Do's and Don'ts in Greece (Part 1)

I thought about starting a few pointers for those of you who may not know much about Greece, but would like to learn more....Here are a few do's and don'ts....please ask anything else you would like to know.....

Do

1. Be flexible and use your imagination when reading menus and signs, and don't be surprised if your favourite "lamb chops" have suddenly turned into "lamp chops"

2. Drive carefully, because Greeks don't.

3. Be patient when waiting at banks, or any other public service.. the earlier you go, the better

4. Check that you understand anything that you sign.

5. Visit archaeological sites...they truly are worth it.

6. Try local culinary specialities, but only if you understand what the ingredients are.

7. Say please and thank you...maybe if said enough times it will be adapted into the Greek vocabulary.

8. Pretend you are at least half Greek, married to a Greek, have Greek roots or act famous...seems to help in tricky situations for some reason....

9. Drink ouzo in small doses....it's not a light drink!!!!!

10. Mention Manchester or Liverpool in some conversation...great ice-breaker....

Don't

1. Mention anything about politics....you so don't want to get started on that subject.

2. Believe everything you hear....gossip is a favourite pastime...

3. Eat anywhere without checking out the prices...

4. Sleep anywhere without checking out the rooms....

5. Drink cocktails unless you are sure what's in them, (that's unless you don't mind never remembering the striptease you supposedly did the night before)

6. Presume that everyone around you does not understand English....you would be surprised!!!

7. Get into taxis without asking how much they should roughly charge....

8. Presume that every place is signposted, so make sure you fill up on petrol when exploring by car...

9. Be surprised if people kiss and hug you when they meet you...it's the Mediterranean "thing"

10. Miss out on having fun....life's too short