Ep 7. Ikaria

Eager to explore the hidden treasures of the Aegean Sea, Peter embarks on his latest journey, this time landing in the island of Ikaria - Greece's well-kept secret. Located just off the coast of Turkey, Ikaria has managed to maintain its pristine beauty and old-fashioned charm over the years and is now known as one of the world's five "blue zones," where people live considerably longer than anywhere else on the planet. Peter is excited to unravel the reasons behind this longevity and delve into the island's rich history and culture.

As he sets foot on this paradisiacal paradise, he is welcomed by the warmth of its people and the unparalleled beauty of its landscape. He meets with a few of the island's inhabitants, including a talented chef, a local beekeeper, and a famous musician, each with various insights to Ikaria's culture. Peter savors the unique character of the island, observing the slow pace of living, and how the locals effortlessly blend their modern lifestyle with their ancient traditions.

Peter joins a group of locals on a hike, and they climb through the towering rocks and steep cliffs to reach the top of the mountain, where they take in the stunning vista of the Aegean Sea. After the hike, Peter meets with a group of locals who share their unique diet, which mostly includes vegetables and herbs that proliferate throughout the island. They also introduce him to a special Ikaria wine made from Muscat grapes - which is renowned for its high antioxidant content and which is believed to be one of the secrets to longevity.

Peter learns about the island's proud history as the birthplace of the ancient god of wine, Dionysus, and its connection with dance and music. His evening is undoubtedly entertaining and insightful, as he watches a traditional Ikarian dance and music performance and meets with local musicians, who show him how the ikariotiko dance is performed.

The next morning, Peter visits one of the island's traditional farmhouses where he learns how to make a famous Ikarian delicacy - the "ntolmadakia," boiled cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and herbs and served with a tangy lemon sauce. Peter tries his hand at the recipe, and to his surprise, masterfully executes the dish, which he enjoys with other local delicacies the Ikarian way.

Peter's odyssey to Ikaria concludes with a visit to one of the island's most ancient churches, renowned for its historical significance and spiritual aura. The graciousness of the island's people, the freshness of its food & wine, and the serene surroundings of its nature are all etched in Peter's memory, leaving him with newfound wisdom about the art of living, Ikarian-style.