Background: Greece achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between royalist supporters of the king and communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece was able to join NATO in 1952. A military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven years. The 1974 democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. Greece joined the European Community or EC in 1981 (which became the EU in 1992); it became the 12th member of the euro zone in 2001.
March 9th 2008Europe » Greece » North Aegean » Chios The size of Chios is comparable to the island of Montreal. Though we can probably cross the widest area of Montreal in about 3 hours, on Chios, it is a totally different story. The island is mountaino ... 18 photos[full story]
March 8th 2008Europe » Greece » North Aegean » Chios After buying groceries for the next three days, as Sunday all stores are closed everywhere in Greece and Monday being a holiday, we spent the day at Mirmingi village, home village to Christina. It is ... 29 photos[full story]
March 13th 2008Europe » Greece » North Aegean » Chios With the flight cancellation and delays, I was 2 days off schedule. Fortunately, the ferry to Chios was at 4pm, so I could sleep in and recover from the crazy two days of travel. I didn't do much ... [full story]
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