Greece - Happily Pass Time with Olives, Ouzo and Dancing!

The Greeks believe one should pass time, not use it. Punctuality is not important. Greeks are affectionate.  Resist compliments, or you may be the recipient of the item you admired. Greeks practice Old World Manners (see the August 12, 2020 post). Family is of the utmost importance, and families are close. No one member of a family should bring shame upon their family. Men care for their families. Families spend large amounts of money on education, food and clothing for their children. Elders are revered and respected. The elderly care for their children and grandchildren.   

Greece land mass is smaller than the State of Alabama. It has a population of about 10 Million. The Capital of Greece is Athens which a population of 3.5 Million. GDP per capita is $30,000 USD. Greece is a Republic, with a PM, AND 300 members of Parliament. The weather in Greece ranges averaging 48 degrees in the Winter to 72 degrees in the Summer. best to layer your clothing.

Greece's agriculture is 17% of their GDP. They have an abundance of olives, fish, sugar, beets, wine tobacco, potatoes. Greece is known for their food, tobacco and tourism. Ouzo liquor is the Greek national drink. Do not get drunk in public. Tourists are sometimes exploited. When bothered, say: "Basta" which means 'enough.' Watch for pick pockets. 98% of Greeks are Greek Orthodox. Greeks speak "modern Greek" language, and English, French. The Currency is the Drachma. Url.=100 Lepta, and the Euro. 

Famous Greeks include Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Homer, and Hippocrates. Greeks love sports, dancing and music. Always join in dances! Dress code is casual chic. Light, layered and covered clothing is best. Men wear long pants at night. Women should not wear shorts while visiting Churches or Monasteries, and in Greece, these are plentiful. Greeks are affectionate. When introduced, use formal titles. Shake hands firmly when introduced upon greeting and again upon departure. Shake hands with everyone present.  Stand for introductions.  Do not make the "Ok" sign (obscene) Do not make the 'thumbs up" gesture (rude). Best to stay away from the use of all hand gestures altogether. Do not talk about politics or religion. Always try to use a few Greek 'magic words' (listed below) as the effort will be greatly appreciated. Expect pushing when in line.

Seat yourself in most restaurants. Meals are social. No one eats alone. Many restaurants are 'Tavern style' This means the meal is served "family style." Common plates. Try everything. Eat in the Continental Style. Eat everything on your plate. The dessert spoon will be placed above your plate. Bread is placed on the table. Sometimes guests may go into the Kitchen to pick up their meal from pots. As mentioned above, Ouzo is the Greek National drink. Try it, but remember, do not get tipsy or drunk in public. Very much frowned upon. Toasts are: "Stinygiasou" ('Steen-ee-ah-sou') which means 'To your health.'  also the less formal "Yamas." which means "Cheers.'  To summon a waiter, raise your hand nicely and say: "Parakalo" which means 'Please.' Do not raise your hand and wave it with palm out and fingers spread out as this hand gesture is considered rude.  

In a Tavern, leave the tip on the table or give it directly to your server. Usually, a 10% tip will be included and listed on your bill, but check with the manager if you have a question. The Greek currency is the Drachma. They also take the Euro. One Euro = 340.75 Drachmae. Tip the Porter 2-3 Euros per bag. Tip the Maid 5 Euros per day. Tip the washroom attendant 1-2 Euros. Room service may add 10% to your bill. Best to get small bills of your preferred currency from your bank one month before your trip. Never exchange currency on the street, and at an airport your rate of exchange & fee will not be as good as at your bank. Avoid bargaining in Department stores. As well, try to learn the Greek Alphabet in order to be able to read street signs. 

Magic words: 

Good morning: Kalimera (Kahl-ee-mer-ah)

Goodbye or Hello: Gia sou (GYA-su) 

Good Evening: Kalispera (Kat-lee-speh-rah)

"Embros" when answering the phone, which means "Go ahead." 

Mr.: Kyrios, Mrs. Kyria, Miss: Despinis

Hello: Ya sas

Please - Parakalo

Yes = Ne (New), No = Ochi

Thank you = Efcharisto (ef-kah-ree-stow)

How are you = Ti Kanete (tee-ah-nay-tay)

Restroom: Toaieta, Ladies Room: Ginekon, Men's Room: Andron 

Traditional Breakfast is 7:00-9:00 am and is Continental consisting of rolls, cheese, butter, jam, honey, and coffee or tea. Lunch is served from 1:30 - 3:00 and is usually sandwiches, cheeses and fruit., Dinner is from 8:00 - 10:00 and is meat or fish, salad, fruit, coffee and dessert. Ouzu (the national liquor) is served with the Appetizer. Beer or wine is served with the meal.

Appetizer = Orektika, Main Course (Entree) = Kyro pita, Dessert = Epidorpio, Bread = Psomi, Soup = Soupa, Vegetables = Lachanika, Beef = Moshari, Pork = Chirino, Lamb = Arnaki, Chicken = Kotopoulo, Fish = Psaari, Eggs = Arga, Tyri = cheese, Ryzi = rice. 

Some of the foods we all know: Moussaka = Eggplant with meat sauce & cheese, Tiropeta = cheese pie, Spanakopeta = Spinach pie, Dolmathes = Grape leaves with ground meat and rice. Souvlaki = Lamb shishkebab. Gyros = Ground meat with spices on grill spit. 

Gift Giving: Gifts are wrapped and are opened immediately. Give: Wine, Beer, Brandy, Whisky, candy for kids, cut flowers. Do not give sharp objects such as knives or scissors (bad luck - even with a 'lucky penny' attached). Logo items are acceptable. 

        Greeks believe one should pass time, not use it. Enjoy!