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5 Mezcal cocktails to surprise your friends

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Written by: Gianna Esquivel

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Like with other spirits, there’s a division about how to drink mezcal. Many bartenders and mezcal lovers recommend drinking it neat to enjoy its original taste. But there are enthusiasts who could not resist mixing it and preparing tasty cocktails. Based on personal experience and taste, some traditional cocktails, like mojitos, get really boosted to an alternative and delicious level with mezcal.

Here you have 5 mezcal cocktails you can easily prepare for your friends to toast in a Mexican style.

 

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Paloma with mezcal

Let’s start with a well-known cocktail, the Paloma. This is a very popular tequila cocktail (what is tequila?) but you will totally surprise your guests with its mezcal version. Tequila and mezcal have very different flavors. The smoky, earthy, floral, or fruity notes of mezcal (depending on the mezcal you choose) will make a big difference.

The protagonist of your ingredient list is mezcal (45 ml-1.5 oz). Choose the one you prefer and if you still don’t know how to choose one, check our article (All about the mezcal).

Then you need grapefruit (90 ml-3 oz) and lime (7.5 ml-0.25 oz) juices. Tonic water, salt, and a slice of grapefruit. Prepare a highball glass.

Get a shaker with ice and combine within it the mezcal, the juices and shake them up. Get a highball, rimmed with the salt, and add the amount of ice you like. Then strain the mixture. Fill the glass to the top with tonic water. And add the final touch, sit the slice of grapefruit in.

 

Mojito with mezcal

If you are a mojito lover, don’t take this as aggression against rum. We also like it! But you should give it a try to its mezcal version.

To prepare a mojito with mezcal you need peppermint or mint leaves (6 or more), fresh lime juice (30 ml-1 oz), white sugar (one teaspoon) or simple syrup (15 ml-0.5 oz), soda, ice, mezcal (45 ml-1.5 oz), and a long drink glass.

First, put the sugar in the glass. Like this, it will get mixed with the ingredients that are coming. Add ice, lime juice, mezcal, and peppermint or mint leaves. Grind a bit the leaves for them to release their aroma and taste, but don’t break them totally. They add taste but they are also part of the decoration. Fill the glass to the top with soda. Sit a slice of lime in the rim of the glass.

 

Strawberry frozen Margarita with mezcal

The already popular Margarita gets refreshed with this sexy mezcal version.

You need a Margarita glass or any glass with a wide rim for adding salt or sugar, what you prefer. Mexicans add a little bit of chili (Tajín) to this mix. Just run a lime around the rim of the glass and dip it into sugar or salt to get the rim coated.

Get in a blender, ice (2 cups), strawberries or strawberry syrup, lime juice (30 ml-1 oz), honey (15 ml-0.5 oz), and mezcal (45 ml-1.5 oz). Once the mixture gets slushy, pour it into the glass and sit a lime slice in the rim.

 

Sunset with mezcal

To think about sunset directly sends us to a chill mood, Summer, beach, and a delicious drink.

Get a Martini cup or a long glass and put it in the freezer 10 minutes before you prepare the cocktail. You can also add ice if you like.

Then, add orange juice (100 ml-3.4 oz), mezcal (45 ml-1.5 oz), grenadine (15 ml-0.5 oz), and finally, a splash of soda to get the red hue at the top (sunset). If you put the grenadine first, it will be at the bottom of the glass so you will get a Sunrise cocktail instead. If oranges are not sweet enough, you can add sugar or simple syrup. To decorate, get a couple of orange slices or a cherry and sit them on the rim.

Now enjoy a fresh mezcal cocktail, a sunset with a unique smoky accent. Cheers!

 

Tamarind, mole, and mezcal cocktail

If you reached this point is because you are an adventurous drinker who is looking for more. Well, we have more for you. A cocktail that offers you the taste of Mexico in every sip.

You will need a mole. There are many types of the delicious mole in Mexico. For this cocktail, we recommend you buy black mole. Its taste includes spicy (cinnamon, chili, anise), peanut, and chocolate notes.

Get ready a Margarita glass or any glass with a wide rim. Mix a bit of salt with sugar and sesame. Run a lime around the rim of the glass and dip it into the mix to get the rim coated. Add ice to the glass.

Then take a blender and add the mole (1 teaspoon) and tamarind syrup (59 ml-2 oz). Pour this into the glass. Then add mezcal (45 ml-1.5 oz) and fill the glass to the top with soda.

Get a slice of lime or a couple of them and decorate the rim.

This is a really exotic Mexican combination. Tamarind acidity, combined with the ancient tradition and deep taste of mole, and mezcal produce a memorable pleasure in your palate.

 
We recommend you use fresh fruits and juices for preparing these cocktails. But if you can't get them, you can buy syrups in the supermarket. The main objective is not to stop the fun!

 

Conclusion

Mezcal is a delicious and interesting Mexican spirit. Be sure that drinking it neat or in a cocktail will be a pleasant experience. The last decision about which way is better is totally yours! Share your comments and experience with PackandGo.info ! Cheers!
If you like to know more about mezcal, check our article "Mexican mezcal is a sip of heaven - Interesting facts about mezcal".

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Why do young people dislike Kavala?

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Written by: Gianna Esquivel

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After having a great beginning in Fanari, this morning we arrived in Kavala, Greece! We left the village environment to arrive in a city and we immediately felt the difference. The pace, the number of people, transit on the streets, the air you breathe, the noise, the buildings, etc. are all signs that are easily readable to the senses. We really like this type of contrast in life and when we travel. To be constantly looking for a difference, even a small one, is our method to avoid boredom. So, we love the conveniences that cities offer. And it's great that  the countryside and the villages exist, because they are a great escape when you need a break from the cities. In our opinion, both environments complement each other very well.

We loved the quiet environment of the Greek village Fanari (our previous stop). Let’s see now, what Kavala has in store for us! And let’s find out why young people dislike Kavala.

 

Where is Kavala?

Kavala (Καβάλα in Greek) is located in northern Greece. You will easily find it on the map following these references:

The city is across Thasos Island.

Based on Google Maps calculations, it is:

• 155 km (1 hr. 50 min.) east of Thessaloniki.
• 40 km (45 min.) southeast of Drama.
• 54 km (50 min.) southwest of Xhanti.
• 149 km (1 hr. 45 min.) west of Alexandroupoli.
• 320 km (4 hr. 20 min.) southeast of Sofia, Bulgaria.

 

A Glimpse of Kavala’s History

About Kavala, history has been traced until prehistoric times. Through time, this cute and hilly city has had different names, Neapolis is its ancient name, Christopolis (Byzantine), and Kavala (modern). Let’s go through some historical highlights of Kavala to understand a bit more about the architecture, monuments, and attractions you can visit nowadays.

First of all, let’s say that in ancient times, two important cities existed in the current area named Municipality of Kavala: Neapolis and Krinides (later Philippi). Keep this in mind, because the history of both cities is too tied and explains many things about the current Kavala.

• Kavala’s origin. In the context of long wars against the Thracian races, Neapolis (“new city”) was founded by habitants of Thassos in the 7th century BC. Neapolis thrived as an important trading center due to its strategic location and natural harbor.
• Roman Philippi. The Battle of Philippi took place close to Kavala (42 BC) and marked a significant turning point in Roman history. This meant the end of the Roman Republic and paved the way for the Roman Empire. Philip II of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great) established the city of Philippi, which through time got into a thriving Roman city.
• The visit of the Apostle Paul. It happened in the first century AD. The Apostle’s mission was to spread Christianity through the region. He established one of the earliest Christian communities in Europe, built the first church in Philippi (nearby Kavala), and baptized the first European Christians.
• Byzantine period. Christopolis developed as a key administrative and commercial center. The city was fortified, and several Byzantine monasteries and churches were constructed, like the Panagia Church, transforming the image of the city.
• Ottoman Rule. Ottomans ruled Kavala in the 14th century and kept control of the city for several centuries. During this time, Kavala grew significantly and became a strategic trading hub connecting the Middle East and Europe.
• Tobacco. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kavala was a big player in the tobacco industry. Tobacco’s cultivation and export made the city prosper and brought merchants from around the world. Many tobacco warehouses, called "koulouria," were built at this time.
• Greek War of Independence (early 19th century). Kavala was a point of revolutionary activity where different acts of resistance and heavy fights against the Ottomans took place.
• Liberation and Union with Greece. Kavala got its liberation from Ottoman rule in 1912, during the Balkan Wars. In 1913, it officially became part of the Kingdom of Greece.
• Jewish Heritage. Kavala hosted a wide Jewish community for centuries and the architecture of the Jewish quarter, also called the Synagogue neighborhood, is a living proof of that. The synagogues, schools, and other buildings are traces you can still find today.
• Modern Kavala. Bulgarians were a constant threat since the Byzantine era. During the early 20th century, Kavala was occupied three times more by Bulgaria. In 1912, during the First Balkan War, Kavala was liberated soon after, in 1913 when the Second Balkan War was on. Later World War I ignited and in 1916, Bulgaria took over Kavala again. To get liberated from them was harder this time, but finally, in 1918 Bulgarians got expelled. The third Bulgarian occupation took place in the war of 1940-1941 when Greece was occupied by the Axis Powers. The invasion was led by nazi Germany and supported by its Bulgarian ally, which possessed Kavala until 1944.
  

  

  
  A long war history preceded the development of Kavala into a modern city. Now, it keeps its ancient importance as a strategic seaport and it is one of the largest cities of Macedonia included in the wide menu of cool destinations that Greece offers to tourists worldwide.
  

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What to do in Kavala? What to visit in Kavala?

Beaches of Kavala

Kavala is a beautiful hilly city, but we can’t deny that beaches make it even more attractive. You know, those Greek clear waters you see in every pic on the Internet. Sandy beaches, a long coastline, beauty all around, and easy-to-reach tavernas, what else do you need? During our visit (May 2023), we had a few rainy days, but several sunny ones so we enjoyed a lot jumping into the waters of Kavala beach to start, and later, in the Tosca, Batis beaches and more. You can explore km by km of the coast and find awesome spots on the beach where to have a very relaxing time! We were moving 4km, 5km, 8 km and the findings were awesome! (LINK a nea iraklitsa, etc.) During Summer, the beaches get full of beach bars, umbrellas, and sunbeds. Exactly now, the beaches were clean of those facilities and it was perfect!

The Castle of Kavala or Kavala Fortress

When you arrive in Kavala, you will spot the castle on top of a hill overlooking the city. It dates back to the 15th century. On the first days, we skipped the challenge hahaha. We thought, “It looks awesome from here (down)” hahaha. We were lazy, it’s true! But we knew that sooner or later, we would face the challenge of walking up to visit it. And that day, was today! We walked heading to the Old Town of Kavala. Honestly, it is a moderate climb, but we did it during a very sunny day (May 2023), so it demanded some breaks and drinking water. The effort for sure feels double if you go in Summer when it is much hotter.

After 45 minutes (breaks to take pics and breath included), we reached the crest of the hill, where the castle is. The Castle of Kavala is also called Kavala Fortress, and this last name suits it better because what you will see there is the strong walls and the tower of a fortress, plus the ruins of the food and ammunition store that became a prison during some time. The bricks, granite stones, and marble of the fortress walls suffered attacks from Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. Views from there to the city and the Aegean Sea are splendid. We recommend you walk up there. You can take a taxi but come on, no pain, no gain! Hahaha.

There is an entrance fee of € 4.50 (May 2023).

 

Old Town of Kavala or Panagia’s District

If you visit the castle, you will be in the Old Town of Kavala and vice versa. It is a nice place to visit. Walking around is the best way to enjoy it since the streets can get very narrow at some moments. But in this area, the present and past interact daily. While walking, you will discover landmarks, old houses, and monuments, but also modern people going to school, cooking, washing clothes, or having a beer in a tavern. The Old Town is not kept as a museum. It is a place with a deep history where current people live a regular life.

Neoclassical buildings, colorful houses, cobbled streets, cute wooden balconies, blooming gardens, and traditional taverns await there for your visit. Karaoli Square, the Imaret which is a kind of complex common to find in Ottoman cities and a trace of the Ottoman presence in the area (currently, a hotel); a monument and the house of Muhammad Ali (nowadays, a museum), who was born in Kavala and created the Imaret; the Holy Church of the assumption of Holy Mary which in the past was a monastery operated hiddenly during the Turkish occupation, the lighthouse, where you can enjoy panoramic views, beautiful sunsets, and even the Thasos island during clear days! If you are looking for a romantic place, this is it!

Kamares, the aqueduct of Kavala

It is a very well-preserved landmark, originally constructed by the Romans to ensure the water supply for the city. Its arches and the whole structure are visible from different points of the city.

Kavala’s Port

We loved to walk around the port. We got interested in watching fishermen working on their boats. It is a very pleasant place to go around and get more pics of the hilly city, the fortress up, and its surroundings. Tourists but also locals gather in the nearby taverns, cafés, and benches. It is a cool place to meet Greek people if you feel like it.

Municipal Park of Kavala or Alistrati Park

The park is close to the center and it is a very nice escape from the streets of the city. During sunny days, it was a cool place to take a break after exploring the city. You can just sit on a bench there, choose a shade, relax, and recharge energy to keep going around Kavala. It is a cool place, that picnic lovers shouldn’t miss!

You may also like: Top 5 parks in Budapest for picnic lovers

 

Taverns, restaurants, and cafés

You will find taverns and cafés all around Kavala. Greek seasoning is very tasty, so either if you are a meat lover or a veggie, there is a dish you can enjoy. Kavala’s cuisine blends traditional Greek flavors with influences from the nearby Aegean Sea and the Balkans.

Drinking a coffee while enjoying a nice view or chatting with friends is a nice way to spend time here.

Philippi, archeological site

If you feel like going a bit out of Kavala, drive only 16 km northeast (24 min.) and you will reach Philippi, a popular archeological site. There, you will see the well-preserved ruins of the theater that date back to the Hellenistic period, the forum, and some early churches. Remember the visit of the Apostle Paul to Philippi to spread Christianity.

Art galleries and museums are also a choice but this time, we will leave them for you to visit and tell us your opinion hahaha.

Why do young people dislike Kavala?

As you see, Kavala is a modern and comfortable city to visit. It has a fast pace, you see people going around all the time, to work, to school, etc. But still, it is not a crowded city. Based on the last census results (2021) published by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), the population of Kavala is 66,376 inhabitants. When we compare with the population of Mexico City where we lived some time, there is a big difference between sharing space daily with millions or with only thousands. Kavala’s population is still something you can handle without feeling overwhelmed. Transit on the streets sometimes gets very busy, so you can better walk or get a bicycle. The choices are many when it comes to taverns, all types of shops, entertainment, etc. Besides being a city with all the amenities, it has awesome beaches and that is a super bonus! So why do young people dislike Kavala?

The answer was explained to us directly by different young guys we randomly met while visiting the city. Greek people are very kind, fun, and willing to have a nice chat with you. We loved they are generous with their time and words, meaning, they like long and straight conversations hahaha. Sometimes, when you meet shy people or people reluctant to speak about some matters, conversations go only in monosyllables and it is too hard to get interesting stuff.

Why do young people dislike Kavala? Well, as tourists we miss some factors that make a difference for people who live in the destination we visit. Kavala’s youth enjoy a lot the Summer and its nice vibe. Lots of tourists arrive and with them, more job opportunities get opened and it gets more fun too. But considering that is seasonal, they have 3, maximum 4 active and cool months every year. When Winter arrives, the most fun part of Kavala goes to sleep, beaches get empty, the sea is cold, and good job opportunities are less. That is very disappointing for young people trying to succeed in life.

The economic challenges Greece has faced in recent years, together with high unemployment rates and limited chances for young people, lead them to some level of frustration and desire for change. Many young guys of Kavala reckon the future they want is either in a bigger city, they mentioned specifically Thessaloniki, or somewhere abroad, but not in Kavala.

It is very interesting to chat with local people. When they talk with you, it is like they draw the curtains to show you their reality, their daily goals, and concerns; behind the scenes of a city that on the surface looks just great. Seriously guys, thanks again for sharing your time and thoughts with us!

So dear Pack and Goers reading this blog, if you have the chance, to talk with people, Greeks have really interesting stuff to share and travels are also about learning. Monuments and archaeological sites teach a lot about history, but today's people have a lot to say. And right now, they are the ones writing the future of the city.

Disclaimer: these comments may not represent the opinion of all of Kavala’s youth, but they were frequently expressed by young people between 16 and 24 years old.

Conclusion

We had an awesome time in Kavala, Greece. We recommend this city as a cool destination to visit for everybody, no matter the age, there is something for you. There is history, culture, natural beauty, tasty food and beverages, a nice vibe, cool people, everything to have a great time.

If you are thinking of living in Kavala and you are young or you have young kids, you should check more about the opportunities for young people to develop and succeed first. If you are an adult, digital nomad, or retired, go ahead and enjoy Kavala! Perhaps, this Greek city is the retirement destination you never thought about!

We are enchanted in Greece so we will stay longer! Discover the next stop of our 2023 tour, following packandgo.info

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You may find interesting also:

It is official, Fanari has been occupied by Bulgaria!

Please, do not visit the beaches near Kavala City!

Keramoti: The Beach Town You’re Not Visiting—And It’s Better Than Santorini!

Thasos, Greece: Don't Fall for the Hype! Read the Truth!

Pangaion Mountain, where Orpheus cried out his soul!

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Written by: Gianna Esquivel

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• Greece

How do you like the title? Dramatic, right? While visiting Greece, you have zero chances to escape from the plenty of narrations related to Greek mythology. Greeks love those stories and take every opportunity to tell you about Zeus, Aphrodite, Hermes, Heracles (Hercules), Medusa, and many more. We enjoy them very much because of the passion people put into the telling. It is like they are talking about real heroes. Besides, the stories of these characters have a perfect dose of conflict, drama, passion, romance, treason, and death. You can listen for hours and stay on the edge of your seat, like when you watch your favorite thriller or drama.

 

The stories about Orpheus have accompanied us since the beginning of this trip. Finally, while visiting Pangaion Mountain, we heard the complete Orpheus myth told fascinatingly by a very nice Greek man.

We have no idea what Orpheus' voice or music sounded like, but we could almost hear both as we followed the story. It was a fun experience because as the story progressed, M and I musicalized Orpheus' love tragedy in our heads with contemporary musical references. Stay there and read until the end to know who the hell was Orpheus? What did happen in Pangaion Mountain? Was it true or just a myth? Then you can decide if to visit it or not.

 

What was Orpheus famous for?

Orpheus was not the feared leader of large armies or a skilled fighter like Jason or Heracles (Hercules) were. But he only needed music and his songs to succeed. Yes! Orpheus was a music composer, singer, and lyre player. It is said that his music was as beautiful and captivating, that no creature on Earth was not enchanted by it. He had a big gift and through it, he becharmed humans, rocks, trees, wild beasts, sirens, and even the gods! Orpheus was also famous for being the protagonist of a tragic love story with Eurydice.

He lived in Thrace, in the Northeastern part of Greece, exactly where we are traveling right now! But, when it comes to where Orpheus was born, lived, and died, answers can differ based on who responds to you. It is not rare that every country or town offers you a different version. Contradictions are very common and Orpheus's story is not an exception so take it easy.

 

Who was Orpheus?

 

The version we got says, Orpheus was the son of the muse Calliope and Oeagrus, a Thracian king. He is supposed to be born in Pimpleia, Piera, close to the Mount Olympus foothills. In Greek mythology, Calliope is considered the muse of dance, music, song, epic poetry, and the eloquence gift of kings. Such talents also attracted the eyes and heart of a god, Apollo, with whom she had two sons, Lalemus and Hymenaeus. And here the story gets messy. Some will say, that Apollo, god of poetry, music, sun, and light, saw Orpheus's gift, therefore he gave the kid his first lyre. But others will state that Apollo was Orpheus's father.

 

In any case, this shows that Orpheus's gift was not a random event, having such a mother and with Apollo by his side or being his father, his talent was inherited. Due to his origin, some attributed him also the power of eloquently speech and prophesizing.

 

Was Orpheus a mortal or a god?

Many authors claim he was a mortal. But let’s see if his parents were Calliope and Apollo, Orpheus was definitely not a mortal. Apollo was a god and Calliope a muse, and muses were considered sort of goddesses too. If his parents were Calliope and Thracian King Oeagrus, Orpheus was a demigod, son of a goddess and a human. This makes sense because demigods could not escape death… and love just like we humans!

 

What are the most famous tales about Orpheus?

Orpheus took part in different adventures in which the music, his gift, was life-saving. Consider that the enchanting power of his voice and lyre stopped even the wildest rivers. They stopped their savage currents from flowing just to listen and enjoy Orpheus's music. It was such a useful gift, wasn’t it? Some of the most famous tales (myths) about Orpheus are:

 

Jason and the Argonauts

This myth revolves around Jason, a Greek hero, and his quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece, a symbol of authority, honor, and kingship. Jason was the rightful heir to the throne of Iolcus, however, his uncle Pelias usurped the throne and exiled him. To reclaim his rightful place, Jason embarked on a perilous journey to Colchis (currently Georgia), where the Golden Fleece was guarded by a fierce dragon and hung from a sacred tree. It was a dangerous quest so Jason recruited a group of heroes: the Argonauts.

Orpheus was one of the Argonauts and his musical talents were essential during this expedition. He used his music to soothe savage beasts and fears, comfort his companions, tame storms, treacherous waters, and the dragon itself.

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Orpheus vs the Sirens

During the Argonautic expedition, Orpheus encountered some of the most fearsome creatures from Greek mythology, the sirens among them.

Sirens were creatures that would enchant their victims with an irresistible melody. They lured sailors passing by their rocky island with their mesmerizing songs, leading them to their doom by causing shipwrecks on the rocky shores. During the voyage of the Argonauts, they sailed near the dangerous sirens' island. To protect his fellow Argonauts from the perilous temptation of the sirens' songs, Orpheus did what he did best! He began to play his lyre and sang with such enchanting and harmonious melodies that his music drowned out the alluring voices of the sirens.

 

Orpheus and Eurydice myth

This is the tragic love story we mentioned at the beginning and we will tell you about it right now! 

 

What is the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice about?

The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is a tragic love story you can’t miss. Orpheus and Eurydice was a match that seemed made in heaven. After his Argonaut adventure, Orpheus met Eurydice, a shy and beautiful nymph, in a gathering. It was love at first sight... and listen! Once he saw her, there was no way back. She got enchanted and deeply in love right after listening to his voice and music. It was like a magical and beautiful spell she could not resist. It was physical attraction and also the effect of Orpheus's gift.

 

They became inseparable, a couple of lovebirds who could not hide their feelings for each other. Such a moment of Orpheus and Eurydice could have one of the following songs in the background:

• “Love is in the air” by John Paul Young (1977)
• "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" by Frankie Valli (1967)
• “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers (2012)
• “Fade into You” by Macy Star (1993)
• “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers (1955)
• "All of Me" by John Legend (2013)
• “Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden (1997)
• "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith (1998)
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley (1962)
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri (2011)
• "Love Story" by Taylor Swift (2008)
• "Crazy for You" by Madonna (1985)
• “I’m A Believer” by The Monkees (1966)
• "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran (2017)
• "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars (2010)
• "Love on the Brain" by Rihanna (2016)

 

Can you feel the love and passion of this romance? Hopefully yes, otherwise you are not a human haha.

Soon, Orpheus and Eurydice decided to get married. Hymenaios, the god of marriage, informed the bride and groom that their happiness would last short. But the couple was madly in love and dismissed the warning.

The wedding day arrived, Hymenaios blessed their union and a great feast started. It was a great celebration, except for Aristaeus, a shepherd who despised Orpheus because he desired Eurydice for him. He plotted a plan and when the shadows grew large and everybody went home, Aristaeus hid in the bushes to kill Orpheus. When the newlyweds passed close by, Aristaeus tried to kill Orpheus but he failed. The couple desperately ran into the forest to escape from Aristaeus who closely chased them. Suddenly, Orpheus felt Eurydice’s hand slip from his grasp and then she fell.

 

The beautiful bride was bitten by a venomous viper and in a few minutes, a deathly pallor suffused her cheeks. It was the tragic end of a great love. Orpheus got into a deep depression and grief. He played the most sorrowful songs ever. No creature was not moved by the pain of his music. To give you an idea, these could be Orpheus’ playlist at that time:

• “Ain’t no sunshine” by Bill Withers (1971)
• “Goodbye My Lover” by James Blunt (2005)
• “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion (1997)
• “Someone Like You” by Adele (2011)
• “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd (1975)
• “Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down (2002)
• “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston (1992)

 

Then, he had a great but dark idea: to go to the Underworld and try to get his wife back. He asked Apollo to talk to Hades, the god of the Underworld, to let him in and hear his plea. To descend to the realm of the dead was another perilous journey for Orpheus. Using his lyre and voice, he played his mesmerizing music and mournful songs to persuade Cerberus, the three-headed dog, and the ferryman Charon, the guardians of the Underworld, to let him pass.

He managed to reach the depths of the Underworld, and there, he faced Hades and Persephone, the rulers of the dead. The beauty and emotional power of Orpheus's musical lamentations touched Hades, Persephone, and every stone in the Underworld. Both rulers agreed to grant Orpheus his wish under one condition: he could lead Eurydice back to the world of the living, but he must not look back at her until they reach the surface. If he looked back, Eurydice would return to the Underworld forever.

The deal was accepted and love was about to achieve the feat, but while ascending from the Underworld, Orpheus suddenly could not hear Eurydice’s footsteps behind him. Did he lose her? Did Hades break the deal? Unable to resist the urge to ensure she was truly following him, he glanced back before they reached the surface. That was tragic!

Eurydice was instantly taken back to the realm of the dead and this time, forever. They were so close to making it! But he blew up the precious chance.

Orpheus was devastated and he spiraled into a deep, lifelong depression. His music and songs were dismal and he never looked for another wife.

 

How did Orpheus die?

After the tragedy, life sucked for Orpheus. He got back to Thrace, specifically to the Pangaion Mountain, where he literally cried out his soul! His music was the way to take out his grief. As a part of his routine, he daily climbed the Pangaion peaks to be the first to see the light of every day.

Orpheus started neglecting to worship Greek gods and goddesses. This made particularly angry the god of wine and pleasures, Dionysus. Besides, Dionysus's female followers, the Maenads, hated Orpheus because he refused them. He was not interested in women at all since the loss of Eurydice. Tired of Orpheus's grief and rejection, they decided to kill him.

 

One day, while trekking in the woods of Pangaion Mountain, he encountered the Maenads. They attacked and tried to kill him by throwing rocks. But his lovely music caused the rocks to evade him, not to harm him. The Maenads got very mad. Killing Orpheus was not easy. They managed to attack him only when they started screaming and beating their drums until they drowned out Orpheus’ voice and music. Then, the Maenads finally killed him by tearing his body apart, limb by limb, with their own hands.

 

Where was Orpheus buried?

Early versions point out Pangaion Mountain as the place where Orpheus's remnants were buried. A further version tells Orpheus lyre and head reached the Hebros River, floated down until they encountered the sea, to finally arrive at the Lesbos Island pushed by the tides. The dismembered head of Orpheus -still singing- kept the power of speech, singing, and prophesizing. Aware of this, locals buried it and built a column of stone. With the power of the head, they started to prophesy. The rest of Orpheus’ remains were gathered from the Pangaion Mountain by the 9 Muses and buried in Leibethra, an ancient city at the base of Mount Olympus.

 

In 2002, a group of Greek archeologists claimed they found in Lesbos, the site where Orpheus remnants could be. But years later, Bulgarian archeologists announced that the place where Orpheus’ head was used to foretell was in Tatul, an archeological spot located in the core of the Rhodope mountain chain, close to the Kardzhali region.

 

To visit or not Pangaion Mountain?

Now, you know what happened in Pangaion Mountain. The place is also referred to as Pangaion Hills because its height is not very high. Its highest peak (Koutra) is 1,956 m. It is located in Northeastern Greece, 40 km away from Kavala City. It is close to other beautiful towns and beaches such as Palio, Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Peramos, and Ammolofoi Beach. Pangaion is a place rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. In the past, its ancient mines were a source of gold.

 

If you visit Pangaion Mountain, you can trek or hike the mountain trails, and enjoy the stunning scenery, have a look from the top to the Aegean Sea, while discovering remnants of caves and ancient settlements. The environment is calm and relaxing, ideal for outdoor adventures and to connect with Greek mythology. So, if your heart is broken, you can visit Pangaion Mountain and cry out your soul!

You can plan a longer stay on this nice mountain. We stayed a week in Pangeo Forest Village -10.93 km from Pangaion Hills- and we enjoyed it a lot. If you are into forests, nature, and mountains, look for Eleftherios, he runs the place and you can have the best time there following his recommendations and chatting about Greek history. The view from the restaurant is great, just like the Greek coffee (hot and cold) and the fasolada cooked by Eleftherios' wife!

You can book a room contacting Eleftherios (FB)!

 

A warning for you! When you visit Greece, behave! Collect your garbage, explore but without damaging the landscape, and leave everything as clean and untouched as you found it. Greece is a land of ruthless gods! They are permanently watching you and each of your moves. Remember you are only a mortal without any special gift, so don’t mess with them!

 

Conclusion

Greece is a great destination no matter the type of traveler you are. If you are into its deep history, archeological treasures, natural beauty, beaches, music, or mythology, it never disappoints! Follow our adventure in this land of gods, pleasures, and nice mortals. We still have a long way ahead.

 

You may want to read these articles too:

Kardzali is a hotspot for Turkish and Greek tourists, but not Bulgarian. Why?!

Why do youg people dislike Kavala?

It is official, Fanari has been occupied by Bulgaria!

Keramoti: The Beach Town You’re Not Visiting—And It’s Better Than Santorini!

 

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