New members of the Greece forum, introduce yourself here

Hey there, I have same situation as you.

And what you think to do?

Hello Jane,
In what part of Greece would you like to be?
Pat.

I want to be in Crete. I was here and I have very nice memories about this place and about people who live here.

Im also at Crete but im sorry i cannot give you some advise but im sure some people from this forum will help you with a lot of pleasure..
All the best and good luck Jane.
Pat.

Maybe you was here too?

Thank you, Pat! Nice to meet you! I hope I will to have good advice.

Hi. I am trolling the internet, sensing for a landing spot in Greece where I might set up a home base for some open-ended sampling of Greek life, perhaps for years. A Canadian male in mid-life, I can hardly believe that I have never been to Greece. I have had my fair share of world travels elsewhere. Just now, I am feeling the draw of Greece, but don't know where to begin. Renting somewhere in Crete rather than touring widely is my current inclination.That said, my head is spinning with all the loving testimonials here of ex-pats loving village life on some of the smaller islands off the Turkish coast. Suggestions? I like a semi-rural lifestyle with easy access to natural areas and am more of a quiet observer than a social junkie or community pillar, though what I most look forward to is meeting a diversity of people. (Note the contradiction - ha!) I would be grateful for some place names to research and perhaps try as a first destination. Thanks,
Steve (samincanada)

hello samincanada,Im British and have lived in greece for many years,I think you would enjoy spending some extended time in Greece but perhaps not for permanent living.There is very little violence here and life can be very laid back as long as one is financially secure and not looking for work.You would need private medical insurance so that needs budgeting for.Remember that only the larger Islands have proper medical facilities.Many expats live on Crete and Rhodes,Corfu,Corfu sounds very nice, away from the British tourists,a lot of famous musicians have come from there,it enjoys a big music scene of all styles and of course its fairly close to Athens.The larger Islands carry on as usual in the winter as well.Mainland Greece can be interesting as well.Greece keeps a lot of traditional customs and ways and I think this is a big pull for people wanting to live here,something that is sadly lacking now on the planet.You should look up Ikaria on Utube and the net,its called the Island where people forget to die,they seem to be in great shape well into 100 years old and very happy,a very traditional Island where the shops open when the owner feels like it,very close friends into old age,there are radioactive natural waters to get into which scientists attribute long life to in part.I wish you good adventures where ever you land.Dont hesitate to ask if you need further advice.

Concertina. Corfu used to have a bad reputation for drunken young British hooligans. Has the island cleaned up its act, since then?  (I remember it with great fondness, from our three months in a camp-ground there in 1976, but had heard it went downhill afterwards.)

Hi Concertina,

Thanks for your thoughtful and informative reply. I hear your caution on making premature plans to live permanently in Greece; I was feeling open-ended, but realistically, I think six months of renting and doing some touring is what I need to do to test the waters before considering a deeper commitment. Of course, I would like a couple of years, to learn some Greek and make some friends.

Funny you should mention Ikaria. It was a focus of my investigation recently, in part because it appeared to offer better affordability and be out of the sights of hard-core tourism. I found its unusual history intriguing also; at one point, I was even communicating with a real estate contact on the island. Then I started reading between the lines and sensing that it might not be my best prospect for a first experience (something about limited resources and even cruelty to dogs being a cultural quirk on Ikaria). I don't place too much stock in remotely sourced information, but it is all I have right now, that and my intuition. It is time for me to tidy up aspects of my life here and then book a trip, I think.

For the record, I have a simple life on a small acreage with my partner where we enjoy cultivating the landscape with trees, fruits and exotics, and the wildlife it attracts. It has its own magic, but I long for some deeper cross-cultural connections. (It is about an hour's drive outside of Vancouver.) The question for us is whether or not to pull the plug on our lives here or to do some home exchanges or renting out first. We love the little homestead, but I'm not getting any younger, you see.

Also for the record, I have considered doing the same in a number of far-flung countries within Asia and South America, everywhere from Bolivia to Sri Lanka (not quite A to Z) which must make me look awfully scattered, but I do have fun learning and playing with my fantasies. The downside of this is the long time it takes me finally to get launched. Wish me luck, please, and thanks again. I would like to stay in touch.

Steve in Langley, BC, Canada (SAM is an acronym of my initials)

good evening Gordon,well it seems Corfu is not,has not, been the only place where British louts disgrace themselves.Crete has its fair share of troubles with them,Cyprus of course,Corfu does,Spain definately does,turn any stone and there they are,British army units on Cyprus,they have been known to murder female tourists under the influence of alcohol.I guess its best to go to areas on Islands where they dont want to be,a lot of the Greek Islands dont appeal to them,thank God.Much of Corfu is still very nice,out of high seasons would be best and now has a intellectual arty,music scene amongst Greeks,it always had a reputation for turning out well known Greek musicians.Are you in Greece Gordon,if so, where are you? If not,do you ever visit.

I understand what you say, I just had my brother die,he was 60,he didnt have much chance to have adventures in his life because of many things and we do need to just break away for a bit sometimes and have a few adventures for a memories,then we go home recharged, with food for thought and are grateful for all that we have,our good health our loving partners and our sweet homes that we often put many years of love and energy into.Your place sounds so nice.You could be a traveler for a little while,My husband and I often see travelers around where we have just built a house near Old Corinth and Loutraki,sometimes on bikes and once a woman in May- time travelling with a huge beautiful horse across the mountain roads,her few things were hanging around the horses neck,which reminded me of Robert Louis Stevenson when he traveled around France with his donkey,he used to leave a few coins where he camped each night by way of gratitude to mother nature for his moonlit starry- skyed grassy bed.I would like to have met him,a wonderful kind human.About the dog poisoning,it does go on so does the dropping of rubbish here but there are always things we dont like on this planet,I dont like the violence in the UK,something wrong with some of the males there.Nowhere is utopia and some things have to be tolerated and to look at the positive things and that which makes us happy.I think you could have a great time here exploring,some of the Islands are breath-takingly wonderful,learn a little Greek,the food is gorgeous,go for it.We have a separate flat at our country house you could use on your route here if you wanted,we have a lovely sea-fed lake with a wonderful ancient site near it,nestled next to a pretty cove,its very lovely,a car hire would be great.Keep in touch,tell me what your doing,I am able to private message you I think.

No, Tina, we don't live in Greece - and in fact have never been back since 1976. For three months, then, we lived out of a Kombi van at the Ipsos camping ground on Corfu, with our one-year-old son. It was a fun time for us all, and we loved the Island. 1976 was before the hooligans discovered it! I turned out five or six times for the British Casuals cricket team, playing on the Town Square in Corfu Town. (I gave that experience a couple of paragraphs in a post on my blog in October 2012 called "When the clock struck four", if you're interested.)

We've lived in the Caribbean since 1978. Now, we're wondering what it would be like to live in Greece in our retirement - especially on one of the islands, and especially in the winter-time. Our son and his children all live in Norway, and that's where we'd go in the summers. I'll be glad to put Corfu back on the agenda!

Gordon,yes Ive seen some postings of yours fairly recently about returning to Corfu I think.A neighbor of mine here in Athens,her nephew is a college teacher in Athens and he owns a house from his grandmother on corfu,he told me....Im getting there fast, as soon as I retire,before 60.We met a Swedish couple near our country house here,they come to greece every september through to november,retired,they said the cold there was too much when you get older,when young its tolerable.They return via Patra ferry to Venice for 3 days and then on to Sweden,cheap easy jet flight from Italy.The Greek government has a great offer to non EU people.....buy a house for minimum of 250.000 ,get visa for 5 years,renew it and after 7 years you can become a greek citizen,including spouse,children and grandparents.Your medical insurance would need to be sorted here,but these private clinics here are great,not so expensive for tests and things.Its a very safe place to live here,I think if one is financially secure its a good place to retire and nearer to your family,you could have a jolly nice life here Gordon, between the two countries,yes.The winters are fine on the Islands where its fully functional all year with Greeks and expats and lots of Germans, French,Dutch live on Corfu.

How wonderfully kind, your words and your offer. This a reflective time of life, for me, at least. I am sure, I feel it, that I could have a very fine time exploring Greece from all angles, not least among them, the food. I have read through many of your back posts to others and I am touched by your eagerness to share your experience with others.  Keep well. Perhaps we'll meet one day.
All the best,
Steve

Thanks for all the advice, Tina. Greatly appreciated. We wouldn't buy, though, at our age (75 & 74) - especially since we wouldn't be living there year-round. The main disadvantage is the temperature in winter. Warmer than in Norway, but maybe not quite warm enough to swim!

Hello all,
I`m Jane. As I said early I need advice of people who lived in Greece. I will come to Greece, but what can I do here.. I listened about small quail farms. It is really here? Will people interested in this product? Help me, please, I don`t know Greece so well.
Thank you for all

Hello, guys! I am Russian student, part time therapist lady. 

Hello,
I'm new to Athens and I have just working here.

Hi to all, I'm lookin to retire in Greece for few months, i'm an engineer by profession & a businessmen. Humble, polite, no bad habits, fun & active. Pls let me know if someone is interested to offer me accommodation I pay for all expenses, im originally from lebanon, christian. Thank you

Hi everyone, my name is Pano, just joined the forum and looking for interesting discussions and exchange of views and ideas. Also, i hope to meet interesting new people and make connections!

How can i delete the post? I tried to reply to someone but it was posted as new post. (?)

Hi, Ana! What do you study?

Hello everyone
I am 24 years old Egyptian mane my fiance is English and we plan to move to Greece after the marriage in about October 2015
I don't know Greek but my fiance does know some and we plan to learn it
I work as Arabic teacher for non Arab and my fiance is photographer
I know that it's hard to find a job in Greece or at least that what I heard and I was wondering if I can work as Arabic/English teacher in Greece
and which city is the best for us
any advice about moving to Greece is wanted and also about jobs and so
thanks for your time and help
Islam (yeah it is my name lol )

Hi my name is Emily, myself and family are thinking of buying a buIness in Petrokerasa East of Thessaloniki, none of us speak Greek so we don't know if it would be a viable concern, I would go to college to learn language if we did move, information needed to medical system, solicitors accountants do you need these, we are looking at similar business on crete and there is an expats page there that spells out all the pit falls, never been to Greece but have been to crete wonderd if weather was pretty much the same, any help would be appreciated

Hi Everyone,

I'm Lebanese, living in Lebanon, looking to permanently live in Greece.
I am Young, Self Employed, learning Greek and will make a trip to the island in few months.

Would like to know from the lovely Greek people and expats in greece, the best city to raise kids and comfortable life for new expats.

Like any capital city, Athens might be noisy, so I prefer a nearby beautiful city or town that also has a nice beach , all basic facilities and good schools, shopping malls, night clubs, restaurants, health clubs..

Renting or Buying an apartment is the best first step to do ? Where to search according to my status?

As Lebanon and Greece countries and people share similar characteristics including bad ones:P, am optimistic in living happily with Greek citizens.

What helpful tips would you give me as start up guide to look through in my trip before permanently making the move with my family.


Thanks

Thank you, My wife and I are interested in moving to Greece, specifically Crete I am a truck driver/truck driver trainer with over 30 years experience. My wife is a certified yoga teacher and has almost completed a degree and Anthropology/archeology.
  looking for possibilities at this point we are not sure what is available.  We are working on learning Greek when we have time. possibly looking for a small business to buy that would not take up all of our time

hi,well i have lived here in athens for many years and know the problems that have existed for some time.You must remember that crete has its own special situation and set of rules,cretans obviously welcome tourists but are not so welcoming to outsiders trying to get in on their patch for business and or work etc..etc..Your wife could very likely start up a yoga school that would attract greeks and expats as it seems that many more greeks are now understanding the huge benefits of yoga.Learning the language is obviously essential but that will come in due time perhaps with a one to one teacher of greek,you could find a greek teacher in your area before you depart.Remember that you will require private health care until such times as you are paying into the system through your own business perhaps.Despite all its problems I do believe that greece is still a good place to live as long as one is financially secure and only then.

hello,im guessing you dont need a big city for work as you said you are self employed,you could live in a suburb outside of athens,Im personally not at all keen on the east side of athens near the airport,loutraki is very nice by the sea,an hour and a bit from athens west along the coast,very scenic,mountains and,a sea-fed natural lake closeby,mountain water spa baths which have just been refurbished with an outdoor pool,its very upmarket,tourists from all over the world,casino,lots of hotels,great mooching promenade,lovely restaurants,near the corinthos canal,the surrounding area is spectacular but no shopping mall,local olive oil is abundant,train is nearby and buses into athens.This was in answer to FadiGreece

Hey All,

This is Azza, just moved to Athens. Lebanese citizen, but was living in Africa with a humanitarian organization for the last 4 years.
Now trying to find my way around with learning the language and trying to find a job.
I've been many times before to Greece and stayed in Athens for short periods with my Greek husband,
I love the country and especially the people, since they are very similar to my Lebanese people, in habits and friendships.
Any leads on how to make my new start easy are more than appreciated!

heelloo
Am Osei Tutu from Ghana and i will like be in greece
I am an electric welder ,and i will be gland to find a job there that suit my occupation as a welder.
Offcourse i need  a helping hand .please
Thank you
Regards
Francisoseitutu300@yahoo.com

Hi all I am new to this and also new to Greece so any help is more than appreciated. I have moved in the last few days to Agrinio from Berkshire in England. I have worked here last summer and now need employment, is there much around for English only speaking people and what's the best way to learn Greek. If I can help anyone please say.

Wow, you're out in the middle of nowhere! It would probably be easier to find work, meet english people and learn in greek in a major city like athens. Why did you choose Agrinio?

My names Simon, If from the UK, Nottingham, lived in Greece for 6 years now, unfortunately ended up having to fight corruption through my first job here in Athens and after 5 years of hell, got my life and most of my sanity back.

Looking to network and get to know a few others who like myself find themselves here and in need of a like minded chat now and again, as well as looking to help, work or promote other creative people where possible.

I specialise in 2D/3D Interactive Multimedia /Web Design and teach and provide project based alternative ideas & design solutions where required.

I have a couple of blogs if people fancy a read, one which covers the many elements of moving to Greece and finding yourself accidentally working for a Government sponsored criminal Organisation, and the sh*t you have to endure to do the right thing :

fckdupathens.wordpress.com

And another design based one providing a selection of 2D/3D resources and projects which I cover in any spare time:

esadude.wordpress.com

Hope to speak to you soon,

Simon

hello Simon,well,life aint easy and you have experienced some of the nastier sides of life.I have been here with my greek husband for many years,built a house in the country side which was a hell for 8 years and all my advice to you would be that life has always been insane because humans are basically that way,I was a Greenham Common woman,an activist against everything bad,as I have got older I realised that its best to put ones energy into the things that make us happy and content.Projects for alternative housing.planting trees,plants,talking to nature and we play instruments,I love music from the past,my husband is a rock guitarist and now learning classical guitar,i picked up the harmonica,thats great.As you say the UK is pretty difficult,everywhere is but here in Greece one can opt out of the system a little,where we have our cottage there are people who live in caravans with chickens etc 1 hour 15 mins from Athens,none are bothered by the council,you cant do that in the UK,opt out,there are some alternative living projects going on which is great.Lots of traditions here which I love,near our house there are cows that you can buy the fresh milk,ponies,a guy gallops around on his horse at weekends,I often hear the hooves clattering on the road and a man trails his goats around the mountains,I hear their bells.I hope that you will now begin to enjoy your life here and grasp the positive things that are possible to have here,a small cabin near the mountains would be a great joy.We are years older than you so have seen how fast the life slips away,always to be happy,I wish you well and if you ever want a visit to the sea and mountains we can offer you a place to rest your head,many regards from Concertina.

Greenham common, small world im from Newbury. I was walking around there less than a week ago !