It's all Greek until you speak Greek!

How many times have you heard someone say ‘It’s all Greek to me?” For many, a holiday in Greece is typically spent soaking up the sun in Zakynthos, Mykonos or Corfu or maybe a rushed tour around the touristy parts of Athens, and that is about it.  But Greece has so much more to offer, and that so much more can only be uncovered when you speak Greek.  At first glance, Greece could well be all Greek to you, but, with the knowledge of the language, it opens up.

Greece is well-known for its mythology and ancient history, and while much of this has been easily translated into English, and other more widely spoken languages, nothing beats getting a little off the beaten track and delving a little deeper. Greek culture and history has amazed many children at school, for many years, but only a few of them have taken the time to learn the Greek language with its own alphabet, to find out more and perhaps live out some of the mythological adventures.

Athens itself has a few hidden gems that, by speaking Greek, can come alive with a local guide. One such place is just north of the Acropolis and tucked away from most tourists. Anafiotika is a quiet neighbourhood that seems to have been untouched by much of the twentieth or even twenty first century. With quiet, meandering avenues and streets, one can escape the modern world and in the heart of a city find something special. But without speaking Greek, you can barely begin to ask about such a place.

While on your travels why not visit a flea market, a great place to test your Greek. Monastiraki’s Flea Market in Athens is one that is truly special, and if you don’t speak Greek you will miss out on some bargains and much of the fun. Monastiraki’s Flea Market is a great place to enjoy a Sunday and try and haggle, in Greek, for a good deal on whatever catches your eye.  At Monastiraki’s Flea Market you will find everything from furniture, to art and old cameras, to World War II War items.  The market and the traders come to life with language and the stories behind the items for sale are soon told, and whether they are true or not, it makes no difference.

After you have negotiated and haggled your way to buying something you never knew you ever wanted, in Greek, it is then time to enjoy the setting sun and find a place to eat. There are some amazing small restaurants tucked away throughout Athens and hidden away on Greek islands, and because you speak Greek, the menus are not all Greek to you. Sitting and eating surrounded by a handful of locals, is something only language can do, and this will be one of many memories you make when you uncover hidden Greece.  No longer will you say “Greece is all Greek to me” but you will soon discover somewhere magical, that you will fall in love with, just because you speak the language of the Gods.
Contact VLLC to discover the language of Greece.