Later today I s
hall be taking my mother Loula on a trip to Northern 
Greece, on a trip down Memory Lane, to re-visit her childhood places, during a time when Greece was ravaged by civil war, as well as World War 11 .
I just adore being in Greece. I love the smells of the warm pine leaves and the sound of the bouzouki, the country’s rich culture and history and its warm hearted people, as well the deep blue sea and sky. And of course, the Greeks invented many things so important in our lives today, including the wheel, which Shirley Valentine reminds us of so brilliantly.
Did you know there was an Ellee in Greek mythology? I have seen a unique painting of it in a restaurant in Volos. Mythology says that I have a brother called Frixos and our father was a Greek God who remarried, but the wicked step-mother plots our death, she is jealous of his affection for us. So Ellee and Frixos plan their escape on the ram with the golden fleece. As they fly high above the Aegean, they are warned not to look down. Only the temptation is too much for Ellee, she cannot resist and falls deep into the sea. I believe the area is known as the stunning Elounda Bay in Crete. I have a photo somewhere in my loft of that special painting of Ellee and Frixos holding on tight to the ram, her hair blowing back in the wind, unaware of the fate that lay ahead.
I do have an interesting family history which I should record. My mother’s uncle married into the Onassis family and his wife and other relatives were murdered by the Turks in Smyrna in the 1920s. I’m afraid we have no contact with the Onassis dynasty, my mother’s remaining relatives moved to New York and were looked after by Aristotle. I also have a Greek great-aunt who reportedly became a nun.
Because my mother married so young and moved to England where she has lived for so many years, she sadly feels she has no roots, she feels neither Greek nor English. She also has a great voice and loves singing and as soon we arrive, I shall find some music on the car radio as I drive us to our idyllic hotel by the sea.
This next week is Loula’s week when she can speak her native tongue again and forget her worries. It will hopefully be a week of laughter and discovery, of adventures and relaxation too.
The best thing is not knowing what mysteries lie ahead ……
Do you have special memories of holidays in Greece? Which is your favourite place?
Enjoy
What a colourful family history you have! I was unaware there was an Ellee in Greek mythology.
I have been to Greek on two occasions. On the first time, we visited Meteora Monastry, which is perched about 8000 feet on a rock. It was beautiful, and is fondly remembered.
Just to say have a wonderful time.
Michelle
What an interesting piece of family history. Have a wonderful time with your mother out there, Ellee, and don’t fall into the sea!
Have a lovely time. How old is your mother, if I may ask? You look like sisters!
It’s all greek to me Elle, just like this…
http://prisonersvoice.blogspot.com/2007/06/thousands-of-sex-offenders-receive.html
Ellee,
I wouldn’t exactly call you and your mother ‘sisters’, but I would say your mother looks absolutely fabulous, for her age.
Hope you both have a great time – looking forward to seeing the photos of your Greek ‘adventures’.
Me personally, I used to be a great fan of the Greek island of Kos, however, these days I much prefer the Italian island of Sardinia, with all it’s culture, it’s amazing mountainous scenery and mouth watering food.
never been to Greece but woudl love to go. have a nice break Ellee!
What a lovely idea. Have a great time when you go. Greek islands are my favourite – I met my wife on Spetsi (‘scuse spelling)
You lucky girls,
I’d love to spend some time creating memories with a couple of Greek goddesses
You’ll have to let me know in advance next time you are flying out.
Hope you are having fun!
says he, Green with Envy – lol!
I’ve never been to Greece. Have been damn near every where else, but never to Greece, for no particular reason. Must rectify that. So, have a lovely trip with your Mum.
Ian
Interesting post, Ellee…enjoy your holiday…I’m sure you will…break a few plates for me and look for Zorba! 😉
BTW, Ellee – you’re a very pretty lady.
I have never been to Greece, but it sounds lovely… and what a great way to revisit your history with your mother.
Beautiful pictures.
Classic post, Ellee.
Good luck Ellee. I hope you catch up with Eleonora 🙂
I am witing this from the hotel computer available for guests, just to say I return Monday evening. It’s been a great week, and Halkidiki is such a stunning area to visit. However, I really missed my sat nav. Although I feel totally at ease driving here, the roads don’t have numbers and my mother has never read a map in her life before, so it was pretty challenging trying to drive along roads and not sure if I was heading in the right direction as the road signs are quite sparse and unclear.
On one occasion, when we were heading for a beauty spot by the sea called Kalithea, we ended up in the mountains driving through a forest around hairpin bends for about 30 mins, so we didn’t accomplish all we set out to do due to this difficulty. But I managed to read two books, which was a bonus, and sunbathed for the first time in ages; I am normally really keen to get out sight seeing. I had to adapt to mother’s slower pace.
I hope to catch up with everyone’s blogs on Tuesday. Ciao.
Should be a beautiful trip. My Father and Uncle spent time as kids born in Macedonian villages in Greece. We visited Bulgaria, where my Father immigrated as a kid before heading to New York. Have an awesome time!
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