Greece Is For Lovers

“There are two kinds of people – Greeks, and everyone else who wish they was Greek.” This oft-repeated line from My Big Fat Greek Wedding highlights the universal truth that Greeks everywhere are very, very proud to be Greek.


And why wouldn’t they be? The country is not only the birthplace of democracy, but also the subject of many a traveler’s fantasy, thanks to all those sparkling white-washed islands. This self-pride does, however, have an unsavory side, which manifests itself in the profusion of junky, pro-Greek tchotchkes zealously hawked all over the country.

Travelers seeking a more modern interpretation of Greek culture should duck into Greece Is For Lovers, a concept store/design studio in Athens. Somehow they’ve managed to put the icons of Greek culture to new, punny uses: Zeus’s bolt is available as a fully functional letter opener (if you still use those). Classic Ionian columns double as authentic brass dumbbells. The company is also partly to blame for the “Tougher than Leather” gladiator sandal–strapped skateboard, a top seller.

The three founding designers behind the line all hail from Athens, so we say, who better to poke fun?

Stop by the shop for some jokes or a souvenir, but calling (+30-210-924-5064) or emailing (info[at]greeceisforlovers[dot]com) in advance is a good idea.

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