What have I learned about the Mediterranean Lifestyle?
- Jade Lewon
- Nov 23, 2024
- 6 min read
My 1st Year Anniversary Blog!
One year ago this week I started this blog - really to document all that I am learning about living in the beautiful Mediterranean region - and to share my discoveries with others who may have similar questions:
How to Buy a Home in the Mediterranean …
DIY Home Renovations with Mediterranean Style …
Tips for Mediterranean Climate Gardening …
The Mediterranean Diet & Wellness Rituals …
Travel Guides to Secret Getaways across the Med …
42 blogs & one year on, here are my key discoveries - so far - about the Mediterranean Lifestyle.
Serendipitously, the answer is 42... Reference: Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
What is the Mediterranean Lifestyle?
A few concepts that rise to the top, and seem to be true across the Med:
Embrace Mediterranean Traditions. This is probably my key learning so far. I am finding that many things I first saw on arrival, and thought at the time to be a little peculiar, have much deeper historical meaning.
I came to the Med with a “northern, cold-climate” mindset. I’ve been slowly peeling back the onion to begin to understand the brilliance in why things are they way they are in the Med.
All that I am learning about the secrets of the Mediterranean Lifestyle point to honouring Mediterranean traditions from the past - and letting go of many lifestyle norms we bring with us from other regions. The Mediterranean Lifestyle respects and understands how to live symbiotically with the Mediterranean environment. That includes heat, drought, and locally sourced energy and food. Embracing the traditions of the Mediterranean Lifestyle and limiting disruptive globalised lifestyle trends...
Reference my Blogs:
Masters of Shade. My appreciation grows everyday for the examples of the mastery of creating shade. Clever ways to create shields from the hot Mediterranean sun. This may seem counter intuitive to what the Mediterranean is known for... It's glorious sunshine!
I remember house hunting, and being so surprised at how most of the houses had few windows. And when they did have windows they were quite small, or hidden. The house I chose seemed like an anomaly, with many large windows - I wanted to see the beautiful countryside, and the mesmerising sea, at every turn. While I do love my little dream home, I have been over time covering up most of those windows! Pergolas, blackout blinds, shades, and planting large trees in front of them where possible.
The sun is so bright and hot in the Med! A concept that I really didn’t understand on arrival. It's not that you don't love the sun, and being in the beautiful Mediterranean outdoors - this is also a big part of the Mediterranean lifestyle - however, with an abundance of sun and heat, you really do become a shade worshiper!
Reference my Blogs:
Small is Beautiful. Quaint little towns, narrow streets, “backyard” vineyards with just a few rows of grapes, and Mini Food Forests!
Proximity of buildings also creates shade! By the sea, there is a lot of wind and so villages of proximate houses also protect from the wind. The Med is dotted with endless small villages - sometimes just a few houses stuck together.
Life is very local, and there is a lot of sharing of resources. In my village, neighbours share the fruit and veg grown in their gardens. Growing your own food seems to be in the culture of those native to - and transplanted to - the Mediterranean. My discovery of "Mini Food Forests" has been lifestyle changing! Small plots of fruit trees and vegetables growing in close proximity, and providing almost everything you need for fresh Mediterranean diet home cooking.
The cuisine is very local. The Mediterranean diet, and Mediterranean cuisine, is simple, flavourful, healthy and home grown. Each region has its own flavours and highlights specific ingredients and spices. More fish and vegetable dishes on the coasts, and more meat and vegetable dishes in the interior. Seafood rice from the Algarve in southern Portugal and Bouillabaisse from Provence in southern France; Black pork from the interiors of Spain and Portugal; Vegetarian pastas, like Cime di Rapa, from the interior of Puglia, Italy and Lentils and Rice from the Arabian parts of the Med - a few of my favourites. And don't let me forget the the magic of Mediterranean BBQ!
Reference my Blogs:
Slow Living. Casual is not just about your wardrobe. Casual is a way of being. Understated, simple, free.
People are not in a hurry, time is fluid, and distractions are welcome. After spending 20years in Switzerland, where everything is on time, I really had to let go of my previous concepts of time. It is unbelievably freeing. Once you embrace the fact that contractors will not be on time, and appointments may actually happen a few days later, you can settle into a slower way of life.
And there is a big reward, you gain so much time for yourself, your family, and to dive deeper into the things you love.
Reference my Blogs:
The Mediterranean Garden is a constant source of entertainment. I love Mediterranean Gardens! My garden, other people’s gardens, nature walks, seeking out the names of plants I see on my travels across the Med, exchanging garden tips with friends and neighbours…
Mediterranean climate gardening both an expertise all its own, and a labour of love for many Mediterranean natives. I have always loved flowers, and have been inspired by landscape design, but I hadn’t really understood the garden as a system (I’m still learning). Attending local workshops on Mediterranean climate gardening is teaching me so much, with many revelations.
Learning about native plant species, soil regeneration, the art of just the right “water-wise” irrigation and pruning, observing what plants are doing well and which plant babies need attention… There is always instant gratification in the garden. From seeing new flowers bloom, young trees grow, fruit and veg to harvest, and eat…constantly changing with the seasons.
Reference my Blogs:
A € goes a long way in the Med. Of course you can find Michelin star restaurants, chic hotels and trendy neighbourhoods and hots spots across the Med, that will cost you more. However in general, for everyday living, a little goes a much longer way. The basics of food, clothing and housing are relatively less expensive (in my experience) than the European average. The concepts of small is beautiful, slow living, and the casual way of being also have a lot to do with it.
Reference my Blogs:
Inspiration is Endless from across the Med. Getting outside my piece of paradise in the Eastern Algarve region of southern Portugal, I find a lot of inspiration from travels across the Med. Each trip reveals new secrets about the Mediterranean lifestyle, and pieces of its culture to bring home.
Reference my Blogs:
Looking for ideas for your Med Home, Med Garden, Med Food & Recipes, Med Wellness or Med Travel?
Highlights from my 2024 Blogs
MED HOME - All Blogs
My discoveries about Mediterranean style architecture, home decor, DIY home renovations, and where to find secret gems for your Med Home.
MED GARDEN - All Blogs
My discoveries about Mediterranean climate gardening, native plants, and how to create Mini Food Forests, plus ongoing care and maintenance tips for your Med Garden.
MED DIET FOOD & RECIPES - All Blogs
My discoveries about the Mediterranean diet, and favourite recipes that I am experimenting with from across the Med's distinct regions.
MED BEAUTY & WELLNESS - All Blogs
My discoveries about Mediterranean beauty and wellness rituals, anti-ageing, and local fashion.
MED TRAVEL - All Blogs
My discoveries from Mediterranean City Tours, off the beaten track Road-Trips, and Island hopping. With recommendations for boutique hotels, restaurants, and what to see - not to be missed!
ASK ME What you Want to Know About the Mediterranean Lifestyle
Share which posts have been most interesting or helpful for you, and what you’d like to know about the Mediterranean lifestyle - for my next blogs - in the comments below!
Loving the Mediterranean Lifestyle…so much more to discover…!
Jade
Lewon
Med
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