Your new local habits in Greece

Customs we got used to - constant coffee drinking. We got into the Frappes (iced foamy coffee) that all Greeks drink in summer, but then went off them in favour of simple iced black coffee which is more thirst quenching. Greek coffee - we've always loved Arabic, Turkish or Greek coffee so that came naturally.  A guy who has lived here for 20 years told us it is unusual for foreigners to like it.  Going out in the cooler night temperatures to shop.  The little plates of fruit or yoghurt that restaurants bring at the end of your meal.  Piles of dry bread with every meal.  Drinking wine out of small tumblers not wine glasses.  Driving - errr....... of a necessity, defensively! The bill that is brought automatically, without asking, rolled up in a little metal cylinder so it doesn't blow away. Order more - get another one  rolled up and shoved in the cylinder.  Eating salads before the main course, American style.  But few vegetables with the main course. Sitting in cafes facing outwards to people watch.  Cake and sandal shops everywhere!

Expressions - less Kalimera etc and more Yassas!  The way yes (neh) is said so emphatically and repeatedly, often aggressively, it could easily be no.

Like - the countryside - to look at. The fresh fish, the fruit and vegetables at the market in season. The cost of wine.  The sense of antiquity.  The amusing congregations of old men sipping their coffees watching the world go by.  The dogs that lie in the middle of road and just raise an eyebrow at you.

Dislike - the fact that it is hard to go for walks in the countryside.  The nature of the landscape and vegetation mean that if it isn't cultivated it isn't walkable. Certainly where we are.  The dogs that lie in the middle of the road! Waiting to be run over and the fact that some of them would be better off put down anyway. So sad.  The lack of town planning in many places, meaning so many towns end up unattractive and untidy concrete blocks.  Oh the plumbing.  Got used to it but still dont like it!  Especially in places where they dont empty the bins often enough. 

Mixed feelings - being able to buy medications like antibiotics over the counter that are prescription only in my own country.