Impressions of Greece

Mountains - The first thing that I noticed about Greece even as the plane was first approaching Athens, was that it is a ruggedly mountainous country. You always seem to be driving up or down some twisting road. Feta cheese is made from goats' milk. Goats are ideally well-suited for the terrain here.

Sunshine - Pack your hat and a full bottle of good sunscreen. Greece has cloudy and partly cloudy weather, as well. But when that sun comes out, he means business.

Coastline - You never seem to be very far from water when you're in Greece. The islands make up a substantial part of the country, and the mainland has a lot of coastline as well. Greece is an ideal place to work on your tan or enjoy a coastal sunset.

Alphabet - Remember sigma and delta and theta and tho from your math classes? That's how things are spelled here. Including road signs that you need to follow. If you plan to drive in Greece, brush up.

Chapels - Greece is a country of churches and chapels, and the vast majority of them are beautiful. There are so many chapels in Greece that many of them are used only day per year (on a special religious occasion). The Greeks even put miniature, mailbox-sized chapels on posts along the side of the roadways. I don't know the purpose of these, but it's fun to take note of them as you're driving along.

Food - Aways and tasty, just as you would imagine.

Crepes - Yes, those tasty, warm French pancakes with sweet or salty fillings. The Greeks must love them, because they are served everywhere. Crepes are more popular in Greece than souvlaki.

Antiquities - Many are in ruins, but this is Greece, the cradle of modern Western civilization. A lot happened here in the last fifteen-hundred years or so B.C. 

Tunnels - A byproduct of the mountains. Drive down an autoroute (the European term for highway) and you'll encounter several tunnels. There aren't as many here as in Switzerland, the most tunnel crazy country that I've ever seen, but they're not in short supply.

Tolls - Greece is probably the only land with more toll booths than New Jersey.

Passing - Greek drivers pass each other on any road imaginable. Curves, narrow lanes, it doesn't matter. And you are expected to give way by easing over onto the shoulder as necessary. It's a remarkably efficient system once you recover from the initial shock.

Punctuality - If you assume that Greece runs on a relaxed Mediterranean schedule, you're going to miss the boat. Literally.

Fresh Juice - They raise a lot of oranges here. Pineapple and other favors are popular as well. And unlike other Mediterranean countries that serve fresh juices in tiny glasses, the Greeks will squeeze you a nice big cup of your favorite fruit. Heavenly!

Goats - The flocks run out onto the roadways. Even on highways. They're a hazard, but the bells do make a cute sound.

Strays - There are lots of unclaimed dogs and cats in Greece. They were most obvious in Santorini, but you see them everywhere. They wander out onto the roads frequently, so if you're driving, beware.

Police - Athens is patrolled by a small army heavily armed police and troops. But they never act pushy or overbearing. They're on alert to prevent demonstrations.

Brides - Santorini is popular with honeymooning couples, but the Asian couples add a twist to their honeymoon. The bring the wedding dress, and the groom photographs his bride all over town. It's kind of cute until you've seen it twenty times in two days.

Copyright © 2014 Daniel R. South 
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