My whole entire family is okay to go on a vacation to Greece except one person. They are too afraid that we would not be able to read anything and that we wouldn't be able able to find ourselves around because everything would be in Greek - including the road sides. They are also worried that it's dangerous over there because it is near the Middle East and that it might not be developed, civilized enough, something like that over there. I have to influence them that it is safe enough to go there before Christmas so I am in a hurry. Please help me.
2006-12-23 15:39:53 · 17 answers · asked by cookinghamusa 1 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Greece
Greece is a member of the European Union and is a modern nation. It's not as rich as Germany or Switzerland, but it's hardly the Middle East! Turns out it's a popular travel destination for Europeans looking for some sun, which means that it is tourist friendly. Frankly, I envy you all. Have fun!
2006-12-23 15:45:02 · answer #1 · answered by Nicole B 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
First of all let's all cool down a little, no need to call people names. After all, being civilized means to accept other people, even when they are ignorant.
It is true that some American people have limited knowledge of the world outside the US, when I was there they were asking me if Greece is an island (!) somewhere in the middle east (!). No reason to hate them for that though...
To answer the question, Greece is a modern country, part of Europe, and our economy is based in the tourist industry. Almost anyone speaks English and people are friendly and help-full.
Visit a web community of travelers like www.virtualtourist.com to find out what other foreign tourists have to say.
Last but not least, if someone is insecure to travel there is no point in arguing about the safety of destination. And if that person feels more safe in let's say London (English speaking, closest to US) then it has a vary big misconception of reality (far more dangerous than Greece!).
Hope you will visit us and have a good time!
2006-12-26 08:18:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Near the middle east? Get a map and then get a clue! GW Bush bothers the Middle East - we don't! They would come after Bush first before they come after us! Ok, now that I cleared your ignorance out of my system, I can answer calmly the rest of your questions.
Greece is not some african jungle to be "underdeveloped". We are civlized people also - we are not barbarians! Athens is similar to NYC obviously except for the language. Yes there are some villages and towns that may seem "underdeveloped" but that is only because they want to hold onto traditions. Not exactly like your Amish people, more to the sense that they love their culture and are trying to preserve it! The same way that students in the US are taught to learn Spanish to communicate, the Greeks are taught to learn English to communicate with tourists, business people, etc. from early as primary school (or what you call elementary school). In closing, if you bring your current state of mind to Greece, trust me... you WILL be told off by somebody. American tourists do not understand that the world isn't run by the US and they carry this high and mighty mentality along with inexperience and no sense of openmindedness.
2006-12-26 09:53:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow that's funny!
My friend, I'm a Greek gurl and I have to reassure you that everything's fine with my country! There's nothing to worry about!
USA is more dangerous than my country, which is not at all near the Middle East! It's really civilised; have you not heard about the ancient greek civilisation? I'm not saying that in Greece there are no criminals, but it's not like "a country full of terrorists"!
As for the language, most of the signs are written in both Greek and English.
A last thing for you to laugh: last year I went to Crete, the biggest Greek island, on summer vacations. There, near a beach, there was a hotel which had a sign. The sign was written neither in Greek nor in English; it was written in German, and I couldn't understand what it said!
Sometimes you feel like a foreigner in your own country. So don't be afraid to feel like a tourist in a foreign country! It's reeeaaally fun!
Have a good time in Greece. :-)
(If you need any information about Greece,don't hesitate to e-mail me.)
2006-12-24 07:49:23 · answer #4 · answered by firefly 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Do you know my friend that we the Greeks are scared going abroad.We prefer stay in Greece because it is one of the safiest countries of the world.
You should also learn that greeks speak at least two foreign languages.Wherever you go in Europe you can not help yourself because noone speaks english(only in England of course).In Greece you are not going to have such a problem.
There are always signs in two languages,in greek and in english.
And it is not so close to middle east...mercy!!!
You are close to Mexico and Cuba and Haiti but you are in a different country.Do you feel unsafe because of Cuba?I don't think so!
As it concerns our civilisation,I don't want to get graphic enough by explaining you some things about Greece.You should open a history book or a touristic guide because new Greeks also know what respect to other means and they hate arrogance also, things that are very rare to other civilisations as I can see.
2006-12-27 10:29:20 · answer #5 · answered by Eleni H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. All of the signs are in english or at least bilingual.
2. Millions of tourists come here every year and they have no problem, in fact they are very satisfied.
3. Greece is not in the middle east, and it probably is the safest place to be in the world, because we have not hurt anyone so no one hates us.
4. People in Greece are very hospitable and they speak english.
5. Criminality levels are very low - actually I am really afraid to go to the US, for fear of murders and terrorism!
6. We are a european country, completely modern and very much developed, and we have held very difficult events to prove it.
7. As for civilisation, I am sorry to say this, but our civilisation was sublime 2500 years ago and it still is, and no other people can compete with us in civilisation, so really there is no point to try to persuade anyone. If they still don't want to come, they will be losing something, out of wrong preconceptions.
2006-12-25 01:37:16 · answer #6 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Greece is in Europe. Athens is not New York but not a little village either if you stay at a Hilton you're ok . No street names but youn can ask around. Some places are crowded even at 4am safe as any other place. Best to visit Greece from May to october stay 1-2 days in athens and then off to an island.
(funny thing is that when robberies and murders take places guys in Greece say "oh god we turning like America").
Ideal destination for Christmas is Thailand where you can have sex with 8-year olds
2006-12-24 07:24:45 · answer #7 · answered by Takis 3 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Almost everything here is translated to english and almost everyone can speak english.And whoever told you that we are not civilized enough tell him to read a history book to see who's civilized and who's not.
I can assure you that Greece is much safer than your country is.
2006-12-24 07:25:51 · answer #8 · answered by Μακεδών 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
At first:Taaaaaakiiiiiiiiii!!!!My boy wht are u talking about?Is your "kapsa" to have sex with 8-year old thailand girls?
Secondly as for your question I will try sth tht no one mentioned.Olympics 2004!!!!
It seems as Osama Bin doesn't enjoy tht much greek vacations!!!!!
You are welcome!!!
Greetings from Athens,Greece....
2006-12-24 14:57:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
That is so insulting.
Tell your family that the uncivilized are those who are unaware of the condition in other countries.
Especially those ones that are members of the E.U.
You are ignorant and not worth coming to our beautiful country sorry...
Visit Mars for a change. There are no wars there...
2006-12-24 12:13:34 · answer #10 · answered by Vette 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋