Program 591: Polynesian Explorers; Northern Greece; Greek To Me
Release Date: 01-18-2020
Description
Tour guides from Athens and Thessaloniki recommend attractions to visit in Northern Greece, and "Comma Queen" Mary Norris explains what a love of Greek language and mythology can add to your own Greece odyssey. We'll also admire the seafaring skills of the Polynesians and hear how a cultural faux pas led to Captain James Cook's fateful encounter with the Hawaiians.
Guests
- Christina Thompson, author of "Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia" (Harper)
- Anastasia Gaitanou, tour guide from Thessaloniki, Greece
- Apostolos Douras, tour guide from Athens, Greece
- Filippos Kanakaris, tour guide and theatre director from Athens
- Mary Norris, author of "Greek To Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen" (W. W. Norton)
Additional Info
- Christina Thompson is the author of "Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia." Christina is also editor at the Harvard Review Online.
- Information about the Polynesian Voyaging Society and its landmark sail around the world on the Hokulea.
- The ancient burial tombs of Aigai at Vergina, in northern Greece, are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Anastasia Gaitanou is a member of the World Federation of Tourist Guides Association.
- Filippos Kanakaris has directed modern adaptations of classical Greek plays for the Syn Drómos theatre company in Athens.
- Mary Norris summarizes her passion for Greek language and culture in an article she wrote for the New Yorker. Her latest book is "Greek to Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen."
- The NY Times book review of "Greek to Me" includes enthusiastic reader comments.
- Kardamyli is an historic town on the southern Peloponnesian coast of Greece that Mary and Rick have each enjoyed visiting.