Okay. Sorry it's been so long since my last post. I snuck off to the beach with my mom for a week. I took the computer but my ISP didn't pick up at the hotel, "so there you go!" (One of my favorite quotes from "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding" - if you haven't watched it, you should and if you did and didn't enjoy it, expand your horizons! It's dead on for almost every Greek family I've ever known. What a hoot!)
Two weeks ago I reported on the recent Celtic Festival here in Winston. Last weekend was the Greek Festival! Opa!
Both have become an annual event for our family. (We had an Indian (the country) Festival, too, but I can't find a schedule...too bad. The Hispanic Festival is too big and loud. Even my Latino hubby doesn't enjoy it!) I guess we're just one big culture loving family!
My hubby chowed down on a Souvlaki plate while I indulged in Moussaka. It's the Greek National dish, traditionally made with eggplant and cinnamon spiced meat. It's similar to lasagna except there are no noodles or heavy tomato sauce. The plates came with Spanakopita, tomato seasoned Italian Green Beans, and a small Greek salad with Feta Cheese chunks and a light vinaigrette dressing. Can you say foodie heaven????
While you're eating you can watch the Greek schools dancing troupes. They have a Kindergarten and 1st Grade class, then 2nd & 3rd Grades, 4th & 5th Grades, Middle School, and High School. Each troupe has a variety of dances they've learned, each being progressively harder than the last. In 4th grade, they begin adding flips in various parts of the show - highly entertaining!
Each troupe has a costume set. These photos show the K-1, and 2-3 grade costumes. Aren't they precious?
Along with the outdoor activities, the Greek School is turned into a Marketplace. You can find books, ethnic food stores, jewelry, clothing, and other Middle Eastern & Mediterranean merchandise there. (Along with narrow hallways, teaming with people...so, no photos from the main area, only the book shop.)
Their church sanctuary is also open for tours. It's breathtaking!
If you've never experienced the inside of a Greek Orthodox church, GO. The details and thought that is put into each and every trinket is astounding. My favorite in this church is the large chandelier suspended from the fresco of Jesus. Notice that the light dangles from the neck of Jesus representing that Jesus is the light of the world and reminding each parishioner to carry this light out into the world...
Makes me tear up each time I see it...
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