Do as the Greeks Do

There's something strange about comfort zones. Everyone has a certain perception of comfort that will rise or lower depending on setting. Perhaps the majority of people feel most comfortable when they are home--the place they know best, where they grew up, learned about life, had safety and security. But sometimes, we have more than one place that sparks some element of home. There are two places like this for me. First, there is no other place in the world I would feel more comfortable than in my home in the mountains of the United States with my family. And second? Athens, Greece. This may seem an impossibility since Athens has such a harsh reputation as of late as a place of crisis and despair. But, you have to go to Athens to understand that the government may be in shambles, but the city and the Greeks living there have not changed. I have lived in Athens and returned several times over the last three years and each time I go back, it feels like home.

I can walk through the winding streets and narrow alleyways as if I belong. I love the culture, the people, the food, the chaos. I hate cities, but there is something that draws me to the disorder of Athens. Perhaps my attachment to the history draws me in, but it's also the people. Greek people are the nicest, kindest, most hospitable people in the world. Though there may be stereotypes that Greeks don't work and are too lazy, perhaps we are the ones who have the wrong kind of lifestyle. Greeks are happy, relaxed people. They know their coffee, and they take their time enjoying it. Five times a day, no less. That’s because, as soon as the sun creeps up from the horizon of the Aegean, the Greeks are alive. Dawn is the perfect time to set washed clothes out to dry, start heating water for a shower (this is particularly tricky if you're in a hurry), walk a dog, get a head-start on shopping at the local market, or to sit out on the balcony (since everyone has one) and watch the city wake up. Then, the Greeks venture off to the central point around which all Greek life revolves: the café. Here, at all hours of the day, clusters of two or three of all ages sit and drink coffee while talking and watching people walk by. One day I decided to get a feel for the social coffee-drinking environment, so I parked myself at a local café. The waiter approached me and I politely asked for a coffee. “What kind?” he asked. “Decaf?” I said hesitantly. He gave me the strangest look and began to explain the problem with Americans. His conversation led me to an epiphany. Everything in Greece revolves around time. Everything takes time—longer than we’re used to. In the states, all of our little tasks can be quickly completed with the help of modern electronics. Therefore, we take for granted our ability to do everything we want in a day. Compared to Greece, living in the States is effortless.

In Greece, taking a shower needs at least an hour since the water must be pre-heated in the tank. Doing laundry demands an entire day as wet clothes are hung out to dry since almost no one has a drying machine because everyone has a balcony and it never gets below freezing outside. Eating is also an investment since Greek restaurant owners expect customers to buy drinks, then appetizers, then a meal, then more drinks—this can take at least three or four hours. It also takes more time to get to and from places since most people walk everywhere and public transportation is often unpredictable. The weather is always nice, so the Greeks take advantage of the sun by slowly strolling through the parks throughout the city.

One day as I wandered along the streets of Plaka under the acropolis, I noticed how effortlessly I navigated perhaps some of the most twisted alleys in Europe, and I suddenly realized that Athens is my comfort zone. In a new place it always takes time to truly enjoy something--until you can find comfort in the area and take the time to look around and enjoy the place in more detail. Each time I come back to Athens I discover something new. Once as I stood in front of some Roman ruins in the shadow of the acropolis, I noticed an old man sitting on a stool with an easel, paint, and canvas. I stepped closer to see his work and I was amazed by his perception of the scenery. Though the Parthenon sat high on the hill above us, he was focusing on the trees, the Roman ruins, and the modern buildings surrounding it. He was painting the reality and he was taking his time doing so.

From dusk to dawn, all the little tasks normally completed under an hour in the States, occupy the Greeks throughout their day. So, maybe the Greeks are laid back because they have to be. In this world, there is no room for impatience. Thus, this lifestyle seeps into the foundations of the country including the bureaucracy. So, even though we believe the process of getting a visa or sending a letter should be quick and easy, the Greeks aren’t too worried about it. We all just need to remember not to take the little things for granted. And sometimes, it’s better to take your time. Take a stroll. Have a coffee. Take time.