Author Archives: victoriaboucovalas

Of Fires, Flowers, and Fateful Futures: The Curious Tale of Klidonas

There are few things more satisfying in life than discovering, quite by accident, that the rituals of one’s childhood—those that seemed merely quaint or mischievous at the time—are in fact the ancient echoes of civilizations long past. As a child growing up in Greece, I recall the neighborhood’s yearly transformation come late June. We children,Continue reading “Of Fires, Flowers, and Fateful Futures: The Curious Tale of Klidonas”

Deucalion, Noah, and the Great Recycled Flood: A Tale as Old as Rain

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always had a sneaking suspicion that the universe isn’t nearly as original as it lets on. People talk about “new ideas” the way bakers talk about “fresh bread” — but both usually come from a very old recipe and someone else’s oven. I think I’ve spent enough timeContinue reading “Deucalion, Noah, and the Great Recycled Flood: A Tale as Old as Rain”

A Contemporary Tale of the Emperor of Illusions

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away—call it Amerika, if you will—there lived an Emperor, a man of grand aspirations, even grander declarations, and an ego so vast it required its own zip code. This Emperor, let us call him Donald, had a most peculiar knack for thinking the sun itselfContinue reading “A Contemporary Tale of the Emperor of Illusions”

When the Strong Do What They Can, and the Weak Suffer What They Must

THE MELIAN DIALOGUE AND THE POWER POLITICS OF OUR TIME: HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF By Victoria Boucovalas Thucydides’ Melian Dialogue is more than just an ancient historical episode—it is a timeless reflection of how power operates when unchecked by moral or ethical constraints. In 416 BCE, the Athenians stood before the neutral Melians, demanding submission. TheContinue reading “When the Strong Do What They Can, and the Weak Suffer What They Must”

Eros: The Original Hot Mess of Love

Valentine’s Day was upon us, only a few days ago and while the world drowns in overpriced roses and chocolates shaped like hearts (because nothing says love like molded sugar), let’s take a moment to talk about the real MVP of love: Eros. Forget chubby cherubs with tiny wings and a questionable understanding of consent—Eros,Continue reading “Eros: The Original Hot Mess of Love”

When Anchors Go Rogue: A Nautical Adventure in Tilos

Ah, Tilos—an idyllic island just northwest of Rhodes, perfect for a serene Friday evening. Or so we thought. We knew strong winds were on the way, and Jeff, ever the wise captain, suggested we sail back to Kos early. But alas, the siren call of Tilos was too strong for our daughter and her friendContinue reading “When Anchors Go Rogue: A Nautical Adventure in Tilos”

Lemnos the most beloved of lands

«Λήμνος γαιάων απασέων φιλτάτη…»  Homer Homer praised the island of Lemnos as the most beloved of lands that provided grain and wine to the entire ancient world. It’s amazing to think that this volcanic island on the northeastern Aegean has been inhabited since 4,000 BCE. Archeologists have discovered at least 14 neolithic settlements with theContinue reading “Lemnos the most beloved of lands”

When night falls in Crete, the devils party….!

Or so they say, in a village called Kapetaniana, just south of Heraklio. The legend of the Order of the Thousand devils is reported not only to be folklore and fairy tales people tell their kids to make them eat their veggies, but it is supposed to be backed up with testimonies of people thatContinue reading “When night falls in Crete, the devils party….!”

…when Kalypso saved Odysseas

…she brought him back to her cave at the island of Ogygia (Ωγυγία -or as we know it today, the island of Lipsi – Λειψοί)! Since ancient times, people have been trying to figure out where did the adventures of Odysseas actually take place. Although The Oddyssey is just an epic poem, people were fascinatedContinue reading “…when Kalypso saved Odysseas”