Stopping by the bakery for breakfast
The first bakeries emerged in Greece in 200 A.D. and ever since they have been an integral part of Greek dietary habits. A bakery (or fournos) can be found on every corner (follow your nose) and makes its bread and pastries in a lab at the back. Professional bakers work throughout the night, so that fresh produce is on the stands by 6 am when the first clients will pop in. What better way to start your day than with a freshly baked and steamy spanakopita (spinach pie) on the go?
Buying groceries from the local market
The best place to find the local products which comprise the renown healthy Mediterranean diet is at the farmer's market (laiki agora), which is translated to “people's market.” Every neighbourhood in all parts of Greece has its market, which happens once or twice per week, on one of the neighbourhood's streets. From seasonal fruit and veg, and fresh fish to plants, household items, and even clothes, you will be astonished at the fast pace and how much fun shopping for groceries can be. Just a couple of tips before you go; have small euro notes and change with you, as prices are relatively low (e.g. 1,30 euros for 1 kg of tomatoes) and carry a backpack to put some of your purchases, as two hands are often not enough. If you are after the best deals, go between 11 am and 1 pm, when prices drop; however, bear in mind that the quality may be compromised.
Booking your holidays in August
The local people anticipate the Greek summer as much as the millions of international visitors who flock to the Greek islands. From early May, when temperatures begin to climb, everyone's thoughts travel to a lounge bed on the beach. August is the most popular month for local holidaymakers of all ages, not only because it is the hottest month, but also because on the 15th of August Greeks celebrate one of the largest national holidays (Assumption of Virgin Mary) alongside Easter and Christmas. On that day all public and private services are shut down, and each region commemorates the occasion with different traditions, music, and food, and always in the presence of family and friends.
Taking long coffee breaks
Greeks love coffee. Whether it is a small cup of digestif Greek coffee, or an iced frappé (which is as popular in the winter as it is in the summer), coffee is much more than an energy drink; it is an excuse to spend the afternoon with friends or to catch up with someone you haven't met for a long time. Greek people usually drink their coffees not in Starbucks-like coffee shops (although these type of places are on the rise), but in what can be described as a café/bar/restaurant. A meeting over coffee (and later over food and alcohol) can last from two to four hours!
Doing things with meraki
Language is the product of the way of thinking and the behaviour of the society it exists in. Thus, there are certain words which are unique for each language and can be only understood within a social and cultural context. In modern Greek, meraki is used to describe an action that is being done with soul, passion, love, enthusiasm, zeal, and devotion, no matter how successful (or not) the result is. The action can be as simple as preparing a meal or more complicated, such as completing a work project.
Believing in superstitions
Although superstitions seem not to affect the lives of Greece's younger generations, they have been passed down, and are part of Greek people's cultural identity. The most common superstition in Greece is the “evil eye”, which is believed to be given to someone by someone else's jealous stare. To protect themselves from the repercussions of the evil eye, Greeks wear blue charms in the shape of an eye. Another tradition, which is also the result of superstition, is the smashing of pomegranates in the house on New Year's Eve. The more seeds spill out, the happier and luckier the coming year will be.
Celebrating name days
Following a long-standing tradition, Greek children are named after their grandparents, and usually, the given name corresponds with the name of a Greek Orthodox saint. The Greek Orthodox church has established specific days of the year, on which the saint, and therefore, the bearer of the saint's name are celebrated. Name days are celebrated with parties, sweets, and gifts, and often overshadow birthdays. In the past, the house was open all day for anyone who wanted to stop by to wish and offer presents; today, most guests arrive upon invitation. Some of the most common Greek names are Kostas, Yannis, and Nikos for men, and Eleni, Maria, and Anna for women. If you have been invited to a name day celebration, and you haven't had the time to buy a present, buy flowers, sweets, or a bottle of wine instead; anything will be very much appreciated, as long as you don't appear empty-handed.
Hugging and kissing when greeting people
Greek people are very expressive, and this characteristic is also omnipresent in their body language. For example, when they talk, you will notice that they use their hands a lot to emphasise the meaning of their words. Similarly, when they meet friends and family, they don't confine themselves to a handshake, but they hug and kiss (one kiss on each side of the face) the other person, as an expression of their happiness to get together — even if it's been only a few hours or days since they last met.
