philotimo

Philotimo (φιλότιμο) is a Greek noun translating to 'love of honor'.

However, philotimo is almost impossible to translate sufficiently as it describes a complex array of virtues. Philotimo is considered to be the highest of all Greek virtues, the standards for family and social living. The core concept is that of respect and walking in right paths. In its simplest form, the term means 'doing good', actions that ensure that a man's behavior be exemplary and demonstrate his personality and the manner in which he was raised. Philotimo to a Greek is essentially a way of life.

We found the expression on the typical blue & white Greek paper tablecloth of beach restaurant Kaliva, an authentic and picturesque greek restaurant, where we had lunch almost every day.

The friendly waiter who served us every day was a paragon of philotimo. During our last lunch at the beach yesterday he was setting the table for a big group for the evening. When I suggested, to arrange a small table bouquet, he returned with a big smile on his face, scissors and a vase. I simply snipped bougainvillea and pandorea jasminoides from the porch, herbs from the garden and some branches along the beach.

A gesture to express our gratitude and appreciation for his service and kindness.

Meanwhile we are back home to realize all good things come to an end...

Our laid back (beach) vacation was wonderful and we savored every moment of the greek cabin life on the island of Rhodes.

ialysos beach

Rhodes Island - Greece - Monday 26th of August

A day on the beach. More slow living in Ialysos.

greek delights (final part ten)

paint it white, originally uploaded by wood & wool stool.

part ten: paint it white

The Cretans know all about atmosphere. White houses with blue painted doors. Good and simple food with fresh ingredients. Taverns almost located in the waves.

Life is good in the south of Crete. An ideal place to make stools.
I miss the relaxed way of life and the sun and Bobbie. I'm officially homesick.

greek delights (part six)

fishing boat, originally uploaded by wood & wool stool.

part six: greek fishing boats and especially the sight of all the colorful stuff on board

greek delights (part five)

fresh tasty vegetables, originally uploaded by wood & wool stool.

part five: fresh tasty vegetables

The greek food is simple but very tasty and you really taste the difference. The sun and earth give so much flavor to the vegetables and fruits. Pip discovered that the cucumber had a strange taste. 'Yes, you are absolutely right, it tastes like cucumber'.

Especially when I saw these seeds, I wished I had just a little more space (and Greek sun) in my garden, to grow my own tasty vegetables.

greek delights (part two)

greek yogurt with fresh fruit and honey, originally uploaded by wood & wool stool.

part two: greek yogurt with fresh fruit and honey