The much quoted phrase "it's all Greek to me" is certainly accurate. I've lived in Greece since 2000 and still pronouncing even the simplest of phrases defeats me. I know what I mean but my accent leaves a lot to be desired so rarely does anyone Greek have a clue what I'm talking about. But having an appreciation of a few basics does help so I hope you enjoy having fun with these small pointers before you come to Greece. 

A slight exaggeration, you don't need one if you're just visiting the country, but if you want to buy property in Greece, then you definitely need to obtain an AFM because without it you can't even open a bank account let alone pay for a house.

Hydra in JanuaryEpiphany 6th January This day marks the start of the religious calendar in Greece. In churches all over the country, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Epiphany each year with a beautiful morning service of psalms. In Hydra the church services are followed by a procession to the water's edge where the priests will throw the cross into the water from the centre of the main outside jetty facing the harbour shops more or less opposite the clock tower of the Monastary.

Hydra Carnival"Apokries" meaning Carnival and held 41 days before Greek Orthodox Easter, is essentially a pagan celebration at the beginning of spring with emphasis on fertility hence the bride and groom leading the procession, although it must be said that some of the "brides" on Hydra could be described as more of a deterrent to fertility than an encouragement.In the Roman and Byzantine period, the carnival was marked as a tribute to the magical qualities of nature - now as with all carnivals, fancy dress is worn with everyone parading their costumes along the carnival route and through the town.

Leonard CohenIn the 50's Hydra Island Greece was discovered by some artists visiting the island from Athens. In those days Hydra was inexpensive and its close proximity to Athens made it a good destination for those looking for inspiration. And still today Hydra's picture postcard perfection, lack of blatant tourism, amazing light, stillness and the more human sounds of island living rather than noisy intrusive motors inspires not just artists but musicians, composers, singers, actors, film makers and writers who have made Hydra their home or favourite regular destination because they have discovered a rare atmosphere that's conducive to creative contemplation unique to Hydra.

If you're a property owner in Greece but don't live in Greece, we strongly advise you to pass through the "something to declare gate" at customs when you enter Greece and declare any cash you have in your purse or wallet.

Athens the glorious capital city of Greece. This is a city of extremes, the ancient rubs shoulders with the modern. Reminders of Greek history are found on every corner of every area. And even though it suffers its share of modern crimes, it is still one of the safest cities in Europe.