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. 

Greeks living abroad will of course need to contact their Embassy to renew their passports etc., and might find this section handy. But really we have included it for those who are not European and will need a visa to enter Greece.

Ayios DimitriosAccording to Greek Orthodox tradition, every day of the year is dedicated to a Christian saint or martyr. January 7 for example, is the day of Saint John the Baptist and it is the name day for all Greek people named Yannis (or Ioannis = John, male) or Yanna (or Ioanna, female). A person's Name Day is considered more important than the same person's actual birthday and it is always celebrated in Greece. How do Greek people celebrate their name days? If a friend of yours has his name day, then you should give him a call and wish him "Hronia Pola". If this is translated, then it means "Many Years" and it is a wish for good health and prosperity. You should ask him if he will accept visits at his house.

What I ordered: Nice for the winter and not too heavy for the summer so will be okay year roundOne of my few gripes about living full-time on a Greek island is the lack of choice for soft-furnishings and the rather oppressive feeling of "having to go to the mainland or do without" when faced with the option of traipsing into Athens or not to find what are essentially fairly basic things. Today I avoided my dilemma and went online to do something about my chilly looking windows now that winter has been heralded by an unseasonably awful September. It's alright having traditional cotton panels during the summer, but there's nothing more depressing than sitting in your living room gazing through your gloomy somewhat bleak windows when it's pouring with rain. Inadequate excluders aside, it's chill-inducing to look at your lightweight summer voiles billowing in the draft!