My Greek Diaries
A Lifestyle of wanderlust and nature in Greece! The Chronicles of Dr. Michele Burklund in Crete during the summer of 2015 as she explores local culture, medicine, tradition, art, and living while writing her book.
THE DIFFERENCE
The Greeks boil their coffee rather than brew it.
Every morning since I have arrived in Crete I start the day with Greek coffee and it's amazing! That's quite a compliment coming from a Seattlite, the birthplace of coffee in the U.S. (and Starbucks).
Why is Greek coffee so much better? Well, it's all in the preparation which creates a higher concentration of more protective compounds than your average cup of joe.
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HERBAN COUNTRY
Crete is one of the most interesting eco-systems in Europe, rich with indigenous plants.
What’s the most inspiring part of living in a small Greek village? Watching the elders work in their gardens each morning and seeing them forage for herbs to prepare their daily cuisine. Botanical studies have even shown that this island has one of the most interesting eco-systems in Europe, rich with indigenous plants.
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CRETAN SUPERFOOD
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is loaded with omega’s 3’s, the richest source of melatonin, and a powerful detoxifier.
Other Countries Consider It A Weed But Not The Cretans! After doing some research, I was amazed that I had never heard of this plant... or, for that matter, how someone could view it as a weed! Purslane simply deserves more respect.
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Finally, I have found a country that isn't afraid to use garlic and lots of it. It's a very nice thing to be living alone right now, because I have no idea if I smell like garlic to anyone else :) Almost everyday since I've arrived I have eaten tzatziki!
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LIVING IT
They are tuned into nature and eat seasonally. Farm to table dining isn’t a luxury, it’s life.
In the U.S we would spend hundreds of dollars to seek out the hippest restaurant that offers local, organic, farm-fresh food but here, it's just another day. We ate eggs that were from an 80-year old man's chickens, avocados from the neighbors crop, and kiwi's grown around the corner. The dinner consisted of kiwi cheesecake made with Greek yogurt, grilled avocado salad, and an omelette made with spinach and eggs.
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HE KNEW IT ALL…
He was the first doctor to recognize that disease was associated with environmental factors, diet, and living habits. It seems so commonplace now, but back in 460 BC this was an interesting idea.
He was the first doctor to recognize that disease was associated with environmental factors, diet, and living habits. It seems so commonplace now, but back in 460 BC this was an interesting idea.
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AVDOU
Slowing down to smell the roses
Smelling the sweet scents of jasmine & rose, hearing the birds sing, walking the dirt roads covered in flowers and lined with stones, and looking at the gorgeous view of the mountains is how I started my morning.
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DAY 1
I want to be immersed in the culture and live like the locals do.
After a long flight (and an insane layover in Germany), I have finally arrived in Crete! I booked a one way ticket and way too much stuff for my journey to write a book based on this blog! My goal is to write 10-15 pages a day and also chronicle my life in this tiny, yet incredibly charming village called Avdou. Whenever I travel to a new location my goal is to be immersed in the culture and live like the locals do. What's the point of traveling if you're just going to stay in a chain hotel and do activities just designed for tourists??? Well, I found the perfect place to explore local culture and discover a slower way of life.
Read MoreMEDICINE WILD. curated by Dr. Michele Burklund. Dr. Michele Burklund perfectly blends the art of natural medicine into beautiful and inspiring health tips in her health and wellness website, Medicine Wild. Learn about natural remedies, DIY treatments, naturopathic lifestyles, and more