It's all Greek to me -- literally!

So my fella and I are taking a short trip to Greece in November (yep, still a few months off) and I'm a bit nervous as I know NO Greek! Well, I have been doing a little studying and can now say good morning, good night, good evening, hello, how are you, and thank you! So that's an improvement!

Does anyone have any Greek travel tips (yes, I need a pleasant diversion today, haha!), such as things like, "It's impolite to do this..." or "you must never..." etc. etc.?

:D

Thank you!!!!

No tips here, but I have a contact.

I think talking to Despina might help steer ya in the right direction! :cool:

Don't put HP sauce on Moussaka! My mate did that (puts it on everything) and the waiter looked really quite disgusted.

I've never been to mainland Greece, but have been to a few of the islands.

Oh my gosh!! Have a wonderful time!! I have no advice except to take as many pictures as possible and enjoy yourselves! :D

I don't think you need to worry to much about the language or customs because they are pretty well accustomed tourists from all over the world ;)
I have only been to Rhodes though, but I dubt that things is much different in other places of Greece.

I am so happy you are going to Greece! The cradle of western civilization! So much history, delicious food. OHHHHH... I am green with envy.... are you sure I do not fit in your suitcase? :prayer: Take me with you... pleeeeeeeeeease.

Try Google. There are many websites that will give you protocol on every country imagineable.

I love Greece. I think it's changed a lot since joining the EU. Most people speak English and it's quite easy to make your way around. In terms of what to avoid, I'd say chatting about how things were way better when all those eastern islands were Turkish would be about the most important thing.

Oh, and spend only as much time in Athens as you need - I don't enjoy that city much and there's so much other stuff to do and to see.

More detailed thoughts would depend on where you're going. I was there most recently in 2004. I still have guidebooks and other informationo. If you want to pm me, I'd be glad to pass on anything helpful.

The young students of Greece learn English early on so I don't think this will be a problem. Depending on your destination, most places are very safe and spectacularly beautiful. However, Athens is filled with crazy drivers and the air quality can be heavily polluted. Oh, and they smoke alot. Bleh! Family and religion are the foundations for Greeks life - especially on the smaller islands. Eating is not just for nourishment - it's an olympic sport - so be prepared to eat at crazy hours of the day and come hungry. Accepting seconds is a compliment to the host - and vice versa. Dinners often begin at 10 pm and go well beyond midnight. (yes, take the pepto) Greek families speak at two levels: loud and louder - they're not yelling - it's just exuberance. Talking simultaneously is also an Olympic sport. (yes, take the aspirin). They are a generous ppl - and often times if you admire something too enthusiastically, your host may give you the item. Older ppl are always respected - the grandmother and the grandfather are the head of the household and revered by the other members. Older folks are always served first at dinner. Embracing and kissing are BIG to Greeks - very touchy/feely folks - so if they like you, be prepared to be hugged and kissed - a lot! Many islanders are superstitious so that's always kinda fun. :) The only serious travel "tip" I can think of is this...because religion is so important to these ppl - they have an "understood" dress code for women visiting churches/religious places (and there are many) Shorts, tank tops, halters and pants on women are frowned upon. Shorts on men are unacceptable too. Loud talking and irreverent behavior inside the church is also unacceptable -so being respectful to their traditions is essential - regardless of the heat - dress appropriately to visit the churches. Greek beer and wines are not great but the ouzo rocks - mabe cuz it is "rock-et" fuel. Other than that - have a ball and take lotsa pics so we can see your adventure. There's probably a lot more I'm leaving out, so if you have any questions just ask. OOPA! :D

Off topic: Big Greek Smoochies to Mr. Harrison :bgrin2:

Wow, thanks so much everyone! :)

Despina, it sounds so great. Re: what you said about women wearing pants in churches, I guess that means I need to bring a skirt. :)