When you hear the word "Greece" what kind of associations does it rise? I think that these associations are similar with mine. The infinite land with olive groves; the country washed by three seas; the country with magnificent architecture and rich cultural heritage; the country that gave the birth of the most famous philosophers; and of course the country that formed the basis of modern European civilization when the Ancient Greece myths had appeared.
During my trip to Greece I didn't feel myself as a tourist there, who communicates only with his friends or relatives. People in Greece are very friendly. They always smile, get on very easy with other people; on the one hand you want to learn much about that country and their culture and the Greeks, on the other hand, they are very interested in learning yours. If, for example, English people want to learn something about a foreigner and his country, they invite him for a cup of tea, Greeks invite you to dance as they consider that music and dance are the best human characteristics. Music is the human soul. It was very difficult for me to catch the rhythm of the Greek music. For a few minutes I felt myself as a log that can't move at all. My hands, my legs seemed to be alien, not mine. But the simple thing I had to do is just to listen to the music and I felt the soul of Greek dance. I thought that Terpsichore (the goddess of dance) has conducted me through the rhythms of dance and the waves of music.
Greeks are very surprising people. They created a very interesting phrase: "If there is no holiday in calendar you should create it". This phrase is the best characteristics of Greeks and their habits to live. Greeks like to celebrate holidays and during the year they celebrate many holidays some of them are religious. I have found out that there is a very amusing holiday in Greece. Men interchange their places with women. Women spend all day long in cafes or in other public places where usually go only men. It's a very amusing and interesting way for entertainment, isn't it?
Greek carnival usually takes place three weeks before the Lent. Well, there is no any difference between the Greek carnival and carnivals in other countries. Of course, it has some peculiarities such as national dances and songs. It's very interesting to watch the people who become one big friendly family. The atmosphere of friendship, joy and happiness reigns here. Everybody wants to share his joy and good mood with others.
One of the summer holidays is the Hellenic Festival which lasts during two months. There are lots of musical and dramatic performances in the ancient theaters during the festival. Watching the magnificent play on the stages I understood that I've met the great talent of actors. Everything looked colorful and unique. It's very difficult to find the suitable words to describe everything I've seen there. I can tell you that it was like a miracle, at least.
Well, Greece is no more a cheap country. The absolute minimum on your expenditures is more than 20$ a day. Of course it's under conditions that you'll decide to travel living in a cheap hostel, although if you want to travel with a comfort and get a pleasure from your journey you have to pay more than 80$ a day. By the way, you shouldn't forget about the tips.
When you will go shopping don't forget about one thing: to bargain with the sellers in Greece is the indication of bad manners. It is not accepted here as, for example, in Eastern countries. But, if you have such passion and if you can't live without it you can go to any market and satisfy your passion there.
Greece is the most beautiful country I've ever seen. Leaving this friendly land I realized that lots of new friends have appeared in my life. They all are very lovely people. Greeks are the people who remember the roots of their nation, honor their traditions and culture. When you come to this wonderful country you will plunge into the atmosphere of friendship and pleasure which you won't change for any price in the world.
Iuri Tarabanov writes about interesting travel experiences. His Discount Travel site is http://www.travelime.com
