You know you’re (back) in Greece when…
It’s a new year. It’s the season of resolutions, reminiscing, and reinventing. It’s about time for me to write a “You know you are in Greece when…” (or for me, “You know you are BACK in Greece when”) list of sorts. So here it goes, my first post of the year, enjoy.
-You can’t flush the toilet paper. Blame it on the ancient pipes, blame it on the water pressure, blame it on wanting to make taking out the trash the worst experience ever–whatever it is, that’s the rule here in Greece. We’ve been told, “don’t flush the toilet paper… unless you don’t like the person whose house you’re visiting, then go right ahead, clog the toilet.” Gross.
-They will take you in with a smile and hug. With a few exceptions, Greeks have been overly hospitable. And the majority of the people who learn I am American respond very pleasantly. I can’t sing enough praises to all those who have taken me in for dinner (George and Lena), treated me to a cup of coffee and good conversation after only meeting me for a few minutes when I needed directions (Gianna), warmly allowed me to stay at their house while visiting northern Greece (Auntie Olga, Chris’ aunt), invited me over to carve Halloween pumpkins (Lillian and Despina), and had me over to watch ESPN-America to help ease my homesickness (George). So to all of these wonderful people, and the many others, who have made my experience thus far a delightful one, εφαριστο πολι!! (thanks a lot!)
-There will always be treats. It may be a name day. It may be a birthday. It may be to say thank you. Or it may be just because. No matter what the reason, Greeks are sure to always have a sweet treat from the local bakery around!!
-Poo Poo is a common phrase. Or you are startled by your cab driver yelling “Poo? Poo? POO?” when you get into his taxi, until you remember that he is asking you “where” you want to go. (Now imagine how fun it is to say “Where is the toilet?”)
-If you need something done in 3 weeks, tell them you needed it yesterday. No explaining necessary. That’s just their way of life.
-Cut in line. The idea of waiting in line–well, it’s a foreign concept to them.
-They don’t know what Halloween is… and don’t find it funny when Americans go out dressed in costume. We attempted to celebrate Halloween by going to an Irish pub dawning costumes such as cowgirl, emo kid, french painter, sailor, and a few others. Well, upon arriving we quickly noted that there were only two other people in the whole bar dressed up. We also noted that there were two bartenders. The bartenders were dressed up for Halloween. I think you get the picture–we looked like the help. People stared. It was awkward. My original thinking was that even if other people weren’t dressed up than I would at least have a good conversation starter. Ya know, we would look like the life of the party…or so I thought. No one spoke to us. No one.
-You have to turn on the hot water switch 10 minutes prior to your E.T.S. (estimated time of showering). And your shower head is hand-held.
-“Be there at 6pm” means leave your house at 6pm. Although I don’t know where you would need to be at 6pm. Everyone is napping at that hour.
-Nothing is open on Sundays. Literally, nothing. It’s worse than the siesta time I alluded to above. Out of groceries on a Sunday? …order Dominos.
-There are a lot of blondes. I know what you’re thinking, “What?! I thought this was a ‘you know you’re in Greece when’ type of list?!” Well I guess I should have said there are a lot of FAKE blondes. We aren’t talking a few sun-kissed highlights here and there. No no, apparently the bleached out look is trendy. This Anne Hathaway trying to go Marilyn Monroe. So yea, despite the number of “blonde” Greeks, I find that I still stick out like a sore thumb. (or should I say like a sore toe-head?)
-There is no hummus, baklava, or grape leaves. Ok so you can occasionally find these things. Very rarely. But contrary to popular believe, these a Turkish foods not Greek. In fact Allyson and I convinced the two Greek teachers that we went to Istanbul with to try hummus for the first time! What Greek foods have I been enjoying then, you may wonder… GYROS GYROS GYROS. Mmmmm they are scrumptious. There are certainly a fair number of other tasty foods as well, but I’ll omit them in a effort to keep you from salivating any more than you already are.
Well I think that is about it for the list. At least so far. I’m sure I will come up with a whole lot more to add. Heck, I do have 6 more months here after all! Now go enjoy some American luxuries for me: peanut butter that doesn’t cost 9 dollars for a tiny jar, a washing machine located indoors (did I mention our washer and dryer are outside? Oh, well, they are), American magazines in English (feel free to send me some!!), and many many more.
Oh and the final thing I can’t seem to find in Greece… these wonderful people I spent Christmas with (Brady & Beth, you were there in spirit). Feel free to send me some of these along with the magazines:
