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Its a way of life
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The thing about travel is that it gives us the opportunity to sample different ways of life and different cultures. What makes Greece, and particularly Poros, so popular is the friendly, hospitable people. If you have Greek friends you will never be hungry! Whenever you visit you will always be offered food such as, bread, salad, olives etc., with plenty of wine or Ouzo. Quite often a bag of produce such as, fruit, home made bread and cakes or sweets for the children, will be prepared for you to take home.
The climate is ideal for spending as much time outside as you can. Not that it is spent in the sun, but usually under the shade of a canopy or such like. Greek life is a sociable life! Walk along the waterfront in Poros town and it may take best part |
| of a couple of hours, by the time you stop and chat, have
a coffee or drink with friends at the cafes and tavernas. Modern house design caters for as much outside living space as possible. Large terraces and balconies are included in the building whenever the space is available. In the summer, most of the time is spent outside, with food being cooked on the barbecue grill, and external bread ovens are often seen, even the TV and beds are moved outside! Traders do a good business selling patio furniture such as chairs, benches, plastic and cane furniture, and so on, from well loaded vans and pickups. Away from the larger towns and cities, life is slower and more relaxed, so don't expect anything to happen exactly on time! Traffic may be held up for a few minutes while friends have a chat from their cars or motorbikes, but very few people get stressed by this delay. In the height of the summer a "siesta" is generally taken between 2pm and 5pm, when it is generally too hot to work. Most shops close, but the tavernas stay open, so that it is possible to take your relaxation with a cool drink, such as a frappe or ice tea. Work starts again in what is known as the "afternoon", meaning usually from about 6pm, and can go on well into the evening. There is always time for the family and friends. Almost all conversations start with a greetings of good morning or afternoon, followed by how are you, the family and so on before anything else is discussed. Children are always included in this social life, so don't be surprised if you see them eating out with family and friends until late in the evening, "it's a way of life". |
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