This is my second time writing this as the first failed to upload and got lost in the ether. Grrr.
Certainly some highs and lows, with Rhodes being an unexpected surprise. The Greeks are in general a warm and friendly people, with a proud heritage. In tourist areas at least, most speak a little English or German and many signs are in English as well as the Greek script.
Christianity is predominant with churches everywhere, though it seems a little more secular than Turkey.
Food was fantastic, and I've re-established a love affair with moussaka, pastitsio, feta and olives. Can't say the same about the wine, where a generous comment would be to say it "lacks complexity".
A low note was the smoking (Greeks are apparently the worst in Europe), and smoking inside is endemic. I heard there may be a law against it, but it's ignored. Like Turkey, cats and dogs run wild, so you need to watch your step while marveling at the sights around you. Plenty of non-vigilant tourists stopping to scrape their shoes.
Worst was the graffiti, with most flat surfaces in the towns tagged with an ugly scrawl, even some of then ancient monuments, which was appalling. Perhaps it's just me, but I tend to rate societies and people by the amount of graffiti I see, and the attempt to clean it up. In Greece's case I sense a lot of angry youth and apathetic authorities with no money, a sign of Greece's basket case economy and stringent austerity measures.
Greece, especially the islands, is fantastic. Go and see it while you can.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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