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So, here I am back in the UK, reflecting on what has been a brilliant few days in Greece. I think a fitting summary and conclusion to the trip comes in the words of one of the guidebooks I took with me:
“The Greeks are a special people on a unique journey. They are heir to a multilayered heritage in a vital part of the world. They are generous, mercurial, emotional, instinctive, practical, and supreme improvisers. Personal interaction is vital to them. This means that life in Greece operates on many levels. Or rather, it operates on many crisscrossing levels, offering plenty of possibilities and a tremendous variety of lifestyles. The country embraces geographical variations one would associate with a small continent, only easily accessible. Socially, it has everything from the intensely private to the busy and cosmopolitan. The new generation understands its responsibilities, though not necessarily the challenges that lie ahead. Greeks live for the here and now, and this means they are ready to deal with just about anything, as it happens. The engaged visitor will emerge from the Greek experience enriched for life.”
For every moment I’ve been confused or irritated by the little cultural differences over the past few days, there have been many times greater numbers of exhilarating experiences, laughter, beautiful sights, great conversations and a friendly people trying hard to make sure we are mutually understood (”eyes, eyes, take off your eyes!”)
As the quotation says, the Greeks are a special people on a unique journey. It�s a journey I hope to witness further. I’ll be back…
