| EURO 2004 ended, we became European Champions, we celebrated
again and again and now� what? Now we have the Olympic Games
and after that�.well after that we will be able to breathe freely
without anyone saying anything to us. Until then though, we
have to push ourselves to bring out the best of us! In order
though to be able to do that, we have to follow some simple
rules and regulations, especially when we decide to visit one
of our beautiful beaches!
1. No more kaftans (these long beaded Arabic shirts) at the
beach. From now on choose a chlamys (the long ancient Greek
dresses) accessorized by silver (or gold if you are rich!)
buckle.
2. No more beaded or design mules! Especially for this summer
we adopt the look with the beautiful sandal with the anatomical
design worn with a white sock (preferably the socks that come
up to the knee). In this way tourists will feel just like
home (they were the first to launch the specific look), and
we will at last be saved from the common loss of our mule
in the sand (this is when you walk in style on the beach trying
to find an empty space and when you finally do you realize
that even though you have found the perfect spot, you have
lost your precious little mule in the sand!)
3. No more Greek feasts (including shrimps, mussels, squids,
octopuses, tzatziki and whatever else�), at Greek restaurants
when tourists are around. It is not polite for our guests
to enjoy a humble Greek Salad and we eat like kings! We patiently
wait for the tourists to depart (don�t worry they go to bed
early), and then we enjoy our lobster-pasta!
4. Throw away all your sun-block creams, sprays, foams, sticks,
etc! For years tourists seat under the sun with no protection.
Obviously this tomato look is in fashion and we just have
not adopted it yet!
5. We make sure we pick up all our garbage from the beach
(this should be done every summer). We also make sure we pick
up our cigarettes so that we do not initiate any innocent
tourist to our custom of �anastenaris� without any warning!
6. We drive CAREFULLY! Considering the fact that most of the
tourists are used to drive on roads and not on 4X4 special
routes, it would be wise not to honk cars that carry the sign
of the special car rental companies, and avoid any kind of
gestures!
Most of the above (with the exception of the last two that
we should at last make them part of our ordinary lives), are
written with a humorous touch and are based on many years
of observation of tourist attitudes in Greece. We should always
keep in mind that rules in Greece exist so that we can adjust
them to any situation. So, why not combine our personal pleasure
and unique style with good behavior!
Especially for this summer let us act spontaneously as long
as this spontaneity does not offend anybody. Let us show the
world that either with a chlamyd or a kaftan, a beaded mule
or a classic anatomically designed sandal, we are elegant,
in fashion, smiling�but most of all we are BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!!!
Note for Tourists:
Dear Tourists,
Do not nag about everything and try to become one with the
magical spirit of our country. Always keep in mind the wise
Greek saying: �If you cannot avoid something, just enjoy it�!
Leave nagging at home and let us take care of the rest!
Have a great Olympic Vacation!
Katerina Kourtessi
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