Μου αρέσει να μαθαίνω ελληνικά! (“I like to learn Greek!”)
I can’t claim to have played professional soccer this week, but I did get to watch a men’s match on Saturday! Soccer (here called “football,” or το ποδόσφαιρο in Greek) is the sport of choice, and fans are very devoted to their teams. There’s no American-style football here, and there are no high school or college athletic teams, but professional soccer seems to be as popular here as college football is back in America. One of my colleagues invited me to go with her to a game since she had season tickets for her whole family, just as she has for the past 25 years. She and her husband have long served on the team’s council, too. Talk about dedication to their team! Recently, I also got to see my American friend Vicky play in a ladies soccer game. She attended the same college that I did and now plays pro soccer in Cyprus. Go, Vicky!
‘Tis the season for vasilopita (βασιλόπιτα)! What’s that? It’s only the best luck-bringing cake you have probably never tasted! It’s named for Άγιος Βασίλη (Saint Basil), the Greek equivalent, you might say, of Santa Claus. In fact, New Year’s Eve here is dedicated to Saint Basil, who is remembered for his charity to the poor is now thought to bring presents to children on New Year’s Eve, much like Santa in the United States. Simple yet tasty, vasilopita is flavored with oranges and almonds. Inside is hidden a single coin. Whoever finds it is believed to have good luck for the entire year! It’s a New Year’s tradition that I plan to adopt and continue in America.
