as Aristotle. When you go swimming, you know it’s the same waters as those Odysseus swam in. And when you light a candle in the church, you know it’s the same place where our saints worshiped. This amazing experience means a direct connection between all of us exclusively as Greeks. It is the result of thousands of years of culture and its appreciation, which culminates in us and it necessitates our participation.
The best part is, there is no barrier to enter in this participation. Every time we make a choice informed by this consciousness, we become a part of that beneficence, and can in turn pass it to our own generations, confidently saying that it is our land too, just as it was our ancestors. That is why it is so important to visit and be surrounded by Greece, and enjoy the chance to spend time there and reaffirm our identity.
These strong ties to Greece may be hard to understand by those not of Diasporic communities. How could someone have such a special place in their heart for a land they have only been to a few times, or maybe never even seen? Yet, if Greece was just like any other place, if the beauty of the country was just the beaches or the sunsets, people could visit any country. The true beauty of Greece is its people, and that’s something we can appreciate every time we get together with our family and friends.
We may live 5,000+ miles away, our blood can never change – it will always be Greek. For those going to Greece, it is a type of communion which reunites us with our fatherland. It is an opportunity for growth, belonging and a life-changing experience every time.
What is in our hearts is not simply a place, but a burning flame of love for our people, our culture, and our land which can truly be lit when we are in Greece.