Icarus and Daedalus

 
 
 

Vocabulary

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Video

 

 
 
 
 

Transcript

 

Anna Katsas, Greek American Content Creator

I was 17 years old. I came here for just two weeks and I saw this place and I was like, “Oh my god, I’m from here.”

So recently I had the opportunity to get my Greek citizenship and I’m currently living with my Yaya Anna, my grandmother.

Ever since I found out that Ikaria was a Blue Zone, I haven’t been able to stop talking about it. So I’m glad you’re here.

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Blue Zones

So a Blue Zone is a place in the world where research has shown that people live exceptionally longer and ultimately happier lives.

People move slower here.

There’s a saying called siga siga which means to take it slowly to not rush things. Being present.

You might go by a placia, cafes, and you’ll see people sitting and talking for hours with the same people new cups of coffee.

There’s almost an art in doing nothing.

As you’re traveling through the island, you notice the rugged beauty of the mountains, the beautiful blue of the Aegean Sea. You almost feel time stops.

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Rock of Ikaros

Icarus and Daedalus

So, we are at the rock of Ikaros. It’s a bit tricky to find it, but if you stay on the road, you’ll find your way.

Icarus and his father Daedalus were trapped by King Minos in Crete. In order to escape, Icarus’s father created wings out of wax.

He is having an amazing time flying in the sky. He flies too close to the sun and then his wings melt and he falls into the sea.

And that rock is supposedly where he fell and why Ikaria has its name.

I’m not sure if many tourists know about the anti-pirate houses. You’ll see houses and churches built into boulders because people wanted to camouflage as much as possible and look invisible.

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Food

Ikaria was a very poor island. So they were eating what they could find in their gardens. They were utilizing herbs, vegetables that they had.

When we go to Karimalis Restaurant, you’ll see they still focus on the traditional diet. All of their recipes are plant-based throughout the week. Sunday is the only day of the week they cook meat.

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Longevity

So why do people make it to 90 here in Ikaria?

The lifestyle, the diet, how much sleep people get, the low stress levels, the exercise. The healthiest lifestyle practices have been ingrained in daily life here for centuries.

Therma Hot Spring

This is Therma. It’s one of the many hot springs that I has. It’s one of my favorite places. The waters are radioactive.

Do your research and check with your doctor if it’s something that you want to participate in.

But I think I’m going to.

Geography and Landscape

As you’ll see, Ikaria is one big mountain and there are hills everywhere. And so, traditionally, people were walking up and down mountains for miles, for centuries, and they still do this.

Some of my favorite things to do are to go to the beach, probably Mesakti. They have surfing there, volleyball.

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My Yaya still goes on walks with her cane even though she’s 91 years old to go and visit her friends.

There’s a big sense of community here and that really holds everyone together.

In the evening in the summertime, one of my favorite things to do is go to a panigiri. It’s a festival where the home village will host. They’ll make food for everyone and there’s music and dancing all throughout the night and people will dance even until the sun comes up.

My grandmother and grandfather were born here in Ikaria and they moved to the United States to have a better life for their family . . .

And now for me the better life is here in Ikaria and that’s what I’m currently doing.

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Questions

 

Walking, Hiking. Anna Katsas, the presenter, is a local; she was born and raised on Ikaria. True or false? Is she a tourist visiting the island?

Swimming, Diving. Blue Zones are places with blue seas and blue skies, and where people feel blue. Is this right or wrong?

Canoeing, Rowing, Paddling. Is Ikaria a hectic place, where people are always rushing, busy, with lots of traffic, noise, pollution?

Boating, Sailing. Is Ikaria named after poet, novelist, president or politician? What’s the legend of Icaros and Dedelos?

Gardening, Farming. Do the locals mainly eat steak, hamburgers, roast chicken, succulent pig, barbecue, grilled sausage? Are steak, hamburgers, roast chicken, succulent pig, barbecue, grilled sausage their main, favorite foods?

Shepherd, Farmer, Fisherman. The host believes many people on Ikaria live long, healthy lives thanks to professional doctors, nurses, modern, well-equipped clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies. Is this correct or incorrect?

Dairy, Milk, Cheese, Yogurt. There is nothing to do on Ikaria; Ikaria is a boring place. Do you agree?

Vegetables, Greens. Do Ikarians live lonely, solitary, isolated lives? Are the locals withdrawn, unsociable, introverts?
 
 
 
Fruits, Grapes, Apples, Oranges. Have you heard of the saying, “The grass is greener on the other side”?

Music, Dance. Is your community similar to or different from Ikaria?

Festival, Celebration, Party. Have you been to places similar to Ikaria?

Family and Friends. My friends and I would like to live on Ikaria or a similar place. Yes or no? Would you like to live on Ikaria?

Neighbors, Community. What might happen in the future?

Relaxed, Laid Back, Peaceful. What could or should people, businesses, pop culture, and governments do?