It is not easy learning to live in a different country. I am sharing my experiences and hope someone will find it useful whether living here in Greece or any other country.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Christmas in Greece
No snowballs to throw, snowman to make or
sled to slide down a hill. Christmas dinner
is another thing. All the trimming, some
different than the USA.
Main dish was pork and chicken. Turkey is
available, but with so many meat choices
the turkey survived this Christmas.
Potatoes were whole and not mashed, and
makes no difference to me, they are good
either way.
Green leafy salad was a highlight, prepared
by a special young lady. No left overs for
this, everyone enjoyed it.
Only difference was no pumpkin pie and
whip cream.
Was a very good meal and plenty left over.
So whatever country you are from or visit
I think you will not see much difference
in holiday meals.
Christmas in being with family and love
one's, helping others out, not just
opening presents.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Weather
If you are planning a trip to Greece or live
in Greece, be prepared for weather changes.
It might feel like summer here in October
but when the sun drops in the evening it gets
a little chilly. Always take a light jacket
or sweater, better to be safe than sorry.
Until winter arrives it can be cool one
day and warm the next. October thru November
is the prime time to get a cold or sick if
you have asthma or lung problems.
Rains also starts in October, which makes
it umbrella time. Lots of rain the winter
and some snow depending on what part of
Greece you live in. The North is mountains,
snow, rain and cold. Best to stay South in
the winter if you get colds or sick easy.
Just a few tips, I learned my session the
hard way.
~~~CcP~~~10/12/2016
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Autumn 2016
Was a fast summer visited Cyprus for the third time, always
a favorite of ours. Visited Rhodes,Greece and family.
Went on a lot of bus tours to places I can't remember the
names,but all was nice.
Winter will be here soon and the rains will start. Farmers
need the rain, but makes it hard to get out and take care
of business, when you use the bus and taxis.
Not much has changed this year, the economy is still not
good, food prices are rising, but we still do ok. Some
people have a hard time making it.
We just keep the faith and hope and pray the world will
come together and people and nations will get along.No
more hate, violence, race issues, war.
~~~CcP~~10/2/2016
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Bus tour to Thessaloniki, Greece
A long ride, but plenty of stops along the way. This was a four day tour to
Simanto Beach Hotel. It reminded me of the movie Dirty Dancing. There was a
swimming pool, a small store to do some shopping a near by forest if you
wanted to take a walk. The beach was part of the resort, so you can walk
to it from your room.
The room were nice and clean, with a queen bed, not two beds shoved together.
A nice television and small refrigerator.
This was Easter week and the last day was a traditional meal with plenty of
food and entertainment.
On the trip back we stopped at Thessaloniki, the second largest city in
Greece. We have been there once before in the winter time. Very nice place
and a lot of sightseeing.
~~~CcP~~5-8-2016
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Not all you think it is.
If you are coming to Europe for a vacation or whatever,
don't expect to find outstanding bargains. Some things
are cheaper and some are not.
The food is cheaper if you buy from farmers. Supermarkets
prices are higher and no bargains.
Dental services is one good service compared to the US.
But don't expect to get everything done is a day of two.
You will need a couple of weeks if you find a good dentist.
Houses are very expensive, because they build them mostly
of cement. Apartments are reasonable but hard to find.
So whether you are coming to visit or relocate, do a
lot of homework before you make the move.
~~~CcP~~4-20-2016
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Touring in March
Some days are warm and some are cool and rain.
I have taken two tours in March this year, it
was three days and rained to some extent every
day.
From my experience you should wait until later
April and May before taking tours, unless you
like getting wet. It still rains in April and
sometimes in the summer months, but it is not
cold.
Taking a Easter tour for three days the last
of April, so I'll see how it goes then.
~~~CcP~~03/27/2016
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Bus Tour
You can take a bus tour to almost anywhere in Greece.
The prices are reasonable and if the tour is over
one day the hotel price is usually included. Most
hotels have breakfast and most are Greek style foods
but most have cereals and other common items for
breakfast.
Be prepared for room styles. Rooms are clean but
don't expect a queen size bed, unless you are in
a luxury hotel. Most rooms comes with two twin beds
pushed together. This is a little uncomfortable
especially if you are over 6 feet tall. Most Greek
people are small and I guess they don't think of
people from other countries. This is my only
complaint about hotels in Europe, especially Greece.
Some tours even go to other countries, Italy, England,
etc. The tour bus goes on board a ship and gets off
in the country they are going to. This is nice if
you have a lot of time and don't like to fly.
There are also some tours that have English speaking
guides, if you don't know Greek, like myself.
If you are interested be sure to book early and
avoid, late summer months, the prices are higher
during tourist season and August is when most
Greeks take their vacations.
Hope this is helpful to so of you.
Thanks for reading. Please consider joining
my blog.
Thank you.
~~~CcP~~~3/15/2016
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Getting Around In Greece
I am retired and am not in a hurry to get anywhere. The bus will get you
almost anywhere, if you know the routes and where to change buses. You
can get a one time trip or purchase a monthly ticket, which you can use
as much as you like. My only problem with this is sometimes the buses
go on a one or two day strike. (which in my opinion gets them no where,
except a day or two loss wages. So your 30 day or 31 day ticket you
purchased you only get to use 28 days. Refund for 2 days, (yeah, you bet).
I can drive, but would not drive here or recommend anyone else to. First
of all it is too crowded and your car will probably get dinged or hit
in less than a week. Law enforcement does a poor job on enforcing the
laws, people park on sidewalks, disabled spots, or make a stop.
It is like the automobiles have the right of way. I always look several
times before crossing the streets, because they are probably not looking
for you.
Cell Phones, yep, they yak on them and drive here too. I think there is
a law on driving with them and talking, but there again, it is not enforced.
So, I stick to my shoe leather, get some exercise, take the bus or a taxi
if the weather is bad.
~~~CcP~~3/8/2016
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