|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
|
|
||
 |
 |
A wealth of culture and history combined with an idyllic Mediterranean climate
Food & Drink
Restaurants and tavernas serve up a ubiquitous offering of Greek specialities such as dolmades, feta cheese salads, squid, moussaka, souvlaki and, of course, the fresh catch of the day.
Greeks say that pleasure and happiness passes through the stomach, food and drink is very important. Their main links to food are from the sea due to the wide area of coastal areas around the island and surrounding islands. The variety is extremely wide but specialities include octopus, red mullet and lobster. Many areas offer charter boats to catch your own fish, then staff will cook it for you in the evening.
so-called modern taverna fare
Meat on the island is mainly beef, lamb, goat, chicken and rabbit. Athens and some of the more fashionable islands such as Santorini, Mykonos and Samos, however, have seen the arrival of fusion cuisine and so-called modern taverna fare.
Sample the national drinks, retsina and ouzo, but don't turn your nose up at the wines. Greece now boasts some surprisingly good whites and rosés, the best of which are from Gaia, Gerovassiliou and Hatzidakis.
Language and Culture
Greeks are warm and hospitable. When meeting someone for the first time, they shake hands firmly, smile, and maintain direct eye contact.They are very demonstrative and affectionate. Nodding your head "yes" is not polite; say "yes" instead. "Yes" is signified by a slight downward nod of the head; “no" is a slight upward nod of the head. It can also be useful to remember the “O.K.” sign is a rude gesture; "thumbs up" means OK.
Good friends often embrace; they may also kiss each other on each cheek. Male friends often slap each other’s arm at the shoulder.
Accepting a second helping compliments the host. Expect a great deal of discussion. Meals are a time for socializing.
The most common toast is “to your health”, which is “stinygiasou” in informal situations and “eis igían sas” at formal functions. In Greece, tip is known as filodorima (meaning gift for a friend). Tipping traditionally is not based on a predetermined percentage. Customers usually leave a tip to the 'maitre', waiters, valets and bell boys, varying from a few coins to large amounts of money, according to how satisfied they are by the service. In some cases, waiters gain more money from tips than their wage. Tipping to taxi drivers is uncommon.
History
Aside from the Countries natural splendour, Greece is most famous for having one of the richest histories wrapped in mythology in the world, contributing to the reputation of being the Birthplace of civilisation itself.
In Greek mythology, The island of Samos is the birthplace of Hera, Zeus’ wife and the queen of the gods. One of the most powerful ancient Greek goddesses, Hera was born and raised there on the island. One of the most significant monuments of ancient Greece today is the famous Temple of Hera.
Famous Samians include Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus, astronomer Aristarchus of Samos and a slave named Aesop who was famous for Aesop’s Fables. In 1955 the town of Tigani was renamed Pythagoreio in honour of the famous mathematician Pythagoras who was the founder of the religious movement named Pythagoreanism and of course most famous for the Pythagorean theorem, which bears his name.
Economy
Greece has been a traditional holiday destination for many years. The historic significance of the mainland and its plethora of islands has captured imaginations young and old from across the world. The mild climate provides the best setting in which to enjoy the beautiful scenery. With it's crystal clear seas, dramatic rich green landscapes, traditional Greek hospitality and unique cultural heritage, it is easy to see why Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Following the success of Athens 2004 Olympic games, which brought major infrastructural improvements, Greece is now entering a new economic era. Greece has become increasingly more popular with not only traditional tourism, but is fast establishing itself with foreign investors as a country with enormous possibilities. Greece is now a popular destination for conventions, international exhibitions and major investments within the framework of the tourist industry.
In a recent announcement, the Greek government underlined the importance of tourism for the economic development of the country. They also outlined the framework for a new strategy creating a more 'investor friendly' climate. This strategy comprises the gradual simplification of procedures involving new investments in order to reduce the levels of bureaucracy and red tape as well as reaching out to new developing global markets. In 2003, it was announced that the Greek government are pledging to increase tourism by a massive 50% by 2013.
| About Greece | Climate & Tourism | Location & getting there |
Food & Drink | Language & Culture | History & Economy | About Samos | Property in Greece |
