Six Things About Greece

1. You know I have to start with food! The Greek yogurt really is that good. The way we were served yogurt every morning was in tiny bowls with tiny spoons and honey or jam. See that bowl above? I think it held a quarter cup, maximum. The olive on the plate should give an idea of the size. Yogurt here is 10% fat, so it's basically like eating cream cheese, and maybe that's why portions are so small. Also, it is less sour than it is in the U.S.

2., 3., and 4. In one picture!

The scenery is what all of the calendars show - breathtaking beauty and strong sunshine. Also, many people drive scooters, ATVs, mopeds, and motorcycles, and lots and lots of them smoke. What you can't see in this picture is that most people drive like maniacs. Driving with your car in the center of the road, straddling two lanes, is common. Road shoulders are bonus lanes, parking in no parking areas is the norm, but rarely do drivers honk. So, less road rage but more general craziness than Chicago. Add into that chaos many tour buses and winding, narrow streets and it's a miracle anyone survives. Whoever the patron saint of driving is, he is kept busy in Greece!

5. Everyone speaks English. But they will speak English in a more friendly way if you say hello in Greek first. It was amazing to watch people smile and open up after a simple hello or good morning in Greek. Then they would chatter away in English, telling you anything you want to know and making sure you were well cared for.

Also everyone seemed to think we were Greek, which may be one bonus to having dark hair and eyes. We may not have as much fun as blondes, but the locals treat us like locals.

6. Graffiti is a national pastime and has been from time immemorial. The metro trains are covered with brightly painted graffiti, the ancient buildings are covered with graffiti (except the really famous ones, mostly), and everywhere you look, someone has written something with spray paint. The really interesting ones to me were of course the ones in English, which tended to be quotations from Shakespeare. If the rest of the graffiti is that highbrow (I don't read Greek so I have no idea) this country is headed in the right direction. Whether it is or it isn't, the artistic urge is still strong in Greece. 

Rome tomorrow!