Did you know | What about Calamari & Squid

Squid vs Calamari

Squids are molluscs, popular for the soft flesh and taste. It is very popular dish in many parts of the world. The cooking method of squid is quite different from the other regular seafoods. Calamari also is a popular seafood. Though many think squid and calamari are the same, both are different. Some even say that calamari is just the Italian word used for squid.

There are over 500 species of squids and these are found in varying shapes, sizes, and weights. Both Squids and Calamaris do not have external shells; instead, have an ink sac as a defense mechanism. The ink sacs squirt out a thick dark ink which distracts the predators and gives the squid enough time to escape the scene. Certain squids are capable of changing body colors as well.

Calamari is the name representing the species of squids which have side fins running on the full length of the body. Squids have fins, but these run only for short distance on the sides of the body. Calamaris are similar to the squids in many respects but are often more tender when compared to the other squids.

Squids are larger in size than Calamaris. When you see both, you can make out the difference easily. Squids have pointed small flaps on the narrow end of the bodies. These resemble arrows. A calamari has long triangular wing-like flaps on either sides of the body.

In some places, if squid refers to the creature, calamari refers to the cooked item. In short, Calamari is a cooked squid. But then if you are wondering about this difference in the name, it is because calamari sounds more palatable than squid. At different places, squid is known as Italian calamari. But in English, nowadays, the term Calamari refers to the Mediterranean dishes made from squid.

Summary:

1.Calamari has long triangular flaps on both sides of the body. Squid has pointed flaps which are smaller, at the narrow end of the body.
2.Squids are larger in size than Calamaris.
3.Calamari has side fins running along the whole length of the body on both the sides. In squids, the side fins are found only for a shorter length of the body on both the sides.
4.Calamari flesh is tenderer than that of squid.

Now you know!

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Next to Votsalakia | There is Amphipolis

Amphipolis (Modern Greek: Αμφίπολη – Amfipoli; Ancient Greek: Ἀμφίπολις, Amfípolis) is best known for the magnificent ancient Greek city (polis), and later Roman city, whose impressive remains can still be seen.

It is famous in history for events such as the battle between the Spartans and Athenians in 422 BC, and also as the place where Alexander the Great prepared for campaigns leading to his invasion of Asia. Alexander’s three finest admirals, Nearchus, Androsthenes and Laomedon, resided in this city and it is also the place where, after Alexander’s death, his wife Roxane and their small son Alexander IV were exiled and later murdered.

Excavations in and around the city have revealed important buildings, ancient walls and tombs. At the nearby vast Kasta burial mound, an important ancient Macedonian tomb has recently been revealed. The unique and beautiful “Lion of Amphipolis” monument nearby is a popular destination for visitors.

It is today a municipality in the Serres regional unit of Greece. The seat of the municipality is Rodolivos.

History is all around us!

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Did you know | What about restaurants

Did you know…

  • According to a survey in 1999, the most common cause of arguments in restaurants is pinching your partner’s chips.
  • 7/10 costumers say their favorite restaurant food provide flavors they can’t easily duplicate at home
  • 50% (half) of all adults have worked in the restaurant industry at some point during their lifetime
  • 8/10 consumers say dinning out with family and friends is a better use of their leisure time than cook and clean up
  • According to scientists, a Tyrannosaurus Rex sounded like “the sound made by a human stomach after a bad night in a cheap restaurant”

Now you know!!

Next to Votsalakia | There is the castle of Rentina

Already from the time of Byzantine Empire we have a description of the charming valley of Rihios river, the natural carrier overflowed water from lake Volvi to the Strymonikos gulf. At the west entrance of the valley, on the top of the hill was build the Castle of Rentina, with aim to protect the village and to control this important and critical passage.

On the north side of the hill was passing the roman Via Egnatia street following ancient traces of access already known from the wars between Athens and Sparta to conquer the city of Amfipoli and to control the mines of mountain Paggaio. During a stratigraphical cut on the west side of the hill, many tools and objects dated from Neolithic period were found. There were also found, in different areas of the hill, archaic statuettes and potsherds dated from Classic till Roman and early Christian period.

That means that we are facing a historic place witch was always inhabited starting from the early ancient years till the first years of Turkish domination, when the castle was abandon cause its strategic significance was downgraded and the Turkish empire had choose another place to inhabit, the village of Volvi (Becik in Turkish).

At the southwest and right across of the castle’s hill was the ancient city of Arethousa. In this city, at the years of Macedonian king Arxelaos, lived for a small period the ancient tragic poet Euripides. According to the tradition the hunting dogs of king Arxelaos killed Euripides here. The place Euripides was buried was for many centuries reported by travelers and worshippers that followed the roman Via Egnatia Street.

Evidences, like graves with remarkable funeral gifts prove that life was continuous at the early Christian period. At the middle of the 10th century, the bishopric palace of Liti, witch was under the Metropolis of Thessaloniki priorate, was moved to Rentina. This fact led to the reactivation of the village as a basilica temple at the citadel confirms it, and plenty coins of that period found in the castle.

Byzantine documents and buildings, found by the excavation in the village, prove that life was continuous over the following centuries. Findings like pots, vases, coins, tools, weapons and every day’s objects that revealed.

The revival that takes place at the years of the Byzantine dynasty of Palaiologos has a great impact on the village of Rentina. The walls are repaired and a new temple in a shape of cross, with remarkable stonework, is build at the easter part of the castle. Conclusively the excavations on the castle of Rentina, proved the Greek character of Macedonia in this critical area.

The excavation on the Byzantine village of Rentina started at the year of 1976 by the Byzantine Research Center of the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, under the supervision of professor Nikos Moutsopoulos and its still active.

Time to learn and live some history!

waiters

Did you know | What about waiters

Did you know…

A study by weight loss company Jenny Craig found that waiters take 23,000 steps a day, more than double the recommended 10,000 steps a day to keep fit.

In effect, waiters are one of the 10 most active  different professions including teachers, hairdressers, farmers and mothers based on pedometer readings to measure incidental exercise workers get on an average work day.

Now you know!!!!

Next to Votsalakia | There is a Therapeutic Thermal Center

The Therapeutic Thermal Center of Nea Apollonia is located 35 km west of Asprovalta, on the Old National Thessaloniki – Kavala motorway.

The town of the Baths of Nea Apollonia combines the beauty of the lake, the healing properties of hot springs, the mountains and the clean air of the countryside.

To water of the spas in New Apollonia is characterized as Hyperthermia (Na, K, SO4, HCO3, F, B) oligometallic hypotonic.

The spring of baths, having a temperature of 49°-57° C, draws water from deeper horizons, it has radioactivity 2.55 Mache units and is characterized as an alkaline sulfur spring.

The second spring of the ruined Byzantine bath is characterized as alkaline sulfur spring with radioactivity of 4.35 Mache units and the temperature in 1937 was 38° C. This spring has not been in use for many years and is a monument of archaeological importance for the region.

  • Rheumatism
  • Sciatica
  • Lumbago
  • Epicondylitis
  • Locomotor System Diseases
  • Spinal Neck Syndrome
  • Osteoporosis
  • Migraines
  • Dermatological Diseases (Eczema – Psoriasis – Rashes – Allergic Dermatitis)
  • Gynecological Diseases
  • Diseases of the Bladder.
  • Rhinitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Pharyngitis and Laryngitis
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • Allergic Asthma
  • General Rejuvenation of The Organism

Time for relaxation!

Next to Votsalakia | There is Angitis River

The Angitis is the most important and largest of the tributaries of the Strimonas River, which is approximately 75 km long.

At the level of the village Simvoli, where the adjoining springs intersect is where the Angitis River starts and a labyrinthine path with vertical cliffs, form the gorge Angitis.

After exiting the Alistrati Cave, it ends at the Angistas Railway Station, where there is the Old Bridge.

The Angitis Gorge is located a few meters away from the railway line that passes near the Cave of Alistrati,

The entrance for visitors is from the village of Simvoli. The Gorge is known as “Petra Strait” and “Dioriga”. In some places the gorge rock paintings have been found depicting camels, deer, horsemen holding spears, and abstract designs.

In the river, sports like rafting, canoeing, kayaking etc. are being developed.

Consider do some exercise in the nature!

Next to Votsalakia | There is the lake Volvi

Lake Volvi is 22 km from the region of Asprovalta – Nea Vrasna. It is in a row with Lake Koronia. Lake Volvi is the second largest lake in Greece. It is about 12 miles (19 km) in length, and 6 or 8 miles (9.7 or 12.9 km) wide. The area is 68 km² and the depth is 20 m.

The new Via Egnatia highway runs along the northern shore of the lake, while the ancient road ran along its southern one. On its east the narrow valley of Rentina, also known as the “Macedonian Tempe”. The municipalities of Volvi and Langadas have a shore on the lake.

Relax and enjoy the calmness!

Next to Votsalakia | There are cities

Thessaloniki

The second largest city in Greece is very popular with tourists, and as you walk along its seaside promenade you can take a glimpse at some of its largest tourist attractions, while others might be just around the corner.

The Aristotle’s Square, the most popular square in Thessaloniki, is surrounded with upscale hotels and stores. If you came to Thessaloniki by car, maybe the most convenient parking lot you can find at the attractive Elefherias Square, next to the promenade. The White Tower, a former Byzantine tower, offers best panoramic views of Thessaloniki, and stages an exhibition of the city’s history. Here, you can also find out the origins of the city’s name.

If you decide to leave a carriage ride along the promenade for the next time and get deeper into the city, you can find a bunch of attractive museums and places to see. Orthodox churches Agia Sophia, Panagia and Agios Dimitrios are most significant religious structures, while Archaeological Museum, War Museum, Galerius Arch and Byzantine Castle wouldn’t make even much larger cities ashamed of.

Kavala

Kavala is another significant coastal town in northern Greece, dominated by a castle atop the hill in the town’s core. Other significant points of interests of Kavala are Kamares, an aqueduct, and the Mohamed Ali Square; the latter features a statue of a Turk born in Kavala, who was popular as a ruler and beloved by the Greeks.

In the vicinity of Kavala, extraordinary archaeological and religious sites can be found. The ancient city of Philippi, extraordinarily preserved, provides an insight about everyday life led in this progressive city before an earthquake had it destroyed. Within walking distance from Philippi, a chapel and a shrine mark the place where the very first European Christian, Lydia, was baptized.

You should definitely pay them a visit!