Europeans are different from Americans.

Americans tend to be open, friendly types. In a sense, we are a fairly simplistic people – what you see is what you get. The Greeks can even appreciate this quality, unless they don’t like what they see…

However, most Europeans are a bit more complicated. They tend to be more complex. They have, over many hundreds of years, developed finer appreciations for things. Wine, art, music, history, languages, etc. Most Europeans have had very difficult times in their recent history – therefore, they tend not to be so “happy go lucky”. But one cannot easily categorize the Europeans. They are as different from one another as they are to those outside of Europe.

Greeks tend to be lively and talkative. They love to gesture with their hands and head. Most are quite sanguine when in familiar company. But they can seem, at first to be non-involved (which isn’t the same as rude) with strangers. When they encounter people they don’t know, then tend to just leave them alone.

Their view of American people (whom most tend to like) differs greatly from their view of the American government. They blame many of their difficult times on American intervention (especially Henry Kissenger), and are very against the war in Iraq. But this doesn’t seem to taint their indifferent to affable view of the American people. They just don’t like our government – but they don’t like theirs either, so it can’t be that personal.

Along with other Southern Europeans, they have their own regard for time, like to stay out late at night and always seem to do business or pleasure around a coffee or dinner table. They have their own ways of getting things done – but they usually get done. Greece is also known for its legendary bureacracy. This doesn’t always make life fun, but it certainly makes it interesting.

They are a laid back people that are hard to offend. The most important things are to be honest and not misleading. They can respect a strong opinion, but don’t like those who try to “kiss up.” The culture is still dominated by the males, which can give women the feeling like they are a bit subjugated. Family and the Church (not going to church) are also the most important aspects of Greek culture. Offend these two icons, and you are in trouble for sure.

Greece still remains a hospitible place, where help can be found on the street, but not always from the places you would most expect it. By in large, it is an easy place to meet people, engage them in conversation, and of course, have a cup of coffee.