Finding someone to interview for Greece was a teeny bit challenging, but I did talk to the owner of the hostel we stayed in while in Athens. She was a bit older and spent some time growing up in the UK, but is half Greek and half British and has been living in Greece for many years. It actually was pretty helpful, because she could give me some outside and inside input for Greek culture. Anyway, here we go!
1 + 2. What do you like about Greece that you feel is unique?
Greeks have a passion for life. The culture tends to focus on friends and family.
3. How much time do you usually spend with family? What do you do together?
My family is partially out of town, but my Greek family spends a lot of time together, eating, drinking, taking, drinking coffee... Greeks tend to spend 6-7 hours doing this.
4. What are your plans in terms of education?
I'm finished with education, but typically Greek basic education is very good. Most Greeks feel for university, they need to leave Greece and go elsewhere.
5. What is a typical meal for your country?
Gyros and Slovaki are the fast food of Greece, but real Greek meals are stews in the winter and lots of salads and stuffed vegetables in the summer. There are lots of vegetables and beans, but not a lot of meat. If there's meat, it will be lamb or chicken.
6. Do you play any sports? If not, do you do anything for physical activity?
I go to the gym, but Greeks are generally into sports also. Gyms are full, and since Greeks are close to a beach, there is a sense of "body culture" here.
7. Do you have a regular doctor that you go to yearly? Is it common to do this in your county?
Yes, Greece has a state run health care, but even though it should be free, doctors and nurses look for bribes to provide care. Sometimes they will do things "pro bono" or if they feel bad for you, but they're really looking for that little envelope. There is also private health care.
(Later mentions that Greeks do go to the doctor for checkups, and this is more for if you need care, but it can still apply)
8. How often do you go to the doctor?
When I need to. Greeks do love the doctor though, they want the attention and they definitely love their pills. But if an operation is needed, people don't really trust their doctors because they need to be bribed on most occasions.
9. Do you smoke?
Yes. Smoking is very common, most Greeks smoke too much.
10. Do you feel that Greece is overall healthy?
Yes, the diet is healthy, the life expectancy is high, and the climate is good. The life expectancy of even my mothers generation is into the 90s even though Greeks smoke and drink a lot- her generation is made if steel tanks. Now, mental health has caused a higher suicide rate here because of the crisis. Anxiety and depression are higher, but that is in recent years. Overall, Greek culture is emotionally expressive- if people are mad, they yell, if they're attracted to someone, they say so. Greek children are very playful and wild, where in the UK they aren't as open about touching each other, etc. I think the open attitude of Greeks is very mentally healthy, and makes them a healthier people. They tend to think that family and friends are always going to be there, so yelling and getting mad is ok, tomorrow you will be hugging.
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