Officially called the Hellenic Republic after its historical name Hellas, Greece is the most visited country in the Europe. It is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia. Its capital Athens is the largest city.Ancient Greece is considered the cradle of Western civilisation. This was where democracy took birth, philosophy bloomed and the first Olympic Games was flagged off. Greece's historical legacy is reflected in its 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most in the world. Nargis Fakhri who is no stranger to this country, tells us what fascinates her about the country she has grown to call “a second home“...

FROM TOURIST TO LOCAL
I first visited Greece back in 2007. The eight-day trip turned into a four-month stay. I'd gone as a tourist to Athens and walked through the Acropolis, poured over the exhibits at the Acropolis Museum, toured the Temple of Hephaestus and explored the Parthenon. I was fascinated by the centuries-old cathedrals and roamed the markets. But after I was done with the sightseeing I discovered I didn't want to leave. So I rented a place and signed up with a local modelling agency. I'd take off to the nearby islands for photo shoots for commercials. The money ensured I lived comfortably and could hang out with my new friends. Nine years later, I'm still in touch with a couple of them and attended the wedding of a third, an American girl settled there. The friendships have lasted almost a decade.

SUN AND THE SNOW
I love Greece for its warmth. In summer it's really sunny but I enjoy walking around in the dry heat and swimming in the warm water. The people reflect the warmth of the country. They are caring and nurturing. I get invited to a lot of family dinners. Except for one trip in mid-October, I haven't visited Greece in winter when its wet and chilly. Mountainous areas in the Northwest, like Epirus, Thessaly and Western Macedonia as well as central parts of Peloponnese, get heavy snowfalls. You can go skiing and snowboarding at the ski centre in Mountain Parnassos, two hours from Athens or the Kalavrita Ski Center on Mount Helmos in Peloponessos.

CHANGING TIMES
Except for a three-year break when I was busy with my Bollywood commitments, I have gone back several times. I ended my self-imposed exile just before starting Housefull 3. This year I was there in August. The last few outings have been brief, two-day and four-day breaks. But no matter how short the stay, I've always enjoyed this sunny land and its sunny people. In fact, there are times when I wish I could settle there like my American friend.

Much as I love Greece, I have to admit that it has changed since my first visit. I can see that when I am strolling down the streets. Many of the shops have downed shutters and also some of the clubs where I used to hang out. The ones still around are almost empty, a sad reflection on world economy. I remember how vibrant the country once was when everyone was either clubbing or shopping.

Athens is where the shopping is but being a New Yorker I don't need to go brand-hopping around the globe. In fact, my Greek friends come to my city for shopping. So unless it's something local and traditional like replicas of ancient artifacts, I wouldn't buy anything except beachwear. The islands offer a range of bikinis in vibrant colours.

ISLAND HOPPING
I love the islands, each uniquely different in its own way. Some like Mykonos are the most popular party destinations in the world with the nightlife centred around its beaches like Super Paradise, Paranga and Paradise. Even the historic Rhodes Island and Corfu are great getaways. The Old Towns in both these islands have some chic open-air bars and karaoke nights. Astir Beach or Asteras Vouliagmeni Beach as it is called in Greece, is another favourite with locals and visitors.

The southern most island in the Cyclades chain, Santorini, and Milos are less crowded and quieter. You can be one with unspoilt nature there. Crete, the largest Greek island and home to the legendary Palace of Knossos, is also interesting. You should feast on the local delicacy there-a plate of steamed, fried or grilled snails.

Earlier I liked hanging out at the crowded nightclubs but now I prefer dinner or dessert in one of the rooftop restaurants of Hotel Bretgne, Hotel Safe or Ocean's Basket in Athens which offer an eye-catching view and a sumptuous buffet.

YUMMILICIOUS!
I love the local cuisine which is diverse in both its vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, from spanakotyropita (spinach and cheese pie) to kreatopita (minced meat pie). They have countless varieties of pitas or savoury pies and the Greek salad drizzled in pure olive oil with chunks of Cheddar is to die for. I also binge on garides saganaki (shrimp in spicy tomato sauce with feta cheese) and mousakka (meat and eggplant casserole) and desserts like baklava have me salivating.

Once when I was shooting a swim wear ad at one of the islands, I watched fresh fish, squid and octopus being caught from the sea, chopped up and cooked right before my eyes. That was one of the most amazing meals I have been served. I'm feeling hungry already and can't wait for another sea-food feast.

Closing couturier Suneet Varma's regal show at the Lakmé Fashion Week Summer Resort 2015, actress Nargis Fakhri looked every bit a royal bride as she stepped on stage wearing an ornate red outfit and bridal jewellery by Reliance Jewels. The traditional motifs of Suneet's collection, which celebrated the many crafts of India, were accentuated by bridal baubles from Reliance Jewels, comprising ornate gold and diamond jewellery . The royal kundan jewellery, antique diamond necklaces, elegant kamarbandhs, regal maang tikas, kangans and cuffs, as well as the stunning chandbaalis and dangler earrings, came together to present a romantic relationship between bridal couture and jewellery.