By Demetri Forakis

Location  Greece is located on the southern boarder of Europe.  It boarders the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, right between Albania and Turkey.

Terrain  The terrain has mountains with ranges that extend into the sea with peninsulas and chains of islands everywhere.

Population Greece’s population is around million today. This includes all the 6,000 islands that Greece is made up of.

The Greek Flag  The Greek flag the way it looks today was adopted in  The colors are blue and white. Blue represents the sky and the sea. While the white is the the purity of the Greek’s struggle for independence.

The Flag  The 13 stripes on the flag stand for the 13 syllables in the Greek phrase “live free or die”.  The cross represents the Greek Orthodox religious faith.

Currency  The currency of Greece is called a Euro.  It is about 7 cents in America.

Driving Tips  The driving speeds are generally fast, but comfortable.  Some cars go 40 or 50 mile over the speed limit, but others drive under the speed limit just like in the U.S.

Traveling Tips  Greece’s open borders with other members of the EU’s Schengen zone allow for the possibility of terrorist groups to come into the country.  If you are traveling by Metro, make sure to keep your thing by you at all times because the crime rate is high there.

The Language  “γειά σου” – “Hello.”  “αντίο” – “Goodbye.”  “Σ 'αγαπώ” – “I love you.”  “Μπορείτε βρώμα” – “You stink.”  “σας ευχαριστώ” – “Thank you.”  “Αιγόκερως” – “Goat.”

Making an Appointment  If you are trying to get a job there, even if you are not from there, they expect you to be one time for the appointment.  Greeks are know for their timeliness and dedication, so that is something to keep in mind.

Making Appointments  Keep the traffic always on your mind.  You’ll probably be offer a Greek coffee, and it can be strong. So just drink it.  But you ca also get an “Americano” which is not as strong and is made with a machine instead of by hand.

Business Dress  This is what you would typically where to a business interview or any kind of business job.

Conversation  Greek conversations are normally louder than what other non-Greeks are used to.  It has been said that Greek people live life with an exclamation point.  They know a lot about world events and like to talk about them.  Thus, a conversation with Greeks can often feel like an emotional rollercoaster ride for the uninitiated.

Addressing others  Greeks are somewhat more formal with names than other countries.  Friends are addressed by their first name, but business officials and bosses are normally addressed by using Mr. in front of their name just like in the U.S.

Acceptable Behavior  When talking to others Greeks are very affectionate.  A kiss on both cheeks is very common.

Gift Giving  Greeks are very generous people.  If you get on their good side, they just might invite you over for dinner which is a great thing for you because Greeks can also cook very well.

Negotiation  Greeks are great negotiators so be ready because their style of negotiating can be confusing.  If you’re look for a business job there, instead of looking for an intimate relation ship with your boss, look more for a relationship of mutual respect with him or her. That is what They look for more than anything.

Entertainment  Greek see entertainment as a way to have a better personal relation ship with you.  Taking them out for lunch is a great way to entertain.  Compliments are a great way to get off to a good start with them.

Food  A typical Greek saladBaklava  Sponakopita

Conclusion  Greece would be a great place to go for vacation or just to get away. The place is beautiful and the people are so friendly.  The food is great and the people are great so you should go to Greece for vacation.

Το τέλος