It has become extremely evident that Greeks are extraordinarily welcoming and friendly. In every bakery and cafe I enter, I receive a free pastry or drink or some other traditional Greek food. The giver eagerly waits for me to taste the new delectable dish- smiling the entire time.
I must admit there hasn't been a single thing I haven't liked. From the 2 euro souvlaki (gyro for you Americans) to homemade tzatziki to baklava- the list is endless. But it's not the food that unveils the iridescence of Greek culture, it's the willingness to give and chat and make friends with a stranger.
Take Chris, for example.
My friends and I met Chris at a local restaurant a few nights ago. He was out waiter- our extremely friendly waiter. After chatting for several minutes we learned some things about him.
Chris is a 7 year student at university. When we heard this number all of our eyes widened in 1 part shock, 1 part empathy. In response to our pity stares, he shrugged his shoulders and simply said, "I was too busy working and traveling and living life, you know?"
We couldn't help but smile at his pure desire for a fulfilled life. He didn't want a superficial material life. He wanted a very simplistic life in which he got to experience the world. We all admired that. And envied it.
His favorite place is Serbia, by the way.
He talked for what seemed like hours about his travels and his recommendations for us. He even made us all follow him on Instagram in order to see the beautiful places he was describing. (@chris_k.o for those curious)
With smiles and laughter almost completely expended, he finally went to the kitchen to bring out our meals. But the interaction was worth it. Not only did I make a new friend and add countries to my travel list but I experienced the night the way Greeks do- with laughter and a lot of questions.
