Have you ever gone to greece? tell me about it (iam going in 17 days!!!)?

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I live in Greece currently (will be 2 years by the time I leave here this summer) and I dearly love it here. Others have mentioned that things have gotten expensive here, and this is true. And, you have heard about the beauty of the islands, of which there is no question. I will say that many people actually DON"T like it here, but if this is the case, it is usually said by people who live and work in Athens and have bad commutes and frustrations with trying to find a place to park, etc. In other words, the city's infrastructure is really bad and can be very frustrating. As I live close enough to my office to be able to walk to work, I don't have these issues on a daily basis. What I love here is the lifestyle....the very active and full nightlife scene, if you are so inclined, which typically doesn't even begin until 11pm or later and goes until dawn the next morning. Depending on where you plan to go while you are here, there is truly something for everyone...the history and the archeological sites are so remarkable...the islands are so picturesque...some are charming and quaint and probably look the same as they did 100 years ago...others are bustling and busy and cater heavily to tourists. Then there is the sea itself...a deep and beautiful blue sea that is simply gorgeous. I also love the music here and have become very fond of a lot of Greek musicians... I love the bouzouki---it is an instrument which can sound joyful and upbeat and make you want to get up and dance, or it can sound sorrowful and can bring tears to your eyes. The food here is great (all of this is, of course, just my opinion) and you can satisfy almost any palate here (although I have yet to find good Mexican food!)...a Greek salad in the States will NEVER be like a Greek salad here, primarily because of how tomatoes and most of our fruits and vegetables (in the U.S.) are grown...they simply don't taste very good, but here they are delicious. Try some dishes that are not typical tourist choices....moussaka is good, but try something else.... any grilled meats (if you are not vegetarian) such as lamb or pork are always good, or stuffed cabbage rolls in lemon sauce, or even octopus, if you are so inclined. For side dishes, try saganaki, tzaziki, melitzanosalata (eggplant salad), horta (greens), or gigantes (large white beans in a tomato sauce), for example. And as for the people...Greeks are expressive and passionate people, whether they are happy or angry, and they show their emotions, which I really happen to like...you know where you stand, good or bad. But this can be off-putting to some. However, they are some of the warmest people you could ever know. When you have a Greek friend...a true friend...you will have this friend for life. Recently hospitalized for an operation, I was visited by many of my Greek friends. When I got home and began my recuperation, I was never in need of food (I live alone and couldn't cook at that stage of my recovery)...my friends brought me food, things to read, DVDs to watch, they took out my trash, etc. Amazing people and I will dearly miss it here when I leave. Don't know if this tells you anything much for your own upcoming visit...I just hope that you enjoy---there is so much here to enjoy!

wndsng

Yes! I was in Santorini and Mykonos as part of a cruise for my honeymoon in 2005. It was easily the highlight of our trip and I can't wait to go back (sigh).

Santorini's main center called Fira and town of Oja (pronounced ee-uh) are perched high on a cliff. I strongly recommend taking the tram up to Fira vs the donkey ride (you could point out the folks that took the donkey ride up, as the donkeys leave a nasty dirt on your pants). Lots of little touristy stores but really good value on souvenirs like handmade glass coasters. If you're there for dinner, try Archipelagos restaurant, overloooking the caldera. It's absolutely perfect at sunset.

Oja is a 20 min bus ride north of Fira and is filled with little stores. Some nice bars and good lunch spots, too. Lots of stairs in Oja. Everything is a hike up and down the town. Absolutely amazingly beautiful - bring your camera and your walking shoes.

Mykonos - I'm sure you've heard about Mykonos as the party place. It lives up to its reputation. If you go to either Super Paradise or Paradise Beach (this is the one we went to), the party goers really start to arrive around 5pm. Mykonos also has a great marina area with delicious food and some great jewelry stores. Be careful - they built the marina area of Mykonos somewhat like a maze to hide from pirates (no joke). VERY easy to get lost. There's another area called Little Italy (or Little Venice) with a lot of great casual bars and restaurants with beautiful views.

I could go on and on. Have a wonderful time!

emiliosailez

Sun,sand and souvlaki.

felicity_xxx

Believe me (I am a travel agent)
IT'S PERFECT!!!

Hanoi_babe

Hey, go to the islands...they are all beautiful and you can always find a cheap hotel/hostel to stay.
But take care - are you American? The Euro is really high, so it might get more expensive for you!
If you are vegetarian Greece is no good destination, lots and lots of barbecued meet, fish is very expensive, but wine (local) is nice & cheap. Don't miss out on drinking ouzo! It's very nice on the rocks with a little water!

Yammas (cheers)

tesorotx

Love it, it's my 2nd home got back 5 days ago. My friends live in Thessaloniki it was cold till March 1, but by the time of your trip it will be beautiful the islands at this time are enchanting. I hope you have at least 10 days in Greece, you'll need it. Athens, the ruins, Meteora, you won't run out of things to do.

LAJOIE2007

Mykonos is your party island (particularly for the gay and lesbian population)* and Santorini is your chill-out island. On Santorini you definitely have to take a dip in the hot springs of the caldera and then go up to the town of Ia just before sunset for the breathtaking, million dollar views (the ones that are synonymous with Greece). Rhodes is an interesting place with a lot of history (fortified city with both Western and Eastern architecture) and some wonderful beaches that almost rival those in the Caribbean (particularly around the Acropolis of Lindos on the other side of the island). Once you get past the industrialism of Heraklion, you can enjoy the countryside on Crete. Of course before you hit the islands, you've really got to explore Athens, especially the area immediately around the Acropolis, known as the Plaka - unbelievable nightlife and restaurants - but not the cheapest area.
Greece is also known for its gold...really there are some very gorgeous and good quality pieces of jewellery that are sold at almost half the price of North America. Just make sure that you bargain, bargain, bargain...you can reasonably negotiate 30-40% off the original price.
Enjoy your trip.
*P.S. As another person mentioned earlier Little Venice is a wonderful place to have a drink or something small...Forget dining there...You're looking at over $100 for a piece of fish...not worth it.

scepticusb

Emilios said it all !! :)

Don't worry,you'll have a great time!

Lisa L

Greece is beautiful BUT, Are from North America?

Your dollar is worth alot less than the Euro.

Get ready to blow MONEY and

ENJOY!!

One coffee at a decent cafe is around 6 dollars- US

MYLES

DUDE ITS COOL........UNTIL I GOT MUGGED 4 TIMES....AND THEN I GOT SHOT FOR NO REASON....DAMN THEY GIVE GUNS TO KIDS WHEN THERE REALY YOUNG!!!!!!!........BUT THEN IT GOT COOL I BEAT A RICH GUY IN PING PONG.......BUT THEN HE GOT MAD AND ME THOWN OUT THE WINDOW ....IT WAS PROBLY BECAUSE I FOOLDE AROUND WITH HIS WIFE WHEN HE LEFT THE ROOM.........GOOOOOOD TIMES....GOOD TIMES.....................WELLL....HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!

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