Taste of Life Hellas 2018-19

EDITOR'S WORD
Hellas
Greece is a nation inextricably linked to the sea. Sea and land complement each other, offering
us a unique opportunity to explore and experience the healing beauty of nature as it manifests in
both worlds. Especially in our busy lives today, spending some time off in nature, away from all
distractions, seems to be much needed.
Calmly experiencing the forests of the mainland or the seas of Greece is like listening to two
different storytellers, each with a different path of life, experiences, energy and charm. Both can
reveal some of the truths of nature and ourselves.
As photographer Marina Vernicos puts it, “Since I was a child I have been mentally and physically
split between these two worlds,” something greatly representative of Greece’s dichotomy.
Marina captures the solemn grace of the blue realm, while feeling deeply connected to it. Her
photographs take you on a profound journey and inspire you. “Lucky are the ones who can travel
and feel the power of art, either by creating it or by enjoying it,” says Marina, in relation to her
photographic journeys.
Art, a part of humanity’s culture, just like nature, can heal and benefit human beings. Human
culture’s spirit and wisdom has manifested in many ways, from the beauty of fine arts, to medicine,
to myriad other fields, including gastronomy. Dina Nikolaou, Greece’s gastronomic ambassador,
presents authentic Greek cuisine’s vibes to the world stage through her celebrated restaurant in
Paris. Cooking, just like the fine arts, can be an endless road to discovery, as a chef ’s dishes are like
“his or her mirror,” as Dina shares.
Authentic Greek cuisine is balanced and nutritious, and based on fresh, natural produce, in line
with the famous quote from Hippocrates, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine thy food.”
Ancient medicine was very advanced, with a deep understanding of the human body’s functions
and needs. One of the ancients’ prescriptions was bathing in Greece’s therapeutic thermal waters,
a mind–body therapy generously provided from the depths of the Earth. Nowadays, many of these
natural thermal waters continue to benefit people from all over the world on Greece’s luxurious spa trail.
Similarly to how Greece combines land and sea, and how its unique culture inspires us, Taste
of Life is dedicated to bridging East and West, sharing the beauty and wisdom of both cultures.
Shen Yun’s principal dancer Angelia Wang introduces us to her art, classical Chinese dance, believed
to be a gift from the divine. Ancient stories, heroes and concepts come to life through the richly,
deeply expressive form of the classical dance of China. Through this, one can clearly see that human
culture has not only a superficial form, but also a deeper meaning and essence. Let us reconnect
with it, through its manifestation in authentic Chinese culture.
Efthymis Oraiopoulos
Executive Editor in Chief
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