Thank you, Greece, for the Honor of a Lifetime

 

Saturday–Jeff  

 

 My past twenty years of writing about the mysteries of Greece have taken my life on a fascinating journey. Make that forty if we're talking about how many years the sheer beauty of the land and grace of its people have kept bringing me back for more. 

But a beyond my wildest dreams celebration of my work held in Athens this past Wednesday evening and attended by 180 guests brought home in a rush all that Greece has meant to me.

On that occasion I was honored by the Greek National Tourism Organization's Secretary-General Andreas Fiorentinos at an event held at the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum in the heart of the city close by the Acropolis. 

What follows is a brief photo essay of the evening compiled by photobomber Barbara -- followed by a copy of the introduction I received that still has me blushing.

Before the event starts on the Museum's rooftop

With Museum Executive Director Ioanna Lalaounis on a truly banner day

Spain’s Ambassador to Greece & Ioanna Lalaounis

 Film makers on the make. :)

Australia’s Ambassador to Greece holding "Not Dead Yet" and waiting for me to sign "At Any Cost."

 Me with matriarch of one of Greece’s best known bakeries

Me splitting signing duties with Greece’s Secretary General of the Greece National Tourism Organization, Andreas Fiorentinos

The crowd begins to assemble

The seated part of the crowd waiting to be spellbound by Aikaterini Lalaouni’s introduction of me. :)

Now it’s my turn at the microphone.

Followed by Secretary General Andreas Fiorentinos run at me. :)

+Youthful readers shall be served

Sudha Nair Iliadis, Publisher of Athens Insider Magazine.

The beautiful ending to a magical night in the heart of Athens.

Hope this gives you flavor the night.

Introduction of Jeff Siger by Aikaterini Lalaounis:

 

Today, we have the special pleasure of hosting an author who does not belong to just one homeland, but to the entire world — Jeff Siger.
A true citizen of the world, with an open mind and heart, Jeff travels beyond geographical borders, carrying with him a deep love for Greece and its culture.

Through his books, he offers us not only captivating stories but also a guided journey through the places, monuments, and hidden corners of this country, showcasing its unique beauty and rich historical heritage.
Every page he writes serves as a bridge connecting literature with our cultural identity, and each of his vivid descriptions becomes an ambassador of Greek light and Greek soil.

We share with him the same passion and love: to highlight the material culture of Greece, to illuminate our history and art, so they may travel beyond borders and inspire people across the globe.

Today, we welcome him with great joy, not only as an author who honors Greece through his work, but also as a friend who shares our vision — to keep our heritage alive and to share it with the world.

Mr. Siger, we thank you for being here with us today.

 

––Jeff