Well my grandmas surely savoured them, but i've never heard it's an "honour" thing in my 40 years of living in Greece. Maybe this custom only survives in small villages or something. In cities, i can guarantee noone will take offense if you turn down a fish eye. Turning down alcohol is more likely to annoy people.
I'm Ολλανδος and have been coming to Greece since 1972 (and live here permanently since 2008) and I have never heard of or experienced the eyeball thing either. I have, however, been offered the goats' brain at the πανηγύρι (fine with me, I used to love calf-brain as a kid and this is not so different).
I've been to Greece twice, and hope to go there many more times. I don't have Greek ancestry, but I am learning Ellenika to better experience the country. Much respect to the Greek people. Για σου!
I think Greeks are the most hardworking people I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen people working until 3:00 am at breakfast at 7:00 am the next morning! Was it 2015 when the banks froze everyone’s money and limited how much they could have? Imagine if the US government tried that? I go to Greece every summer and find the people gracious, loyal, and tolerant.
i was there in late 2015. they were hurting for money. you'd come out of one restaurant after eating and the next restaurant over would be trying to get you in. they were literally BEGGING us to come in and eat something so they'd have some cash. you really felt for the people but you can only eat so much.
If it was another country, the government would have been ousted the next morning. I'm still amazed at their infinite wisdom and since I wasnt a supporter of that party that forced this and the capital controls that followed, all the more reason for me to not ever vote for them. This is also the most popular consensus among the population and thats the main reason they lost the elections twice and are now third in percentage.
@@Yiannis2112 Yes but the real reason was from decades of misuse of power and misuse of resources and capital.. it was not any ONE political party’s fault.. and THAT is why the people accepted the austerity measures not because being “soft” as some say ..”o if they happened in our country we would oust them” the next day. Greeks know better than any other country what democracy and fairness means.. they invented it
@@TheGlitterGlobe That government eventually turned to a more soft policy and turned centre - left. But there were long - term good things more important than that summer's turmoil. It eventually became the first government largely independent from the cliques and the mafias that had governed the country for decades and bankrupted it. From 2015 to 2019, it was the first time many kinds of mafias were denied their shares and privileges. First time the government mass-bargained medicine and expendables and bought them at a cost akin to better-governed European countries, first time the government did not drop its EU - legislated tools in favour of cartels, first time the government used equipment and resources it already had instead of hiring or buying the same things from specific privates, first time government gave contracts to simple workers, such as the hospital cleaning ladies instead of paying premiums to outsource to companies who exploited them. That government renationalised bankrupt private monopolies, it introduced school meals and children stopped fainting in the classroom, the church didn't have the final say over what is taught at schools, the Labour Inspectorate raided big companies it had never dared lay a finger on, TV companies had to pay for broadcasting rights for the first time since their introduction in 1989. A decades - long dispute with neighbouring country was dissolved, paving the way for cooperation in the Balkans. And that government overreached its financial goals by billions. But the TV-stations who were forced to pay their taxes, religion clowns who began losing control over education and other institutions who lost royal contracts and privileges on public funds rallied the elderly and the rural people to bring the same people who had been plundering the country for decades, back in office in 2019. Even murderous - scale sabotage is suspected, as in July 2018, a wildfire killed 105 people and all the police and fire department officials who "failed" to respond appropriately to the situation were ALL promoted by the next government. Since 2019, with the conservatives back in office, public money embezzlement is worse than ever. They shared all over-surplus they received in unbelievable contracts to their friends. As we speak, 2 million euros are given for repairing the roof (!!!) of a local Health Centre in a conservative stronghold, and 50 million euros were given last year for the school meals of a province in Northern Greece. The same time, simple railway infrastructure was neglected, leading to a head on collision with 57 dead. Public debt has reached dangerous heights again, press independence has hit rock bottom (108th in the world from 57th under that previous government), the police is free to beat up opposition supporters and the Labour Inspectorate is told to do nothing against working rights violations. But TV stations behaviour under this right-wing government is much like a totalitarian regime. They still control the elderly and the rural people through heavy moral panic. If a conservative politician is caught plundering millions, it isn't even mentioned. If a relative of some of the guys who were in office from 2015 to 2019 is caught committing a traffic infraction, it is a news bulletin headline. Moreover, cartels are so unchecked and unhinged, that, at a lower labour cost, the very same products we export to you reach our own supermarket selves double the prize!!! Two years ago, a journalists researching government officials, Giorgos Karaivaz, was assassinated.
Lazy? Was in Mykonos, April 2024. Not too busy, so many staff were able to talk. A few minutes to chat. Staff work the entire season 8-10 hours a day with no days off for the entire season. Heard this story multiple times from different locations. They were still friendly, helpful and appreciated the ability to work.
A lot of ppl try it, too many get burned out after a couple of years. You have to live with 3-4 room mates, no privacy, work 10-12 hours in the greek summer with no days off , for months!!!! The money seems good but isnt not.
As a Greek I've never been suggested by anyone to eat the fishes eyeball and if someone were to pressure me to do it, I'll think that guy is weird no matter how old he or she is
As a Greek myself I have tried the special treat of fish eyes, lamb's eyes and lamb's brain and they are all delicious. The latter is just like 'ossobuco' if you know what i mean!
On the Turkey thing: what he doesn't understand/say is that it's not just history, their insults, wrongdoings and transgressions are still present in these days and they only keep getting multiplying. So not a historic issue, but a present one.
If someone knows of a country with people who have a better culture of hospitality than Greece, I would like to know! I am still searching 😁 Even though I knew like 4 words in Greek, never have I felt more welcome in a country as a tourist than in Greece. I was spoiled rotten with free ouzo, desserts and wines for two weeks straight. Also, their pastries still haunt me...
I went to Athens back in May, my first time to Greece and I have to say that it is one of the greatest cities I have ever been to. The history/culture, the very kind people, the beautiful food, how clean and safe it is there, very relaxing! I highly recommend visiting if you've never been before. :D Seeing the Acropolis up close in person is something you need to experience at least once in your life. Wow! :) Just don't touch the marble when up there. I seen a disrespectful tourist doing it and laughing about it... Anyway I'll definitely come back sometime, but next year I want to visit one of the Greek Islands, possibly Santorini, Corfu, Crete, or Mykonos. :) Cheers from Dublin, Ireland, and safe travels all!
Go to Creta. Mykonos is overated and totaly bull. Santorini is great IN WINTER OR LATE IN FALL Corfu is also great. My tips. But if you want some real exotic expirience get a sail boat for 15-20 days. There are islands you wont belive they are real and do exist!
Let me tell you that as a Greek close to 40s, I don't care if I insult someone.. I would say "No, thank you" to any fish eye ball offer!! 😂 Opression is over!!
I think we are generally talking about the occasion that, a local offers some special food to a tourist who he thinks as a special guest, and sometimes this has as a result some discomfort for the tourist. and how he can manage it without insulting the local
Alexander has absolutely nothing to do with "North Macedonia" -- his birthplace and capital, Pella, is within the borders of Greece. Also the "North Macedonians" are slavs who migrated to the balkans 800+ years after AtG's death; there's no cultural or linguistic connection with the ancient Macedonians, who were more or less Greeks.
Υou're right on every single of these issues, but they still call themselves macedonians and their country Macedonia: this should have been a bridge of connection and friendship between the two countries, not hostility! Even if, let's say, some africans called their country Peloponissos, I 'd say the same!
@@jimmyj1969 This couldn't and will never be a bridge of connection, especially when you consider the underlying motives behind it. The whole Macedonia thing started when Tito of Yugoslavia started to entertain expansionist thoughts towards the Aegean sea, before that the area was called Vardar Banovina. What's more annoying is that within nationalist circles in North Macedonia, there are still maps that depict "Macedonia of the Aegean" as part of their country. So, the simple answer is NO there is no bridge of friendship over such matters because that's how you end up losing part of your country.
@@jimmyj1969are you working for UN or what ??? Since when anyone has opinion about national issues and who asked you ?? I think you didn’t pay attention to the video content
On the topic of never refuse food, this also includes the coffee, tea, beverages, small confectionaries and even water. Depending on the time of the day. If you visit in the evening for dinner or lunch time, do not eat a big meal beforehand, because you're gonna eat there. As for road etiquette, follow all road rules in major cities, especially Athens, and road markings.
Great advice. Yes for sure Greeks are very hard working, and also grotesquely underpaid. Greece is becoming a country whose people increasingly exist just to serve tourists because tourism is the only sector of the economy doing well, and incomes are very low vs. the cost of living for most people here. But Greece has long had a tradition of welcoming tourists, and most want tourists to continue to visit and see all the amazing things this country has to offer. Just be kind, respectful, and conscious of these things and nobody will have a problem with you in Greece.
Hit me up next time you come to Nafplio. My channel is dedicated to my life in Nafplio, Greece as a foreigner. I have been living in Greece since 2010 after moving from England.
If it's on RUclips, it will no longer be hidden gems. They should remain hidden. I hope he does not. The hidden gems are for you to find, when you are there. Don't put them on social media when you do find them.
Guess those are all valid takes, keep some hidden, but there’s nothing wrong imo with showing some of the lesser known spots or amazing places often neglected or not known by many. Most Greek videos just recommend the same handful of things it’s unfortunate. I also don’t think Wolter making a video about it would catastrophically change a location but I can understand and agree with y’all’s sentiments to a degree
You can mention Turkey just fine as long as you're not implying something hateful about Greece. Many Greeks have relatives and friends that live in Turkey. Also, the majority of us have a neutral or even positive impression of Turkish people, we just don't like their government and their aggressive politics.
On the Turkey thing: Last time we were in Greece the locals were super friendly to us. When we said we are Turkish we were welcomed as neighbours. Some Greeks even talked in Turkish with us. Yes there's always some rivalry/hostility between the states but I haven't encountered any between the people.
One thing about the "mountza" (the showing the palm thing). It is considered a mountza if you thrust your palm with force and have the fingers open (like showing the number five). If you do it with the fingers closed people might think you want to high five them.
I remember when I was a teenager visitng my family in Greece, I would constantly get asked by family which was better Canada or Greece. My response was always this: I was born and raised in Canada. I live my every day life in Canada. In Greece, I'm here on vacation. I experience "vacation" Greece. I would need to live in Greece and experience the day to day life to be able to answer that question. Sure, Greece is fun now, but I'm at home in Canada.
I especially agree with you about people bragging about how Greek they are without even being able to read the language never mind actually having a conversation. I always thought it was weird and rather insulting to people who are actually Greek (or insert nationality here )
Hey Wolter, great video as always but allow me to give some context/comment on some of the points you made. I think your experience with Greek people has been predominantly with quite traditional families. I never had my grandma or anyone else's grandma forcing me to eat a fish eye. In general the host would want you to eat, but no one is going to force you or be mad at you if you're full. This is quite a generalization. About the moutza (open palm) gesture, sometimes even greek people if they want to indicate the number 5 with their hand sometimes they may use it palm face out. We're not that intense with this, it really depends on the context, no one will get angry if you have your hand like that for some other reason other than trying to actually offend someone. About Turkey no, the majority of the Greeks we don't hate our neighbours. Do we hate their government and their army, absolutely yes, but the people get generally along. Turkish tourists are very respectful when they visit us and the great majority of Greeks that have visited Turkey (including me) will tell you the same, that basically we were welcomed warmly. Yes we're not the same country and there are tensions but not as bad as you made it.
I think most businesses tourists deal with start work at 9, but that is because that's what makes sense. A cafe in a residential area or one with offices that start work at 7.30 or 8 will certainly be open soon after 7. A cafe in a touristy area has no reason to open before 9, as very few customers will even be awake the.
Was just in Greece the last week island hopping. Man what wonderful places. Such nice people and great historical info. Thanks for this video. I saw a lot of the things you talk about. I will def be back. Already missing gyros and fries
Strange video... I've been several times to Greece, and it's rare to see them getting upset about anything. That marble thing is something I've never heard about before. And twice I've been a guest in private homes with fish being served, and no one touched the fish eyes at all. And when it comes to Turkey, my experience is that the Greek like to trash talk, they do NOT shy away from the topic at all, heck they may even be the ones bringing it up.
Thank for your understanding my friend. We are not lazy, we never been. In nowadays we work more than 12 hours/day for tourists vacations. I would like to ask from the people around the world not to believe the propaganda news that they get from their local news. We are very proud to put kneel, put our heads down and ask for mercy or help from an outsider. We know how to survive and even if have our issues...we always smile to tourists and we are ready to offer them a relaxing stay in our land. Thank you and God bless you and your family!!! ✌️&♥️
Nice video As a Greek i have to say that first time I hear about this "Fish eye ball".. Maybe they do it in some villages but in general it is not a Greek habbit to offer eye balls to guests.
The fish eyeball??? No, don't worry about that, no one is going to make you eat the fish eyeball. First time I hear that.... Actually, apart from the first two, being called lazy and Macedonia, all other not accurate. Even the palm thing is insulting only when fingers are spread.
Greece is on the top of my list of places to visit! I'm Hispanic & it seems like their lifestyle is similar in some ways. The Greek people I've met in my area are always so kind & sociable ❤
I know no Greco-Americans, who don't speak/understand modern Greek. In fact, the ones I know live, when I speak it to them with what few phrases I can.
I’ve worked as a chef in Greece for 25 years. I’m back in the States now due to the financial crisis in Greece. Both my parents were Greek so I consider my self purebred Greek 😂 Not to mention I served the Greek army for 18 months. And that’s where I really fell in love with Greece. The downfall of Greece started when the Euro transitioned from the drachma. I was there for all that. I was working on the islands during summer, had a blast with girls parties etc. I remember one summer these German people came to eat at a restaurant on the island I work at. After they ate and their tummies were full, when the time came for them to pay, they had the audacity to tell the waiter that we aren’t going to pay cause Greece owes money to Germany 🤦♂️🤦♂️ The owner came and all hell broke loose. 😂 Let’s just say the Germans ate at the wrong place 😂 Look it up on google it happened a few years ago.
I think the suggestions apply to several cultures, including here in the USA. If you go to someone’s home in the South and you refuse to eat everything on your plate that was cooked by someone’s mother or Memaw/grandmother, or nana, it’s considered rude. You eat what’s given to you, even if you are completely full! Lol! And never turn down dessert. Just know you’ll be talked about if you do and be considered rude. It’s a human nature to want to show your appreciation for someone “stopping by” by loading them up on food. And a lot of home cooks take pride in their meals because it’s their creative outlet. I recently went to Italy and it was the same thing. Best advice, if you’re going over someone’s home who’s going to really feed you, go there hungry!😅
Just FYI, Elgin is pronounced with a hard G as in garden. I should know--I lived just off Elgin Avenue in London (the place to which thieving Brits brought the stones) for some time.
This one surprised me, as Elgin is also the name well-known town in the Chicago metropolitan area and a famous Watch Company in the US. I also lived near a town called Elgin in South Carolina (a failed attempt to get the Watch folks to build a factory there) as well. I just looked up that there are 21 towns/cities in the US named Elgin, all pronouncing "gin" like the liquor. As far as I can find, the Illinois town name comes from an old hymn, and the hymn itself named after a town in Scotland, and the town in Scotland is also the source of peerage/title... so we have been saying it wrong for at least almost 200 years, lol. I guess the title of the song isn't in the lyrics so there was some guess work.
I live in Anaheim by Disneyland and used to work at Build A Bear when it was at Downtown Disney (12 years ago). I liked Greek tourists who came to make stuffed animals because they were always so friendly and the men were always so handsome. Greek gods indeed.
I am a Greek American and I was invited by a fellow parishioner for Pascah dinner once. I politely refused and she never spoke to me after that again. Your wife is lovely. Hold in to her.
@Yiannis2112 Well, some people think the other person is offering out of obligation. Hence, they refuse because they believe they're freeing them of the "obligation".
These sorts of videos are great because you don't want to offend the locals when you're a guest in their country but also being sensitive to certain topics (even making a light hearted joke).
as a greek when you were saying the topics that anger greek, i was making scenarios in my mind of tourists saying that stuff to me, and was getting myself angry over haha
I’ve really liked the whole Greek series and I strongly agree with your views. I am not Greek but I have many Greek friends and they have all brought the hospitality and friendliness to the south suburbs of Chicago. Because of them I took my first trip to Greece and I found that three weeks was way too short. I’ve been back many times and because our community college offers Greek language classes I have taken them and that includes reading, writing and speaking. I would highly recommend a Greek vacation to anyone but just remember you are not in the US so somethings will be different. Again great series especially that you have your own Greek speaking traveling companion. Travel safely.
Ancient Macedonia included Greek Macedonia and only a southern slice of North Macedonia, for example Bitola, Gevgelija and Dojran. The biggest part of Northern Macedonia where Skopje is was called Paeonia anyway. Second, in 1000 AD Basil II of the Macedonian dynasty destroyed the First Bulgarian Empire with Skopje as capital, and was named Basil II the Bulgarocide. Could a person who called himself Macedonian slaughter his own people and consider it a badge of honour? It is obvious from this incident that as late as 1000 years ago Macedonians spoke Greek and the people of Skopje called themselves Bulgarian. The confusion came afterwards, because Skopje was cut off Bulgaria and remained for many years under Serbian control, both in the past and recently, so knowing they weren't Serbs but feeling estranged from Bulgaria found an identity in the name the region they lived in. But this name has nothing to do with its those people but is a Greek term even linguistically. Macedonians means "tall people" in Greek.
Macedonians means "tall people" in Greek. So genetically they were not related to Greeks but to South Slavs. Greeks are not tall. Linguistically perhaps they are considered Greeks.
In general I like and respect tourists visiting my country. I have even hosted a few friends which did not turn out in the best way. I don't like it when they make me walk miles and miles when it's hot just because they do it in their country. Just because you want to see everything it doesn't mean I have to go off my schedule when I work and warned you that I'm not the walking type. Things go slow here, you have to accept it and the heat makes you idle. We are not lazy, it is our way of life. Greece is also facing crisis so don't expect free stuff and maps and facilities like you are used in your country. I had an Italian friend complain about that but I didn't see her complain about the outrageously cheap airbnb flat she stayed in in Athens and our low wages. She also brought some food in her suitcase so she could spend less. So you like cheap prices but you complain that Greece is not like affluent countries. Right. One also borrowed money from me and never sent it back. Another wanted the keys to my summer house for free. In general all wanted to exploit me. I'd never behave this way or impose myself as a guest. I also don't like it when they are totally ignorant about our history or traditions, esp. Americans, I'm afraid. These are experience with guests, though. I'd never host again. I'd rather help tourists out in the street.
How to annoy a Greek Australian: tell them they're not Greek. You see in Australia, the great wave of Greek migrants in the 1950s and 1960s carried with them and held on tightly to all their cherished Greek traditions. All of these have been passed down to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. So much in fact, that it is quite common for people from Greece who visit Australia to tell us that we are more Greek than the people currently living in Greece.
Half the guys I went to high school with were Greek Australians, the others were Italian Australians. I was one of the few Poms. Lots of banter ensued.
Economic benefit is the primary reason Greece, or any other country, welcomes tourists. Thus, the greatest annoyance tourists cause anywhere is failure to spend money. Examples: 1) occupy a restaurant table, during busy hours, and spend a tiny tab; 2) spend a long time in a shop (raising concerns of shoplifting), without buying anything or only a token item; 3) expect change when tendering a 10.00 euro note for an 8.50 euro purchase; 4) expect to pay by card or online, which prevents merchants' tax evasion; and 5) cruise passengers who spend a half-day on shore, expect free restrooms, but spend nothing. Curiously, as of April, 2024, all Greek businesses are required to allow customers to pay by card or other digital means. Wonder how that is working out.
I always behave as a human being and not as a Greek. If someone insults me (Greek or foreigner) I always respond,... but if somebody force me to behave as a Greek, I don't only/simply respond,... I become merciless,... and there is always something to say, to all of them (every single nationality),... I am nearly 53 years old but have never came across people eating fish eyeballs. If someone offers me something I can't eat or drink then, I politely refuse. In regards of more specific issues, such as Ethnic or political, I would never discuss them with foreigners due to the fact that most of them they are narrow headed or ignorant (in most cases both,... which is something scary).
Hi from Turkey. I understand and appreciate the points you make. But I'm not sure about the last one. You see, I'm not that young either and I don't prefer to discuss politics with foreigners too. But not because I found most people norrow headed and ignorant but also I sometimes find myself norrow headed and ignorant too. I have realized this as I got older. Don't you ever hesitate that the ideas you are sure are right may actually be wrong? Even though most people are narrow-minded and uninformed, has it ever occurred to you as you get older that you might be one of them? This realization came to me some time ago and after that, I stopped talking politics with people, but I also stopped accusing them of narrow-mindedness or ignorance, and I focused on improving myself by gaining more knowledge.
@@SunMoon-ft6xb Dear friend, I understand your point too. I can't say you're wrong or right, sometimes it's better and healthier for our soul to avoid certain things, but sometimes it's our duty to fight negativity and stupidity and there's a lot out there,… All the best to you and Turksish peolpe in general. I know the financial difficulties you are going through and I hope the situation will improve soon. Every human being deserves to have roof over its head, some proper food and dignity,... but unfortunately the powerful elite doesn't like this idea,... My greetings from London UK. PS One of my favourite songs is this one ''Dario Moreno - Her akşam votka rakı şarap'', every time I hear this, I am bursted into tears.
@@Hippocampus-dm8ku Thank you my friend for your answer and for you good wishes. All the best to you too and to Greek people. I had heard the name Moreno before and even passed the street where the house where he lived for a while was located. But I hadn't listened to his songs. Now I will listen to the song you mentioned. As I said, I need to improve myself :)
About the fish eyeballs, is a tradition related to fishing communities, so you found it more on the islands as well as in the coastal parts of Greece. And yes, I eat them..😅
we do in crete... not just the eyeball but its whole head, including the cheeks, brain, whatever gelatin is found there. yet i never know of someone forcing someone to eat it lol, i think he got trolled ;p
Some corrections here: About the fish eyeball... I have never heard of this and I am Greek. About the palm of your hand. It is not the palm, it is the palm with open fingers. The origin of this gesture is still a point of discussion. Two theories are the best: In ancient Greece, of someone had done something very bad, locals would take either charcoal or excrements with their hands and rub it on that person's face, with their entire palm an open fingers. The second theory is that this gesture had been a curse on someone, meaning "to lose all your five senses". We still don't know the origin, but basically, it is like the middle finger, these days.
I heard two different stories, that in ancient Greece it had the meaning of "may all curses of the gods fall/be cast upon you" and from later Christian era that resembles the anathema against the excommunicated that were considered "cursed" etc after the ceremony.
I am Greek over 60 years old and I have never heard of the fish eyeball thing in my entire life. We Greeks do not eat the fish head. We cut it off and feed the cats with it.
I went to a Lebanese restaurant in Vancouver and asked them if they had Turkish coffee, and they very adamantly said, "NO, we have Lebanese coffee," which was essentially the same. I get it that so many people hate Turkey and the Turks, especially considering what they did to Armenia. Greece is on my bucket list, but Turkey is not, even though I would love to visit some archaeological sites there. I'm upset with Turkey for flooding extremely ancient sites with lakes before allowing complete excavation.
Another excellent video! This is the first time I heard about eating the fish eyeball! I know some people eat the lamb's eyeball, but fish is a new one for me 😂 Anyway, I've never eaten it and neither has anyone else in my family. ☺
Much love to our neighbours (Turkey), they are warm open hearted people and while some may take offense if you bring up the subject we have a lot in common
I liked that drivers movie right on a two-lane road to make it easier for you to pass. It was annoyed when I got back to Germany (I'm American) and I was on a wide two-lane road and people didn't do that.
The only eye they can offer you in Greece in our present day is from the fish μουσμούλι (Pagellus acarne) or μπαλάς ( Dentex macrophthalmus) which is really delicious and worth accepting, these fish live at great depths and their eyes are huge, what is actually eaten is the jelly that surrounds them, and not the eyes themselves.
I'm from Greece and I really don't get upset about Turkey that easily the way you mention. I actually sympathise the country. I have turkish friends and I even know people from Greece & Turkey getting married. Also people from both countries are constantly travelling to each other's country without issues. For sure, there are greeks, more nationalists than others, whose problem is Turkey, but that should be their problem, not a general rule. Other than that, it's politics which could potentially give raise to old hatred, people have not much to divide them.
I used to contribute to a (US-based) forum online, and a moderator posted a comment to the effect of "I will never believe anything any European* says ever again!!!" because I happened to post that the Greek government had formally expressed support for Turkey's admission to the EU. Of course, I was aware of the long history of tension between the countries, but he couldn't accept that there was any attempt at resolving it. *I'm English
@@SunMoon-ft6xb The arms industry must keep their table full mate. Most of the Greeks especially the younger ones have no prob with Turkish people. Politics is another issue. Personally I hold Portoguese and Turks as the most hospitable and friendly people I've met on my trips. Greetings from Athens
It's not exactly giving the palm. Giving the palm with the fingers spread is a special gesture called μούτζα. It is actually a curse and it is considered worse than finger. It is also, believe it or not, forbidden by law while driving.
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I am Greek and I have never heard about that fish eye thing
I am greek and i remember my grandpa offering it to the guest...
Well my grandmas surely savoured them, but i've never heard it's an "honour" thing in my 40 years of living in Greece. Maybe this custom only survives in small villages or something. In cities, i can guarantee noone will take offense if you turn down a fish eye. Turning down alcohol is more likely to annoy people.
I agree. Lamps, goats, pigs eyes and brain though? THAT is another story, but again kinda as the "best part". Nothing more.
Same, but different parts of Greece have different customs i guess.
I'm Ολλανδος and have been coming to Greece since 1972 (and live here permanently since 2008) and I have never heard of or experienced the eyeball thing either.
I have, however, been offered the goats' brain at the πανηγύρι (fine with me, I used to love calf-brain as a kid and this is not so different).
Sorry mate, but somebody really trolled you with that fish eye ball.
Οχι φιλαρακο, δεν τον τρολαρανε καθολου. Το ακριβως αντιθετο μαλιστα..
I've been to Greece twice, and hope to go there many more times. I don't have Greek ancestry, but I am learning Ellenika to better experience the country. Much respect to the Greek people. Για σου!
Thank you very much that you love my country and keep going with the language.. Where are you from ?
I think Greeks are the most hardworking people I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen people working until 3:00 am at breakfast at 7:00 am the next morning! Was it 2015 when the banks froze everyone’s money and limited how much they could have? Imagine if the US government tried that? I go to Greece every summer and find the people gracious, loyal, and tolerant.
i was there in late 2015. they were hurting for money. you'd come out of one restaurant after eating and the next restaurant over would be trying to get you in. they were literally BEGGING us to come in and eat something so they'd have some cash. you really felt for the people but you can only eat so much.
If it was another country, the government would have been ousted the next morning. I'm still amazed at their infinite wisdom and since I wasnt a supporter of that party that forced this and the capital controls that followed, all the more reason for me to not ever vote for them. This is also the most popular consensus among the population and thats the main reason they lost the elections twice and are now third in percentage.
@@Yiannis2112 Yes but the real reason was from decades of misuse of power and misuse of resources and capital.. it was not any ONE political party’s fault.. and THAT is why the people accepted the austerity measures not because being “soft” as some say ..”o if they happened in our country we would oust them” the next day. Greeks know better than any other country what democracy and fairness means.. they invented it
@@TheGlitterGlobe That government eventually turned to a more soft policy and turned centre - left. But there were long - term good things more important than that summer's turmoil. It eventually became the first government largely independent from the cliques and the mafias that had governed the country for decades and bankrupted it.
From 2015 to 2019, it was the first time many kinds of mafias were denied their shares and privileges. First time the government mass-bargained medicine and expendables and bought them at a cost akin to better-governed European countries, first time the government did not drop its EU - legislated tools in favour of cartels, first time the government used equipment and resources it already had instead of hiring or buying the same things from specific privates, first time government gave contracts to simple workers, such as the hospital cleaning ladies instead of paying premiums to outsource to companies who exploited them.
That government renationalised bankrupt private monopolies, it introduced school meals and children stopped fainting in the classroom, the church didn't have the final say over what is taught at schools, the Labour Inspectorate raided big companies it had never dared lay a finger on, TV companies had to pay for broadcasting rights for the first time since their introduction in 1989.
A decades - long dispute with neighbouring country was dissolved, paving the way for cooperation in the Balkans. And that government overreached its financial goals by billions.
But the TV-stations who were forced to pay their taxes, religion clowns who began losing control over education and other institutions who lost royal contracts and privileges on public funds rallied the elderly and the rural people to bring the same people who had been plundering the country for decades, back in office in 2019. Even murderous - scale sabotage is suspected, as in July 2018, a wildfire killed 105 people and all the police and fire department officials who "failed" to respond appropriately to the situation were ALL promoted by the next government.
Since 2019, with the conservatives back in office, public money embezzlement is worse than ever. They shared all over-surplus they received in unbelievable contracts to their friends. As we speak, 2 million euros are given for repairing the roof (!!!) of a local Health Centre in a conservative stronghold, and 50 million euros were given last year for the school meals of a province in Northern Greece. The same time, simple railway infrastructure was neglected, leading to a head on collision with 57 dead. Public debt has reached dangerous heights again, press independence has hit rock bottom (108th in the world from 57th under that previous government), the police is free to beat up opposition supporters and the Labour Inspectorate is told to do nothing against working rights violations. But TV stations behaviour under this right-wing government is much like a totalitarian regime. They still control the elderly and the rural people through heavy moral panic. If a conservative politician is caught plundering millions, it isn't even mentioned. If a relative of some of the guys who were in office from 2015 to 2019 is caught committing a traffic infraction, it is a news bulletin headline.
Moreover, cartels are so unchecked and unhinged, that, at a lower labour cost, the very same products we export to you reach our own supermarket selves double the prize!!! Two years ago, a journalists researching government officials, Giorgos Karaivaz, was assassinated.
Lazy? Was in Mykonos, April 2024. Not too busy, so many staff were able to talk. A few minutes to chat. Staff work the entire season 8-10 hours a day with no days off for the entire season. Heard this story multiple times from different locations. They were still friendly, helpful and appreciated the ability to work.
They take no days-off because after the season's end, they 'd probably be unemployed...
A lot of ppl try it, too many get burned out after a couple of years.
You have to live with 3-4 room mates, no privacy, work 10-12 hours in the greek summer with no days off , for months!!!! The money seems good but isnt not.
@@melexdy Of course, that's why employers in the islands cannot find employees any more! Who would like to work under dreadful conditions for months?
@@jimmyj1969 Immigrants are going to fill up these vacancies...
@@nobody....168 ahahahahahahhaahahahahahaaaaaaa....nice joke!
Im from Greece and I have never seen the fish eyeball tradition
I know right, I didn't even know it was edible 😂
Yiasas Me neither 😊
it was a thing for older generations
@@marugav6632 I grew up like this..😅
Hahaha... I was thinking exactly the same 😂
As a Greek I've never been suggested by anyone to eat the fishes eyeball and if someone were to pressure me to do it, I'll think that guy is weird no matter how old he or she is
As a Greek myself I have tried the special treat of fish eyes, lamb's eyes and lamb's brain and they are all delicious. The latter is just like 'ossobuco' if you know what i mean!
@@jionasis My father was a great fan of lamb brains but It's a taste I never really managed to acquiesce
I will keep an eye out for you.
On the Turkey thing: what he doesn't understand/say is that it's not just history, their insults, wrongdoings and transgressions are still present in these days and they only keep getting multiplying. So not a historic issue, but a present one.
See Cyprus...
If someone knows of a country with people who have a better culture of hospitality than Greece, I would like to know! I am still searching 😁 Even though I knew like 4 words in Greek, never have I felt more welcome in a country as a tourist than in Greece. I was spoiled rotten with free ouzo, desserts and wines for two weeks straight. Also, their pastries still haunt me...
I went to Athens back in May, my first time to Greece and I have to say that it is one of the greatest cities I have ever been to. The history/culture, the very kind people, the beautiful food, how clean and safe it is there, very relaxing! I highly recommend visiting if you've never been before. :D Seeing the Acropolis up close in person is something you need to experience at least once in your life. Wow! :) Just don't touch the marble when up there. I seen a disrespectful tourist doing it and laughing about it... Anyway I'll definitely come back sometime, but next year I want to visit one of the Greek Islands, possibly Santorini, Corfu, Crete, or Mykonos. :) Cheers from Dublin, Ireland, and safe travels all!
Go to Creta.
Mykonos is overated and totaly bull.
Santorini is great IN WINTER OR LATE IN FALL
Corfu is also great.
My tips.
But if you want some real exotic expirience get a sail boat for 15-20 days.
There are islands you wont belive they are real and do exist!
@@paganpoet3 Thanks for the tips.
@@KoRnBaKoSearch for Symi and Syros Islands..👌
I'm Greek and never heard about the eyeball thing. I think they were playing with you, man.
I' ve heard about it, but never in real life - just as a distant habit, buch in the day...
Όχι φίλε δεν τον δούλευαν , ζουν ανάμεσα μας , μέσα κι ο μπαμπάς μου που με δίδαξε κιόλας πως τρώγεται το μάτι του ψαριού 😂
I’m Greek and never heard about that fish eyeball thing - maybe someone made a joke?
Let me tell you that as a Greek close to 40s, I don't care if I insult someone.. I would say "No, thank you" to any fish eye ball offer!! 😂 Opression is over!!
Yes me too.
As a greek, i have never been offered one, or seen one offered. I guess my circle of people is different.
@alanpotter8680 Yep, I've never heard of it either.
It has to be something local. I am also Greek and have never heard that before.. But i agree with the rent of the list.
I think we are generally talking about the occasion that, a local offers some special food to a tourist who he thinks as a special guest, and sometimes this has as a result some discomfort for the tourist. and how he can manage it without insulting the local
Alexander has absolutely nothing to do with "North Macedonia" -- his birthplace and capital, Pella, is within the borders of Greece. Also the "North Macedonians" are slavs who migrated to the balkans 800+ years after AtG's death; there's no cultural or linguistic connection with the ancient Macedonians, who were more or less Greeks.
Υou're right on every single of these issues, but they still call themselves macedonians and their country Macedonia: this should have been a bridge of connection and friendship between the two countries, not hostility! Even if, let's say, some africans called their country Peloponissos, I 'd say the same!
@@jimmyj1969 This couldn't and will never be a bridge of connection, especially when you consider the underlying motives behind it. The whole Macedonia thing started when Tito of Yugoslavia started to entertain expansionist thoughts towards the Aegean sea, before that the area was called Vardar Banovina. What's more annoying is that within nationalist circles in North Macedonia, there are still maps that depict "Macedonia of the Aegean" as part of their country. So, the simple answer is NO there is no bridge of friendship over such matters because that's how you end up losing part of your country.
@@savvas666777 "Loosing part of your country" to a tiny country like ND sounds bizzare, to say the least...
@@savvas666777👏👏
@@jimmyj1969are you working for UN or what ???
Since when anyone has opinion about national issues and who asked you ??
I think you didn’t pay attention to the video content
On the topic of never refuse food, this also includes the coffee, tea, beverages, small confectionaries and even water. Depending on the time of the day.
If you visit in the evening for dinner or lunch time, do not eat a big meal beforehand, because you're gonna eat there.
As for road etiquette, follow all road rules in major cities, especially Athens, and road markings.
Great advice. Yes for sure Greeks are very hard working, and also grotesquely underpaid. Greece is becoming a country whose people increasingly exist just to serve tourists because tourism is the only sector of the economy doing well, and incomes are very low vs. the cost of living for most people here. But Greece has long had a tradition of welcoming tourists, and most want tourists to continue to visit and see all the amazing things this country has to offer. Just be kind, respectful, and conscious of these things and nobody will have a problem with you in Greece.
Offered the fish eye??? Somebody got offended, for refusing it? Where does that come from. What a weird story...First time I'm hearing this.
Hit me up next time you come to Nafplio. My channel is dedicated to my life in Nafplio, Greece as a foreigner. I have been living in Greece since 2010 after moving from England.
Could you possibly make a “Hidden gems of Greece” video? I’m sure your knowledge on Greece goes way deeper than your average travel guide
I’d prefer he didn’t reveal the “hidden” gems, because they would no longer be hidden!
Don’t show where the Greeks go because it will be expensive and they will be priced out
If it's on RUclips, it will no longer be hidden gems. They should remain hidden. I hope he does not. The hidden gems are for you to find, when you are there. Don't put them on social media when you do find them.
Guess those are all valid takes, keep some hidden, but there’s nothing wrong imo with showing some of the lesser known spots or amazing places often neglected or not known by many. Most Greek videos just recommend the same handful of things it’s unfortunate. I also don’t think Wolter making a video about it would catastrophically change a location but I can understand and agree with y’all’s sentiments to a degree
Perhaps that’s something Wolter would just have to weigh on his own before talking about or not talking about certain places
".... lazy... wake up at 9... few coffees before anything gets done..." Sounds like me! 😂
You can mention Turkey just fine as long as you're not implying something hateful about Greece. Many Greeks have relatives and friends that live in Turkey. Also, the majority of us have a neutral or even positive impression of Turkish people, we just don't like their government and their aggressive politics.
On the Turkey thing: Last time we were in Greece the locals were super friendly to us. When we said we are Turkish we were welcomed as neighbours. Some Greeks even talked in Turkish with us. Yes there's always some rivalry/hostility between the states but I haven't encountered any between the people.
One thing about the "mountza" (the showing the palm thing). It is considered a mountza if you thrust your palm with force and have the fingers open (like showing the number five). If you do it with the fingers closed people might think you want to high five them.
I remember when I was a teenager visitng my family in Greece, I would constantly get asked by family which was better Canada or Greece. My response was always this: I was born and raised in Canada. I live my every day life in Canada. In Greece, I'm here on vacation. I experience "vacation" Greece. I would need to live in Greece and experience the day to day life to be able to answer that question. Sure, Greece is fun now, but I'm at home in Canada.
Yep, it applies to everyone. Night and day difference being a tourst as opposed to live there.
Excellent answer, mine was almost the same.
I especially agree with you about people bragging about how Greek they are without even being able to read the language never mind actually having a conversation. I always thought it was weird and rather insulting to people who are actually Greek (or insert nationality here )
Never heard of the fish eyeball tradition. What part of Greece did that happen to you in?
Thanks a lot for your kind words and your concern ❤
love from Greece 🇬🇷❤❤❤❤
Hey Wolter, great video as always but allow me to give some context/comment on some of the points you made.
I think your experience with Greek people has been predominantly with quite traditional families.
I never had my grandma or anyone else's grandma forcing me to eat a fish eye. In general the host would want you to eat, but no one is going to force you or be mad at you if you're full. This is quite a generalization.
About the moutza (open palm) gesture, sometimes even greek people if they want to indicate the number 5 with their hand sometimes they may use it palm face out. We're not that intense with this, it really depends on the context, no one will get angry if you have your hand like that for some other reason other than trying to actually offend someone.
About Turkey no, the majority of the Greeks we don't hate our neighbours. Do we hate their government and their army, absolutely yes, but the people get generally along. Turkish tourists are very respectful when they visit us and the great majority of Greeks that have visited Turkey (including me) will tell you the same, that basically we were welcomed warmly. Yes we're not the same country and there are tensions but not as bad as you made it.
I' m Greek and you nailed ...except that little thing with the fish eye, that i hear for the first time.
Who starts work at 9??? 7.30-8.00 is the most common time to start working. And I don't have issues with my Turkish neighbours
I do start at 09.00 as an office worker.
Majority of the clientele also starts at 09.00.
I think most businesses tourists deal with start work at 9, but that is because that's what makes sense. A cafe in a residential area or one with offices that start work at 7.30 or 8 will certainly be open soon after 7. A cafe in a touristy area has no reason to open before 9, as very few customers will even be awake the.
Many start work at 9. Depends on the kind of job. Its 7:30 for you, but its 5am for a baker...
Offering a guest a fish eyeball and expecting him/her to eat it is enormously offensive!
If it's considered an honour in their culture, of course it's not offensive
I'm greek and I've never heard of anything like that. Don't worry about it.
@@matenzo Maybe they were pulling Mr Wolter's leg (which is hilarious if true)
@@JaneAustenAteMyCat okay now i can't stop thinking about this XD
@@JaneAustenAteMyCat In Greece its not considered an honour.its considered a NO NO
Was just in Greece the last week island hopping. Man what wonderful places. Such nice people and great historical info. Thanks for this video. I saw a lot of the things you talk about. I will def be back. Already missing gyros and fries
Strange video...
I've been several times to Greece, and it's rare to see them getting upset about anything. That marble thing is something I've never heard about before. And twice I've been a guest in private homes with fish being served, and no one touched the fish eyes at all. And when it comes to Turkey, my experience is that the Greek like to trash talk, they do NOT shy away from the topic at all, heck they may even be the ones bringing it up.
Thank for your understanding my friend. We are not lazy, we never been. In nowadays we work more than 12 hours/day for tourists vacations.
I would like to ask from the people around the world not to believe the propaganda news that they get from their local news. We are very proud to put kneel, put our heads down and ask for mercy or help from an outsider. We know how to survive and even if have our issues...we always smile to tourists and we are ready to offer them a relaxing stay in our land.
Thank you and God bless you and your family!!!
✌️&♥️
I've been there 3 times and never thought of them az lazy! I love getting a late start in the morning. I love it there!
The lazy thing was perpetrated by Germans whose banks Greece has been paying off for years now because of the financial crisis
I'm a Greek and I love turkey but only on
Thanksgiving day!
We don’t celebrate thanksgiving 😁
Unless you think the 25th of march is that because we all eat cod fish(?)
So do i
Holy cow I’m early. Going to Greece in September, so these are very useful to me
@@TechieConnoisseur good choice September...No overcrowded places...
Nice video
As a Greek i have to say that first time I hear about this "Fish eye ball".. Maybe they do it in some villages but in general it is not a Greek habbit to offer eye balls to guests.
The fish eyeball??? No, don't worry about that, no one is going to make you eat the fish eyeball. First time I hear that.... Actually, apart from the first two, being called lazy and Macedonia, all other not accurate. Even the palm thing is insulting only when fingers are spread.
He's been here a gazillion times and haven't even understood the basics.
Greece is on the top of my list of places to visit! I'm Hispanic & it seems like their lifestyle is similar in some ways. The Greek people I've met in my area are always so kind & sociable ❤
The "fish eyeball" thing, you completely made it up. Nowhere in Greece this happens and no Greeks even know about this thing you are saying.
I know no Greco-Americans, who don't speak/understand modern Greek. In fact, the ones I know live, when I speak it to them with what few phrases I can.
I’ve worked as a chef in Greece for 25 years. I’m back in the States now due to the financial crisis in Greece. Both my parents were Greek so I consider my self purebred Greek 😂 Not to mention I served the Greek army for 18 months. And that’s where I really fell in love with Greece. The downfall of Greece started when the Euro transitioned from the drachma. I was there for all that. I was working on the islands during summer, had a blast with girls parties etc. I remember one summer these German people came to eat at a restaurant on the island I work at. After they ate and their tummies were full, when the time came for them to pay, they had the audacity to tell the waiter that we aren’t going to pay cause Greece owes money to Germany 🤦♂️🤦♂️ The owner came and all hell broke loose. 😂 Let’s just say the Germans ate at the wrong place 😂 Look it up on google it happened a few years ago.
I think the suggestions apply to several cultures, including here in the USA. If you go to someone’s home in the South and you refuse to eat everything on your plate that was cooked by someone’s mother or Memaw/grandmother, or nana, it’s considered rude. You eat what’s given to you, even if you are completely full! Lol! And never turn down dessert. Just know you’ll be talked about if you do and be considered rude. It’s a human nature to want to show your appreciation for someone “stopping by” by loading them up on food. And a lot of home cooks take pride in their meals because it’s their creative outlet. I recently went to Italy and it was the same thing. Best advice, if you’re going over someone’s home who’s going to really feed you, go there hungry!😅
Just FYI, Elgin is pronounced with a hard G as in garden. I should know--I lived just off Elgin Avenue in London (the place to which thieving Brits brought the stones) for some time.
This one surprised me, as Elgin is also the name well-known town in the Chicago metropolitan area and a famous Watch Company in the US. I also lived near a town called Elgin in South Carolina (a failed attempt to get the Watch folks to build a factory there) as well. I just looked up that there are 21 towns/cities in the US named Elgin, all pronouncing "gin" like the liquor.
As far as I can find, the Illinois town name comes from an old hymn, and the hymn itself named after a town in Scotland, and the town in Scotland is also the source of peerage/title... so we have been saying it wrong for at least almost 200 years, lol. I guess the title of the song isn't in the lyrics so there was some guess work.
I live in Anaheim by Disneyland and used to work at Build A Bear when it was at Downtown Disney (12 years ago). I liked Greek tourists who came to make stuffed animals because they were always so friendly and the men were always so handsome. Greek gods indeed.
In the _Iliad_ , when Homer talked about the Achaeans slaughtering an entire flock of sheep for breakfast, I thought he was exaggerating.
As a Greek, my grandpa always used to give me the fish eyes because I was his favorite. Thank you for bringing back these memories.
I am a Greek American and I was invited by a fellow parishioner for Pascah dinner once. I politely refused and she never spoke to me after that again. Your wife is lovely. Hold in to her.
you mean just American right? did you watch the video?
Why refuse?
@Yiannis2112 Well, some people think the other person is offering out of obligation. Hence, they refuse because they believe they're freeing them of the "obligation".
@@jenniferburchill3658 OK yes that might be the case, but is it? Until he answers, we don't know
Kudos being detailed about our culture and especially about the Macedonia issue 👏
These sorts of videos are great because you don't want to offend the locals when you're a guest in their country but also being sensitive to certain topics (even making a light hearted joke).
as a greek when you were saying the topics that anger greek, i was making scenarios in my mind of tourists saying that stuff to me, and was getting myself angry over haha
I’ve really liked the whole Greek series and I strongly agree with your views. I am not Greek but I have many Greek friends and they have all brought the hospitality and friendliness to the south suburbs of Chicago. Because of them I took my first trip to Greece and I found that three weeks was way too short. I’ve been back many times and because our community college offers Greek language classes I have taken them and that includes reading, writing and speaking. I would highly recommend a Greek vacation to anyone but just remember you are not in the US so somethings will be different. Again great series especially that you have your own Greek speaking traveling companion. Travel safely.
Ancient Macedonia included Greek Macedonia and only a southern slice of North Macedonia, for example Bitola, Gevgelija and Dojran. The biggest part of Northern Macedonia where Skopje is was called Paeonia anyway. Second, in 1000 AD Basil II of the Macedonian dynasty destroyed the First Bulgarian Empire with Skopje as capital, and was named Basil II the Bulgarocide. Could a person who called himself Macedonian slaughter his own people and consider it a badge of honour? It is obvious from this incident that as late as 1000 years ago Macedonians spoke Greek and the people of Skopje called themselves Bulgarian. The confusion came afterwards, because Skopje was cut off Bulgaria and remained for many years under Serbian control, both in the past and recently, so knowing they weren't Serbs but feeling estranged from Bulgaria found an identity in the name the region they lived in. But this name has nothing to do with its those people but is a Greek term even linguistically. Macedonians means "tall people" in Greek.
Macedonians means "tall people" in Greek. So genetically they were not related to Greeks but to South Slavs. Greeks are not tall. Linguistically perhaps they are considered Greeks.
@@Dodo-ym8cc there are tall Greeks too. And height is relevant to time. In 500BC 1,60 could be tall.
Alexander Macedonian!! Cheers
@@darkotanevski9081 we agree, Alexander Macedonian you Bulgarian
Always enjoy your videos on Greece, especially Nauplio: we always stop here for a few day's when we visit
In general I like and respect tourists visiting my country. I have even hosted a few friends which did not turn out in the best way. I don't like it when they make me walk miles and miles when it's hot just because they do it in their country. Just because you want to see everything it doesn't mean I have to go off my schedule when I work and warned you that I'm not the walking type. Things go slow here, you have to accept it and the heat makes you idle. We are not lazy, it is our way of life. Greece is also facing crisis so don't expect free stuff and maps and facilities like you are used in your country. I had an Italian friend complain about that but I didn't see her complain about the outrageously cheap airbnb flat she stayed in in Athens and our low wages. She also brought some food in her suitcase so she could spend less. So you like cheap prices but you complain that Greece is not like affluent countries. Right. One also borrowed money from me and never sent it back. Another wanted the keys to my summer house for free. In general all wanted to exploit me. I'd never behave this way or impose myself as a guest. I also don't like it when they are totally ignorant about our history or traditions, esp. Americans, I'm afraid. These are experience with guests, though. I'd never host again. I'd rather help tourists out in the street.
How to annoy a Greek Australian: tell them they're not Greek. You see in Australia, the great wave of Greek migrants in the 1950s and 1960s carried with them and held on tightly to all their cherished Greek traditions. All of these have been passed down to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. So much in fact, that it is quite common for people from Greece who visit Australia to tell us that we are more Greek than the people currently living in Greece.
Half the guys I went to high school with were Greek Australians, the others were Italian Australians. I was one of the few Poms. Lots of banter ensued.
how so?
Many speak the language also.
I am Greek myself and i confirm about the fish eye ball eating. My patents do! Also my grandparents did.
I'm Greek, and I was in Nafplio a few days ago! I didn't see you though, also your wife was spot on about the Parthenon marbles
Economic benefit is the primary reason Greece, or any other country, welcomes tourists. Thus, the greatest annoyance tourists cause anywhere is failure to spend money. Examples: 1) occupy a restaurant table, during busy hours, and spend a tiny tab; 2) spend a long time in a shop (raising concerns of shoplifting), without buying anything or only a token item; 3) expect change when tendering a 10.00 euro note for an 8.50 euro purchase; 4) expect to pay by card or online, which prevents merchants' tax evasion; and 5) cruise passengers who spend a half-day on shore, expect free restrooms, but spend nothing. Curiously, as of April, 2024, all Greek businesses are required to allow customers to pay by card or other digital means. Wonder how that is working out.
I was gonna say don’t anything about Turkey. And don’t say malaka
Fantastic video
Nice vlog❤
Navplion, the first capital of the Independent Greece
This was very thorough overall. :)
Great job 👏
I always behave as a human being and not as a Greek.
If someone insults me (Greek or foreigner) I always respond,... but if somebody force me to behave as a Greek, I don't only/simply respond,... I become merciless,... and there is always something to say, to all of them (every single nationality),...
I am nearly 53 years old but have never came across people eating fish eyeballs.
If someone offers me something I can't eat or drink then, I politely refuse.
In regards of more specific issues, such as Ethnic or political, I would never discuss them with foreigners due to the fact that most of them they are narrow headed or ignorant (in most cases both,... which is something scary).
Hi from Turkey. I understand and appreciate the points you make. But I'm not sure about the last one. You see, I'm not that young either and I don't prefer to discuss politics with foreigners too. But not because I found most people norrow headed and ignorant but also I sometimes find myself norrow headed and ignorant too. I have realized this as I got older. Don't you ever hesitate that the ideas you are sure are right may actually be wrong? Even though most people are narrow-minded and uninformed, has it ever occurred to you as you get older that you might be one of them? This realization came to me some time ago and after that, I stopped talking politics with people, but I also stopped accusing them of narrow-mindedness or ignorance, and I focused on improving myself by gaining more knowledge.
@@SunMoon-ft6xb Dear friend, I understand your point too. I can't say you're wrong or right, sometimes it's better and healthier for our soul to avoid certain things, but sometimes it's our duty to fight negativity and stupidity and there's a lot out there,…
All the best to you and Turksish peolpe in general. I know the financial difficulties you are going through and I hope the situation will improve soon. Every human being deserves to have roof over its head, some proper food and dignity,... but unfortunately the powerful elite doesn't like this idea,...
My greetings from London UK.
PS One of my favourite songs is this one ''Dario Moreno - Her akşam votka rakı şarap'', every time I hear this, I am bursted into tears.
@@Hippocampus-dm8ku Thank you my friend for your answer and for you good wishes. All the best to you too and to Greek people.
I had heard the name Moreno before and even passed the street where the house where he lived for a while was located. But I hadn't listened to his songs. Now I will listen to the song you mentioned. As I said, I need to improve myself :)
@@SunMoon-ft6xb All the best for you!!!
About the fish eyeballs, is a tradition related to fishing communities, so you found it more on the islands as well as in the coastal parts of Greece. And yes, I eat them..😅
Hey Mark, awesome video
Καλημέρα από Ρόδο. Good morning from Rhodes..
I don't know anyone that eats the fish eye in Greece.
we do in crete... not just the eyeball but its whole head, including the cheeks, brain, whatever gelatin is found there. yet i never know of someone forcing someone to eat it lol, i think he got trolled ;p
Some corrections here:
About the fish eyeball... I have never heard of this and I am Greek.
About the palm of your hand. It is not the palm, it is the palm with open fingers. The origin of this gesture is still a point of discussion. Two theories are the best: In ancient Greece, of someone had done something very bad, locals would take either charcoal or excrements with their hands and rub it on that person's face, with their entire palm an open fingers. The second theory is that this gesture had been a curse on someone, meaning "to lose all your five senses".
We still don't know the origin, but basically, it is like the middle finger, these days.
I heard two different stories, that in ancient Greece it had the meaning of "may all curses of the gods fall/be cast upon you" and from later Christian era that resembles the anathema against the excommunicated that were considered "cursed" etc after the ceremony.
I am Greek over 60 years old and I have never heard of the fish eyeball thing in my entire life. We Greeks do not eat the fish head. We cut it off and feed the cats with it.
Exactly
well you make soup from it, and my mother who is Greek ate fish eyes.
I eat it all my life the best part of the fish
@@LondonPowerOK but then you are not Greek i suppose
@@soundart1760 Έλληνας απο Σαλονίκη Εύοσμος δυτιξες συνοικιες τι να λεμε τωρα
A man named Johnson once ate a fish eye. He is now referred to as Eyeball Johnson.
Fantastic ❤
Amazing 😍
I went to a Lebanese restaurant in Vancouver and asked them if they had Turkish coffee, and they very adamantly said, "NO, we have Lebanese coffee," which was essentially the same. I get it that so many people hate Turkey and the Turks, especially considering what they did to Armenia.
Greece is on my bucket list, but Turkey is not, even though I would love to visit some archaeological sites there. I'm upset with Turkey for flooding extremely ancient sites with lakes before allowing complete excavation.
Another excellent video! This is the first time I heard about eating the fish eyeball! I know some people eat the lamb's eyeball, but fish is a new one for me 😂 Anyway, I've never eaten it and neither has anyone else in my family. ☺
Awesome❤
Like the new intro into the videos
Much love to our neighbours (Turkey), they are warm open hearted people and while some may take offense if you bring up the subject we have a lot in common
Only the British tourists annoy the Greeks the young British tourists of course 😂
Awesome 😎
Lovely journey ❤
All this would be rude in general 😅 any culture
I liked that drivers movie right on a two-lane road to make it easier for you to pass. It was annoyed when I got back to Germany (I'm American) and I was on a wide two-lane road and people didn't do that.
Beautiful view
The thing with claiming you are 100% xy honestly annoys all Europeans. You rather say I am of xy heritage, much better!
We (Greeks) have no issue with Turkish people. They are fun and pleasant. We have an issue with the politicians though and what they say.
Who eats the fish eye balls i think they prank you 😂
It is a tradition related to fishing communities, so you found it more on the islands as well as in the coastal parts of Greece.
Instructions unclear, started a bar fight in athens.
The only eye they can offer you in Greece in our present day is from the fish μουσμούλι (Pagellus acarne) or μπαλάς ( Dentex macrophthalmus) which is really delicious and worth accepting, these fish live at great depths and their eyes are huge, what is actually eaten is the jelly that surrounds them, and not the eyes themselves.
I'm from Greece and I really don't get upset about Turkey that easily the way you mention. I actually sympathise the country.
I have turkish friends and I even know people from Greece & Turkey getting married. Also people from both countries are constantly travelling to each other's country without issues.
For sure, there are greeks, more nationalists than others, whose problem is Turkey, but that should be their problem, not a general rule.
Other than that, it's politics which could potentially give raise to old hatred, people have not much to divide them.
But there is some problem with racism and bias you cannot deny against Muslims in Greece. (I am not Turkish by the way.)
I used to contribute to a (US-based) forum online, and a moderator posted a comment to the effect of "I will never believe anything any European* says ever again!!!" because I happened to post that the Greek government had formally expressed support for Turkey's admission to the EU. Of course, I was aware of the long history of tension between the countries, but he couldn't accept that there was any attempt at resolving it.
*I'm English
so true. I agree with you. It's mostly in the media and with stupid or close-minded people.
@@SunMoon-ft6xb The arms industry must keep their table full mate. Most of the Greeks especially the younger ones have no prob with Turkish people. Politics is another issue. Personally I hold Portoguese and Turks as the most hospitable and friendly people I've met on my trips. Greetings from Athens
The fish eye thing is a thing here.
Good❤
I'll be in Greece this summer. Zero chance I annoy anyone there.
Nice 👍👍👍👍
wonderfull❤
It's not exactly giving the palm. Giving the palm with the fingers spread is a special gesture called μούτζα. It is actually a curse and it is considered worse than finger. It is also, believe it or not, forbidden by law while driving.
So beautiful ❤