Learning Greek

Five years is about time I learn some. My advantages. No more rip off in taxi's, no more being charged 1 Euro, when the rest of the country pays 50. No more buying something with no price tag and the clerk charges you are price out of their head. No more people, calling you a A hole and speaking behind your back in Greek. No being laughed at because I don't understand. No more being pushed aside in a line at the ATM or pushed in a bus. God created the whole world, not just Greece. ~~CcP~~~7/7/2018

Earthquakes

Something you have to get use to I guess. I have felt a few in my lifetime, most were minor and only lasted a few seconds. A couple of nights ago, I felt the biggest so far. Funny, it is a weird feeling, I was sitting and I could feel the floor move. First thing you stop and think "is this real"? Then you wonder if the worst is going to happen. First thing is not to panic or run if you are outside. Get away from electric lines and anything that can fall on you. If you are inside don't go outside until it is safe. Most people want to look and see what is going on. Driving on the roads, pull over and stop. Stay inside until it is safe. I hope I never have to witness any of this, but this is something to think about if you are planing to move to Greece. The world is changing in weather patterns all over just not in Greece. ~~~CcP~~~1-17-2018

Best Time

I have not been to many places since I have lived here. Sometimes I sit and think about the past, (which I know you are not suppose to do). I break the rules sometimes. Life is not always forward, but some things of past good times once in awhile. Christmas in Rhodes, Greece is a favorite of mine. It was not freezing cold, just enough for cold rains and some hail. We had a good nights sleep and woke up one morning before Christmas and had some snow on the ground. I told my wife,"did we die and wake up in Alaska"? It was very unusual and I have been to many islands, and have never seen snow on a island. Going out at night, I teased my grand daughter with a snowball fight. Summers are nice but sometimes too hot. It was nice to have a cold visit with relation. Life is short, maybe we can go back sometime. ~~~CcP~~~8-16-2017

On The Beaches

I am not a beach goer but on occasions I do. The only thing that gets my goat is behind hotels. There are chairs on the beach to sit in or lie in, if you just want to watch and not swim. Some hotels provide this service. Then you have the all - they - can get out of you hotels. They charge the minimum of 5 Euro which is about 6 US dollars to sit in a chair. I don't know what the law is here and I don't care, but I think the beach is God's creation not the hotel. Then you have the old ladies that lie with their sagging braless boobs. (I pray I never wake up with one of them). Well hell it's Greece. Enjoy ~~~CcP~~~7-6-17

Tour

Bus tours in Greece is one of most affordable modes of transportation. They are relaxing, air conditioned, (a must for me). Some are now equipped with WIFI,radio a dvd monitors. I have not seen a tour bus with a bathroom, but some say they have them. If you are a go to the bathroom often person they make rest stops often, at restaurants and gift shops. One word of caution, most stops are expensive and the food is prepared fast and not too good. Best advice is to take a small lunch and water, or just buy a pre-made sandwich. If you take a two day tour the price will include hotel with breakfast. Some tours have very nice hotels and the prices are reasonable. Now on with our tour. Me and my wife took a two day tour. First stop was Pozar Baths, known as the city of waters. The water comes from mountains, the temperature is average 37c. They have 48 individual baths and 6 indoor pools. It is highly recommended for respiratory and circulatory conditions. The benefits are health and well being. The area is also known as hot water. For United States people it is like Hot Springs, Arkansas. Second day. Waterfalls, Edessa.It is located in Northern Greece, in a forest area. Very large and century old trees. Beautiful running streams and water falls. Nearby restaurants are available. The prices are a little high, but the cool air and shade, is worth the price. Visiting Greece for vacation? Consider a bus tour you will not be disappointed. ~~~CcP~~6/25/17

Greek Women

True, Greek women are very beautiful. But that is not the purpose of this post. Greek women are caring, religious and the best wife you can find. (If that is what you are looking for). Coming from another country I believe mostly men think, they have found a slave to wait on them hand and foot. This could be true in some cases I guess. Most women don't want any help like hanging clothes to dry, or washing dishes. I believe this is old customs. In the world today both parents have to work to survive. If just the husband works and comes home tired, yes he needs to rest. But they often forget the wife, (if she has children) has spent the day taking care of children, maybe some are sick, etc. Washing clothes, ironing, preparing meals, maybe working in the hot sun in the garden. Then comes bed time. The man is rested now well feed and wants a little loving. Holly cow, give her a break. More to come, thanks for reading. ~~CcP~~9-5-2017

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas in Greece 2015

No snow in the mountains, also warm enough to go swimming. Will there be a winter of cold and north winds, that brings out the mittens, scarfs and warm coats? Warm is good I guess, but I think it confuses Mother Nature. Flowers blooming and fruits on trees. Animals not sleeping that should be. The time of the year to give gifts and remembering good times with family and friends. Loved one's who are no longer with us. Giving to those on the streets and in homes with no heat, or those with no homes. It is better to give than receive. It is the love and the gift that counts. Remember when you give you will receive two times over. This is confusing to some and myself a few years ago. People give money to church and wonder where and when the double in return will be. It doesn't say your double will be in cash if you give cash. It also says there is no time involved. It could be years and you won't even realize it when something good happens. To me I give and expect nothing in return. So, I am not dreaming or expecting a white Christmas. Only seen a few in my life time. I have been behind the snow shovel in below freezing temperatures, almost frozen toes and fingers, wind burn and so on. ~~~CcP~~~12-21-2015

Vacation to Crete, Greece

Only a forty five minute flight from Athens to Heraklion airport in Crete. It is a very big island and renting a car is recommended. We did our sightseeing by bus and a lot of walking. The days are hot and always windy. When the sun sets the wind will die down a little and the evening will be warm. If staying in a hotel be sure to get one with air conditioning. Most hotels have air conditioning, but is better to be safe than sorry. The sea in the area where we stayed is very hard to swim in. The tide comes in very hard and is hard to stand up. You have to swim out far to get away from the hard waves. Unless you are a good swimmer I would not go out far. There was no life guard, so you are on your own. The night life is nice, plenty of restaurants and coffee shops. Lots of ice cream shops and grocery stores if you rented a apartment with a microwave and cooking supplies. The city offers plenty of tours if you want to see the city or go further into the island. I highly recommend Crete for a vacation if you visit Greece for a vacation.

Going swimming

Took a trip by boat to an island to swim on a hot Saturday. I am not much into swimming but it is nice once in awhile. I'll pass on a few lessons learned. I have been to several counties in the Far East, Okinawa, Japan, Malayasia and Vietnam. My point is,Greece has the hottest sun I have ever been under. You will fry so- to-speak in about an hour. Lesson learned: a. Apply sunscreen before you leave home so it can soak in. b.Apply another thin layer when you get to the beach or swimming pool. (do not rub it in like a massage). c. Do not stay there all day the beach will be there tomorrow. I did part of the above but not correctly, so here I sit with a nose like the Christmas reindeer. I am not into selfies, so you have to take my word for it. On my few days trip to Rhodes, Greece I missed my number one bucket list:

Well, maybe next time. Off to another island soon, summer is fast coming to a close. ~~~CcP~~~

Summer of 2015

It has been awhile since I posted, thought I better get something done. After a long rainy and cold winter summer finally arrived. A few fires have been in the mountains already due to hot and dry conditions, and a little lack of intelligence in people. Have had some very windy days, and it makes it hard for the fire fighters to get fires under control. The government has been battling out their budget, and requesting another loan to help the government stay above water. Poor people seems to always get the short end of the stick. Seems to be contagious all over the world in these times. Raising taxes, due to government failures, adds more burdens to people. I am not much into government business, so I rest my case on that subject.

July now and very hot 97 degrees F. I stay inside on these kind of days due to health issues. Almost too hot to even go to the beaches. It would be so crowded you probably couldn't enjoy yourself. Evening are nice. We usually take our small dog out when the sun sits for a walk and stop by a local coffee shop for a cool orange juice or other things good for staying cool. It would be nice to have some rains for a few days. The sun is blazing hot even a 8 am in the morning. It is nice if you are a sun person. Hope to get to a few more islands before winter time. It is tourist season and prices are a little high, I just say, "what the heck, you only live once". But I use some common sense on prices, after all their is still house payments, bills to pay and need to keep food on the table. ~~~CCP~~ 7-29-2015

The Peope Of Greece

They are very fine considerate people, highly religious. Yes you have your bad apples, but generally the people are caring and courteous. Lots of poor people, same as other countries I guess. They dress in fashion and some tradition. Mostly the older generations dress traditional. Older retired sit in the parks talking, not knowing the language I can imagine the discussion, political, high costs of living, unemployment (about 40 Percent). They have just elected a new President. He promises to get Greece back on track. We'll see about that. Winter got a late start this year, around the middle of December, waiting for spring and warmer weather. Plenty of activities for the cold adventures. Skiing, snowballs, etc. I prefer the beach, warm sun myself. ~~~CcP~~3/3/2015

Carnival

I have much to learn about Greek customs. This month is Carnival, like the New Orleans Mardi Gras I guess. The last weekend is full of celebration, lots of eating, flying kites and basically having a good time. Sunday is cheese day, (I love cheese, good day for me, Ha!) Monday starts other breads and macaroni, since fish is not allowed. I don't care for some fishes, tuna is ok, but the squid, octopus does not appeal to me. When I was young I loved to fish and catch catfish, it was good then but as I got older I guess I just lost my appetite for some fishes. Like I said I have much to learn and the country and customs, I learn a little at a time. ~~~CcP~~1-22-2015