Alan R Massen

Being Greek - The Culture of the People of Greece. In this book we will consider the history, religion, geography, and other influences that have all helped shape the culture of the Greek people using words and pictures to tell the story of this wonderful land. Greece is a country located in south-east Europe located between the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. The country of Greece includes many islands such as Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, Skiathos, Thassos, Kefalonia and Zakynthos to name but a few. The places that you could visit in Greece are endless as there is something to suit everyone with a wealth of historical sites, sporting venues, walking trails, museums, landmarks, monuments, festivals, carnivals and beaches. In this book, we will meet some of the ancient gods, visit many of the important archaeological sites and learn something about the history, geography and religious beliefs of the Greek people. Then we will visit some of the best beaches, towns and villages on the mainland of Greece and the Islands before reading about some of the customs of the people who make up the country that is Greece. In 2018 I decided to write this book, that I hope will capture, the essence of Greece. It is called: Being Greek - The Culture of the People of Greece. It is a pictorial and descriptive journey to discover the Greek Gods, its mythology, its ancient sites of archaeological interest, the history, geography, religion, culture, its special places and finally some of the beliefs of its people. This is in an attempt to answer the question what is it about Greece, its people and its many Islands that people love so much and return to time and time again.

A pictorial and descriptive journey through the history and beauty of the paradise island of Cyprus then we venture onto the Holy Land to Jerusalem and Bethlehem before finishing our Journey in the land of the Pharaohs, Egypt to visit the Pyramids and the City of Cairo. Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an Island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, off the coasts of Syria and Turkey. Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous Island in the Mediterranean, and has been a member state of the European Union since May 1st 2004. It is located 40 miles south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel and Palestine and north of Egypt. This location makes it an ideal holiday destination where the visitor can enjoy the history and beauty of the Island or spend some time visiting the Pyramids and the Holy Land as part of their holiday experience. This is exactly what I did when I stayed on the Island. Places to visit on Cyprus are endless and there is something to suit everyone with a wealth of historic sites, walking trails, museums, landmarks, monuments, festivals, carnivals and quality shopping. In this book we will visit the great beaches, towns and villages on the lovely Island of Cyprus before going to see the Pyramids of Egypt and then visit the Holy Land and the city of Jerusalem. Cyprus is an island of legends that basks year-round in the light of the warm Mediterranean sun. It has a history that stretches back more than 10,000 years. It has seen civilizations come and go and been visited by the likes of Alexander the Great. Queen Cleopatra of ancient Egypt has ruled here. I hope that you will enjoy our visit to this lovely Island.

Corfu and Mainland Greece is a pictorial and descriptive journey through the history and beauty of the Greek paradise Island of Corfu before we sail away on a trip to the mainland of Greece to visit some of the most important historical sites of ancient Greece. The Island of Corfu is one of the Ionian Islands. It is just off the West coast of Greece and is one of the most Northern Ionian Islands. Many are surprised to learn that the coast directly opposite Corfu is not Greece, but Albania. The narrow channel between Corfu and Albania, in places, is less than 2km. The sea on the East and North of Corfu is shallower whereas the sea on the Western Corfu coast is very deep. Corfu is the second-biggest of the Greek Ionian Islands and one of the most popular Island in Greece. Corfu almost resembles the shape of a bent leg (with a little imagination) in the Ionian Sea. The Island enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate along with excellent beaches making it a popular destination for holiday makers. It is very green compared to other Greek Islands: hot and dry summers along with winter rain creates lush vegetation which is dominated by over 2 million olive trees. These olive trees are the main cultivation, although Corfu's tourism now provides the most income for the Island. I have over the years holidayed on Corfu, Ithaca, Crete, Santorini, Thassos, Kefalonia and Skiathos to name but a few. I have also visited the major archaeological sites on the mainland of Greece as well as spending several days visiting the important sites in Athens itself. I hope you will enjoy, with me, the beautiful Greek Island of Corfu.

A pictorial and descriptive journey through the history and beauty of the Greek paradise islands of Crete and Santorini which are set in the warm blue Mediterranean Sea. Explore the pretty beaches, villages and towns of these two picture perfect island of Greece. The Islands of Crete and Santorini are part of Greece which is a country in south-east Europe located between the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. In this book we will visit the great beaches, towns and the villages on the lovely Greek Islands of Crete and Santorini. Crete is the largest Island in Greece and the fifth largest Island in the Mediterranean. Crete is an Island with an exquisite 1,000 kilometre-long coastline dotted with numerous coves, bays and peninsulas, which afford a multitude of soft, sandy beaches along the beautifully blue Mediterranean Sea. Crete as one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations. The Island of Santorini is classically known as Thera, and officially Thira, is an Island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of Greece's mainland. It is the largest Island of a small, circular archipelago which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera. The Minoan civilisation was an Aegean Bronze Age civilisation that arose on the Islands of Crete, Santorini and other Aegean Islands and flourished from approximately 3650 to 1400 BC. I hope you enjoy reading about these two beautiful Greek Islands.