These “strange” Greeks

Do not ask for Turkish coffee in Greece

People go to Greece to have a rest by the warm sea, and also to enjoy the different cultural sites: the Acropolis, Mycenae, Delphi, Olympus, at last Ancient Mountain Agora around which it is possible for you to sail, and unique Metiora monasteries. There are lots of tourist routes that can be supplied by most tour agencies. Comfortable hotels, excursions by buses with the guide, equipped beaches where you can try surfing and sailing. You will be greeted and shown around but you will not see the real Greece. In the Greek language there are no words "Greece" and "Greek" they call themselves Hellenes, after the country Ellada. However, modern Ellada it is absolutely different to what has remained in myths. In addition, Hellenes are not the same. Nevertheless, to study and explore this country is more delightful, than to read history of the Ancient Greece.

Where to begin

All you need is just a little spirit of adventure and some knowledge of English language. Athens is favourite of the tourists. Here you can take a walk down to the city and to climb on Lycabettus which is a rock in the centre, from where you can enjoy the tremendous view of Athens. And before you start walking it would be good to have dinner, if so here is some advice: If you want to get know the real Greek cuisine, choose tavern rather than restaurants where Greeks eat. On your way from the Square Syntagma and the tourist centre, walk in the direction of Lycabettus, to drop into a small shop (not souvenir, but grocery) and ask where the nearest Tavern is. And he will tell with great enthusiasm because the Greeks are very sociable people. If you want to celebrate your first day in Athens with a little something stronger than the usual wine or beer, then you can order ouzo with your food. Ouzo is Greek vodka, aniseed-based clear spirit to which water is added; it is traditionally served with an enormous dish of fried meat, meat balls, and pies with cheese, ham and small sausages in dough. What a joy it is to walk after feast like this. Perhaps, you will even manage to ascend Lycabettus if you are not feeling energetic you can take advantage of the cable car to be found on the corner of Aristipnu and Plutarhu Street. Having made it to the to the very top, you will find many restaurants, where you can order a glass of wine or a small cup of Greek coffee (Don't even think to say ╚ Turkish coffee╩!), you can take a place at a glass wall or on a veranda and enjoy the sunset Athens has unusual beauty at dawn. However, the Athens night view is also impressive.

If you are in Greece for the first time you can devote the next day to usual tourist pleasures. Mornings are for museums, to see the Acropolis it's better to go before nine o'clock. Both the Archaeological and Byzantium museums are located nearby. The Athenian museums are open usually until two o'clock in the afternoon. Also go down into the Athens underground: it is a real museum too. It is nice to spend time after dinner in the National garden, and take a walk to Plaka, Old city tourist Mecca in the evening. Plaka is the area located under the Acropolis, where you will find many souvenir shops that stay open till late and restaurants and taverns. (In general Athens is a night city). The next day we pack up our stuff and hail a taxi. The destination is chosen in advance. You can visit one of the smallest cities on the coast near Napoli (former capital of Greece); it could also be an island (for example, Hydra, Spetses, or Aegina). We chose the smallest town Dilesi which is situated in the natural reserve amongst pine and olive groves, the sea here is one of the purest gulfs on the Aegean Sea. Individual construction in this area is authorized only from the end 1997, industrial construction is forbidden. Over the last two-three years the luxurious villas and rich country houses have started to appear. Some Greeks are moving here with their families. This is not just because of the pure fresh air, but also the convenient transport connection. To get here you have to drive around 30 km from Athens. And it is only a 35 minute drive to the international airport by the National Road. Some people lodge here their parents. Residents of this area, according to medical statistics of Greece are ill much less than in the other areas, they are leaders of Europe of longevity of life. Nearby, on island Evia, there are world famous medical thermal sources (spas). In taverns around Dilesi are similar, as everywhere in Greece. But only here you can try the biggest assortment of fresh seafood's, a fish that will be caught and fried in front of you. Early in the morning you can buy the cheapest freshest caught fish, lobsters, octopuses and other gifts of the sea. The prices of food as well as in numerous taverns are much lower than in Athenes, and quality... Come and try! Nowhere else in the Mediterranean is such an abundant chose of seafood.

Dilesi is a very silent and completely non tourist small town. There are some small hotels which Germans and English people (basically fans of sea food and quiet rest) occupy. The small town consists of one, two and three storied small houses. That stretch along the coast. Dilesi is located in a bay with a great view over the island of Evia .In a channel between continent and island you will find several yachts most of them are small and middle sized. If it not a high season so to rent a room in Dilesi (as, however, and in any other similar small town) is not a problem. We quickly found a cosy small house with lovely flowers, a garden in which laurel trees blossomed, and a sign on a gate "rent room". The owner was delighted to greet us, and has requested 50 euros per day (for couple), but after short discussion has reduced the price up to 30. So it is possible and it is necessary to bargain with Greeks. And we have spent excellent, full week, exploring beaches (there are loads of them and for all tastes: absolutely silent bays, where water is as a mirror, open bays with waves, beaches with a pebble, sand, beaches with the big stones) and observing the Greek life. The main street in coastal cities of Greece stretches along coast, meandering its bends and call "paralia". It is popular for walking, with little tables that are closer to the coast. You are able to enjoy the view of the sea at all times, especially when you are drinking wine, or enjoying a meal. In the price of the real estate the sea view is included. Greeks spend their free time near the sea, and like to enjoy the sunset, whilst listening to sound of the sea gently lapping at the sand, to breathe air sodden with iodine and sea salts. Meals at the sea frequently last hours and, frankly speaking you get used to this very easily. To get out of this habit is harder. Trying on the philosophy of the Greek life for size, you will find it slow and measured, we have understood, that it is not a momentary relaxation this is a century old way of life.

In the European cities Megacities the rhythm of a life is different. Modern Athens is a vibrant modern city. But the necessary, urbanization dictates the realities. And the real life for the real Greek is its house in a small village, or a small town, such as Dilesi on seacoast where everyone aspires to.

The surrounding nature promotes longevity of life. The sea offers fish, olive groves - an olive oil, grapevines - wine, the sun - sensation of eternal summer and a holiday. In essence the simple things in life, not polluted by complications.