You may have noticed by now that I have a love-hate relationship with Greece, one that I value immensely. Whenever I’m there I want to be here, and whenever I’m here I want to be there. If only there were some great books to transport me there. It isn’t that there aren’t books available about Greece, but most modern attempts fall short, way short. Foreigners just don’t get it, even when they live in Greece. They fall into two categories. There are those who love everything Greek, fantasize about everything Greek and ignore things like the 3:00am earthquake garbage collection or the bin of used toilet paper that stinks up the bathroom. And then there are those who thoroughly detest everything about Greece and Greeks (Why on earth, then, do they go there?).
This means that most books are disappointing, at least to me…since I know the real story. It is so rare that someone “gets Greece” that my expectations have fallen deplorably low. As a matter of fact, the last Greek book I read, which happened to be recommended by a trusted friend, was so hideous that I had to force myself to finish it. Even worse, only one out of every ten Greek words was correctly translated or accurately reflected its phonetic equivalent. Sorry, one of my pet peeves. The Greek language is so extraordinary that I feel like I’m the one suffering the rape, along with the Greek tongue.
So, you can only imagine my absolute joy when, after the first ten pages of Harlot’s Sauce, I was not feeling my usual arrogant disgust but actually marveling could it be true? Had I finally found a book that would not disappoint?
Patricia Volonakis Davis gets it. She gets Greece. She gets the Greeks. And she gets the arrogant foreigners. She gets all of it. What a joy! And, today, you are all in for a treat, because Patricia has actually agreed to share her brilliant insight into all things Greek with us!
This means that most books are disappointing, at least to me…since I know the real story. It is so rare that someone “gets Greece” that my expectations have fallen deplorably low. As a matter of fact, the last Greek book I read, which happened to be recommended by a trusted friend, was so hideous that I had to force myself to finish it. Even worse, only one out of every ten Greek words was correctly translated or accurately reflected its phonetic equivalent. Sorry, one of my pet peeves. The Greek language is so extraordinary that I feel like I’m the one suffering the rape, along with the Greek tongue.
So, you can only imagine my absolute joy when, after the first ten pages of Harlot’s Sauce, I was not feeling my usual arrogant disgust but actually marveling could it be true? Had I finally found a book that would not disappoint?
Patricia Volonakis Davis gets it. She gets Greece. She gets the Greeks. And she gets the arrogant foreigners. She gets all of it. What a joy! And, today, you are all in for a treat, because Patricia has actually agreed to share her brilliant insight into all things Greek with us!
[Rebecca Elia] What about Greece/Greek life/living do you miss the most?
Patricia Volonakis Davis: The more relaxed pace, the endless sun, the family relationships, the political discussions, the food, the frappes, the taxi drivers driving by recklessly as you shout at them to stop for you, please. (Okay - I’m joking about that last one)
[Rebecca] What is the single most important thing that a foreigner needs to know when traveling to Greece? when moving to Greece?
Patricia: Same thing you need to know and accept when you travel/move anywhere – you are not in your own place, so expect surprises in the food, habits, store hours, perspectives, etc. And when they occur, don’t sniff, “That’s not the way we do things at home.” If you want home, stay home.
[Rebecca] What “pearls” can we learn from the Greeks and their way of life?
Patricia: They value both children and education very highly, more than they do money or fame. I sure wish it were that way here.
[Rebecca] What can the Greeks learn from Americans and our way of life?
Patricia: Not to be so steeped in traditions that they drag you down like quicksand. If you’re not happy with the way government is, education is, your global position is (and many are not) allow them to change. Welcome some change, instead of viewing change as the end of “all things Greek”. Keep the 'good Greek things', and discard the things that, though they may be what you’re used to doing, are holding the country (and its youth) back.
[Rebecca] What are the most important things that your experience in Greece (including your relationships there) have given you, personally?
Patricia: The idea that a life ─a simple life, can be lived so passionately and regally. For example, in Greece, a person who is “only a mom” is as revered for what she does as is a priest or a doctor. People don’t have to multi-task, or be financially successful, politically powerful, in order to earn respect or to be considered crucially important to Greek society.
[Rebecca] Do you have any other Greek projects in the works?
Patricia: Yes! Right now, we are working on podcasting a number of chapters of Harlot’s Sauce, with actors, Greek music, the whole works! I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be terrific fun!
[Rebecca] Thank you Patricia!
Patricia: THANK YOU, Rebecca! I so enjoyed this interview!
So, if you haven’t read Harlot’s Sauce yet, you’re in for a treat! And for those of you who have, hurry over to Amazon.com and post a review of her book there or on your website to be entered into a drawing for dinner for two at your fave Italian or Greek restaurant!
For more information about Patricia please go to her website at: www.patriciavdavis.com
You can also follow her on Twitter: @HarlotsSauce
Patricia Volonakis Davis: The more relaxed pace, the endless sun, the family relationships, the political discussions, the food, the frappes, the taxi drivers driving by recklessly as you shout at them to stop for you, please. (Okay - I’m joking about that last one)
[Rebecca] What is the single most important thing that a foreigner needs to know when traveling to Greece? when moving to Greece?
Patricia: Same thing you need to know and accept when you travel/move anywhere – you are not in your own place, so expect surprises in the food, habits, store hours, perspectives, etc. And when they occur, don’t sniff, “That’s not the way we do things at home.” If you want home, stay home.
[Rebecca] What “pearls” can we learn from the Greeks and their way of life?
Patricia: They value both children and education very highly, more than they do money or fame. I sure wish it were that way here.
[Rebecca] What can the Greeks learn from Americans and our way of life?
Patricia: Not to be so steeped in traditions that they drag you down like quicksand. If you’re not happy with the way government is, education is, your global position is (and many are not) allow them to change. Welcome some change, instead of viewing change as the end of “all things Greek”. Keep the 'good Greek things', and discard the things that, though they may be what you’re used to doing, are holding the country (and its youth) back.
[Rebecca] What are the most important things that your experience in Greece (including your relationships there) have given you, personally?
Patricia: The idea that a life ─a simple life, can be lived so passionately and regally. For example, in Greece, a person who is “only a mom” is as revered for what she does as is a priest or a doctor. People don’t have to multi-task, or be financially successful, politically powerful, in order to earn respect or to be considered crucially important to Greek society.
[Rebecca] Do you have any other Greek projects in the works?
Patricia: Yes! Right now, we are working on podcasting a number of chapters of Harlot’s Sauce, with actors, Greek music, the whole works! I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be terrific fun!
[Rebecca] Thank you Patricia!
Patricia: THANK YOU, Rebecca! I so enjoyed this interview!
So, if you haven’t read Harlot’s Sauce yet, you’re in for a treat! And for those of you who have, hurry over to Amazon.com and post a review of her book there or on your website to be entered into a drawing for dinner for two at your fave Italian or Greek restaurant!
For more information about Patricia please go to her website at: www.patriciavdavis.com
You can also follow her on Twitter: @HarlotsSauce
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