Synopsis "Traditional Village Life: Mesanagros Rhodes Island (in English)"
Rhodes, legendary island of Helios the Sun God and Rose of the Aegean is famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and, for the World Heritage listed, medieval Old Town of the Crusader Knights. Here, you will discover the island's ancient and medieval monuments, you can enjoy the modern cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Town of Rhodes and other townships like Faliraki, Afantou, Archangelos and Lindos and, you can journey out to traditional, village life set amongst tranquil, hilly slopes and valleys and spiritual trails that lead to serene, hilltop monasteries. And, you will find rugged, hilly landscapes, beautiful sandy and pebbled beaches, bays and coves and, nearby islands and islets that surround it. The traditional village life of Southern Rhodes, of how it was in the past, in all its variety and vitality, was a way of life where there were so many things to love. Nestled amongst rugged landscapes, historic sites and spiritual trails, its residents are blessed to be living close to nature and God in every possible way. People here, still live in tune with their rural values. Its people lived the self-sufficient way of life, it was the epitome of traditional values based on God, the family and rural life that has been handed down through the centuries. Here, you will find an uncrowded, unspoiled natural environment surrounded by the quiet of nature. Its quiet roads lead out to pretty little rural villages, to fields of golden wheat and barley, olive groves, watermelon and honeydew melon patches, grazing goats and to panoramic hilly slopes with hilltop monasteries. And, you can find an uncrowded beach to swim or just sit down outside a traditional village kafeneio (café) and enjoy the tranquility of village life over a cup of Greek coffee. Many of Southern Rhodes rural villages date back to medieval times. Their beautiful little whitewashed homes with their wooden beams and open fireplaces are adorned with traditional embroideries and, mantles filled with religious icons, ceramic plates and family photos. Opposite the fireplace is usually a raised sleeping platform (soufas or, bangos) with storage cupboards underneath. The traditional village kitchen relies on the seasonal foods that the village people have sown, nurtured and harvested. Traditional staples include olive oil, fruit and vegetables, yoghurt, home-cured olives, thyme honey, goat meat and, the coarse village bread. Wild herbs used include oregano, basil, cinammon, garlic, mint, parsley, dill, alesfakia (sage), camomile, bay leaves and the traditional gliforni (popular herbal tea). Goats milk is widely used to make a variety of cheeses, yoghurt and butter according to local traditions. One or two goats will supply sufficient milk for a family throughout the year. Wild game has long been hunted for the traditional village table and can be cooked in a variety of delicious ways. Game hunting is very popular with wild hare and many species of wild birds such as partridge, quail, snipe and turtle dove on the menu for the traditional village table. Most wild game is only available during the hunting season which usually begins in September and ends in March. The traditional festivals of Southern Rhodes are held in wonderful, outdoor surroundings where people can enjoy the festive atmosphere with family and friends. People attend the church service and then enjoy delicious village food, spit-roasted goat meat and listen and dance to music in the beautiful, breathtaking mountain scenery. Rural life still goes on and remains an important part of the Southern Rhodes way of life. Some of the old people never left their villages and continue to work the fields their own parents and grandparents worked. These gentle, hard-working people lived a life that was slower, more friendly and richer in community.
