1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,583 (upbeat music) 2 00:00:22,870 --> 00:00:24,490 - From the bustling streets of Athens 3 00:00:24,490 --> 00:00:26,070 and the historic port of Hydra, 4 00:00:26,070 --> 00:00:28,040 to the beaches of Zakynthos and the villages of Kythira, 5 00:00:28,040 --> 00:00:29,960 our journey over the coming weeks 6 00:00:29,960 --> 00:00:31,930 spans many of the Ionian Islands, 7 00:00:31,930 --> 00:00:34,930 some well-known, others that few ever get to visit. 8 00:00:34,930 --> 00:00:35,763 But before heading off, 9 00:00:35,763 --> 00:00:37,470 you probably wanna know a little bit about me. 10 00:00:37,470 --> 00:00:38,690 My story starts as boy 11 00:00:38,690 --> 00:00:40,710 growing up in the inner suburbs of Sydney. 12 00:00:40,710 --> 00:00:42,520 Like a lot of Greeks early last century, 13 00:00:42,520 --> 00:00:45,233 my parents moved overseas to find a better life abroad. 14 00:00:45,233 --> 00:00:48,010 They arrived with very little and worked extremely hard 15 00:00:48,010 --> 00:00:48,980 to give my sisters and I 16 00:00:48,980 --> 00:00:49,950 a loving upbringing. 17 00:00:49,950 --> 00:00:50,820 They also made me believe 18 00:00:50,820 --> 00:00:52,240 that if I too worked hard enough, 19 00:00:52,240 --> 00:00:53,700 I could achieve anything. 20 00:00:53,700 --> 00:00:56,500 54 years later, I've built a successful business. 21 00:00:56,500 --> 00:00:59,110 And that has enabled me to do things I once only dreamed of. 22 00:00:59,110 --> 00:01:00,930 One of those dreams was to step foot 23 00:01:00,930 --> 00:01:04,030 on all 227 inhabited Greek Islands, 24 00:01:04,030 --> 00:01:05,900 and I'm gonna take a big chunk out of that 25 00:01:05,900 --> 00:01:07,283 in this first series. 26 00:01:08,260 --> 00:01:11,040 Athens, cradle of civilization. 27 00:01:11,040 --> 00:01:12,440 And what better place to see it 28 00:01:12,440 --> 00:01:15,480 than at the top of Mount Lykavittos. 29 00:01:15,480 --> 00:01:17,070 Right over there is the Acropolis. 30 00:01:17,070 --> 00:01:21,500 That was the power base two and a half thousand years ago. 31 00:01:21,500 --> 00:01:24,230 This is just such a wonderful sight, 32 00:01:24,230 --> 00:01:26,343 and the best place to start my journey. 33 00:01:27,900 --> 00:01:29,820 Okay, you're probably thinking this is going to be 34 00:01:29,820 --> 00:01:32,580 another one of those boring travel or documentary shows, 35 00:01:32,580 --> 00:01:34,220 with some fish out of the water presenter 36 00:01:34,220 --> 00:01:37,100 spruiking the same old locations he knows nothing about. 37 00:01:37,100 --> 00:01:39,660 Well before you reach for that remote let me tell you, 38 00:01:39,660 --> 00:01:40,860 this is in my DNA. 39 00:01:40,860 --> 00:01:42,470 It's a story that I've been breathing 40 00:01:42,470 --> 00:01:44,780 and following for 45 years. 41 00:01:44,780 --> 00:01:47,220 I'm gonna take you on a personal journey of discovery 42 00:01:47,220 --> 00:01:48,580 through one of the most historic 43 00:01:48,580 --> 00:01:51,240 and picturesque places on earth, Greece. 44 00:01:51,240 --> 00:01:52,150 Yeah, I'm Greek. 45 00:01:52,150 --> 00:01:53,330 And yes, I'm biassed. 46 00:01:53,330 --> 00:01:54,430 But that's given me the opportunity 47 00:01:54,430 --> 00:01:56,370 to show you things in many instances 48 00:01:56,370 --> 00:01:57,950 have never been filmed before. 49 00:01:57,950 --> 00:01:59,270 Once you've seen what I'm gonna show you 50 00:01:59,270 --> 00:02:00,220 in the coming weeks, 51 00:02:00,220 --> 00:02:01,750 you're gonna be dancing on tables, 52 00:02:01,750 --> 00:02:03,770 growing olives, smashing plates. 53 00:02:03,770 --> 00:02:05,510 You'll be wishing you had a little bit of Greek in you. 54 00:02:05,510 --> 00:02:07,340 Mind you, you probably do. 55 00:02:07,340 --> 00:02:08,450 We've been sowing our seeds 56 00:02:08,450 --> 00:02:09,720 in every corner of the globe 57 00:02:09,720 --> 00:02:11,513 for two and a half thousand years. 58 00:02:12,970 --> 00:02:14,620 This is my pride and joy. 59 00:02:14,620 --> 00:02:17,860 Her name is Mia Zoi, which is Greek for one life. 60 00:02:17,860 --> 00:02:19,560 This beautiful lady has already taken me 61 00:02:19,560 --> 00:02:22,600 to some incredible places that people never get to see, 62 00:02:22,600 --> 00:02:23,454 but this time, 63 00:02:23,454 --> 00:02:26,527 I look forward to sharing that journey with you. 64 00:02:26,527 --> 00:02:28,083 (engine humming) 65 00:02:28,083 --> 00:02:31,916 (metal clanking and creaking) 66 00:02:35,830 --> 00:02:37,040 I arrived in Greece early 67 00:02:37,040 --> 00:02:38,790 to check on the makeover of Mia Zoi 68 00:02:38,790 --> 00:02:41,883 which included a new interior and fitting some stabilisers. 69 00:02:42,810 --> 00:02:44,730 As calm as the Greek waters can be, 70 00:02:44,730 --> 00:02:46,540 my beautiful wife wanted things a little steadier 71 00:02:46,540 --> 00:02:48,240 when there's a wave or two. 72 00:02:48,240 --> 00:02:51,090 And trust me, Helen is the most gentle of ladies 73 00:02:51,090 --> 00:02:52,910 but rock that boat with her in it 74 00:02:52,910 --> 00:02:54,700 and she makes Poseidon's fury 75 00:02:54,700 --> 00:02:56,593 look like playtime at poolside. 76 00:02:58,230 --> 00:02:59,550 While all this was going on 77 00:02:59,550 --> 00:03:00,650 I had some time up my sleeve 78 00:03:00,650 --> 00:03:02,190 to get reacquainted with Athens. 79 00:03:02,190 --> 00:03:03,200 Normally when I fly in, 80 00:03:03,200 --> 00:03:04,880 I head straight out to sea. 81 00:03:04,880 --> 00:03:06,490 So it was a nice change to spend the week 82 00:03:06,490 --> 00:03:07,529 in this great city. 83 00:03:07,529 --> 00:03:08,362 (speaking foreign language) 84 00:03:08,362 --> 00:03:11,710 (upbeat music) 85 00:03:11,710 --> 00:03:12,900 Clearly, I'm no Adonis. 86 00:03:12,900 --> 00:03:14,560 But I do my best to keep a few kilos off. 87 00:03:14,560 --> 00:03:16,820 And when the sun's up, I'm up. 88 00:03:16,820 --> 00:03:19,800 And the first thing I do is my morning exercise. 89 00:03:19,800 --> 00:03:22,170 Always happens, I think I'm lost. 90 00:03:22,170 --> 00:03:23,003 Always happens to me 91 00:03:23,003 --> 00:03:25,623 when I run around Plaka and Monastiraki. 92 00:03:27,660 --> 00:03:29,850 Now most places are closed at this time. 93 00:03:29,850 --> 00:03:31,850 Greeks generally operate on relaxed business hours 94 00:03:31,850 --> 00:03:33,837 that start a little later than your average city. 95 00:03:33,837 --> 00:03:36,640 (speaking foreign language) 96 00:03:36,640 --> 00:03:37,990 But you can always rely on a periptero 97 00:03:37,990 --> 00:03:39,890 to be open to grab a paper and a drink. 98 00:03:39,890 --> 00:03:42,495 And there's a particular one I've been visiting for years. 99 00:03:42,495 --> 00:03:45,078 (upbeat music) 100 00:03:51,922 --> 00:03:54,071 One of the classic institutions exclusive to Greece 101 00:03:54,071 --> 00:03:56,082 is the periptero. 102 00:03:56,082 --> 00:03:57,250 You can buy almost anything here, 103 00:03:57,250 --> 00:03:59,820 and they're on every corner, in every village, 104 00:03:59,820 --> 00:04:02,260 on every island, all through Greece. 105 00:04:02,260 --> 00:04:04,600 This one's classic 'cause it's at the bottom of Syntagma, 106 00:04:04,600 --> 00:04:06,457 and my good friend Pavlo is there. 107 00:04:06,457 --> 00:04:09,740 (motor revving) 108 00:04:09,740 --> 00:04:10,657 Yes, Pavlo! 109 00:04:15,170 --> 00:04:16,887 Fantastic! I need-- - How are you? 110 00:04:16,887 --> 00:04:17,900 - I need this water. 111 00:04:17,900 --> 00:04:19,050 I've just been running. 112 00:04:20,748 --> 00:04:21,581 (speaking foreign language) 113 00:04:21,581 --> 00:04:22,810 Pavlo, you've been here 30 years? 114 00:04:22,810 --> 00:04:25,720 - Yeah, I've been here about 30 years, yes. 115 00:04:25,720 --> 00:04:27,010 - What a great accent! 116 00:04:27,010 --> 00:04:28,660 Where does that accent come from? 117 00:04:29,930 --> 00:04:33,920 - I spent a few years, I mean about 12 years, 118 00:04:33,920 --> 00:04:36,230 in the United States in Chicago, yeah. 119 00:04:36,230 --> 00:04:38,280 - Wow! So how many hours a day are you spending here? 120 00:04:38,280 --> 00:04:40,860 - About 10 to 12 hours a day. - Wow. 121 00:04:40,860 --> 00:04:42,783 - Seven days a week. - [Peter] Seven days a week. 122 00:04:42,783 --> 00:04:45,690 - Yeah, I'm one of the lazy Greeks. 123 00:04:45,690 --> 00:04:46,523 Yes. - Really? 124 00:04:46,523 --> 00:04:48,050 - Yeah, I'm lazy! 125 00:04:48,050 --> 00:04:49,460 Because that's what the Europeans say. 126 00:04:49,460 --> 00:04:50,293 The Greeks are lazy. 127 00:04:50,293 --> 00:04:52,000 (laughing) 128 00:04:52,000 --> 00:04:53,150 - You bought this business? 129 00:04:53,150 --> 00:04:54,850 - No no, you don't buy it actually. 130 00:04:54,850 --> 00:04:58,850 This business belonged to war veterans 131 00:04:58,850 --> 00:05:02,430 and they gave 'em the kiosks so they have an income. 132 00:05:02,430 --> 00:05:03,380 - Right. - Because 133 00:05:04,633 --> 00:05:08,020 the state could not give 'em enough money to live, 134 00:05:08,020 --> 00:05:10,000 so they gave 'em a store to make a living. 135 00:05:10,000 --> 00:05:10,860 - [Peter] What I wanna know, Pavlo, 136 00:05:10,860 --> 00:05:12,370 I'm looking at that little space in there. 137 00:05:12,370 --> 00:05:14,413 How do you work in that space 12 hours a day? 138 00:05:14,413 --> 00:05:15,370 (Pavlo laughing) 139 00:05:15,370 --> 00:05:17,330 - Actually, now I'm used to it. 140 00:05:17,330 --> 00:05:18,653 We must. - Well after 30 years, 141 00:05:18,653 --> 00:05:19,486 you'd expect that. - Yeah. 142 00:05:19,486 --> 00:05:20,427 - Wouldn't you? - I know. 143 00:05:20,427 --> 00:05:21,352 - Do you have a stool in there? 144 00:05:21,352 --> 00:05:22,185 - Sorry? - Do you have a stool? 145 00:05:22,185 --> 00:05:23,976 - Yeah, yeah, yeah. - You've gotta have a stool. 146 00:05:23,976 --> 00:05:24,809 - Oh, of course. - I couldn't stand up 147 00:05:24,809 --> 00:05:25,642 12 hours a day, no way. - I cannot stand all day. 148 00:05:25,642 --> 00:05:26,690 No no no. - Yeah. 149 00:05:26,690 --> 00:05:27,980 Well now I've had my water. 150 00:05:27,980 --> 00:05:29,442 I need to go and have a coffee, Pavlo. 151 00:05:29,442 --> 00:05:30,275 So I'm gonna get going. - Okay. 152 00:05:30,275 --> 00:05:32,200 - Thank you very much. - Nice to see you again! 153 00:05:32,200 --> 00:05:33,033 - Good to see you! 154 00:05:33,033 --> 00:05:33,866 (speaking foreign language) 155 00:05:33,866 --> 00:05:35,280 Yeah! 156 00:05:35,280 --> 00:05:36,113 Yeah! 157 00:05:36,113 --> 00:05:38,720 (laughing) 158 00:05:38,720 --> 00:05:41,120 Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world. 159 00:05:42,290 --> 00:05:44,890 It's the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, 160 00:05:44,890 --> 00:05:47,700 modern medicine, mathematics, free speech, 161 00:05:47,700 --> 00:05:48,910 and the power for you and I 162 00:05:48,910 --> 00:05:51,460 to vote for our elected officials. 163 00:05:51,460 --> 00:05:53,810 The city is also packed with ancient ruins, 164 00:05:53,810 --> 00:05:55,990 many of which are amongst the most recognisable 165 00:05:55,990 --> 00:05:57,800 sights on the planet. 166 00:05:57,800 --> 00:05:59,610 In this one spot just beside Plaka, 167 00:05:59,610 --> 00:06:00,980 you can walk around the architecture 168 00:06:00,980 --> 00:06:03,370 of several different civilizations, 169 00:06:03,370 --> 00:06:05,802 and see the Parthenon, Hadrian's Library, 170 00:06:05,802 --> 00:06:08,410 Monastiraki and its flea markets, 171 00:06:08,410 --> 00:06:10,970 the Roman Agora, churches and mosques. 172 00:06:10,970 --> 00:06:13,350 There's two and a half thousand years of storytelling, 173 00:06:13,350 --> 00:06:14,670 that shows how different cultures 174 00:06:14,670 --> 00:06:16,330 have left their mark on Athens. 175 00:06:16,330 --> 00:06:19,240 And you can do this in three hours or three days. 176 00:06:19,240 --> 00:06:20,740 It's a must! 177 00:06:20,740 --> 00:06:21,703 The Benaki Museum! 178 00:06:22,690 --> 00:06:23,970 I've been coming here 40 years 179 00:06:23,970 --> 00:06:25,470 and never been to that museum. 180 00:06:26,350 --> 00:06:27,750 There's always a first time. 181 00:06:29,070 --> 00:06:30,880 A great way to learn about Greece's history, 182 00:06:30,880 --> 00:06:33,960 is by visiting one of the many museums in Athens. 183 00:06:33,960 --> 00:06:36,230 I'm told there are over 200 of them, 184 00:06:36,230 --> 00:06:37,720 so you're spoiled for choice. 185 00:06:37,720 --> 00:06:39,480 But one that's particularly important, 186 00:06:39,480 --> 00:06:41,820 and often overlooked is the Benaki. 187 00:06:41,820 --> 00:06:43,377 I met with Dr. George Manginis, 188 00:06:43,377 --> 00:06:46,660 who is considered one of the foremost Greek art historians. 189 00:06:46,660 --> 00:06:48,090 - And the classical periods. 190 00:06:48,090 --> 00:06:49,570 - I love the classical periods. 191 00:06:49,570 --> 00:06:51,120 This is my favourite, I'm Greek. 192 00:06:52,340 --> 00:06:54,520 Why is this a special museum? 193 00:06:54,520 --> 00:06:57,720 - Because it's the only museum in Greece, 194 00:06:57,720 --> 00:06:59,580 and perhaps in the world, 195 00:06:59,580 --> 00:07:02,250 that shows Greek history 196 00:07:02,250 --> 00:07:04,070 from prehistory 197 00:07:04,070 --> 00:07:07,430 through to classical antiquity, Byantium, 198 00:07:07,430 --> 00:07:08,930 early modern Greece, 199 00:07:08,930 --> 00:07:12,500 the War of Liberation from 1821 to 1830, 200 00:07:12,500 --> 00:07:16,870 and all the way to World War II and beyond. 201 00:07:16,870 --> 00:07:19,340 So, we even have contemporary Greek culture. 202 00:07:19,340 --> 00:07:21,320 You cannot find that anywhere else. 203 00:07:21,320 --> 00:07:23,400 It's the only museum that features it. 204 00:07:23,400 --> 00:07:25,790 So, that's what makes it uniquely special. 205 00:07:25,790 --> 00:07:27,030 - And it's all thanks to him. 206 00:07:27,030 --> 00:07:29,130 - It's all thanks to him. 207 00:07:29,130 --> 00:07:31,370 - [Peter] The museum was established by Antonis Benakis. 208 00:07:31,370 --> 00:07:33,390 An art collector, who believed in the tradition 209 00:07:33,390 --> 00:07:35,090 of national benefaction. 210 00:07:35,090 --> 00:07:35,980 Within his lifetime 211 00:07:35,980 --> 00:07:37,840 he donated much of his fortune and collection 212 00:07:37,840 --> 00:07:38,920 to the Greek state, 213 00:07:38,920 --> 00:07:40,700 so people would have access to artefacts 214 00:07:40,700 --> 00:07:42,250 significant to their culture. 215 00:07:42,250 --> 00:07:44,200 It's a testament not only to his legacy, 216 00:07:44,200 --> 00:07:46,660 but the proud history of Greece. 217 00:07:46,660 --> 00:07:47,890 - He was the visionary 218 00:07:47,890 --> 00:07:50,870 who brought all this into this country. 219 00:07:50,870 --> 00:07:52,647 He gave it to the Greek nation, 220 00:07:52,647 --> 00:07:56,500 and he allowed the museum to introduce to this country 221 00:07:56,500 --> 00:07:58,770 the latest trend from abroad 222 00:07:58,770 --> 00:08:03,770 and also be original and improvise worldwide. 223 00:08:05,240 --> 00:08:07,400 - To be honest, I have a short attention span 224 00:08:07,400 --> 00:08:09,100 when it comes to the arts, 225 00:08:09,100 --> 00:08:11,800 but there was so much diversity about this museum, 226 00:08:11,800 --> 00:08:13,350 that I never got bored. 227 00:08:13,350 --> 00:08:14,770 You literally walk 20 metres 228 00:08:14,770 --> 00:08:17,530 and you've passed 500 years of history. 229 00:08:17,530 --> 00:08:18,670 If you haven't got time to visit 230 00:08:18,670 --> 00:08:20,570 the 200 odd museums in Athens, 231 00:08:20,570 --> 00:08:21,500 then come to this place, 232 00:08:21,500 --> 00:08:23,920 and get a crash course in Greek history. 233 00:08:23,920 --> 00:08:24,930 Doctor, I'm amazed. 234 00:08:24,930 --> 00:08:27,830 In a few short hours we've gone from the Bronze Age, 235 00:08:27,830 --> 00:08:29,590 to the 20th century. 236 00:08:29,590 --> 00:08:32,557 Doing that in one museum is just amazing. 237 00:08:32,557 --> 00:08:33,800 - Isn't it? 238 00:08:33,800 --> 00:08:35,540 You need a lot of time for it. 239 00:08:35,540 --> 00:08:37,560 But, you can come on a Thursday. 240 00:08:37,560 --> 00:08:40,282 It's open all day until midnight 241 00:08:40,282 --> 00:08:43,280 and you can even have a drink at the bar. 242 00:08:43,280 --> 00:08:45,230 - Well, should we go and have a drink now? 243 00:08:45,230 --> 00:08:48,320 - It is not Thursday, okay? 244 00:08:48,320 --> 00:08:49,261 Remember. 245 00:08:49,261 --> 00:08:50,583 (laughing) 246 00:08:50,583 --> 00:08:53,166 (upbeat music) 247 00:09:07,603 --> 00:09:10,270 (loud stomping) 248 00:09:14,060 --> 00:09:15,830 - As strange as the marching might look, 249 00:09:15,830 --> 00:09:17,580 what's going on here is quite serious 250 00:09:17,580 --> 00:09:19,270 and steeped in tradition. 251 00:09:19,270 --> 00:09:20,840 These are the Evzones. 252 00:09:20,840 --> 00:09:22,820 They're an elite, ceremonial guard unit 253 00:09:22,820 --> 00:09:24,530 that protects the presidential mansion 254 00:09:24,530 --> 00:09:26,940 as well as the tomb of the unknown soldier. 255 00:09:26,940 --> 00:09:29,300 Apart from this slightly unusual parading technique, 256 00:09:29,300 --> 00:09:31,730 they're also known for their striking uniforms 257 00:09:31,730 --> 00:09:33,480 which are handmade in the barracks. 258 00:09:39,050 --> 00:09:40,513 Six months! 259 00:09:42,030 --> 00:09:45,090 Six months, to make this. 260 00:09:45,090 --> 00:09:47,590 So, this is all the needle work that you see 261 00:09:47,590 --> 00:09:49,250 on the reverse side, 262 00:09:49,250 --> 00:09:51,030 and when you turn it over, 263 00:09:51,030 --> 00:09:52,510 you actually can't see the base cloth, 264 00:09:52,510 --> 00:09:54,537 it's all wool stitch. 265 00:09:56,070 --> 00:09:57,610 This part of the Evzones regalia 266 00:09:57,610 --> 00:09:58,910 is called the fustanella. 267 00:09:58,910 --> 00:10:01,010 It's important because it has 400 pleats 268 00:10:01,010 --> 00:10:04,090 that represent the 400 years of Ottoman occupation. 269 00:10:04,090 --> 00:10:05,290 There are two halves to it, 270 00:10:05,290 --> 00:10:08,030 each of which have 80 metres of material. 271 00:10:08,030 --> 00:10:09,370 This perimeter going from here, 272 00:10:09,370 --> 00:10:11,680 all the way to the end, 273 00:10:11,680 --> 00:10:13,633 is 80 metres. 274 00:10:18,910 --> 00:10:19,870 80 metres! 275 00:10:19,870 --> 00:10:23,003 They've got 80 metres of fabric wrapped around them. 276 00:10:23,003 --> 00:10:24,253 That's amazing. 277 00:10:28,760 --> 00:10:29,687 Another important part of the outfit 278 00:10:29,687 --> 00:10:32,130 is the tsarouchia, their shoes. 279 00:10:32,130 --> 00:10:34,380 These create the thunderous sounds of marching, 280 00:10:34,380 --> 00:10:36,390 and like the rest of the uniform, are made by hand. 281 00:10:36,390 --> 00:10:38,610 So, George is just saying to me 282 00:10:38,610 --> 00:10:41,500 that they actually put together everything. 283 00:10:41,500 --> 00:10:44,940 The stitching here, which is just a decoration stitching, 284 00:10:44,940 --> 00:10:46,060 he does. 285 00:10:46,060 --> 00:10:49,080 The stitching to form it, when they nail it together, 286 00:10:49,080 --> 00:10:49,913 he does. 287 00:10:49,913 --> 00:10:51,980 There's nothing that's made by a machine. 288 00:10:51,980 --> 00:10:54,590 There is nothing here that is done externally. 289 00:10:54,590 --> 00:10:56,190 They do it all themselves. 290 00:10:56,190 --> 00:10:57,950 It's very impressive. 291 00:10:57,950 --> 00:10:59,800 It takes a week for one pair to come together 292 00:10:59,800 --> 00:11:00,900 and George the cobbler has been making them 293 00:11:00,900 --> 00:11:02,863 for over 25 years. 294 00:11:02,863 --> 00:11:05,550 Only he and his apprentice know how to make them, 295 00:11:05,550 --> 00:11:07,569 so it's an incredibly specialised craft. 296 00:11:07,569 --> 00:11:10,236 (loud pounding) 297 00:11:11,800 --> 00:11:15,320 - This is a platoon of 15 Evzones, 298 00:11:15,320 --> 00:11:17,900 offering honours to the flag and the platoon commander. 299 00:11:17,900 --> 00:11:19,610 They can't sit down. 300 00:11:19,610 --> 00:11:21,940 They have to stand all the time, 301 00:11:21,940 --> 00:11:25,330 until we arrive at Acropolis. 302 00:11:25,330 --> 00:11:27,320 - One of the significant roles the Evzones play 303 00:11:27,320 --> 00:11:29,380 is raising the flag on the Acropolis. 304 00:11:29,380 --> 00:11:32,040 It happens every Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. sharp, 305 00:11:32,040 --> 00:11:33,860 rain, hail, or shine. 306 00:11:33,860 --> 00:11:35,270 It's a rare honour to be invited 307 00:11:35,270 --> 00:11:37,850 let alone be escorted by Lieutenant Kalantzis, 308 00:11:37,850 --> 00:11:40,830 third in command of the presidential guard's two battalions. 309 00:11:40,830 --> 00:11:42,840 Lieutenant, I notice that you and I and the driver 310 00:11:42,840 --> 00:11:43,680 and just a couple of the boys 311 00:11:43,680 --> 00:11:44,540 are the only ones sitting down. 312 00:11:44,540 --> 00:11:47,490 You mentioned the Evzones have to stand. 313 00:11:47,490 --> 00:11:48,380 What is the reason for that? 314 00:11:48,380 --> 00:11:51,750 - It's a matter of respect to the uniform, 315 00:11:51,750 --> 00:11:53,950 that they always have to stand. 316 00:11:53,950 --> 00:11:56,260 All of the people, 317 00:11:56,260 --> 00:11:58,810 one of the reasons that they are proud 318 00:11:59,920 --> 00:12:00,753 for Evzones 319 00:12:01,639 --> 00:12:04,360 is that they can stand 320 00:12:04,360 --> 00:12:06,973 and take all the difficulties, 321 00:12:07,960 --> 00:12:09,003 through their duty, 322 00:12:10,110 --> 00:12:13,375 and still stand still. 323 00:12:13,375 --> 00:12:14,455 - Right. 324 00:12:14,455 --> 00:12:19,455 (solemn music) (tsarouchia tapping) 325 00:12:20,970 --> 00:12:22,740 I noticed the only sound we can hear 326 00:12:22,740 --> 00:12:24,179 is the sound of the tsarouchia. 327 00:12:24,179 --> 00:12:25,320 - Yes. - On the marble. 328 00:12:25,320 --> 00:12:26,334 - [Lieutenant] Nothing more. 329 00:12:26,334 --> 00:12:27,730 They are not allowed, 330 00:12:27,730 --> 00:12:29,220 and they don't speak 331 00:12:29,220 --> 00:12:31,280 when they are dressed with their uniforms. 332 00:12:31,280 --> 00:12:32,400 - [Peter] Yes. 333 00:12:32,400 --> 00:12:35,450 - [Lieutenant] They only walk to their position 334 00:12:35,450 --> 00:12:37,500 when they are on their duty, 335 00:12:37,500 --> 00:12:41,070 they just stand, they can't even move their eyes. 336 00:12:41,070 --> 00:12:42,960 That's the way we train them, 337 00:12:42,960 --> 00:12:45,570 when they come to presidential guard. 338 00:12:45,570 --> 00:12:47,730 We train them for six weeks. 339 00:12:47,730 --> 00:12:51,513 We are trying to learn them the idea to be Evzone. 340 00:12:52,370 --> 00:12:54,210 - So as soon as they put the uniform on, 341 00:12:54,210 --> 00:12:57,450 their whole being changes 342 00:12:57,450 --> 00:12:58,930 because they become part of that uniform. 343 00:12:58,930 --> 00:13:00,047 - Yes. - They become part 344 00:13:00,047 --> 00:13:02,689 of the historical importance. - That's right. 345 00:13:02,689 --> 00:13:05,120 - Of being an Evzoner. - Yes, that's right. 346 00:13:05,120 --> 00:13:06,820 - It's very special, very special. 347 00:13:09,030 --> 00:13:10,970 The Evzones are known for being heroic, 348 00:13:10,970 --> 00:13:13,970 none more so than Konstantinos Koukidis. 349 00:13:13,970 --> 00:13:16,260 Here, on April 27th 1941 350 00:13:16,260 --> 00:13:19,570 during the first days of Nazi Occupation in World War II, 351 00:13:19,570 --> 00:13:21,610 he refused the orders of a German officer 352 00:13:21,610 --> 00:13:25,000 to surrender the Greek flag and raise the swastika. 353 00:13:25,000 --> 00:13:27,370 In a moment that lives in legend, 354 00:13:27,370 --> 00:13:29,360 Konstantinos wrapped the Greek flag around him 355 00:13:29,360 --> 00:13:31,180 and leapt to his death. 356 00:13:31,180 --> 00:13:32,620 It's a story that in many ways 357 00:13:32,620 --> 00:13:35,563 encapsulates the passion and loyalty of these soldiers. 358 00:13:36,910 --> 00:13:41,703 You know Lieutenant, I've been to the Acropolis 20 times, 359 00:13:41,703 --> 00:13:44,010 but I've never been, 360 00:13:44,010 --> 00:13:47,180 in such a solemn, quiet moment. 361 00:13:47,180 --> 00:13:49,300 You could hear a pin drop. 362 00:13:49,300 --> 00:13:51,020 It's amazing. - Yes, that's right. 363 00:13:51,020 --> 00:13:53,305 When we come here at the Acropolis 364 00:13:53,305 --> 00:13:55,718 for raising or lowering the flag, 365 00:13:55,718 --> 00:13:57,218 the civilians are, 366 00:13:59,749 --> 00:14:01,800 there are no civilians here. 367 00:14:01,800 --> 00:14:02,633 - Not allowed? 368 00:14:02,633 --> 00:14:03,511 - No. - Nobody else allowed. 369 00:14:03,511 --> 00:14:04,980 - No, nobody. - It's just the troop. 370 00:14:04,980 --> 00:14:07,690 And that's it. - Just us, just us. 371 00:14:07,690 --> 00:14:08,824 - Impressive. 372 00:14:08,824 --> 00:14:12,741 (military marching band music) 373 00:14:23,520 --> 00:14:24,740 What I love about this, 374 00:14:24,740 --> 00:14:26,210 is that the band isn't playing 375 00:14:26,210 --> 00:14:28,625 to entertain a crowd or a group of dignitaries. 376 00:14:28,625 --> 00:14:31,019 It's essentially serenading the flag, 377 00:14:31,019 --> 00:14:33,710 and honouring the traditional raising process, 378 00:14:33,710 --> 00:14:35,304 and all that it symbolises. 379 00:14:35,304 --> 00:14:39,221 (military marching band music) 380 00:14:56,840 --> 00:14:58,850 Lieutenant, I can hear and I can feel 381 00:14:58,850 --> 00:15:00,420 the tsarouchia hitting the ground. 382 00:15:00,420 --> 00:15:02,347 What is that significance? 383 00:15:02,347 --> 00:15:04,460 - The significance of this noise 384 00:15:04,460 --> 00:15:06,829 that we make with our tsarouchia, 385 00:15:06,829 --> 00:15:11,829 is that our ancestors hear that we are alive and free. 386 00:15:12,380 --> 00:15:13,213 - Unbelievable. 387 00:15:13,213 --> 00:15:15,510 I can feel the hairs on my arms, 388 00:15:15,510 --> 00:15:17,525 as we say in Greek. 389 00:15:17,525 --> 00:15:18,820 (speaking foreign language) 390 00:15:18,820 --> 00:15:20,110 - Yes, yes. 391 00:15:20,110 --> 00:15:21,673 That's amazing. - Yeah. 392 00:15:21,673 --> 00:15:24,740 (triumphant classical music) 393 00:15:24,740 --> 00:15:26,680 From the Acropolis we made our way back to the barracks, 394 00:15:26,680 --> 00:15:27,810 to follow the whole troop 395 00:15:27,810 --> 00:15:30,210 along their route to the Presidential Palace. 396 00:15:30,210 --> 00:15:31,420 Like the flag raising, 397 00:15:31,420 --> 00:15:33,240 the parade happens every Sunday, 398 00:15:33,240 --> 00:15:35,500 however it's open to the public to watch. 399 00:15:35,500 --> 00:15:37,220 If you're unable to be here for this spectacle, 400 00:15:37,220 --> 00:15:38,247 then at least make the time 401 00:15:38,247 --> 00:15:40,950 to see the hourly changing of the guard. 402 00:15:40,950 --> 00:15:43,690 While it's not of this scale, it's still quite impressive. 403 00:15:43,690 --> 00:15:47,440 (triumphant classical music) 404 00:15:52,838 --> 00:15:56,505 (speaking foreign language) 405 00:16:00,290 --> 00:16:03,863 I see the sweat, the hard work, the patience. 406 00:16:05,370 --> 00:16:08,310 The discipline that's involved must be unbelievable. 407 00:16:08,310 --> 00:16:09,143 - Yes, yes. 408 00:16:09,143 --> 00:16:11,130 That's why we train them 409 00:16:11,130 --> 00:16:13,580 and we press them to their limits, 410 00:16:13,580 --> 00:16:16,220 so they can take the difficulties 411 00:16:16,220 --> 00:16:18,879 and still stand, 412 00:16:18,879 --> 00:16:19,830 without moving, 413 00:16:19,830 --> 00:16:22,700 without any expressions, without nothing. 414 00:16:22,700 --> 00:16:24,050 Like statues. 415 00:16:24,050 --> 00:16:25,460 - Lieutenant, you should be proud of what you're doing. 416 00:16:25,460 --> 00:16:27,019 This is fantastic. - Yes, yes, I am very proud. 417 00:16:27,019 --> 00:16:27,998 I am very proud. 418 00:16:27,998 --> 00:16:30,820 To be part of the presidential guard. 419 00:16:30,820 --> 00:16:31,850 - Excellent. 420 00:16:31,850 --> 00:16:35,260 (triumphant classical music) 421 00:16:35,260 --> 00:16:37,350 I ended up spending a couple of days with these guys, 422 00:16:37,350 --> 00:16:39,330 learning about their practises. 423 00:16:39,330 --> 00:16:42,720 It still amazes me how as soon as that uniform went on, 424 00:16:42,720 --> 00:16:45,637 they never spoke a word or looked me in the eye, 425 00:16:46,500 --> 00:16:48,943 always maintaining absolute discipline. 426 00:16:49,800 --> 00:16:52,910 Such is the self-control that on a hot summer's day, 427 00:16:52,910 --> 00:16:54,320 it's not uncommon for Evzones 428 00:16:54,320 --> 00:16:56,870 returning to the barracks after guard duty 429 00:16:56,870 --> 00:16:58,890 to collapse into the arms of a colleague 430 00:16:58,890 --> 00:17:01,950 at the sound of the sergeant calling for at ease. 431 00:17:01,950 --> 00:17:03,403 Now that's dedication! 432 00:17:03,403 --> 00:17:06,570 (angelic choir music) 433 00:17:10,945 --> 00:17:14,445 (moves into upbeat music) 434 00:17:22,670 --> 00:17:25,910 This is Salamis Bay, a short distance west of Athens. 435 00:17:25,910 --> 00:17:28,710 In the present day, it's a relatively busy water way 436 00:17:28,710 --> 00:17:30,150 flanked by urban development. 437 00:17:30,150 --> 00:17:32,210 But some two and a half thousand years ago, 438 00:17:32,210 --> 00:17:34,040 it was the scene of one of the most significant 439 00:17:34,040 --> 00:17:36,190 naval battles in history. 440 00:17:36,190 --> 00:17:38,280 You've probably seen the movie 300. 441 00:17:38,280 --> 00:17:40,230 Well, the sequel to that was centred around battles 442 00:17:40,230 --> 00:17:41,480 that occurred right here. 443 00:17:41,480 --> 00:17:42,570 And the main character, 444 00:17:42,570 --> 00:17:45,510 is the general and politician Themistocles. 445 00:17:45,510 --> 00:17:47,150 - The Battle of Salamis was a naval battle 446 00:17:47,150 --> 00:17:49,880 between the Greek ancient cities, 447 00:17:49,880 --> 00:17:51,650 and the Persian empire. 448 00:17:51,650 --> 00:17:54,120 Athenians had 200 triremes, 449 00:17:54,120 --> 00:17:56,630 the rest of the Greeks had 200 more. 450 00:17:56,630 --> 00:18:00,220 So 400 ships against 1,200 Persians. 451 00:18:00,220 --> 00:18:04,210 So, Themistocles sent an informer 452 00:18:04,210 --> 00:18:06,210 down there to Aegaleus Mountain, 453 00:18:06,210 --> 00:18:08,530 where the Xerxes, the emperor of the Persians, 454 00:18:08,530 --> 00:18:10,650 was waiting to see his fleet flight. 455 00:18:10,650 --> 00:18:11,880 He gave the false information 456 00:18:11,880 --> 00:18:13,960 that the Greeks are about to leave. 457 00:18:13,960 --> 00:18:15,077 You have to rush 458 00:18:15,077 --> 00:18:18,370 and you have to catch them on the Salamis Strait. 459 00:18:18,370 --> 00:18:19,203 - Yes. 460 00:18:19,203 --> 00:18:21,430 - So actually, Xerxes believed him 461 00:18:21,430 --> 00:18:23,980 and sent his fleet immediately the next morning 462 00:18:23,980 --> 00:18:25,100 to enter the Salamis Bay. 463 00:18:25,100 --> 00:18:28,730 So the Greeks had to fight in this area. 464 00:18:28,730 --> 00:18:30,720 And as Themistocles predicted, 465 00:18:30,720 --> 00:18:32,950 everything went just fine, 466 00:18:32,950 --> 00:18:35,660 the Persian fleet could not manoeuvre easily. 467 00:18:35,660 --> 00:18:37,023 They were not-- 468 00:18:37,023 --> 00:18:38,220 - And this happened just here? 469 00:18:38,220 --> 00:18:39,200 - Yeah, just down there. 470 00:18:39,200 --> 00:18:41,110 - Right here? - Down there. Down there. 471 00:18:41,110 --> 00:18:43,340 So, they basically were defeated. 472 00:18:43,340 --> 00:18:45,950 This naval battle was not only important for Greece, 473 00:18:45,950 --> 00:18:49,370 but it was important for the rest of the Europe 474 00:18:49,370 --> 00:18:53,590 because Persians never again attempted to move to the west, 475 00:18:53,590 --> 00:18:55,740 and that gave the opportunity 476 00:18:55,740 --> 00:18:58,420 for the western civilizations for centuries later 477 00:18:58,420 --> 00:19:03,420 to emerge and become the great power and the great spirit. 478 00:19:03,709 --> 00:19:06,130 So, Europe would not be the same. 479 00:19:06,130 --> 00:19:08,130 - We may not be speaking the same language 480 00:19:08,130 --> 00:19:10,680 and we may not be the same religion today 481 00:19:10,680 --> 00:19:12,230 if it wasn't for Themistocles. 482 00:19:12,230 --> 00:19:13,530 - Everything would be different. 483 00:19:13,530 --> 00:19:14,800 - Wow. Wow. 484 00:19:14,800 --> 00:19:16,070 And it all happened right here. 485 00:19:16,070 --> 00:19:17,920 - Right here. - You know Captain, 486 00:19:17,920 --> 00:19:20,750 I'm wondering how Xerxes felt, 487 00:19:20,750 --> 00:19:22,530 when he was up there watching his fleet, 488 00:19:22,530 --> 00:19:24,640 like you said, lose, 489 00:19:24,640 --> 00:19:27,760 because he had never lost a battle. 490 00:19:27,760 --> 00:19:28,970 He had never lost anything. 491 00:19:28,970 --> 00:19:30,390 He was a winner all his life. 492 00:19:30,390 --> 00:19:32,400 And he came here 493 00:19:32,400 --> 00:19:33,670 and lost. 494 00:19:33,670 --> 00:19:36,100 - It was not just a disappointment, 495 00:19:36,100 --> 00:19:37,340 it was a humiliation 496 00:19:37,340 --> 00:19:39,560 because the Persian emperor was considered 497 00:19:39,560 --> 00:19:42,380 as a god not as human being. - Yeah. 498 00:19:42,380 --> 00:19:44,560 - So, for everybody, not just for him, 499 00:19:44,560 --> 00:19:46,520 it was a great humiliation. 500 00:19:46,520 --> 00:19:48,600 - Well 'cause gods could not get anything wrong. 501 00:19:48,600 --> 00:19:49,433 - Of course. 502 00:19:49,433 --> 00:19:51,510 - And so his soldiers, his navy, 503 00:19:51,510 --> 00:19:54,630 would have seen that Xerxes did have a fault 504 00:19:54,630 --> 00:19:56,282 and he wasn't a god. 505 00:19:56,282 --> 00:19:57,407 - Exactly. - Amazing. 506 00:19:57,407 --> 00:19:58,620 - Exactly. 507 00:19:58,620 --> 00:20:01,580 - This turning point in history can't be understated. 508 00:20:01,580 --> 00:20:03,490 Only after the defeat of the Persians, 509 00:20:03,490 --> 00:20:05,900 did the Athenian culture flourish. 510 00:20:05,900 --> 00:20:08,007 And the development of science, democracy, 511 00:20:08,007 --> 00:20:10,420 and philosophy subsequently proliferate 512 00:20:10,420 --> 00:20:12,063 throughout western civilization. 513 00:20:14,010 --> 00:20:16,040 This is where Xerxes stood, 514 00:20:16,040 --> 00:20:18,290 when his fleet came in from the Saronic Gulf, 515 00:20:19,140 --> 00:20:21,923 to battle with the Greek ships, the triremes. 516 00:20:23,130 --> 00:20:25,970 Through this small channel, 517 00:20:25,970 --> 00:20:30,792 the God King was annihilated and turned into a mortal man. 518 00:20:30,792 --> 00:20:33,700 The look on his face, 519 00:20:33,700 --> 00:20:36,000 at that time would have been something to see. 520 00:20:38,540 --> 00:20:41,390 In my early high school years, I studied history. 521 00:20:41,390 --> 00:20:43,133 But coming here and visualising it, 522 00:20:43,133 --> 00:20:46,830 gives me a sense of excitement I've never felt before. 523 00:20:46,830 --> 00:20:48,800 Themistocles wasn't a noble, 524 00:20:48,800 --> 00:20:50,130 but one of the first great leaders 525 00:20:50,130 --> 00:20:51,950 that came from the masses. 526 00:20:51,950 --> 00:20:53,440 And being one of the common folk, 527 00:20:53,440 --> 00:20:55,330 I'm sure that if he was around today, 528 00:20:55,330 --> 00:20:57,980 he would definitely join me for some Greek fast food. 529 00:20:58,840 --> 00:21:00,020 When you're in Athens, 530 00:21:00,020 --> 00:21:01,350 come down to Monastiraki 531 00:21:01,350 --> 00:21:03,140 and come to any one of the restaurants. 532 00:21:03,140 --> 00:21:06,000 It doesn't matter which one really, and have a yiros. 533 00:21:06,000 --> 00:21:07,220 Now there's two styles of having a yiros. 534 00:21:07,220 --> 00:21:09,900 You can have it either in an open plate 535 00:21:09,900 --> 00:21:11,580 or if you're on the run, 536 00:21:11,580 --> 00:21:13,880 and the traditional way is as a wrap. 537 00:21:13,880 --> 00:21:17,240 Now you can have it as pork, chicken, or lamb. 538 00:21:17,240 --> 00:21:18,663 I prefer pork. 539 00:21:19,516 --> 00:21:23,150 And I tell you what, these morsels are absolutely awesome. 540 00:21:23,150 --> 00:21:24,642 I'm starved, we've been shooting all day. 541 00:21:24,642 --> 00:21:25,675 So I'm gonna go hard. 542 00:21:25,675 --> 00:21:28,258 (upbeat music) 543 00:21:29,340 --> 00:21:30,173 Oh! 544 00:21:32,560 --> 00:21:33,710 Absolutely magnificent. 545 00:21:34,640 --> 00:21:36,510 Wash it down with a glass of wine, 546 00:21:36,510 --> 00:21:39,163 or in my case 'cause I'm driving, a glass of water. 547 00:21:41,010 --> 00:21:42,800 Okay, so the first things that come to mind 548 00:21:42,800 --> 00:21:44,750 for most people when you ask them about Greek food 549 00:21:44,750 --> 00:21:48,920 are olives, souvlaki, moussaka and more olives. 550 00:21:48,920 --> 00:21:51,120 All eaten with a glass of ouzo on the side. 551 00:21:51,120 --> 00:21:52,810 Well, being an ancient civilization 552 00:21:52,810 --> 00:21:54,253 that's spread across hundreds of islands, 553 00:21:54,253 --> 00:21:57,010 the food here is actually very diverse. 554 00:21:57,010 --> 00:21:59,090 Every region has its own flavours, 555 00:21:59,090 --> 00:22:01,260 which I'll be exploring throughout the series. 556 00:22:01,260 --> 00:22:02,370 But here in Athens, 557 00:22:02,370 --> 00:22:04,600 one of the best things to wrap your lips around 558 00:22:04,600 --> 00:22:06,320 is the yiros or kebab. 559 00:22:06,320 --> 00:22:08,776 It's simple, cheap, and delicious. 560 00:22:08,776 --> 00:22:11,359 (upbeat music) 561 00:22:37,280 --> 00:22:39,380 Being a largely island nation, 562 00:22:39,380 --> 00:22:42,800 Greece naturally has a long, colourful history with the sea. 563 00:22:42,800 --> 00:22:45,010 We've always been a seafaring people, 564 00:22:45,010 --> 00:22:48,560 be it as traders, travellers, or as a naval power. 565 00:22:48,560 --> 00:22:49,970 These maritime ways 566 00:22:49,970 --> 00:22:52,900 have led to many of Greece's most notable moments 567 00:22:52,900 --> 00:22:55,540 and created great wealth for the nation. 568 00:22:55,540 --> 00:22:56,830 I've always felt at ease 569 00:22:56,830 --> 00:22:58,430 being surrounded by the sea 570 00:22:58,430 --> 00:23:01,200 and this led to my love of ships and maritime history 571 00:23:01,200 --> 00:23:02,170 which brought me to a museum 572 00:23:02,170 --> 00:23:04,930 located a short walk from where my boat was dry-docked. 573 00:23:04,930 --> 00:23:07,220 What is the Laskaridis Foundation? 574 00:23:07,220 --> 00:23:10,720 - Its main aims are to promote civilization 575 00:23:10,720 --> 00:23:12,180 and Greek letters. 576 00:23:12,180 --> 00:23:15,650 But its main occupation is historical libraries 577 00:23:15,650 --> 00:23:18,840 and educational programmes for school children. 578 00:23:18,840 --> 00:23:21,510 We have a large maritime collection 579 00:23:21,510 --> 00:23:25,593 which consists of a Nelson Collection, 580 00:23:26,595 --> 00:23:29,260 which is personal items. 581 00:23:29,260 --> 00:23:34,020 There are some 96 letters handwritten by Nelson himself, 582 00:23:34,020 --> 00:23:37,040 mostly to other offices of the navy 583 00:23:37,040 --> 00:23:40,850 and a number of them also to Lady Hamilton. 584 00:23:40,850 --> 00:23:43,346 - Have you read any of those letters to Lady Hamilton? 585 00:23:43,346 --> 00:23:45,283 - Well, some of them are here. 586 00:23:46,119 --> 00:23:47,530 And you can see some of them. 587 00:23:47,530 --> 00:23:49,710 - I'd love to go and see some more of the building 588 00:23:49,710 --> 00:23:50,543 and some of these artefacts. 589 00:23:50,543 --> 00:23:51,376 Let's go. - Okay, yeah. 590 00:23:51,376 --> 00:23:52,209 - [Peter] Thank you. 591 00:23:53,360 --> 00:23:55,090 The collection is vast and varied, 592 00:23:55,090 --> 00:23:57,140 with every piece having a story to tell. 593 00:23:57,140 --> 00:23:59,380 You could easily spend half a day here. 594 00:23:59,380 --> 00:24:02,180 - [Admiral] They are built out of bones 595 00:24:02,180 --> 00:24:06,320 used for food of the French prisoners of war, 596 00:24:06,320 --> 00:24:09,060 during the Napoleonic Wars. 597 00:24:09,060 --> 00:24:11,020 - So they crafted these from the bones 598 00:24:11,020 --> 00:24:13,090 of the food they ate while they were imprisoned 599 00:24:13,090 --> 00:24:14,640 in these old ships. - Yes. 600 00:24:14,640 --> 00:24:16,780 - They were anchored at just off the shore line. 601 00:24:16,780 --> 00:24:18,320 - Yeah. - How impressive is that! 602 00:24:18,320 --> 00:24:20,730 Even more amazing is that the model rope twining 603 00:24:20,730 --> 00:24:22,810 is actually made from human hair 604 00:24:22,810 --> 00:24:24,250 of the prisoners themselves. 605 00:24:24,250 --> 00:24:25,203 Wow! 606 00:24:26,370 --> 00:24:27,620 The Laskaridis Foundation 607 00:24:27,620 --> 00:24:30,400 is a treasure trove of rare books and maritime goodies 608 00:24:30,400 --> 00:24:33,560 that make you feel like a kid in a toy store. 609 00:24:33,560 --> 00:24:36,161 - This is the first printed edition of the Odyssey. 610 00:24:36,161 --> 00:24:36,994 The Iliad and the Odyssey. 611 00:24:36,994 --> 00:24:40,340 Actually, this volume is the Odyssey, the second volume. 612 00:24:40,340 --> 00:24:41,800 As you can see, 613 00:24:41,800 --> 00:24:43,820 it's one of the earliest printed books. 614 00:24:43,820 --> 00:24:46,250 It is from 1489. 615 00:24:46,250 --> 00:24:49,500 - It is a very, very impressive part of your library, I see. 616 00:24:49,500 --> 00:24:50,780 - Yes, of course. 617 00:24:50,780 --> 00:24:54,850 We do have a collection of early printed editions 618 00:24:54,850 --> 00:24:56,160 of Greek books. - Wow. 619 00:24:56,160 --> 00:24:58,010 - And this is one of our best. 620 00:24:58,010 --> 00:24:59,920 We're most proud of it of course. 621 00:24:59,920 --> 00:25:02,130 - What really intrigued me about this collection 622 00:25:02,130 --> 00:25:04,180 wasn't just the fascinating items within it, 623 00:25:04,180 --> 00:25:05,830 but the man behind it all. 624 00:25:05,830 --> 00:25:07,420 Similar to the Benaki Museum, 625 00:25:07,420 --> 00:25:08,600 this establishment came about 626 00:25:08,600 --> 00:25:10,580 through the passion and philanthropy 627 00:25:10,580 --> 00:25:13,380 of a wealthy Greek man and his vigilant wife, 628 00:25:13,380 --> 00:25:14,810 who for various reasons saw it fit 629 00:25:14,810 --> 00:25:17,430 to give back to the nation they were so fond of. 630 00:25:17,430 --> 00:25:21,190 For someone to put their time and resources 631 00:25:21,190 --> 00:25:24,380 to create something like this, it's exceptional. 632 00:25:24,380 --> 00:25:28,800 - You know, time and resources as you say. 633 00:25:28,800 --> 00:25:30,340 Time, I am lucky because I, 634 00:25:31,340 --> 00:25:32,660 by some 635 00:25:32,660 --> 00:25:34,199 weird 636 00:25:34,199 --> 00:25:35,510 miracle of nature, 637 00:25:35,510 --> 00:25:37,550 I need very little sleep. 638 00:25:37,550 --> 00:25:38,580 So I sleep very little. 639 00:25:38,580 --> 00:25:40,580 So I have a lot of time to spend on many things. 640 00:25:40,580 --> 00:25:43,140 So I am kind of a busy body, 641 00:25:43,140 --> 00:25:45,060 you can say. - How much sleep do you get? 642 00:25:45,060 --> 00:25:48,030 - Maybe four hours a day. - So you're a naval man. 643 00:25:48,030 --> 00:25:49,316 All the captains, they're like that! 644 00:25:49,316 --> 00:25:51,560 I would think that in another lifetime 645 00:25:51,560 --> 00:25:52,656 you would have been an admiral. 646 00:25:52,656 --> 00:25:54,182 - Maybe. 647 00:25:54,182 --> 00:25:55,015 So that's one thing. 648 00:25:55,015 --> 00:25:56,913 Secondly, resources and money. 649 00:25:57,840 --> 00:26:01,723 There is an Arab saying that says, 650 00:26:01,723 --> 00:26:03,943 that money is like dung. 651 00:26:04,800 --> 00:26:08,170 If you keep it close to you, it stinks. 652 00:26:08,170 --> 00:26:12,280 But if you spread it in the field, 653 00:26:12,280 --> 00:26:14,452 it produces good crops. 654 00:26:14,452 --> 00:26:15,520 - [Peter] Yes. 655 00:26:15,520 --> 00:26:16,353 - So. 656 00:26:17,210 --> 00:26:21,890 Well I have been very lucky in terms of wealth in my life 657 00:26:21,890 --> 00:26:24,143 without really working that hard. 658 00:26:24,990 --> 00:26:27,110 So, it's time to. 659 00:26:27,110 --> 00:26:29,200 And you know we have a big crisis in Greece here. 660 00:26:29,200 --> 00:26:30,033 - [Peter] Yes. 661 00:26:30,033 --> 00:26:31,870 - I feel we should all do a little bit, 662 00:26:31,870 --> 00:26:33,260 whatever one can. 663 00:26:33,260 --> 00:26:35,000 There are others who do much more, 664 00:26:35,000 --> 00:26:35,860 others who do less, 665 00:26:35,860 --> 00:26:37,810 so everybody should do-- 666 00:26:37,810 --> 00:26:38,643 - [Peter] Well, you're right up there, 667 00:26:38,643 --> 00:26:39,930 in people that have done things. 668 00:26:39,930 --> 00:26:40,763 - Ah, no no no. 669 00:26:40,763 --> 00:26:41,963 - Yeah. - It's okay. 670 00:26:43,160 --> 00:26:44,940 - We spent hours together, 671 00:26:44,940 --> 00:26:46,540 the whole time Panos never mentioned 672 00:26:46,540 --> 00:26:48,320 how he and his brother are shipping tycoons, 673 00:26:48,320 --> 00:26:50,120 owners of the national airline 674 00:26:50,120 --> 00:26:53,010 and stable the best hotels and properties in Greece. 675 00:26:53,010 --> 00:26:56,550 It shows how humble and giving a man he is. 676 00:26:56,550 --> 00:26:58,840 He uses his time and wealth to both educate 677 00:26:58,840 --> 00:27:00,660 and inspire future generations 678 00:27:00,660 --> 00:27:02,450 and wishes for nothing in return. 679 00:27:02,450 --> 00:27:03,630 He's somewhat of a role model 680 00:27:03,630 --> 00:27:05,553 for those more fortunate in the world. 681 00:27:08,060 --> 00:27:09,270 Greece is uniquely positioned 682 00:27:09,270 --> 00:27:11,570 at the maritime trade centre of three continents, 683 00:27:11,570 --> 00:27:14,020 Europe, Africa, and Asia Minor. 684 00:27:14,020 --> 00:27:17,270 Consequently, it has always had a comparably large navy 685 00:27:17,270 --> 00:27:18,850 for such a small populous. 686 00:27:18,850 --> 00:27:21,020 Everyone has wanted a piece of these beautiful islands 687 00:27:21,020 --> 00:27:23,810 and we Greeks have needed to defend the place. 688 00:27:23,810 --> 00:27:25,510 Something I was really looking forward to 689 00:27:25,510 --> 00:27:27,910 was spending the day with Captain Tsiantoulas, 690 00:27:27,910 --> 00:27:29,960 discovering all the different types of vessels 691 00:27:29,960 --> 00:27:31,057 in the Greek Navy. 692 00:27:31,057 --> 00:27:33,380 It's every little boy's dream, 693 00:27:33,380 --> 00:27:35,660 and I'm just a big kid at heart. 694 00:27:35,660 --> 00:27:37,460 The Greek Navy, the Hellenic Navy, 695 00:27:37,460 --> 00:27:39,630 is probably one of the oldest navies in the world? 696 00:27:39,630 --> 00:27:42,320 - Indeed, and you are quite correct. 697 00:27:42,320 --> 00:27:45,090 Because the history of the Hellenic Navy 698 00:27:45,090 --> 00:27:47,337 pretty much goes way, 699 00:27:47,337 --> 00:27:50,080 all the way through history. 700 00:27:50,080 --> 00:27:52,400 Probably starting from the Chaeronea Wars. 701 00:27:52,400 --> 00:27:55,377 The strong traditions within the Hellenic Navy 702 00:27:55,377 --> 00:27:58,400 was pretty much everywhere with the rest of the navies. 703 00:27:58,400 --> 00:28:00,440 However, as correctly said, 704 00:28:00,440 --> 00:28:03,411 we follow all those traditions through the years. 705 00:28:03,411 --> 00:28:06,123 And we are quite proud of all of those traditions. 706 00:28:07,430 --> 00:28:10,200 - [Peter] The traditions started over two millennia ago, 707 00:28:10,200 --> 00:28:12,100 and many still hold true to this day. 708 00:28:12,100 --> 00:28:14,440 But where did it all start? 709 00:28:14,440 --> 00:28:18,280 This trireme is the Olympia and the only one of its kind. 710 00:28:18,280 --> 00:28:19,810 It's a replica that was built 711 00:28:19,810 --> 00:28:22,920 to better understand how these ancient vessels operated, 712 00:28:22,920 --> 00:28:25,800 and more so, to learn what made them so dominant 713 00:28:25,800 --> 00:28:28,300 in the naval battles fought in the Mediterranean. 714 00:28:28,300 --> 00:28:29,420 Wow! 715 00:28:29,420 --> 00:28:33,380 - This is a reconstruction of the ancient Athenian trireme. 716 00:28:33,380 --> 00:28:36,280 And it's a very good example of experimental archaeology. 717 00:28:36,280 --> 00:28:41,120 It was built from 1985 to 1987. 718 00:28:41,120 --> 00:28:44,430 It's a replica of the time of the 5th BC period. 719 00:28:44,430 --> 00:28:46,120 The period of the Persian Wars. 720 00:28:46,120 --> 00:28:47,590 - Two and a half thousand years ago? 721 00:28:47,590 --> 00:28:49,203 - Yeah, that is correct. 722 00:28:50,190 --> 00:28:51,580 She was built in Greece, 723 00:28:51,580 --> 00:28:53,260 by Greek ship builders. 724 00:28:53,260 --> 00:28:55,070 And we are very happy from the results. 725 00:28:55,070 --> 00:28:56,740 - [Peter] Wow, can we have a look at more of the boat? 726 00:28:56,740 --> 00:28:58,500 - Of course, let's go. - Thank you. 727 00:28:58,500 --> 00:29:00,720 So, they would sit here like this, 728 00:29:00,720 --> 00:29:01,553 and there'd be a guy right next to him, 729 00:29:01,553 --> 00:29:03,610 and a guy right below him as they row. 730 00:29:03,610 --> 00:29:04,443 - That's correct. 731 00:29:04,443 --> 00:29:06,550 The total of 170 oarsmen. 732 00:29:06,550 --> 00:29:09,440 It was the largest amount, 733 00:29:09,440 --> 00:29:12,510 the largest number of oarsmen for a ship, at that time. 734 00:29:12,510 --> 00:29:16,260 That gave the ship a tremendous speed of nine to 10 knots. 735 00:29:16,260 --> 00:29:18,830 - What made this a more special boat, 736 00:29:18,830 --> 00:29:20,840 in things like the Battle of Salamis now, 737 00:29:20,840 --> 00:29:23,000 than say the Persian boats it was up against? 738 00:29:23,000 --> 00:29:26,310 - [Captain] To me, what is important is that crew 739 00:29:26,310 --> 00:29:28,430 were free citizens and not slaves. 740 00:29:28,430 --> 00:29:29,263 - Wow. 741 00:29:29,263 --> 00:29:30,812 - They were fighting for their home. 742 00:29:30,812 --> 00:29:32,717 They were not mercenaries. 743 00:29:32,717 --> 00:29:34,883 They were doing what they had to do. 744 00:29:36,097 --> 00:29:37,130 - [Peter] Triremes allowed the Greeks 745 00:29:37,130 --> 00:29:38,210 to dominate the Mediterranean 746 00:29:38,210 --> 00:29:40,110 some two and a half thousand years ago, 747 00:29:40,110 --> 00:29:41,300 and the slipways from these times 748 00:29:41,300 --> 00:29:44,330 still exist today around Zea Marina in Athens. 749 00:29:44,330 --> 00:29:46,320 In recent times the Hellenic Navy 750 00:29:46,320 --> 00:29:49,740 has maintained its position as a significant regional power 751 00:29:49,740 --> 00:29:51,420 by modernising its fleet. 752 00:29:51,420 --> 00:29:52,890 This strong naval tradition 753 00:29:52,890 --> 00:29:54,970 is a source of pride for the people 754 00:29:54,970 --> 00:29:56,440 and harks back to ancient times 755 00:29:56,440 --> 00:29:59,210 when wooden vessels powered by hand and wind 756 00:29:59,210 --> 00:30:02,070 took the place of the steel giants you see today. 757 00:30:02,070 --> 00:30:03,280 One of the vessels that helped 758 00:30:03,280 --> 00:30:05,190 protect our waters for a half a century 759 00:30:05,190 --> 00:30:06,920 was the Georgios Averof, 760 00:30:06,920 --> 00:30:07,853 built in 1911 761 00:30:07,853 --> 00:30:10,450 and one of the last ships of its era. 762 00:30:10,450 --> 00:30:13,090 - Actually, this is the only ship in this size 763 00:30:13,090 --> 00:30:16,130 that has fought in both World Wars. 764 00:30:16,130 --> 00:30:17,926 - Is that right? - First and Second World War. 765 00:30:17,926 --> 00:30:18,759 That's correct. - Wow. 766 00:30:18,759 --> 00:30:21,000 - And additionally, it fought in the Balkan Wars, 767 00:30:21,000 --> 00:30:24,330 and due to reactions 768 00:30:24,330 --> 00:30:25,830 Greece duplicated their territory. 769 00:30:25,830 --> 00:30:28,267 It is considered as an active ship, 770 00:30:28,267 --> 00:30:31,160 it has a commanding officer, it has a regular crew. 771 00:30:31,160 --> 00:30:35,530 And whenever a Greek Navy ship comes in the vicinity, 772 00:30:35,530 --> 00:30:37,120 we salute the ship. 773 00:30:37,120 --> 00:30:39,270 We give all the honours that require, 774 00:30:39,270 --> 00:30:40,440 as if we meet the ship 775 00:30:40,440 --> 00:30:41,830 with an admiral. - Wow. 776 00:30:41,830 --> 00:30:44,280 Greece's current navy is quite modern, 777 00:30:44,280 --> 00:30:45,910 and although I saw a lot, 778 00:30:45,910 --> 00:30:47,987 I'm actually not allowed to show you much of it. 779 00:30:47,987 --> 00:30:49,810 But what I can tell you, 780 00:30:49,810 --> 00:30:51,470 is that it was designed specifically 781 00:30:51,470 --> 00:30:54,490 to defend Greece's multitude of islands. 782 00:30:54,490 --> 00:30:55,660 While I was really impressed 783 00:30:55,660 --> 00:30:58,200 with how powerful the Hellenic Navy is. 784 00:30:58,200 --> 00:30:59,920 What surprised me most 785 00:30:59,920 --> 00:31:02,240 was how welcoming the officers and crew were. 786 00:31:02,240 --> 00:31:04,547 Oh, that's classified as well! 787 00:31:04,547 --> 00:31:05,870 But I can walk through though? 788 00:31:05,870 --> 00:31:08,290 - Yes, of course we can have a tour. 789 00:31:08,290 --> 00:31:09,150 - Can you take me through? 790 00:31:09,150 --> 00:31:10,730 - Yes, of course. - Thank you very much. 791 00:31:10,730 --> 00:31:11,840 I'm gonna try and do this. 792 00:31:11,840 --> 00:31:12,860 It doesn't, 793 00:31:12,860 --> 00:31:14,843 I don't think it's made for big people like me. 794 00:31:14,843 --> 00:31:19,843 (officer laughing) (Peter grunting) 795 00:31:21,604 --> 00:31:24,550 (speaking foreign language) 796 00:31:24,550 --> 00:31:25,690 That's heavy. 797 00:31:25,690 --> 00:31:26,728 That's. 798 00:31:26,728 --> 00:31:27,920 (speaking foreign language) 799 00:31:27,920 --> 00:31:29,290 Seven kilos. 800 00:31:29,290 --> 00:31:30,123 Wow! 801 00:31:30,123 --> 00:31:32,200 Look at this, look at this. 802 00:31:33,136 --> 00:31:33,969 This is fantastic. 803 00:31:33,969 --> 00:31:35,043 Oh, man. 804 00:31:36,210 --> 00:31:37,183 What a buzz! 805 00:31:38,280 --> 00:31:39,260 That was 806 00:31:40,340 --> 00:31:42,680 sensational! 807 00:31:42,680 --> 00:31:45,279 I tell you, I can't get over it. 808 00:31:45,279 --> 00:31:47,862 (upbeat music) 809 00:32:05,223 --> 00:32:06,720 Myrtillo Cafe is hidden 810 00:32:06,720 --> 00:32:09,320 in a leafy part of Athens called Panormou. 811 00:32:09,320 --> 00:32:11,380 The cafe is a community co-op 812 00:32:11,380 --> 00:32:13,840 that employs Athenian teenagers with disabilities, 813 00:32:13,840 --> 00:32:15,890 giving them experience in the workforce. 814 00:32:15,890 --> 00:32:18,653 This subject is close to my heart, so I had to drop in, 815 00:32:18,653 --> 00:32:21,610 and meet the president of the co-op, Georgia Raffan. 816 00:32:21,610 --> 00:32:26,220 - People with disability into the mainstream market. 817 00:32:26,220 --> 00:32:28,650 We try to train them. 818 00:32:28,650 --> 00:32:31,423 We have a training programme. 819 00:32:33,055 --> 00:32:36,170 And they also work properly here. 820 00:32:36,170 --> 00:32:37,373 They're salaried, 821 00:32:38,330 --> 00:32:41,223 with proper salaries and insurance. 822 00:32:43,249 --> 00:32:44,563 And they make an exit, 823 00:32:46,276 --> 00:32:47,380 to life. 824 00:32:47,380 --> 00:32:49,850 They are very interested, 825 00:32:49,850 --> 00:32:54,554 because they feel that the cafe belongs to themselves, 826 00:32:54,554 --> 00:32:55,860 the enterprise. - Yeah. 827 00:32:55,860 --> 00:32:59,880 - They are the masters and servants of this business. 828 00:32:59,880 --> 00:33:00,770 At the same time, 829 00:33:00,770 --> 00:33:03,370 and masters and servants of themselves. 830 00:33:03,370 --> 00:33:04,420 - [Peter] Of their own destiny. 831 00:33:04,420 --> 00:33:05,630 - In this way, 832 00:33:05,630 --> 00:33:09,360 the cafe is an innovative business, 833 00:33:09,360 --> 00:33:10,207 because-- - I'd love to go 834 00:33:10,207 --> 00:33:11,630 and meet some of them. - Pardon? 835 00:33:11,630 --> 00:33:13,000 - [Peter] Can we meet some of the staff? 836 00:33:13,000 --> 00:33:14,947 - Of course, let's go! 837 00:33:14,947 --> 00:33:17,800 (Georgia laughing) 838 00:33:17,800 --> 00:33:20,360 - [Peter] This is far from your average cafe business. 839 00:33:20,360 --> 00:33:22,630 Their day-to-day costs are much higher, 840 00:33:22,630 --> 00:33:25,340 having to pay for psychologists and occupational therapists 841 00:33:25,340 --> 00:33:26,263 adds up. 842 00:33:26,263 --> 00:33:28,030 But they keep on moving forward 843 00:33:28,030 --> 00:33:30,060 because of employees like Sofia, 844 00:33:30,060 --> 00:33:31,560 who is the administrative assistant 845 00:33:31,560 --> 00:33:33,560 and always very busy. 846 00:33:33,560 --> 00:33:37,490 - The idea is fresh, it's new, there's nothing like it. 847 00:33:37,490 --> 00:33:41,400 And we are changing people who were not given a chance 848 00:33:41,400 --> 00:33:45,440 to do something with their lives and feel useful. 849 00:33:45,440 --> 00:33:47,800 Here they are given that chance. 850 00:33:47,800 --> 00:33:50,660 And it's what gives people hope for a better future. 851 00:33:50,660 --> 00:33:52,770 We need to have a chain of Myrtillos running, 852 00:33:52,770 --> 00:33:55,880 so that other people like us, 853 00:33:55,880 --> 00:33:59,410 who have some sort of physical or mental disability, 854 00:33:59,410 --> 00:34:01,100 can have the same opportunity we did, 855 00:34:01,100 --> 00:34:04,423 of having work experience on a resume, 856 00:34:06,010 --> 00:34:07,770 social-- - Integration? 857 00:34:07,770 --> 00:34:10,290 - Integration with the community 858 00:34:10,290 --> 00:34:13,370 and being happy, knowing that you can actually-- 859 00:34:13,370 --> 00:34:14,562 - [Peter] That you're adding value to the world. 860 00:34:14,562 --> 00:34:15,395 I think it's great. - Adding value to the world. 861 00:34:15,395 --> 00:34:16,228 - [Peter and Sofia] Yeah! 862 00:34:16,228 --> 00:34:17,769 - Sydney, so you're like me! 863 00:34:17,769 --> 00:34:18,810 Meeting Georgia and Sofia, 864 00:34:18,810 --> 00:34:20,680 as well as the rest of their team, 865 00:34:20,680 --> 00:34:22,750 was both humbling and inspiring. 866 00:34:22,750 --> 00:34:25,313 And by the way, the coffee was great too! 867 00:34:25,313 --> 00:34:30,313 (religious chanting) (bell tolling) 868 00:34:30,750 --> 00:34:33,600 Religion plays a huge role in the life of most Greeks. 869 00:34:33,600 --> 00:34:35,770 It runs throughout the fabric of our culture 870 00:34:35,770 --> 00:34:39,110 and is practised at some level by almost everyone here. 871 00:34:39,110 --> 00:34:41,650 As a Greek, I've been going to church all my life. 872 00:34:41,650 --> 00:34:43,800 But ask me to explain what it all means 873 00:34:43,800 --> 00:34:45,010 and I'll get it wrong. 874 00:34:45,010 --> 00:34:47,520 So to clarify what Easter in Greece is all about, 875 00:34:47,520 --> 00:34:49,530 I asked Father Raffan to help. 876 00:34:49,530 --> 00:34:51,270 His story is an interesting one. 877 00:34:51,270 --> 00:34:53,150 He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, 878 00:34:53,150 --> 00:34:55,030 and met a Greek girl at university. 879 00:34:55,030 --> 00:34:56,180 They ended up getting married 880 00:34:56,180 --> 00:34:57,960 and came to Greece on a holiday. 881 00:34:57,960 --> 00:35:00,030 He fell in love with the people, religion, 882 00:35:00,030 --> 00:35:01,600 and of course, the country as a whole. 883 00:35:01,600 --> 00:35:04,030 It's this love that led to him becoming a priest. 884 00:35:04,030 --> 00:35:06,210 Oh, and by the way, the girl he fell for 885 00:35:06,210 --> 00:35:07,990 was Georgia from the cafe! 886 00:35:07,990 --> 00:35:12,650 Over 90% of people, born in Greece, are Greek Orthodox. 887 00:35:12,650 --> 00:35:13,830 Why is that so? 888 00:35:13,830 --> 00:35:16,130 - When the Greek State was established 889 00:35:16,130 --> 00:35:18,320 less than 200 years ago, 890 00:35:18,320 --> 00:35:23,100 it was established as an enclave for Greek, 891 00:35:23,100 --> 00:35:27,410 for Orthodox Christians within the Ottoman Empire. 892 00:35:27,410 --> 00:35:31,330 And so, it was hiding a religious identity 893 00:35:31,330 --> 00:35:32,660 from the very beginning. 894 00:35:32,660 --> 00:35:35,060 That identity was something 895 00:35:35,060 --> 00:35:37,793 that the Greeks had paid a high price for. 896 00:35:38,630 --> 00:35:43,430 They had, living as Christians within the Ottoman empire, 897 00:35:43,430 --> 00:35:44,690 it had a cost. 898 00:35:44,690 --> 00:35:46,700 But when they came in to the church, 899 00:35:46,700 --> 00:35:49,400 they found here they had something 900 00:35:49,400 --> 00:35:50,530 that made it all worthwhile. 901 00:35:50,530 --> 00:35:51,830 They found a freedom in the church 902 00:35:51,830 --> 00:35:54,230 that made slavery worthwhile. 903 00:35:54,230 --> 00:35:58,010 So that sense of being Christian and Orthodox 904 00:35:58,010 --> 00:35:59,760 was deeply rooted in them 905 00:35:59,760 --> 00:36:04,090 because they had paid so high a price for being Christians. 906 00:36:04,090 --> 00:36:07,440 And people don't think of their roots very often. 907 00:36:07,440 --> 00:36:09,860 But yet, during Holy Week, 908 00:36:09,860 --> 00:36:12,600 which we are celebrating, 909 00:36:12,600 --> 00:36:14,750 then they remember. 910 00:36:14,750 --> 00:36:17,350 Ah, this is where we come from. 911 00:36:17,350 --> 00:36:22,350 And they find themselves, as it were, in all the services 912 00:36:22,811 --> 00:36:24,805 of Holy Week. 913 00:36:24,805 --> 00:36:27,610 There's the sense of the suffering and resurrection, 914 00:36:27,610 --> 00:36:29,460 which was that light of the resurrection 915 00:36:29,460 --> 00:36:34,255 is what had always given them such hope and comfort. 916 00:36:34,255 --> 00:36:36,800 (chanting in foreign language) 917 00:36:36,800 --> 00:36:37,633 - [Peter] Throughout the year 918 00:36:37,633 --> 00:36:39,560 there are all sorts of religious festivals and celebrations 919 00:36:39,560 --> 00:36:41,860 with century-old customs being practised. 920 00:36:41,860 --> 00:36:44,447 But the biggest and most important one is Easter. 921 00:36:44,447 --> 00:36:46,910 (chanting in foreign language) 922 00:36:46,910 --> 00:36:49,330 - Throughout Holy Week there is a, 923 00:36:49,330 --> 00:36:53,460 the services in the church tell the story of everything 924 00:36:53,460 --> 00:36:54,580 leading up to Easter. 925 00:36:54,580 --> 00:36:56,520 Starting of course on Palm Sunday 926 00:36:56,520 --> 00:36:59,280 with Christ's entrance into Jerusalem. 927 00:36:59,280 --> 00:37:03,333 And then, by Thursday we talk about 928 00:37:03,333 --> 00:37:08,333 Christ celebrating the Last Supper with his disciples. 929 00:37:08,590 --> 00:37:12,159 And giving to his disciples saying, 930 00:37:12,159 --> 00:37:14,910 "Do this in remembrance of me." 931 00:37:14,910 --> 00:37:17,527 Following that Last Supper, 932 00:37:17,527 --> 00:37:21,940 the whole story of the Passion gathers pace. 933 00:37:21,940 --> 00:37:25,010 It's after that he goes into the garden, 934 00:37:25,010 --> 00:37:27,150 goes to Gethsemane, he is arrested, 935 00:37:27,150 --> 00:37:29,900 he is taken to the high priests, 936 00:37:29,900 --> 00:37:32,390 he is taken to Pilate, he is crucified. 937 00:37:32,390 --> 00:37:34,950 And so, it is after that event on Thursday, 938 00:37:34,950 --> 00:37:38,293 it is a key event, that sets everything else in motion. 939 00:37:39,430 --> 00:37:40,263 - [Peter] Thursday's events 940 00:37:40,263 --> 00:37:41,960 are centred around the Last Supper. 941 00:37:41,960 --> 00:37:43,700 And in preparation for Friday's epitaph, 942 00:37:43,700 --> 00:37:44,770 women in each congregation 943 00:37:44,770 --> 00:37:47,270 help decorate the tomb or Epitaphio. 944 00:37:47,270 --> 00:37:48,880 - People as they come to the crucifixion, 945 00:37:48,880 --> 00:37:50,900 always bring flowers with them, 946 00:37:50,900 --> 00:37:52,500 as they weep to a funeral. 947 00:37:52,500 --> 00:37:56,380 You bring flowers to lay on Christ's tomb. 948 00:37:56,380 --> 00:37:58,273 And so all these flowers are brought in, 949 00:37:58,273 --> 00:38:01,500 they are used then to decorate the tomb, 950 00:38:01,500 --> 00:38:04,608 and then that is brought out 951 00:38:04,608 --> 00:38:07,793 into the whole community once again. 952 00:38:08,954 --> 00:38:12,720 And the Epitaphio goes around 953 00:38:12,720 --> 00:38:16,170 gathering everything that is dead everywhere, 954 00:38:16,170 --> 00:38:17,900 and turning it into life. 955 00:38:17,900 --> 00:38:20,910 - Now we are walking up to Syntagma Square, 956 00:38:20,910 --> 00:38:23,377 where we're gonna meet the other Epitaphio 957 00:38:23,377 --> 00:38:24,580 and do a bit of a circle. 958 00:38:24,580 --> 00:38:26,360 So, it's a really special moment. 959 00:38:26,360 --> 00:38:30,145 There's thousands and thousands of people here. 960 00:38:30,145 --> 00:38:32,745 Have a look now, there's just people all the way up. 961 00:38:35,629 --> 00:38:38,796 (church bell tolling) 962 00:38:41,356 --> 00:38:43,939 (upbeat music) 963 00:39:00,055 --> 00:39:03,388 (solemn marching music) 964 00:39:06,300 --> 00:39:08,520 In Greek Orthodox churches all around the world, 965 00:39:08,520 --> 00:39:10,810 streets are blocked off on the Friday night. 966 00:39:10,810 --> 00:39:13,100 The Epitaphio is then paraded around for all to see, 967 00:39:13,100 --> 00:39:15,810 and remember Christ's crucifixion. 968 00:39:15,810 --> 00:39:18,303 I've been watching this ceremony my entire life, 969 00:39:18,303 --> 00:39:20,390 but being here in Athens, 970 00:39:20,390 --> 00:39:22,730 the feeling and atmosphere was magnified 971 00:39:22,730 --> 00:39:24,350 beyond my expectations. 972 00:39:24,350 --> 00:39:26,590 You don't need to be Christian or Greek Orthodox 973 00:39:26,590 --> 00:39:28,208 to be enlightened by this experience. 974 00:39:28,208 --> 00:39:30,717 (solemn marching music) 975 00:39:30,717 --> 00:39:33,660 (church bell tolling) 976 00:39:33,660 --> 00:39:35,750 The extent to which people adhere to their faith 977 00:39:35,750 --> 00:39:38,330 varies from the very devout Orthodox practitioners 978 00:39:38,330 --> 00:39:39,820 who regularly visit church 979 00:39:39,820 --> 00:39:42,310 and lead lives closely tied to their religion, 980 00:39:42,310 --> 00:39:44,230 to those who have a more tenuous link 981 00:39:44,230 --> 00:39:46,030 that stems from a cultural bond 982 00:39:46,030 --> 00:39:47,750 rather than a spiritual one. 983 00:39:47,750 --> 00:39:48,583 However, at this time of the year 984 00:39:48,583 --> 00:39:50,160 it seems most Greeks come together 985 00:39:50,160 --> 00:39:51,890 and attend their local place of worship 986 00:39:51,890 --> 00:39:53,930 for at least one or two church services. 987 00:39:53,930 --> 00:39:55,600 It's an important part of the Greek ethos 988 00:39:55,600 --> 00:39:56,550 that plays a major role 989 00:39:56,550 --> 00:39:58,750 in strengthening bonds within the community. 990 00:40:01,640 --> 00:40:02,690 The Greek Orthodox Church 991 00:40:02,690 --> 00:40:04,540 is known for keeping strict tradition, 992 00:40:04,540 --> 00:40:07,110 however it has also come to embrace technology, 993 00:40:07,110 --> 00:40:08,450 especially in Easter week. 994 00:40:08,450 --> 00:40:09,650 For some decades now 995 00:40:09,650 --> 00:40:11,120 they have been flying the Holy Flame 996 00:40:11,120 --> 00:40:13,253 from Jerusalem all the way to Athens. 997 00:40:14,100 --> 00:40:14,933 As you can see here, 998 00:40:14,933 --> 00:40:16,820 there are priests from all over Greece, 999 00:40:16,820 --> 00:40:18,742 waiting for the flame. 1000 00:40:18,742 --> 00:40:20,670 The priest in front of me is from Crete. 1001 00:40:20,670 --> 00:40:22,040 He's got his lantern over there, 1002 00:40:22,040 --> 00:40:23,420 there's another lantern that's just there, 1003 00:40:23,420 --> 00:40:24,360 they'll take the flame, 1004 00:40:24,360 --> 00:40:26,793 and they'll take it right through Greece. 1005 00:40:27,637 --> 00:40:30,304 (loud stomping) 1006 00:40:33,730 --> 00:40:36,460 Amidst pomp and ceremony befitting a head of state, 1007 00:40:36,460 --> 00:40:38,840 the flame is escorted by various religious leaders 1008 00:40:38,840 --> 00:40:40,840 and government officials into the country, 1009 00:40:40,840 --> 00:40:43,050 where it's then used to light several candles and lanterns 1010 00:40:43,050 --> 00:40:44,910 that are quickly spread across the country 1011 00:40:44,910 --> 00:40:46,640 so that even the most remote corners of Greece 1012 00:40:46,640 --> 00:40:47,750 can share in its glow. 1013 00:40:47,750 --> 00:40:50,333 (solemn music) 1014 00:40:54,267 --> 00:40:57,517 (plane engine humming) 1015 00:41:03,530 --> 00:41:05,270 Saturday commences with a morning service 1016 00:41:05,270 --> 00:41:07,300 where holy communion is taken. 1017 00:41:07,300 --> 00:41:10,270 But the big moment, like many others here at Easter, 1018 00:41:10,270 --> 00:41:12,420 is celebrated by the senior most clergy, 1019 00:41:12,420 --> 00:41:16,730 flanked by politicians, military leaders, and various VIPs. 1020 00:41:16,730 --> 00:41:18,230 It's as if everything at the airport 1021 00:41:18,230 --> 00:41:20,010 stops for this little flame, 1022 00:41:20,010 --> 00:41:21,480 and then throughout Athens, 1023 00:41:21,480 --> 00:41:24,823 as the motorcade passes on its way to its final destination. 1024 00:41:27,630 --> 00:41:29,260 The religious elements of Holy Week 1025 00:41:29,260 --> 00:41:31,710 more or less culminate on the Saturday night. 1026 00:41:31,710 --> 00:41:34,060 This is when the resurrection of Christ occurs. 1027 00:41:35,870 --> 00:41:37,260 Everyone meets at their local church, 1028 00:41:37,260 --> 00:41:39,040 carrying candles with them to be lit 1029 00:41:39,040 --> 00:41:40,350 when the flame spreads through the crowd 1030 00:41:40,350 --> 00:41:41,413 just after midnight. 1031 00:41:42,470 --> 00:41:44,110 There's a tangible sense of excitement 1032 00:41:44,110 --> 00:41:45,760 and positive energy in the air. 1033 00:41:45,760 --> 00:41:46,610 Families gather and wait 1034 00:41:46,610 --> 00:41:49,350 while the prayers echo through the streets. 1035 00:41:49,350 --> 00:41:50,617 And when the priest finally announces, 1036 00:41:50,617 --> 00:41:51,551 "Christos anesti." 1037 00:41:51,551 --> 00:41:53,520 or Christ has risen, 1038 00:41:53,520 --> 00:41:55,583 people rejoice and celebrations begin. 1039 00:41:56,700 --> 00:41:58,610 It's a special night of the year 1040 00:41:58,610 --> 00:42:00,213 and a time not only to celebrate 1041 00:42:00,213 --> 00:42:02,590 but be thankful for what you have. 1042 00:42:02,590 --> 00:42:06,330 It's a part of our DNA and embedded in our culture. 1043 00:42:06,330 --> 00:42:08,440 You don't have to be religious to understand it 1044 00:42:08,440 --> 00:42:10,678 and spread that positive message. 1045 00:42:10,678 --> 00:42:13,261 (solemn music) 1046 00:42:16,860 --> 00:42:18,530 It's Sunday and we've been eating meat 1047 00:42:18,530 --> 00:42:20,390 since one o'clock in the morning. 1048 00:42:20,390 --> 00:42:23,910 Remember, many Greeks have been fasting for 40 days! 1049 00:42:23,910 --> 00:42:26,270 It's okay to speak with your mouth full here. 1050 00:42:26,270 --> 00:42:28,030 I'm in Athens, in a neighbourhood. 1051 00:42:28,030 --> 00:42:29,150 This is the real Athens. 1052 00:42:29,150 --> 00:42:32,889 This is where people have Easter Sunday on the street, 1053 00:42:32,889 --> 00:42:35,497 sharing their food with their neighbours, 1054 00:42:35,497 --> 00:42:38,693 drinking pure alcohol and having a good time. 1055 00:42:38,693 --> 00:42:40,823 This stuff is really, really good. 1056 00:42:41,690 --> 00:42:42,523 And this! 1057 00:42:42,523 --> 00:42:44,220 I can't believe we're eating, 1058 00:42:44,220 --> 00:42:45,750 from five doors away, 1059 00:42:45,750 --> 00:42:48,680 we're eating the lamb from your neighbours. 1060 00:42:48,680 --> 00:42:52,174 - All this street is one family, man, one family. 1061 00:42:52,174 --> 00:42:53,007 - One family. 1062 00:42:53,007 --> 00:42:53,840 - One family. 1063 00:42:53,840 --> 00:42:55,870 (speaking foreign language) 1064 00:42:55,870 --> 00:42:58,013 - To me, this is what Easter is all about. 1065 00:42:59,050 --> 00:43:01,430 Yes, the religious part is very important, 1066 00:43:01,430 --> 00:43:03,040 but it's the coming together of people 1067 00:43:03,040 --> 00:43:04,330 that I'm most drawn to. 1068 00:43:04,330 --> 00:43:08,123 It's the community spirit and sharing of food and laughs. 1069 00:43:09,690 --> 00:43:11,670 It's the singing and dancing. 1070 00:43:11,670 --> 00:43:13,000 But most importantly, 1071 00:43:13,000 --> 00:43:15,428 it's taking the time to be with family and friends 1072 00:43:15,428 --> 00:43:19,493 to celebrate life's joys and look forward to new beginnings. 1073 00:43:21,350 --> 00:43:22,183 In the weeks ahead, 1074 00:43:22,183 --> 00:43:23,990 I'll be heading out to sea onboard Mia Zoi, 1075 00:43:23,990 --> 00:43:26,230 to explore many of the Ionian Islands 1076 00:43:26,230 --> 00:43:29,650 and show you what makes this part of the world so special. 1077 00:43:29,650 --> 00:43:31,340 It's gonna be a journey of discovery, 1078 00:43:31,340 --> 00:43:34,413 filled with history, laughs, food, and characters. 1079 00:43:35,560 --> 00:43:37,490 I'm gonna show you there's so much more to Greece 1080 00:43:37,490 --> 00:43:38,940 than its stunning beaches. 1081 00:43:38,940 --> 00:43:41,840 For me, it's a country that's rich in culture 1082 00:43:41,840 --> 00:43:43,988 and diverse in not only the landscapes, 1083 00:43:43,988 --> 00:43:46,340 but also the heritage. 1084 00:43:46,340 --> 00:43:48,410 No two island's the same. 1085 00:43:48,410 --> 00:43:50,440 Each has its own story to tell, 1086 00:43:50,440 --> 00:43:52,990 and I'm gonna do my best to bring them to life! 1087 00:43:52,990 --> 00:43:55,740 (pleasant music)