John T. Peters, a proud first-generation Greek American, grew up steeped in the rich traditions and lively proverbs of his heritage. His father, Eleftherios Petropouleas (aka Terry Peters), co-founded Peters Tours, a trailblazing travel agency that helped bring millions of Greeks to the U.S.—first by boat, then by 747s, and eventually becoming Olympic Airways’ top client. Like many Greek-American children, John attended Greek School, where reading, writing, and speaking the language were mandatory. His youth was colored by the wisdom of Greek proverbs, often cleverly disguised as life lessons shared by family.
John’s upbringing was filled with the sounds, smells, and tastes of his large extended family from the Peloponnese, near Sparta, where holidays felt like mini reunions filled with every Greek dish imaginable. Following in the family’s travel footsteps, John co-founded Zeus Tours, where he and his business partner, Lakis Venetopoulos, arranged tens of thousands of tours for travelers over fifteen years before eventually selling the company.
A lifelong collector of Greek sayings, John began jotting down these pearls of wisdom in his 30s and finally had enough to start writing a book. Along the way, he met co-author Pamela in Northwest Indiana, and they bonded over laughter, friendship, and a shared love of all things Greek.
This book is the culmination of John’s journey, celebrating the culture and wisdom that shaped his life, with a dash of humor and a nod to his family roots.
Pamela Dovellos is a passionate advocate for preserving and celebrating Greek culture. Fluent in Greek, Pamela has always felt deeply connected to her heritage. From the beauty of the Greek language and cuisine to the shared sense of community among Greeks, she treasures every aspect of her background.
A graduate of the Indiana University nursing program, Pamela spent several years working in the ER, where she found purpose in helping patients through their most difficult moments. However, it is her love for her Greek roots and the timeless wisdom found in Greek proverbs that inspired her to co-author this book with John.
Through this work, Pamela seeks to share the beauty of Greek sayings and traditions, hoping to connect readers to the profound cultural wisdom passed down through generations.