94.7 FM “The WAVE” personality Mike Sakellarides – who will be a guest on Saturday evening, May 18, from 6 PM to 8 PM – posted a great story on his “The WAVE” blog about courtesy and understanding in the Greek language. A great read for anyone, especially for those who will be attending the OC Greek Festival.
Please and Thank You OC Greek Fest Style
By Mike Sakellarides
Years ago on a bus tour to the ancient Greek ruins north of Athens we stopped at a little taverna in the countryside for lunch. Many of us were Americans with a few “Brits” and other Europeans sprinkled in, and when we were seated I learned a profound truth.
There’s no better way to communicate in a foreign land than if you start with two simple words. Not ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye.’ You can often get those done with a smile, a wave or a handshake.
No, that day I learned the essential tools to courtesy and understanding are ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ Even if you can’t speak a foreign language, taking the time to learn ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ will go a long way to enjoying any culture!
So, at our table I gave a ‘crash course’ on how to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in Greek. It was tough-going, especially with a couple of midwesterners, but they were grateful.
This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the OC Greek Fest 2013 will take on the air of a Greek village so joyfully that you’ll agree Walt Disney is not the only one who can take you ‘worlds away’ beyond the city limits of Anaheim!
I’m honored to be a special guest Saturday evening from 6 to 8 PM at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, and along with our WAVE Street Team I hope you’ll join me with your family and friends to celebrate the food, the fun and the music!
Experience the true flavors of Greek entrees and desserts! Stroll the “Plaka” for souvenir treasures and jewelry. Tour the oldest Byzantine Church in Orange County. And sway to Greek bands and folk dancers. You’ll want to join the circle yourself!
Remember: when you step up and ask for a mouth-watering ‘gyro’ or ‘souvlaki’ sandwich be sure to add an enthusiastic ‘parakalo’ (pah-rah-kah-LO).
And all of us at OC Greek Fest 2013 want to say ‘efharisto’ (eff-hah-ree-STO) for your support!
OPA! You’ll learn what that means when you enter the gate!
Check out Mike’s Blog Post http://947thewave.cbslocal.com/2013/05/13/please-and-thank-you-oc-greek-fest-style/
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