I have a friend. She is a citizen of the world. She was born and raised in Nigeria. She went to the States to study and stayed there. She lives in San Francisco, but her work sent her for a year in London. Her name is Fatimah and I met her during my studies in the States. I had the chance to see her again, when she visited Greece past October, while she was in London. I hadn’t seen her since 1998 and it was great fun having her here and showing her around.

Couple of weeks ago she returned back to the US and she sent me a message asking how we were. She was very worried, because she has heard so many things about Greece at the news.

That is the reason why I am writing these few lines, so as to explain to the people abroad what has really happened here.

Yes, Greece faces a very heavy economic crisis. Yes, measures had to be taken to prevent bankruptcy. Yes, things will be difficult for many people. Yes, there was a big protest during which 3 people died.

But, this has nothing to do with the people who want to visit Greece as tourists. Greece is the same place as it was 5 months ago. There is absolutely no danger and I am saying this categorically. The change has been made in our lives and affects us and only us. There are absolutely no riots since that sad and misfortunate day.

I guess journalists and the media have their own way to present things and many times in the name of impression, increased view and suspense, tend to exaggerate things, creating to someone who is far from the events the idea of immediate and great danger. This is not the case. The change happens in our lives and our lives only. Our country has been and will be a very safe place to live and to visit. We continue to live our lives with changes, but with absolutely no fear. I am sorry for taking your time but my friend sounded so scared for us, that I wanted to clarify things for all people abroad who may have friends or family members here, or simply they wish to know what is really happening here.

Anyway, back to my kitchen. I made this pasta salad very easy, very tasty, as I told you I am on a diet and this was the perfect lunch.

Cook the fusili according to instructions. Drain and cool.

In a bowl mix the fusili with the corn kernels, drained tuna, olives, chopped dried tomatoes, capers and cucumber.

In another bowl mix the rest of the ingredients for the sauce. Add the sauce to the pasta and mix gently until it is incorporated.

Put in the fridge for couple of hours and serve.