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greggd12

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Mastic resin is a specific type of mastic that is only grown on the island of Chios that is used for homeopathic medicine and for a variety of desserts and cooking. Mastichochoria which translates to mastic villages were built on the island as communities to surround the prized and valuable mastic trees. These mastic that comes from these trees are one of the biggest exports from the island and a big source of income for farmers and for exporters and store owners.
 
The Mastichochoria in Chios is so unique, as is the flavor of this resin. I thought I’d tried everything flavored with mastic from chicken to ice cream, until I found mastic cocktails this past summer!
 
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The Mastichochoria in Chios is so unique, as is the flavor of this resin. I thought I’d tried everything flavored with mastic from chicken to ice cream, until I found mastic cocktails this past summer!
I love mastic cocktails!! They have the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness!
 
The Mastichochoria in Chios is so unique, as is the flavor of this resin. I thought I’d tried everything flavored with mastic from chicken to ice cream, until I found mastic cocktails this past summer!
Mastic cocktails are delicious! I also just like to drink it straight, especially if it had been chilled.
 
Mastic cocktails are delicious! I also just like to drink it straight, especially if it had been chilled.
I also like to cook with the resin - sometimes I will use it in place of vanilla powder to give the recipe a different flavor.
 
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I also like to cook with the resin - sometimes I will use it in place of vanilla powder to give the recipe a different flavor.
I love doing this, anytime someone eats my cooking when I put mastic instead of vanilla they they always love it but can never put their finger on the flavor
 

How was your experience using a virtual concierge at a luxury resort?

Booked a fancy resort for a once-in-a-blue-moon getaway, and they keep hyping up this “virtual concierge” thing like it’s the next big miracle. I’m kinda torn. Part of me loves the idea of ditching phone calls, but part of me worries it’ll feel cold or glitchy, like talking to a chat bot instead of a real human who actually cares if my room smells weird or if I need extra towels. If you’ve used one before, was it helpful or just marketing fluff? I’m trying to figure out if I should trust it or just stick to the front desk.

Are most Greeks left or right?

Are most Greeks liberal leftist progressives? Most that I encounter are. Not only that but self hating. WHY?

Do younger generations still follow traditional Greek customs?

Lately I’ve been wondering how much traditional Greek culture is still being carried forward by younger generations, both in Greece and in the diaspora.

I’m not talking only about the big holidays or major family events, but the smaller everyday things too — name days, church traditions, hospitality, family meals, fasting periods, village festivals, coffee rituals, respect for elders, even certain sayings and customs. Do younger Greeks still actively participate in these traditions, or do they mostly happen because parents and grandparents keep them going?

I imagine the answer probably depends a lot on location, family, and lifestyle. Someone growing up in a village might have a different experience than someone in Athens or abroad. I’d love to hear from people of different ages, which traditions have stayed strong, which ones are fading, and are there any that younger generations are bringing back in new ways?

Greek Tsiknopempti Traditions?

I realized Tsiknopempti is coming up soon, and it made me curious how everyone celebrates it, especially outside of Greece. Growing up, I always associated it with grilled meat, lots of smoke in the air, and a general feeling of celebration before Lent started, but we never had a really structured tradition at home. Now I’m wondering if I should start one.

Do you usually grill at home, go out to a Greek restaurant, or gather with friends and family? Are there certain foods you always make, or is it more about the atmosphere and being together? I’ve seen photos from Greece where entire neighborhoods are grilling outside, which looks amazing.

I’d love to hear what Tsiknopempti looks like for you, whether it’s something big and festive or just a simple meal that still feels meaningful.

What Does Philotimo Mean to You?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the word, or really, the concept, of philotimo. It’s one of those Greek words that just doesn’t translate neatly into English. I was recently trying to explain it to a non-Greek friend, and I realized how difficult it is to put into words!

I ended up talking about ideas like honor, dignity, courage, generosity, and doing the right thing because it’s simply the right thing to do. I even used some historical examples, including the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae and the spirit of Ochi Day, to try to explain the sense of duty and selflessness that I associate with philotimo.

But I know the concept can also show up in much smaller, everyday ways. How would you explain philotimo to someone unfamiliar with Greek culture? What does the word mean to you personally?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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