A Journey Across Time – Forty Years Reunion with my Platoon Brothers
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine
I traveled to northern Greece to meet my army platoon brothers for our 40-year reunion. We spent eight days together touring the mountains, villages, and monasteries. I was filled with anticipation and curiosity to reconnect with them after such a long time. I found a strong bond and love that had endured over the years. It is something to cherish and be grateful for, as these connections gives me a sense of belonging.
The collection’s first two images were shot forty years ago. It was when the first light poked through the horizon in the early hours of the morning. We were near the end of a grueling fast march that had taken us 50 miles (80 km) in full gear and finished when we reached Mount Masada’s summit. At the mountain top, we received the red-crimson color beret. We became Paratroopers, the elite ground forces of the Israeli Army. Mount Masada is a fortress mountain in the Judean Desert where about 2000 years ago, over 900 people chose death over surrender to the Roman Empire. It has become a symbol of resistance. There are only a select few experiences in life, such as my service as an Army Paratrooper, which make me feel proud.
Discovering the Authentic Cuisine and the Geographical Features of Evritania & Ioannina
“Don’t tell me how educated you are. Tell me how much you traveled.” – Mohammed
A trip to Greece is, in some ways, a return home since ancient Greece’s legacy and history penetrated the awareness of all Western civilization. It’s the land of mythological Gods and Goddesses. Our jeep caravan rambled through the rugged backroads traversing the wild mountains, forests, streams, and magical coastlines of Evritania, Epirus, Zagoria, and Pelion. Everywhere we went, we found charming little villages that were modest and gorgeous. The local taverns served the most delicious homegrown delicacies: fresh goat cheese seasoned with local olive oil, colossal vegetable salads, hot freshly-baked bread, and an array of fish dishes, all complemented with plenty of Ouzo, Tsipouro, and beer. Our first few days were spent exploring the area, tasting the local foods, and admiring the stunning scenery.
Evritania is a region in central Greece known for its forests, mountains, and rivers. The area is home to the Pindus mountain range, which features peaks over 2,000 meters high.
Epirus is a region in northwest Greece known for its rugged, mountainous terrain. The region is home to the Pindus mountain range, which includes the highest peak in Greece, Mount Smolikas. The area is also home to numerous lakes, including Lake Pamvotis and Lake Prespa.
Zagoria is a region in northwest Greece known for its mountainous landscape and stone villages, or, as the locally being called, “zagorohoria.” The region is home to the Vikos-Aoos National Park, which is known for its stunning gorges and waterfalls.