Submitted by Mabel Hance on the 2024 Winter LLCU program in Greece…
The most notable difference between Greece and other countries I have lived in or visited is their attitude towards tourists or Americans. Everywhere we went we were greeted with smiles and often asked where we were from. When I would respond to this question with New York, whoever asked would usually try to connect through an experience they have in NY or one that a friend has had. Many times when dining with a large group, which is abnormal for most local Greek places, we were given some traditional Greek drink or food in the house and offered words of encouragement and to enjoy Greeve. These people were so proud to share their country with us and you could feel the love they had for their country and culture. They did not see speaking English or being lost and looking like a tourist as a negative thing and only cared about sharing all the experiences they loved. One time we were walking down a street filled with shops and we had an older man approach us to ask where we were from and what our plans were. Normally in the US you would be wary and cautious when a stranger approaches you and asks these types of questions but immediately you could tell he wanted to help us. We told him we were headed to dinner and he walked us to one of his favorite spots, noting the overpriced tourist traps along the way so we knew what to avoid. This meal was one of our favorites in the country and we were treated with some of the best hospitality at this restaurant. This experience we would never have had if a local, probably walking a path he often does, did not stop to offer some friendly guidance. (Submitted February 1, 2024)