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