“That’s a good thing, don’t worry!” laughed my Greek friend over coffee that evening. “You helped her, she thought you were beautiful for doing this so she gives you a negative symbol to ward off any jealousy that may come to you as a result of your kind nature.” It was the first time I’d heard that being spat was a compliment—first time for everything I guess.

“Hadn’t we better order another coffee?” I enquired. My Greek friend snorted and patted my knee.

“No need. We can sit here for three hours with just one cup if we so require” my friend patted my knee reassuringly. I glanced around: the middle-aged couple in the corner had been there when we came in, over an hour ago, and I’d not seen the waiter approach them once. That was another difference: people spending hours relaxing over coffee with no pressure to buy, buy, buy.

Greece isn’t just full of lovely cultural differences. There are things that I still find difficult to understand or cope with, even after 4 years of living here. I’ll never understand the “no-one tells me what to do” mentality that pervades every aspect of society. Examples of this include not wearing seatbelts in the car or helmets on their heads on motorbikes. Despite the fact that these laws are made to help protect people in the event of an accident, the fact is, it’s a law hence it must be disobeyed. I always wear my seatbelt in taxis and once rode in the back of one where the driver became offended I wore it! I tried to explain it isn’t necessarily his driving I am insulting, but we have no control over other drivers, so I want to be safe! Long silence.

“You have right copella” he proclaimed in his pidgin English. “Apo pou ise?” [“where are you from?] When he found out I was British, he nodded sagely as if everything made sense. Almost an ‘Of course.’

Then there’s the smoking in bars and cafes. I’m not actually sure if people aren’t supposed to smoke in bars or not, but they do. OK, not all places allow it, but the majority do. It’s my one huge bug bearer: no matter how late I come home at night, I have to have a shower and wash my hair to wash the smoke away.

Overall I love this country. Seeing men, old and young, embracing when they meet or leave each other is refreshing…it’s natural. People know how to just ‘be’ in Greece, and this country has helped me to follow that trend. Take the rough with the smooth: soon you’ll be embracing the culture of your country and acting like a native (but I do still wear my seatbelt in cars).

By Bex (Rebecca Hall)
http://www.lifebeyondbordersblog.com/

As originally seen on: http://www.expatsblog.com/contests/402/expat-culture-shock-greece 

Have a story to tell? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com.

The event was completed with participations from 35 countries

On Friday, October 4, participants swam from the Volcano to the old port of Fira in an exciting 1.5-miles (2.4 km) open water swimming race, overlooking the imposing view of Santorini. The global elite of open water swimming who competed in Paris Olympic Games joined the unique race. Italian world champion and European champion Barbara Pozzobon, Hungarian silver medalist in world and European championships and 4th Olympian Anna Olasz, German world and European champion Leonie Beck, European champion Mario Sanzullo from Italy, and Greek champion Dimitris Negris were among the participants. The Italian coach Fabrizio Antonelli with distinctions in the Olympic Games and world championships was also present. The first place among the men was shared by Dimitris Negris and Mario Sanzullo while among the women Barbara Pozzobon finished first.




The swimming route took place with absolute safety in the enchanting waters of Santorini (with an average water temperature of 22-23 degrees Celsius), supported by the Santorini Boatmen’s Union, who assisted both in the implementation of the race and in the safe transport of swimmers from the old port of Fira to the Volcano. The safety of the race was ensured by specialized professional lifeguards and rescue boats from Lifeguard Patrol, who also provided the necessary medical and pharmaceutical equipment. Santorini Nautical Club, the Volunteer Rescue Team of Thira, and Caldera Yachting also supported the event with boats and personnel, while the organization, with the help of SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, provided every athlete with a safety buoy, which was mandatory for all participants, offering additional safety. The Technical Director of the swimming race was Nikos Gemelos, a swimming coach with Olympic and world-class distinctions. 

The running routes featured four refreshment stations, with one of them located at the Nobu Hotel Santorini, which warmly welcomed the Asian runners.

Here are all the results for the running and swimming races!

As part of the Santorini Experience 2024, the Mayor of Thira, Mr. Nikos Zorzos, stated: “It is a pleasure for me, as Santorini Experience began during a previous term when I was Mayor. It continues now, and this is the 7th time. It's an excellent and unique route globally. The organization is flawless, and it will continue throughout the five years of my term as Mayor. Our goal is to organize similar sporting events and, of course, to extend our tourist season. Santorini offers a natural uniqueness. Our island has many points of interest, starting with its geophysical environment and natural beauty. It is important to host sporting events and attract top athletes to enjoy the wonders of our island. Santorini Experience is a unique event for everyone. We will continue organizing sports events and do everything possible to make sports flourish on the island”.

For the first time, two sports legends, EuroLeague two-time champion and record holder Georgios Printezis and EuroLeague legend and Real Madrid European champion Joe Arlauckas, joined forces to teach the basics of basketball to the youth of Santorini. On Sunday, October 6th, the children of Santorini’s sports clubs, with the active participation of the Athletic Union of Santorini, had the opportunity to meet these international basketball stars and learn the “secrets” of the game at the basketball clinic powered by Trace 'n Chase, also held at the Santorini Indoor Gym.

For the first time, speeches on diversity were organized with Dimitris Papanikolaou, a former international basketball player, European champion, and ambassador of the MOTODYNAMICS Group. These talks were held for students of Fira High School, Mesaria High School, the Special School of Mesaria, Emporio High School, and Fira Lyceum. Through these sessions, Papanikolaou aimed to inspire and educate young students on the importance of embracing diversity. 

Additionally, the MOTODYNAMICS Group in collaboration with the Municipality of Thira, organized speeches related to road safety with motorsports coach Thanasis Chountras, for students of Fira Lyceum, Thira Vocational School (EPAL), Fira High School, and Mesaria High School. These informative speeches captivated the students, while many of them expressed enthusiasm about the next visit of the distinguished speaker! 

The MOTODYNAMICS Group, in collaboration with Miele, combined the worlds of gastronomy and sports by hosting exclusive dining experiences for their distinguished guests. These unique meals took place at top-tier restaurants like Esperisma Bar Restaurant and Selene Restaurant, showcasing Santorini’s local flavors and products in a special and refined way.

Guests were given tours of the Santo Wines Winery and visited the Miele store in Santorini. As a Bronze Sponsor, Miele offered its guests a unique experience, blending the luxury of its appliances with gourmet cuisine. In this exclusive setting, Chef Alexandros Syngkiridis of Miele provided an unforgettable live cooking experience, using Miele’s state-of-the-art appliances. As guests explored the fully equipped store, they watched the chef in action as he prepared a series of refined dishes, transforming the kitchen into a space of creativity and indulgence.



Gifts for Participants & Winners of the Races!

For the first time, hoper, the company that introduces scheduled helicopter flights in Greece, became the Official Helicopter Partner of Santorini Experience. As part of this year’s event, the innovative company awarded both male and female winners of the open water swimming race with a helicopter tour, ensuring their safety with its modern fleet. Additionally, guests of Santorini Experience also had the opportunity to enjoy exciting aerial tours over the stunning landscapes of Santorini.

All participants stayed hydrated with Vikos natural mineral water, while runners and swimmers enjoyed the excellent craft beers of Ftelos Brewery Santorini.

Thanks to GoPro, unique moments from the event were captured, including stunning time-lapse photos.


The SAMI TARAZI Pharmacies, located in the areas of Karterados and Megalochori, were there for every athlete and supported Santorini Experience 2024 as a Partner of the event. 

In the heart of Santorini in Messaria, HealthSpot provided diagnostic tests with the most modern equipment, as well as ambulance services for the swimming and running races.

The National Center for Immediate Help (EKAV) team also contributed to the medical coverage of the Santorini Experience, providing a doctor and an ambulance.

The Premium Mobility Partner of the event was SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group. 
The Silver Sponsor was Athina Luxury Suites. 
The Official Action Camera of the event was GoPro. 
The Official Footwear Sponsor was HOKA.
The Official Water was Vikos Natural Mineral Water. 
Bronze Sponsors of the event were Miele and NOUS Santorini. 
The Official Helicopter Partner was hoper. 
The Official Airline Partner was SKY express. 
The Official Sponsor was Blue Star Ferries. 
The Official Sports Store of the event was Alafouzos Sport. 
The Official Technical T-shirt was Luanvi. 
The Official Optics Partner were Kois Optics. 
Partners of the event included Santorini Boatmen Association, Caldera Yachting, Nobu Hotel Santorini, Santorini’s Best Driver, Seaside Santorini, Messinian Spa, Santo Wines, Ftelos Brewery Santorini, Lifeguard Patrol, Agaze Restaurant, SAMI TARAZI Pharmacies, Health Spot, the Volunteer Rescue Corps of Thira, and Trace ‘n Chase. 
The Sustainability Partner was π³= Plastic Pollution Prevention. 
The Educational Partner of Santorini Experience was the Athens University of Economics and Business.

The event could not have taken place without the invaluable support of 36 Hospitality Sponsors, hotels that promoted the island with special prices and provided immense support to the event. The hotels that assisted with Santorini Experience 2024 included: Athina Luxury Suites, NOUS Santorini, Nobu Hotel Santorini, Katikies Garden Santorini, Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini (Empiria Group), Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas, Santo Mine Oia Suites, Apeiron Blue, 270 Oia’s View, West East Suites, Lydia’s House, Santorini Folia Bianca, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini, Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini, De Sol Hotel & Spa, The Majestic Hotel Santorini (Kord Hotels), Meltemi Suites, Meltemi Village, Atlantis Beach, Neoklassiko Koukouli, Noni Studios, Santoriviera House, Ifestau4, En Plo Boutique Suites, Mon Signor, Fanouris Condo, MONOLiTHIA, Epavlis Hotel (Meraki Collection), Eteoro Suites Santorini, Sea Breeze Beach Resort Santorini, K & K Unique Holiday Homes, Aja Retreat, Blue Dolphins, Loizos Stylish Residences, Venus Sunrise Suites & Villas, Sienna Eco Resort.

For more information: santorini-experience.com

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