When we talk about Greece, my family's homeland, most travel brochures focus on its amazing vacation spots, fascinating history, and the birthplace of great ideas like philosophy, science, and democracy. These things are true, but there's something more that visitors don't always mention.
Tourist places are generally safe, but if you explore beyond them, you might face some challenges. Let me tell you about Mykonos, a famous party island. It's a fun and safe place during the day, but at night, things can get wild with parties, drugs, and too much alcohol. Sometimes accidents happen, and even situations causing serious problems.
There's also a political group the Golden Dawn. They are a bit like the Ku Klux Klan in America. Not everyone in this group is violent, but some are, and they want to keep Greece for themselves, not welcoming to other cultures. This isn't something they put in the brochures, but it's essential to know.
In Athens, there's a market called Monastiraki, where you can buy cheap things. But be careful, some products might be fake, and there's a chance of getting robbed or tricked. It's not the most dangerous place, but still, be cautious.
Despite all the beauty of Greece, many people there are struggling financially. Long ago, Greece was a leader in democracy, but those ideas aren't as strong now. People don't trust things they can't see or touch. The church has a lot of power, and old beliefs stick around.
In the end, Greece is a beautiful country with a lot to offer, but you need to be cautious when wandering away from the tourist spots. Enjoy the wonders of Greece while being aware of the things not always mentioned in the brochures.
Athens guide: Monastiraki. (n.d.). Athens, Greece Survival Guide. https://www.athensguide.com/monastiraki.html
Golden dawn (Greece). (2005, May 25). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved May 20, 2022 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Dawn_(Greece)
Holidays in Greece. (n.d.). Athens Tours Greece. https://www.athenstourgreece.com/holidays-in-greece
The best articles, links, and news delivered once a week to your inbox.