My Greek Odyssey Season 2 Episode 10 Serifos
- January 4, 2019
- 45 min
As Margaret travels on her Greek Odyssey, she finds herself in the island of Serifos. A small island with a population of less than 1,500, Serifos has a rich history and culture that Margaret intends to explore. The island has been known for its mineral resources including iron, and in the ancient times, it was a key source of wealth for the Athenians.
Margaret starts her journey by visiting the Chora of Serifos. This is the main town of the island that has maintained its traditional Greek architecture. The town hall is located here, and Margaret visits to learn about the municipal services of the island. As she walks through the narrow paths, she meets local artists and craftsmen who make souvenirs, ceramics, and jewelry.
Margaret also visits the Castle of Serifos. This was built in the 15th century by the Venetians and later used by the Ottomans during their occupation of Greece. The castle offers a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands. Inside, Margaret meets with a local guide who provides insight into the island's history and the role the castle played in protecting the island and its people.
In Serifos, Margaret also takes part in a cooking lesson with a local Greek chef. She learns how to cook traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka, aubergines, and tzatziki. In keeping with the culinary theme, Margaret visits a family-owned winery that produces the island's renowned dry white wine. The family shares their wine-making process and offers Margaret samples of their products. She also gets to see the vineyards where the grapes are grown.
Margaret also attends the island's annual summer festival. She gets to experience the local's sense of community and passion for celebrations. The event is held in the town square and features Greek music and dancing. Margaret ends up dancing with the locals and has the time of her life.
As is customary with My Greek Odyssey, Margaret delves into the local religion. She participates in a religious procession that takes place twice a year. During the Easter period and on August 15th, the locals walk a few kilometers to the Church of the Virgin Mary in Panagia. Margaret joins in with the procession and has the opportunity to witness this significant event in the life of the island's residents.
As always, Margaret ends her episode by sharing her reflections and perceptions of her visit to Serifos. She highlights the island's natural beauty, the warmth and welcoming nature of its people, and the deep sense of community and tradition that permeates everything on the island. She notes that this experience has brought her closer to the essence of Greece, its people, its culture, and its beautiful islands.