44 years in Greece and I dont regret the ups and downs and would never return to England. I love Greece and Greeks I married one and we have a daughter and granddaughter's. I thank God that he bought me here I am so blessed.lots of love to your family from Alexandropoli.
Hi Lyn Margaret, British-Greek here (living in England). Alexandropoli sounds fantastic! I've never been there but I've heard good things about Thrace in general.
I’m an Iraqi Assyrian, I moved to Greece in 2000 I was 18 yrs old and lived there for seven years. Worked very hard as a Ζαχαροπλάστης, paid my taxes, took my Άδεια διαμονή and studied Greek language and history στο Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών στο ζωγράφου Αθήνα. I didn’t have any family there Greeks treated me like a family member and taught me how to be professional, goal oriented, and a hard working man. But I was indeed suffering from “selective racism” since I was an Iraqi (not very exotic) and many Greeks aren’t very friendly with Middle Easterns. I left Greece in 2007 to the US, now I have a bachelor degree in IT from Central Michigan University and work in the field, my life been very successful here in the US and all thanks to those seven years I spent in Greece I learned a lot from them.
I am Norwegian. I lived 20 years in Greece and raised my half-greek children there. I don`t regret anything. I love Greece and consider it my second home. I speek greek and studied to be a nurse there. I didn`t feel I was a foreigner.
@@captaingreek I can tell you from experience as a Greek person that moved to fino-scandinavia. Greek people hate Scandinavians, they of course will never be honest with them, but as a Greek person that was considering moving there, many would try to degrade them "they are cold and uncultured, they only know how to be happy with alcohol, they have no culture and they are like machines, they are depressed etc.". When I bring people from Norway or Finland in Greece, the same people will complement them and say how much they'd like to visit Fjords etc. When my friends leave, they will start to netpick everything they did and in a very manipulative way they will try to paint them as ... honestly, I have no idea what they try to paint them as, I guess they try to reinforce the stereotype in their head into them. Of course not everyone is like that but especially older people tend to be like that by the majority. One thing is for sure, almost no Greek person that integrated in Norway, Finland or Denmark that I've met (I don't have any experience with Sweden) has no need to keep any real connections with Greece and that should be saying something.
i was about to comment something along these lines. whomever loves greece as much as you and dan. you arent foreigners to us, we're lucky and happy to have you.
I’m Greek and I can speak for the majority of Greeks when I say that you don’t need to prove to anyone what you did to deserve the “Greek lifestyle”. Our land is for all to enjoy, no questions asked. You owe no one an explanation. Ωραίο βίντεο φίλε!
I want to move to Greece more than anything. I live in the US, and I’ve only been to Greece once, but I fell in love with the culture, the people, and the vast beauty. Me and my husband are saving just for one more trip, but I hope we can move there someday soon. The wonderful people are one of my main reasons to get back there. You all know how to live. You have figured out something the rest of the world is still trying to comprehend.
The Greek land first should be for the Greeks to enjoy and secondarily for foreigners. This new trend of “welcoming” foreign investors and people to live in Greece because they can afford it while thousand of Greeks were forced to move out to other countries to survive is disgraceful. It is just wrong.
@@AlexGraphicD that is beyond idiotic... how exactly is welcoming foreigners hurting Greeks? We are a European western country that welcomes all honest people here. If you disagree with that statement you are not a true Greek. Xenios Dias would be very dissatisfied by you.
We share many similarities. I'm from the U.S. and my wife is Greek. We moved to Greece in 2012. 40 minutes just outside of Nafplio. Like yourself I have two children and they speak better Greek than me. And we too had people tell us " Are you crazy? You left the US to come here?" And it was during the Grexit and immigration crisis and economic meltdown. But Greece got through it all. It is a wonderful country. But many people don't understand unless they live here.
Thank you for sharing. I know my story is not unique. There are many of us here in Greece with similar stories. Hopefully, comments like yours will help us all see that.
"Left the US". Oh those rednecks that think that USA is the best place in the world. This cannot be more far from reality. In fact USA is a horrible country.
I have lived in the USA for 50 years. Much job opportunity and I have succeeded as an Engineer, but it is probably the worst place to live and have a family. There is zero culture, no friendship and much crime. The elementary and high School system probably the worst in the world.
If you don't learn the country's language, you miss MANY GREAT THINGS that make your life better and more enjoyable. And this applies to any country you may move to.
I would agree in principle, esp if you plan on staying for the long term. However... I for example learned four languages throughout my many years in school (plus obv my mother tongue) and frankly I'm done. I have no more appetite, esp for languages that have marginal value elsewhere. There's plenty people that grew up bilingual and had to learn another one in school, eventually you reach a saturation point where you can't cram yet another grammatical structure, and sometimes even different alphabet in. That's fun if it's your first time but there's a limit as to how many languages you can proficiently learn. Esp in Europe that's super common. You cant compare that with Americans who can barely speak English.
I have to add something here. I am British from generations and I found myself in Greece basically through my interest in the country because of my having studied Ancient Greek (Classics) at University level. I came for a year (1969) and have been here ever since. The first year opened my appetite for the modern language, and I found myself in a non-touristic area (very important factor, and basic in my rapid learning of modern Greek) in inland western Greece which had very beautiful countryside ( I was a mountain hiker) and a wealth of ancient remains of an era I knew very little about as no attention was paid to it even at university level studies. The second year became a third , somewhere there I met my future wife (we have two children and now three grandchildren) and in 1980 I took Greek citizenship. Now I am retired after having taught English here for some 45 years. I have never encountered racism of any kind, and have always got on wonderfully with the locals. I have some excellent friends of decades, and have fully enjoyed my life in Greece.. It gets a bit too hot in summer, though!!
There was no chance that you 'd have faced any level of racism here as a Brit anyway. Greeks (as in "probably the majority of") have racist tendencies "only" towards dark-toned peeps, Asians, Muslims and Eastern-Europeans. Even that however means that they will be skeptical, withdrawn, suspicious and generally won't show the friendliness they show to others. Nothing much to be afraid of if one falls into some category of the above, even though there is (rare still) cases of getting in troublesome situations. If you're prominently "black skinned", you won't have an easy time finding decent occupation, or even (decent) residence, but that's just about it.
I came from Denmark the previous summer, after almost 10 years. I was shocked...how much the Greek public service has improved. Not perfect of course, but absolutely improved remarkably. I have only been to a public service 2 times only, and all the rest through internet. Even in Denmark you can't do that. The main problem is the "fakelaki" (bribery) which I haven't faced so far and the mentality of some employees (they are lazy or slow). The confirmation of my wife's residence permit and her social security number were done within a few days. That is a miracle.
We are doing very well digitally, one downside being there are numerous "online platforms" for everything, but generally yes you can have everything digital. In a few years everything will be digital, including real estate documents, taxes (already for many), birth certificates and ID, etc. Very good job. Only downside is that these platforms are kind of a "motley crew" front end compilation, but they are unifying the front ends as well. In schools almost everything is digital, however we have more work to do as teachers, because for example you need to fill countless forms to accept new students and if "mother's last name" is missing you can not proceed. So it takes days to finish these jobs, but for the parents and the public in general it should be much easier.
@@dimitristripakis7364 This issue, with the numerous platforms not connected together I have seen it in Denmark as well. Different platform for healthcare for adults, different for children, different citizen service for each community (some don't have or it is useless), etc. It is amazing! You need to search on google and then add "gov" to find what you're looking for. At least accountants, engineers and other professionals do this for you, so the customers don't need to do a lot. A decade ago this was a dream. Still a long way to go, though.
@@user-er3bx8qb1jthat’s non sense ! Rich Asians , russians and others do it for golden visa advantage .Also big companies buying houses in Greece for financial gains not simple foreigners .
The main problem of Greece, apart from the 7 he mentioned, is that, if everyone moves permanently close to the sea to see this beautiful scenery he shows in the background (which is beautiful), this won't be viable. Most of the stuff is in the cities, 50% in Athens. My dream would be to build everything, companies, etc. Next to the seas. Greece needs decentralization.
@@Gatos77 i agree with this, yet the distances are pretty small. The cost is easily sustainable for someone with a digital job working in a company abroad
I would make it more accurate, as long you have the dough (making good money), Greece is the perfect place to raise a family. If you are planning to make a living with no actual solid plan it would be extremely hard like the guy on the video
@@JackalTheMasked I saw so many comments about UK and British people claiming that the country is going downhill very fast. homelessness, drug abuse, illegal migrants, cost of living, crime rate, etc. Are these true according to you?
In my experience people are people. It does not matter what country. Most peope are kind, friendly and welcoming. Sadly some have very poor character flaws, racism, cruelty, criminal behavior. Those things do not know borders.
I exactly understand your passion to live in Greece, i lived in a Greek island for 30years and 1 your ago i moved to Norway just for the experience, to see something else, there are many good things here also but my mind and my heart is still in Greece ❤
@@mikeoglen6848 Haha! Many Greeks live in Norway as well. It's colder of course, but it's not much different from other North European countries. Depending where in the country you live as the north is usually colder (though this summer it's been hot up there too).
About fourth, I am Greek and I Can assure you that racism here is selective but it's not based on the color of the skin. No one cares about skin here. It's about culture and our past relationships with this country. I saw with my own eyes people be skeptical of a black immigrant fellow of mine when he said that he was from Ethiopia and Orthodox almost all of them treated him like a brother immediately. Even the older people ask him to come with them for coffee and play cards.
True, I am Greek and I confirm this. We are sceptical about cultures that we had been in war with for centuries, which is quite normal. We are not imperialists, at least the vast majority. We want peace, but we should always be prepared for the worst.
@@theodorosandreou5179 less religious but still, our religion is intertwined with our culture. I think this is better, drop the superstitions, keep the culture.
I saw that when I lived in Greece, the orthodox Ethiopians were better liked than Moslem Albanians who were white. They had cultural touching points and commonalities.
You inspired me with your video and I feel ready to move back to Greece since I was raised in Greece. I have something to give to our beautiful country since now it needs us more than ever. I have been planning this for a while now and your video motivated me to do so. After 26 years in Chicago and 7 years in Cyprus, I feel ready to return. I am a Chiropractor and I will open my own clinic along with my wife, also a Chiropractor and Acupuncturist. I also feel that there will never be a perfect timing when it comes down to these kind of decisions. As my father once said "Son, the big decisions in your life you take them with your heart not with your head" and cheers to that! God bless you ❤
Πρόκειται να επισκεφθώ το Σικάγο στο τέλος Ιουνίου 2024 και θα ήθελα, αν γίνεται, να σας συναντήσω, προκειμένου να με κατατοπίσετε σχετικά με τις ΗΠΑ και το Σικάγο. Ευχαριστώ!
I am a first generation Greek American and I actually have an apartment there. I want to move to Greece for good but always question leaving a solid pension job in the States as the sacrifice. You are an inspiration to me. I am presently living vicariously through you.
Do NOT leave your pension job. You can move back when you retire. I too have a pension and will be getting SS. My sister and I plan to retire months in Greece and months in US. Is it difficult to maintain an apartment being absent for some months? Thank. And ride out that job until you retire.
I'm a Greek-Canadian who plans on moving to Greece in the next year or two. I can't take going and having to leave anymore. I'm 44 but it's never too late, I've always wanted to do it. Your videos are very nice. Thank you.
Kafeneio is definitely not the typical coffee shop and I'm really wondering who suggested you could depend on that. In any case, I'm really glad everything worked out eventually
You can most definitely depend on that, but not if you do not speak Greek and have zero contact with Greek culture. People will want to talk greek sports, greek politics, and possibly their farms.
It's a coffee shop. But in greek culture men would go to these shops, order a greek coffee and begin the three hour process to finish that little cup. All while talking about the daily bullish!t that goes on in town that day or week. Basically the communities gossip meeting point. @mikeoglen6848
@@mikeoglen6848 Kafeneio differs from a coffee shop in the sense that it doesn't center around the coffee, but around the talk you do whilst having a coffee (a cup of coffee is our way to make small talk; when a friend tells you here "you want to go for a cup of coffee", this is speech for "do you want to hang out and talk") Cafes on the other hand are more centered around the coffee as a product
Δεν συνηθίζω να βλέπω μεγάλης διάρκειας βίντεο, ειδικά τέτοιου τύπου. Κατά τύχη το σκόνταψα το συγκεκριμένο, αλλά το είδα ολόκληρο. Μου άρεσε πολύ ο λόγος σου και ασπάζομαι σε μεγάλο βαθμό τα επιχειρήματά σου. Μην αισθάνεσαι καθόλου ξένος πάντως. Μιλάς ελληνικά καταρχάς, θέλεις να προσφέρεις στην Ελλάδα και να μείνεις στην Ελλάδα όσο έχεις τα μάτια σου ανοιχτά. Και αυτό στην πράξη σε κάνει περισσότερο Έλληνα από πολλούς από εμάς τους υπόλοιπους, που είμαστε γεννημένοι εδώ. Μπράβο σου που άντεξες κάνοντας μια τέτοια μετάβαση σε τόσο δύσκολη συγκυρία. Όσοι τα έζησαν, μπορούν να αντιληφθούν και ας θέλουν να ξεχάσουν. Να είσαι καλά με την οικογένειά σου και να περνάς όμορφα στην χώρα μας!
Ι like your video which is all true About fakelaki well things here if you want to have immediate good services you have to put your hand in your pocket and pay accordingly the price .
I'm from Serbia but living in Germany, i am travelling to Greece at least 2x a year since i was born, my Godfather is Greek. I love my Greek brothers and sisters🇷🇸☦️🇬🇷
Bureaucracy is for those who don't know. The rule of thumb in Greece is if you want official services, hire the right lawyers to do the job for you with a maximum fee of 50-100€. The secret in this country is to know how to navigate the system. My advice is before you start learning the language, start learning the moves. A nice place to start is by showing up at the 'kafenio' and asking the locals.
As a Dutch person living in Greece, yes learning the local language is always required, yes many speak English but it helps 1000% , and if you use patience even the government can be handled
@@NikolasGatsioudis like I wrote patience, I build up a company, build my own house and managed all paperwork, treat the personal as persons and all can be arranged
@@peterevenhuis2663 not the place to discuss it, it will take ages . Really glad tho ,that your plans are going (Dutch) prima ! Take care , also come to west coast for sailing .
about a kafeneio=caffe, from another Mediterranean country: (a cup of coffee is a ritual). A busy man comes to the caffe, orders a cup of coffee, drinks it quickly and calls the waiter to pay. The waiter waved with his hand lazily and said : To those who don't know how to drink coffee, I don't charge.
Here in Greece there is καφενείο and cafe. There is a terrible difference. The cafe maybe morning cafe that also serves companies with coffee but on Saturday night they wont have much work. There is the cafe with loud enough music that u can go and have your coffee and speak for one or three hours, or more if u want. The date cafe lets call it. But καφενείο in Greece is the central talk place of every little villages social life. Ofc pention owners or people who can visit the place for a break on job r usually the people who retain the place. Usually the village will peven peak their mail from there. If u want to get in all political in any island or such this is the place to go. :) Born in Greece, still here. 5 first years of my life in Zurich. Been in many european countries in those younger years of mine. Germany, England, Luxemburg, Belgium, France, Austria and Italy. My grandfathers village didnt even meat German soldiers in Kefalonia back in the 40s because it was to far from any main target. If u search for Chionata in the southern east side of island, thats the one. Also i go 2 friens from Venezuela who sell used or new bateries for cars in Chalandri athenes. They grew up here but still use their home language. I think they own a Le coq sportive agency aldo in Venezuela. Their father was Greek and their mother was from Venezuela. I think Caracas.
I have an Italian boyfriend, lovely in every aspect and very close to Greek mentality. We stopped to have an espresso, standing up in northern Italy. I was looking at the cup perplexed and stated that there is no way I can drink coffee standing up. Coffee drinking is a ritual, if I don't spend at least twenty minutes looking at the bubbles or daydreaming or philosophizing while drinking it, it's not coffee at all. Next time I went to Italy I carried Greek coffee and my Loumidis briki.
As a Greek fellow... Thank you for your kind words. Bureaucracy and Fakelaki, is something, all Greeks are familiar with! You may never have to pay for it, but you still know, what it is. Greek citizens, are in common, underpaid, and most of them are looking for the extras. We all need to live in a way, that we can keep (retain) our dignity! Dignity meaning, having the essentials. Not the villas of rich people.Not the Latest BMW model. Not the latest Iphone. Watching your videos and listening, to a man coming from another continent, praising my country, makes me feel so thankful! Thank you friend! I hope that you and your family have a great life here in Greece!
Greetings from Thessaloniki! Fakelaki literally means small envelope. That envelope contains a bribe used to grease the wheels of bureaucracy or to achieve better care in a hospital etc. Very nice videos mate! Thank you for honoring Greece and it's beauty!
I am German, lived ten years in Greece in the '70s and '80s, and can only confirm. Got married to an American and moved to the US. Miss Greece, bureaucracy, and everything else every day. Never a dull moment. And yes, very close to Latino culture.
@@BrunoHeggli-zp3nl , life has its twists and turns. Haha, no, thank God, not Florida or California or Texas or NYC. We actually wanted to retire to Greece. But then Covid came with crazy restrictions, war in the Ukraine, forest fires, floods and landslides in Greece, rising prices for homes and energy in GR, etc etc. All that in combo with the decrepit health care system, the non-existence of efficient and reliable ambulances, φακελάκια in hospitals, and si many other daily SNAFUs, like the railroad disaster, plus some changes in our personal situation, have prompted us to at least delay, if not reconsider. Also, my husband does not speak Greek. I am fluent, since I graduated twice from ΕΚΠΑ. A move at age 18 is not the same as at 30, 50, or 70. The priorities and considerations change considerably.
@cineffect DeSantis is NOT a Conservative Governor In Florida, Radical Right Wing Republican, Highest homeowners Insurance in the United States, Period Quote three facts of Something Good from DeSantis?
I have lived in Mexico for 10 years after leaving Greece, then I went to live in Australia for 20 years and now in Thailand for 8 years. And I have lived for many months in Venezuela and Brazil.. In Greece there is a saying...Where there is land there is a Homeland... But the truth is that where you are going to live you have to learn the language. Because if not, you will never feel comfortable
I lived in Greece, 7 years, in the beautiful capital of Athena. The best years of my life. I learned the language and their tradition. I am proud that my sons went to school there and learned greek. I experienced some discrimination because I came from Albania but compare what I earned in this country I almost put away some bad memories. Greek people are friendly and simple. I love the simplicity of this country. We had the luxury to have some vacation there on summers; Kos, Santorini, Ydra, Egina, Halikidiki, Poros, Lefkada, Korfu, Parga, Joannina, etc I always like to go back to these people and this beautiful country with lots of islands. If you live in Greece you don’t have time to go abroad. Islands are enough for your whole life 🌞❤️
'Islands are enough for your whole life'. Said like a true poet ! I have only been to Greece in books and my writings. You are very fortunate to have had these experiences. I'm from Australia. Albania has a bad reputation but people don't know how Albania kept Jewish people safe during world war 2, how Muslim people and Jewish were such good neighbors. People think about criminals and overlook all the good things about a country. All the best !
This is a Moving video. This is very touching and more effective than watching a million touristic promotional videos that praise Greece presenting the Parthenon, the islands and cats. All Greeks should see this. I wish All Greeks could see their own country from this exact point of view. This is actually a video about the Parthenon. Thanks man. You are more Greek than most Greeks will ever be. Just because you chose to be. Cheers from Athens.
Canadian here who lived in Greece for 4 years; one of the first words I learned in Greek was "grafokrateia". It was a mind numbing experience. To the Greeks, they shrugged their shoulders and called their pappou to find out if there was a cousin that worked in a relevant government ministry that could expedite the paperwork.
This is absolutely true and total shame. Greek here that lived in Canada for 8 years. I thought that things had changed while I was abroad but nothing changed. Maybe it got even worse.
I am from Germany and I know Greece very well. I love Greece!!! I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages in this beautiful country. The people are friendly, the weather is great, the food is amazing, the country is beautiful, and so much more! Bureaucracy and unemployment can be found everywhere in the world. In the big cities there are also many shopping centers. Specially for retirees, Greece is the place to be. Thank you for this video. God bless you and your family.
Greece has the second highest unemployment rate among OECD countries and youth unemployment over 20%. So no, not every country has the sort of unemployment that has Greece has and the limited work opportunities.
thanks so much for sharing… i’m greek… my parents left Constantinople in the sixties & came to Belgium, where i live … i’m 63 … unemployed… learning how to digitalize to create some revenue… and Greece is calling … her voice grows stronger… and your video’s really transparent about the different topics… 💝🌟
A Finnish person here, I like Greece (Crete💙) and Greek people a lot like many Finns do, it's our number 1 summer holiday destination. As said in the video, winters in Greece are different, less services available and the weather can be surprisingly chilly and damp. That's probably why rather few Finns stay there for longer periods, most choose Spain.
Could you please elaborate on the similarities between Greeks and Finnish people? Also do you prefer Finnish winter or Greek winter? Many greetings from Greece!
From Australia για σου φίλε, ke pasa senior. my name it's Panagiotis Athenian. Live in Sydney for 37 years. Few more years i get the pension, and i move back to Greece. I travel the world like you from here, i when to many places, but you won't find country like Greece, it's the most beautiful in the world. You make a go decision to live in Greece. I can anderstan how you feel to don't speak the Greek language fluent. Don't give up make a Greek friends don't shy to speak Greek even if you don't pronounce the words correctly, when you talk to Greek people ask them to correct you to pronounce the words correctly if you make a mistake, they will help you, Greek people have φιλότιμο. I learned to speak English in Australia, i still have strong accent but i don't care people know i am Greek. I was in Ναύπλιο 1972 and 1981. Take care . Σου εύχομαι εσένα και στην οικογένεια σού υγεία και ευτυχία 🇬🇷🇨🇴
I travelled to Athens on the Magic Bus on 10 May 1979 (we had had deep snow in England the week before). It was non stop, for £15, we left at noon on Monday arrived in Athens, Omonia Square at midnight on the Friday. You had to bring all your food and water, as the toilet breaks were in quiet woods where you wouldn't need to change money to use "toilets"; you got v friendly with strangers v quickly. I was in Greece, island hopping for 6 months, and had to work in a hostel (Dianas) to earn the £15 to get home lol. I learned 10 words a day, and still remember enough to be dangerous lol. It was wonderful to go and stay there before "package holidays" and cheap flights.
Ha ha! My first trip to Greece was also in 1979. I hitchhiked all the way from the UK. Also stayed in Dianas hostel in Athens - might even have met you if you were working there! My biggest regret was that I never made it out to the islands, but made up for it in the following years by coming out again every summer, often for six weeks or more! Fun times!
Ha ha! My first trip to Greece was also in 1979. I hitchhiked all the way from the UK. Also stayed in Dianas hostel in Athens - might even have met you if you were working there! My biggest regret was that I never made it out to the islands, but made up for it in the following years by coming out again every summer, often for six weeks or more! Fun times!
@@sirrathersplendid4825 Worked at Dianas the whole of August making the breakfasts 7 - 9am !!! I got free b&b for that, then gave out leaflets till noon nr the museum. Christos was the guy on the front desk. Been to Greece 13 times, but only go to Egypt now.
@@anotherblonde - Yes. 🌞 Just checked my diary. Was there at Diana’s in August. Often chatted with the people dropping leaflets. Worked on a cargo ship for three weeks sailing from France to Algeria, then hitched via Italy to Greece. I stayed only a few days in Athens and then got a lift from a beautiful German couple all the way to Munich. I think they were also staying at Diana’s.
@@anotherblonde - Yes. 🌞 Just checked my diary. Was there at Diana’s in August. Often chatted with the people dropping leaflets. Worked on a cargo ship for three weeks sailing from France to Algeria, then hitched via Italy to Greece. I stayed only a few days in Athens and then got a lift from a beautiful German couple all the way to Munich. I think they were also staying at Diana’s.
As a Greek I found your video very informative, how a person born in another country living here in Greece experiences life here :) I get it how it feels to live far away from your actual birthplace ... I have lived a few years in the UK and experienced that, somewhat. Regardless of all the downsides and upsides, I hope this country that is your home away from home is treating you well and continues to treat you well in the future. Best wishes to you and your family. Cheers, να είσαι καλά :)
As a Greek native, born, raised, and living in Greece, I second everything you said in your video. And I feel you as my kind because I too work entirely online as an entrepreneur, and I would never ever change the freedom of it. Congratulations on your video and your interesting story; you are one of us!
Hi ! I'm a Sri Lankan Australian citizen living in Sydney. Migrated with my family in 1971 when I was 12. I'm glad your channel popped up on my screen. I have just subscribed. Beautiful scenery, and you're telling a story that's no less important than an ancient myth - the reality of living and making a life for yourself in Greece. We don't get too many stories about that. Thanks for your video, and I look forward to seeing more of them. All the best to you & your family !
I’m new to your channel and really enjoy your open and honest videos. I was born in Athens and my family moved to New York when I was 19 months old (long before you were born). My command of the Greek language is basic at best, but my vocabulary has improved just from watching Greek cooking videos. My children want their dual citizenship, which is a nightmare with the bureaucracy, not to mention, my sons would have to do mandatory military service.
As a Greek living in a Spanish-speaking country I empathise. Regarding learning the language: living under the same roof with a local is probably the most important thing. You can pick up a million little details about the language just by listening to them (and asking questions). All the best for the future!
This is a great video, Daniel! As a young couple recently relocated to Greece, leaving UK was not an easy decision. But we're glad we did! This information is very useful and sunms up really well what to expect when relocating to Greece ! Well done, my friend!👏💙💙
Lived in Thessaloniki for more then 3 years, from Norway, all the public offices acted like I owed my country so they wanted money under the table . But the locals was really nice . Yes racism in the supermarkeds yes , but I loved staying there , Hellas is wonderful , travel as often as I can for my holidays.
Can I add a few things about languages as a native English speaker but a linguist and somebody who has lived in three different countries. Immersion is important but it is not enough on its own as your story about your friend in Hungary proves. You have to actively study it and learn it and then use the immersion to become confident and fluent. I have met people who didn't do this and thought 'I'll just pick it up when I get there'. Of course, they pick up phrases here and there but never become proficient. One of my best foreign languages that I've worked really hard to learn is Romanian. I've never lived there but have a bunch of Romanian friends. I recently met an English guy in Bucharest who'd lived there for nine years and he could manage basics like ordering drinks and food but that was it. He was open mouthed when he heard me chatting in Romanian with his friends and wanted to know how I'd done it. When I started to explain he shook his head and said 'nah, I don't do studying'. QED.
Great attitude to language ! I was in the forces, learned 100 words of the country I was deploying to each time! Then married an Argentine! Even now they banter my Castellano, but …. I speak better Spanish than they do English! That’s the tipping point, speak the local language better than the locals speak your own!
Another great video Daniel. I appreciate the fact you are so genuine and not afraid to share the good and not so good, which is true no matter where you live.
Love your videos. I’m Australian Greek and thinking of retiring here in a few years. Been coming here since I’ve been a kid and I feel at home in Greece. I love Australia, but it is not a warm place anymore, and I’m not talking about the weather.
working in a metropol 9 to 5, losing your health in the meantime vs. living a modest and 'organic' life in a place where the nature is great that doesn't make you sick..I'll take the latter one..especially after Covid and everything that's going on in the world.
Daniel i can only say every point spot on !!!, Naplio been there once might head there again soon for photography, your story parallels mine and most foreigners need to see your videos to learn the in & outs, more power to you Cheers
I want to say that you are absolutely right about all those 7 things you mention in your video. I also want to say that as a Greek I felt nice listening to a foreigner (ξένος) talking about the good and the bad of my country, you have been very objective, I have to say. You have also been very courageous to move to Greece in 2010 when many many Greeks were trying to move out of the country. Myself, I relocated out of Greece in 2013 because of the financial crisis, lived as an expat in another country for 7 years and returned in 2021 in Greece. Thank you for this video, I am touched.
Caffeneio is the place where most the elders go to drink coffee, watch football/basketball games and drink ouzo or beer with some small tapas like food.Foreigner coffee shop owner with Greek gramps for clients is bad combination.
@chrispascal3743 Sorry but you do not go to a Caffeneio just to drink something. You go mostly to talk about everything. It is like a small 'Agora' . You are there to communicate and argue ideas, judge and be judged . How right your ideas are according to the community's values. How innovating they may be. Make fun and be made fun of for the bad choices of your life in a cathartic way and get actual redirection from the team. The ones you trust. 'Elderly houses' was not a thing until recently in Greece because there were a lot of 'Caffeneio". That is what makes coffee just an excuse for people to meet. That is why drinking a coffee in Greece takes so long. That is why in a crazy way most older Greeks are in a greater mentality than most of us.
enjoy greece my friend and im sure you went through shit with the cafe but in the end im sure it was worth it cheers and enjoy life in this beautiful country
You are 100% correct…on all your narratives……and you’ve stuck it out so you’re a master of your own destiny….Well done …I like your videos and your honesty …..until soon ….Alex🇬🇷
I'm a appliance repair man , I've always done bussmans holiday . I would love to visit Greece again beautiful place . Be interesting to hear what you do online . I wish UK hadn't left eu. I live in West Scotland , very beautiful and hardly any shops just millions of tourists
A very good summary, I have been living in Switzerland for 22 years as a Dutchman. Although I only feel “half the pain” because I am only one day away from my home country, a lot of your points are recognizable for me and also for me it is difficult to keep up friendships and family connections (but not imposible), you have to learn the language and understand the history and main stories of your new country, respect that you are changing and your homecountry is also. You feel in a way a stranger when you return back after 10 years and there comes a point that you feel going home, when you actually go to your new country. Two hearts in one body.
@@Claire-sj9mp Yes, that is true. But income taxes are also much lower and incomes are much higher. In most cases, you are better off in Switzerland from this perspective, although both countries are very liveable, with low unemployment, high security, good infrastructure, healthcare and education.
@@ronnie9187 I am sure you are better off in Switzerland ..I know that the wages are much better than in the Netherlands..Is the housing a problem there like it is in Nethetrlands ?
About the selective racism 9:33 is soo true,although in last 6-5 years things are more calm than previous years,thankfully. And i say this because im a Filipino,my name is Giannis, adopted by Greek parents since the day i was born and im a greek citizen. Never met my biological filipino parents. And i'll say this: Almost all my school years were freaking hell,imagine a brown asian kid on a school in the 90s...Kids will make fun of me left and right,thank god for my family and friends who taught me how to handle this kind of racist situations and many times protected me or defend me,peacefully (atleast most of the time :P,it was rly rough years,a different dark time as you said). And some times even now at my 32,some people still afraid of me when they see me or changing sidewalk,but i don't rly care anymore and most of the time i break the ice by just saying "Geia sas" and thats it,suddenly im the most nice person in the world :D. But i get wierd stares from time to time.
@@maryamkim1281 When I found out that Black people cannot serve in the Greek military I was devastated! I worked at a Greek Orthodox church here in Denver and everything was great, but then I find out Greece only wants white skinned people in their military. That was a real downer.
I really like your videos really inspiring can learn a lot from you keep uploading In July my wife and I are coming to Greece for a month to try and I am learning a lot from you Thank you
Hi Daniel, thank you so much for sharing your story and your life in Greece. The clip you shared from the day you moved from London to Greece reminded me the day I moved from my hometown Katerini, Greece, to the UK for studies and a better life. It must have been the same period, December 2010 one of the heaviest winters of the last 15 years with a lot of travel disruptions due to the snow. Everything you say about Greece is spot on. The main reason keeping me and my family still away from Greece after 14 years is the unemployment, job insecurity and the working conditions in general. Εύχομαι να μπορέσω κάποια στιγμή να γυρίσω πίσω να απολαύσω την πανέμορφη χώρα μου χωρίς έγνοιες. Να είσαι καλά και σ ευχαριστούμε για ότι κανείς. Συνέχισε!!!
I've lived in Greece now for 30 years. I will never go back to Canada to live willingly. I have never had a problem with having to pay a bribe at the hospital (fakalaki) . But we did have a big problem when we wanted to build our home. Our permit was rejected twice, for no reason. But we eventually got it and built our home. I love Greece and have no regrets. Life wasn't always easy, but with patience, it worked out well.
Thank you for this video. As a Greek-American, our parents came to America workd hard to give us a better life, and now we are working just as hard to go back.😊
I love to know more, yes, I have my son who has been in Athens for the last 5 years. My daughter of 20 is also with my son for the last 21/2 months and enjoying Athens
Great video! As a Greek person who grew up in Greece and since 2012 has lived in London, Portsmouth, and recently moved to Hungary, I can relate. Especially with the language part... I understand your friend in Budapest, but I'm trying to learn Hungarian :)
Drawing from my personal experience as the son of a South American immigrant to Greece, I have a profound understanding of the intricacies of different cultures. One significant issue in Greece is the high cost of living relative to the average wages. For many Greeks, everyday expenses are a heavy burden. While bureaucracy in Greece has improved compared to a decade ago, navigating the healthcare system remains a major challenge.
I very much like your videos. My wife is Greek and I proposed to her in Nafplio, at the pier where the small lighthouse is. To me this is one of the best places to be. Currently we live in Cologne, Germany. But we plan to move to Athens in a couple of years. Greece is so wonderful and I love the people, especially my family. They took me on as a son instantly. Can´t wait to go there.
Northern Californian here. I love Nafplion. Took my litltle sister here years ago. I'm a permanent resident of Japan. YES, it's most importan to speak the language. Most people in Japan actuallly do not speak English. They often lack self confidence and do not speak. I lived in Kansai and realized learning Kansai-ben was very important. I'm a self entrepentor so understand your feeling. Best wishes to you and thank you for this gorgeous presentation
As an expat from the uk married to a greek man , i have been here since 1980! Boing. This country can be exasperating but it is the best country in the world. As you said, i also sometimes feel the need to encourage greek people to hang on to their national culture and customs and not adopt lifestyles from other countries. I dont believe greeks are racist , if we define racism as believing that some races are superior to others, on the contrary , many times they considers themselves inferior which they definitly are not.
@@jsidiropoulou It is not a matter of superiority or not! Greece never had systemic constitutional racism! The most of the western countries had laws against other races, and until the second world war they held serious debates on who is a human, who is white and stuff like that which we would not even consider to give a second thought on! It's totally different! Even a greek can't easily blend in another village! People are suspicious at the beginning! And more conservative, the smaller the place!
I lived in Corfu for 20 years, my family have homes there and some of their children live there permanently now. We all love it, It is our second home. The Corfiots have always been welcoming and we never felt like foreigners.
I really enjoyed your commentary about living in Greece. I lived on one of the islands for a year, as I had a job renovating a house. I love Greece and the way of life there,and the people are very friendly and accomodating. I've heard ex-pats(mostly Brits) saying "you wouldn't think Greece had an empire and taught the world so much,look at it now",but I completely disagree ! Their way of life,their accommodation of foreigners,and their version of democracy is all a legacy of their Empire. Just look at the wonderful scenery,the mighty mountains and the glorious sea,and it's not hard to imagine why they produced many great thinkers and philosophers. And I completely agree about learning the language - I can't imagine going to live somewhere and not trying to learn the language ! Not only is it a rewarding learning experience,but the locals really appreciate you trying to speak their language. You get so much more from a place if you can converse with people in their own tongue. We Brits are lucky(and therefore lazy !) that most Greeks have some knowledge of English ! To not learn the local language is quite arrogant,I think,and it helps maintain the abhorrent(and racist?) "us and them" mentality. Greece is a wonderful place to live,but like everywhere,you need to be able to support yourself to really enjoy it. Σ'ευχαριστώ για την ενημέρωσή σας,να είστε καλά, γειά χαρά ! Με αγάπι από την Ουαλία 🏴🇬🇧🇬🇷
I’ve always liked Grace and I do visit quite a lot. I’m surprised. I thought I heard another Irish man when you were speaking and then you came up with some Venezuela but you do sound like an Irish man anyway have a great time. I might see you soon.
I totally agree about the language. I'm learning Greek now in preparation for my trip. It is my personal conviction that foreigners have a moral obligation to learn the native language regardless of the country.
Excellent video. I am new on this "expatriot" journey. I am relocating from the United States to Italy. In my first year. All that you describe is spot on. But as you so eloquently conveyed, you must have the passion to make it through. It takes work - twith the many rewards there are 😊😊obstacles you will need to work through which can only happen with the passion. Congratulations!!!
I love your videos. I love your positivity. There is no perfect country and Greece is one of them. I have lived at a small island for 3 years. I really liked it in Winter. But many people can’t cope because everything was shut down. We didn’t even have cloth shopping. We had to go to Athens or wait for summer season. However ordering online was working well. People need to think seriously if they want to relocate to a small island. Winter is not easy! People were asking me how I can live at that small island in Winter…..I am Greek living in Australia. If I ever return to Greece I will work online. I have worked for a Greek salary…..I don’t think I prefer that…..looking forward to your next video. Dimitra
I hope you and your family have the very best time in Greece! I think the only real issue with this beautiful country is getting a solid income to support yourself and your family, but if you have that covered then I am sure you guys can live happily ever after here.
Thank you so much loving our country. I admire you and your optimistic point of view. Very nice video, I watched it till the end. Speaking Greek while not a Greek is an honor to the country and its people!! Kafeneio is a traditional greek coffee shop only for men. Usually elders, but MEN!
I love your video and I agree with you about learning a country 's language! i even try to learn the language just for travel for 2 weeks. Your English Is EVCELLENT and I am sure your Greek is great because you speak Spanish. Sorry about your Kafenio experience!
I moved from Greece to the Uk back in 2017. Then in 2020 i made it back finding indeed public services improved a lot. My take as an individual from a different country who grew up in Greece and has relatives across western Europe(thats how i have some info to use for comparison )is that all countries have issues with public services qnd all of them do things differently. No matter where u coming from(or where you going to) u re gonna face something weird compared to what u re used to. My hot take here is that bribery or connections work in every country but in Greece you don’t need to be rich to access that privilege. If you’re doing just ok and get yourself prepared to share a little of your cash you can lube things up and get your needs met quite often faster than expected . Is it ideal or Ok? Of course not, but thats the way it is and we just jam with the music! Overall im pleased with my choice of coming back in Greece and if you decide to give it a try you might like it as well!
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44 years in Greece and I dont regret the ups and downs and would never return to England.
I love Greece and Greeks I married one and we have a daughter and granddaughter's.
I thank God that he bought me here I am so blessed.lots of love to your family from Alexandropoli.
Hi Lyn Margaret, British-Greek here (living in England). Alexandropoli sounds fantastic! I've never been there but I've heard good things about Thrace in general.
Alexandroupoli is a really good place to live. Beautiful and full of happy people. Greetings from Athens!
Me too! I've been here since 1980,no intention of ever going back to England,I love Greece and the Greek people.
Thank you for loving our country God bless you and your family ❤️❤️🙏🙏
I live in Alexandroupolis too ☘️ I was born in Germany and moved in 2016 to Alexandroupoli
I’m an Iraqi Assyrian, I moved to Greece in 2000 I was 18 yrs old and lived there for seven years. Worked very hard as a Ζαχαροπλάστης, paid my taxes, took my Άδεια διαμονή and studied Greek language and history στο Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών στο ζωγράφου Αθήνα. I didn’t have any family there Greeks treated me like a family member and taught me how to be professional, goal oriented, and a hard working man. But I was indeed suffering from “selective racism” since I was an Iraqi (not very exotic) and many Greeks aren’t very friendly with Middle Easterns. I left Greece in 2007 to the US, now I have a bachelor degree in IT from Central Michigan University and work in the field, my life been very successful here in the US and all thanks to those seven years I spent in Greece I learned a lot from them.
Wishing you all the very best!
Next thing is , get rid of the 7th century insane religio tribal cult...
Να είσαι πάντα καλά φίλε, και καλή τύχη οτι και να κάνεις 🙂
Well I am greek and I am getting ready to do what you did
Well Done, from a suryeyto 👏
I am Norwegian. I lived 20 years in Greece and raised my half-greek children there. I don`t regret anything. I love Greece and consider it my second home. I speek greek and studied to be a nurse there. I didn`t feel I was a foreigner.
Also Greeks have good feelings about Scandinavians. I think this helped too.
@@captaingreek I can tell you from experience as a Greek person that moved to fino-scandinavia. Greek people hate Scandinavians, they of course will never be honest with them, but as a Greek person that was considering moving there, many would try to degrade them "they are cold and uncultured, they only know how to be happy with alcohol, they have no culture and they are like machines, they are depressed etc.".
When I bring people from Norway or Finland in Greece, the same people will complement them and say how much they'd like to visit Fjords etc. When my friends leave, they will start to netpick everything they did and in a very manipulative way they will try to paint them as ... honestly, I have no idea what they try to paint them as, I guess they try to reinforce the stereotype in their head into them.
Of course not everyone is like that but especially older people tend to be like that by the majority. One thing is for sure, almost no Greek person that integrated in Norway, Finland or Denmark that I've met (I don't have any experience with Sweden) has no need to keep any real connections with Greece and that should be saying something.
i was about to comment something along these lines.
whomever loves greece as much as you and dan.
you arent foreigners to us, we're lucky and happy to have you.
@@captaingreek it did. I lived in Athens, and our "χωριό" is in the mountain area of Rethymno. There, I truly felt at home
@@PV-pw8bf thank you
Thank You so much! I really loved to hear what you had to say - and the comments are wonderful, too. My kind of people. 💓
I’m Greek and I can speak for the majority of Greeks when I say that you don’t need to prove to anyone what you did to deserve the “Greek lifestyle”. Our land is for all to enjoy, no questions asked. You owe no one an explanation. Ωραίο βίντεο φίλε!
Perfect comment. Nice people are always welcome.
I want to move to Greece more than anything. I live in the US, and I’ve only been to Greece once, but I fell in love with the culture, the people, and the vast beauty. Me and my husband are saving just for one more trip, but I hope we can move there someday soon. The wonderful people are one of my main reasons to get back there. You all know how to live. You have figured out something the rest of the world is still trying to comprehend.
The Greek land first should be for the Greeks to enjoy and secondarily for foreigners. This new trend of “welcoming” foreign investors and people to live in Greece because they can afford it while thousand of Greeks were forced to move out to other countries to survive is disgraceful. It is just wrong.
Συμφωνώ μαζί σου φίλε.
@@AlexGraphicD that is beyond idiotic... how exactly is welcoming foreigners hurting Greeks? We are a European western country that welcomes all honest people here. If you disagree with that statement you are not a true Greek. Xenios Dias would be very dissatisfied by you.
We share many similarities. I'm from the U.S. and my wife is Greek. We moved to Greece in 2012. 40 minutes just outside of Nafplio. Like yourself I have two children and they speak better Greek than me. And we too had people tell us " Are you crazy? You left the US to come here?" And it was during the Grexit and immigration crisis and economic meltdown. But Greece got through it all. It is a wonderful country. But many people don't understand unless they live here.
Thank you for sharing. I know my story is not unique. There are many of us here in Greece with similar stories. Hopefully, comments like yours will help us all see that.
if you have money its nice. if not....
"Left the US". Oh those rednecks that think that USA is the best place in the world. This cannot be more far from reality. In fact USA is a horrible country.
you are crazy but you did come to the right place, we are all crazy here :P
I have lived in the USA for 50 years. Much job opportunity and
I have succeeded as an Engineer, but it is probably the worst place to live and have a family. There is zero culture, no friendship and much crime. The elementary and high School system probably the worst in the world.
If you don't learn the country's language, you miss MANY GREAT THINGS that make your life better and more enjoyable.
And this applies to any country you may move to.
It's a basic respect to the country that welcomes you.
I would agree in principle, esp if you plan on staying for the long term. However... I for example learned four languages throughout my many years in school (plus obv my mother tongue) and frankly I'm done. I have no more appetite, esp for languages that have marginal value elsewhere. There's plenty people that grew up bilingual and had to learn another one in school, eventually you reach a saturation point where you can't cram yet another grammatical structure, and sometimes even different alphabet in. That's fun if it's your first time but there's a limit as to how many languages you can proficiently learn. Esp in Europe that's super common. You cant compare that with Americans who can barely speak English.
@@mysterioanonymous3206How rude! Also not everyone can learn another language so easily, doesn't mean they didn't bother, get over yourself!
I have to add something here. I am British from generations and I found myself in Greece basically through my interest in the country because of my having studied Ancient Greek (Classics) at University level. I came for a year (1969) and have been here ever since. The first year opened my appetite for the modern language, and I found myself in a non-touristic area (very important factor, and basic in my rapid learning of modern Greek) in inland western Greece which had very beautiful countryside ( I was a mountain hiker) and a wealth of ancient remains of an era I knew very little about as no attention was paid to it even at university level studies. The second year became a third , somewhere there I met my future wife (we have two children and now three grandchildren) and in 1980 I took Greek citizenship. Now I am retired after having taught English here for some 45 years. I have never encountered racism of any kind, and have always got on wonderfully with the locals. I have some excellent friends of decades, and have fully enjoyed my life in Greece.. It gets a bit too hot in summer, though!!
Wow thanks for sharing 🇬🇷🇬🇷🙏
Ioannina?
The English love Greece and always have!
Greetings
Extremely hot (global warming) Everywhere on our planet,
Port Charlotte, Florida.
There was no chance that you 'd have faced any level of racism here as a Brit anyway. Greeks (as in "probably the majority of") have racist tendencies "only" towards dark-toned peeps, Asians, Muslims and Eastern-Europeans. Even that however means that they will be skeptical, withdrawn, suspicious and generally won't show the friendliness they show to others. Nothing much to be afraid of if one falls into some category of the above, even though there is (rare still) cases of getting in troublesome situations. If you're prominently "black skinned", you won't have an easy time finding decent occupation, or even (decent) residence, but that's just about it.
I came from Denmark the previous summer, after almost 10 years. I was shocked...how much the Greek public service has improved. Not perfect of course, but absolutely improved remarkably. I have only been to a public service 2 times only, and all the rest through internet. Even in Denmark you can't do that. The main problem is the "fakelaki" (bribery) which I haven't faced so far and the mentality of some employees (they are lazy or slow). The confirmation of my wife's residence permit and her social security number were done within a few days. That is a miracle.
10 years ago it was solved for me in 1 day, just that I went to the office with someone who knew someone.
@@vladimirnovakovic3495 That can also happen in Greece!
We are doing very well digitally, one downside being there are numerous "online platforms" for everything, but generally yes you can have everything digital. In a few years everything will be digital, including real estate documents, taxes (already for many), birth certificates and ID, etc. Very good job. Only downside is that these platforms are kind of a "motley crew" front end compilation, but they are unifying the front ends as well. In schools almost everything is digital, however we have more work to do as teachers, because for example you need to fill countless forms to accept new students and if "mother's last name" is missing you can not proceed. So it takes days to finish these jobs, but for the parents and the public in general it should be much easier.
@@dimitristripakis7364 This issue, with the numerous platforms not connected together I have seen it in Denmark as well. Different platform for healthcare for adults, different for children, different citizen service for each community (some don't have or it is useless), etc. It is amazing! You need to search on google and then add "gov" to find what you're looking for. At least accountants, engineers and other professionals do this for you, so the customers don't need to do a lot. A decade ago this was a dream. Still a long way to go, though.
As a Greek I can say that this is true.
If you have a digital job and can work online Greece is the best choice. Literally the best.
Same if you retire
@@user-er3bx8qb1jthat’s non sense ! Rich Asians , russians and others do it for golden visa advantage .Also big companies buying houses in Greece for financial gains not simple foreigners .
The main problem of Greece, apart from the 7 he mentioned, is that, if everyone moves permanently close to the sea to see this beautiful scenery he shows in the background (which is beautiful), this won't be viable. Most of the stuff is in the cities, 50% in Athens. My dream would be to build everything, companies, etc. Next to the seas. Greece needs decentralization.
@@Gatos77 i agree with this, yet the distances are pretty small. The cost is easily sustainable for someone with a digital job working in a company abroad
That's my goal
I would make it more accurate, as long you have the dough (making good money), Greece is the perfect place to raise a family. If you are planning to make a living with no actual solid plan it would be extremely hard like the guy on the video
Being from Greece and living in the UK for the past decade, I can assure you the bureaucracy in the UK is sometimes worse.
hows life in the uk?
@@gizemlikisi6213 it’s fine. It has ups and downs as any other country, but after a decade I can surely call U.K. home.
Try France mate…It’s made me look at the uk in a whole different light! :-0
I don't agree, sorry it is 10 times worse in Greece (the bureaucracy!)
@@JackalTheMasked I saw so many comments about UK and British people claiming that the country is going downhill very fast. homelessness, drug abuse, illegal migrants, cost of living, crime rate, etc. Are these true according to you?
In my experience people are people. It does not matter what country. Most peope are kind, friendly and welcoming. Sadly some have very poor character flaws, racism, cruelty, criminal behavior. Those things do not know borders.
People are not the same!
I exactly understand your passion to live in Greece, i lived in a Greek island for 30years and 1 your ago i moved to Norway just for the experience, to see something else, there are many good things here also but my mind and my heart is still in Greece ❤
Wow! Greece to Norway? That would def be an experience!
@@jamiejones8508 How is that even possible? A hot country to one so cold?
@@mikeoglen6848 Haha! Many Greeks live in Norway as well. It's colder of course, but it's not much different from other North European countries. Depending where in the country you live as the north is usually colder (though this summer it's been hot up there too).
About fourth, I am Greek and I Can assure you that racism here is selective but it's not based on the color of the skin. No one cares about skin here. It's about culture and our past relationships with this country. I saw with my own eyes people be skeptical of a black immigrant fellow of mine when he said that he was from Ethiopia and Orthodox almost all of them treated him like a brother immediately. Even the older people ask him to come with them for coffee and play cards.
True, I am Greek and I confirm this. We are sceptical about cultures that we had been in war with for centuries, which is quite normal.
We are not imperialists, at least the vast majority. We want peace, but we should always be prepared for the worst.
That's a very big truth!!!
Despite the fact that the new generation has been less religious!!!
@@theodorosandreou5179 less religious but still, our religion is intertwined with our culture.
I think this is better, drop the superstitions, keep the culture.
True, European racism is much more cultural than US racism
I saw that when I lived in Greece, the orthodox Ethiopians were better liked than Moslem Albanians who were white. They had cultural touching points and commonalities.
You inspired me with your video and I feel ready to move back to Greece since I was raised in Greece. I have something to give to our beautiful country since now it needs us more than ever. I have been planning this for a while now and your video motivated me to do so. After 26 years in Chicago and 7 years in Cyprus, I feel ready to return. I am a Chiropractor and I will open my own clinic along with my wife, also a Chiropractor and Acupuncturist. I also feel that there will never be a perfect timing when it comes down to these kind of decisions. As my father once said "Son, the big decisions in your life you take them with your heart not with your head" and cheers to that! God bless you ❤
Πρόκειται να επισκεφθώ το Σικάγο στο τέλος Ιουνίου 2024 και θα ήθελα, αν γίνεται, να σας συναντήσω, προκειμένου να με κατατοπίσετε σχετικά με τις ΗΠΑ και το Σικάγο. Ευχαριστώ!
@@kletsasnείμαι στην Κύπρο αυτή την στιγμή αλλά γενικά η Αμερική δεν είναι στα καλύτερα της αυτήν την παρούσα στιγμή.
φιλε αν δεν εχεις ενα καλο εισοδημα μην ερθεις, θα δυστυχισεις
@@justtzortz2010 σίγουρα αλλά δυστυχώς παντού είναι σκατά. Γυρίζω τουλάχιστον σπίτι μου..
Είσαι ωραίος αδερφέ μακάρι να σου βγει όπως το θέλεις
Είσαι Συγκλονιστικός φίλε μου! Πολλά εύγε 🎉🎉🎉
I am a first generation Greek American and I actually have an apartment there. I want to move to Greece for good but always question leaving a solid pension job in the States as the sacrifice. You are an inspiration to me. I am presently living vicariously through you.
Do NOT leave your pension job. You can move back when you retire. I too have a pension and will be getting SS. My sister and I plan to retire months in Greece and months in US. Is it difficult to maintain an apartment being absent for some months? Thank. And ride out that job until you retire.
I'm a Greek-Canadian who plans on moving to Greece in the next year or two. I can't take going and having to leave anymore. I'm 44 but it's never too late, I've always wanted to do it. Your videos are very nice. Thank you.
Kafeneio is definitely not the typical coffee shop and I'm really wondering who suggested you could depend on that. In any case, I'm really glad everything worked out eventually
You can most definitely depend on that, but not if you do not speak Greek and have zero contact with Greek culture. People will want to talk greek sports, greek politics, and possibly their farms.
What is a Kafenio, then?
It's a coffee shop. But in greek culture men would go to these shops, order a greek coffee and begin the three hour process to finish that little cup. All while talking about the daily bullish!t that goes on in town that day or week. Basically the communities gossip meeting point. @mikeoglen6848
@@mikeoglen6848 Kafeneio differs from a coffee shop in the sense that it doesn't center around the coffee, but around the talk you do whilst having a coffee (a cup of coffee is our way to make small talk; when a friend tells you here "you want to go for a cup of coffee", this is speech for "do you want to hang out and talk")
Cafes on the other hand are more centered around the coffee as a product
@@bigshrekhorner I see, that explains a lot. Thank you. It is a great "concept".
Thank you for making this great video! My Greek American wife and I dream of living in Greece some day. We truly love it here.
Δεν συνηθίζω να βλέπω μεγάλης διάρκειας βίντεο, ειδικά τέτοιου τύπου. Κατά τύχη το σκόνταψα το συγκεκριμένο, αλλά το είδα ολόκληρο. Μου άρεσε πολύ ο λόγος σου και ασπάζομαι σε μεγάλο βαθμό τα επιχειρήματά σου. Μην αισθάνεσαι καθόλου ξένος πάντως. Μιλάς ελληνικά καταρχάς, θέλεις να προσφέρεις στην Ελλάδα και να μείνεις στην Ελλάδα όσο έχεις τα μάτια σου ανοιχτά. Και αυτό στην πράξη σε κάνει περισσότερο Έλληνα από πολλούς από εμάς τους υπόλοιπους, που είμαστε γεννημένοι εδώ. Μπράβο σου που άντεξες κάνοντας μια τέτοια μετάβαση σε τόσο δύσκολη συγκυρία. Όσοι τα έζησαν, μπορούν να αντιληφθούν και ας θέλουν να ξεχάσουν. Να είσαι καλά με την οικογένειά σου και να περνάς όμορφα στην χώρα μας!
@@mariafentiswhat is katadiki?
@@majdavojnikovic conviction
24 minutes is a long video?
I guess you don’t watch Joe Rogan interviews, often 3 hrs or more!
@@sirrathersplendid4825 you guessed correctly.
Ι like your video which is all true About fakelaki well things here if you want to have immediate good services you have to put your hand in your pocket and pay accordingly the price .
I'm from Serbia but living in Germany, i am travelling to Greece at least 2x a year since i was born, my Godfather is Greek. I love my Greek brothers and sisters🇷🇸☦️🇬🇷
Bureaucracy is for those who don't know. The rule of thumb in Greece is if you want official services, hire the right lawyers to do the job for you with a maximum fee of 50-100€. The secret in this country is to know how to navigate the system. My advice is before you start learning the language, start learning the moves. A nice place to start is by showing up at the 'kafenio' and asking the locals.
As a Dutch person living in Greece, yes learning the local language is always required, yes many speak English but it helps 1000% , and if you use patience even the government can be handled
gotta show me how ,dude.. how to handle the ...state . Oh, forgot, i'm greek.
@@NikolasGatsioudis like I wrote patience, I build up a company, build my own house and managed all paperwork, treat the personal as persons and all can be arranged
@@peterevenhuis2663 not the place to discuss it, it will take ages . Really glad tho ,that your plans are going (Dutch) prima !
Take care , also come to west coast for sailing .
@@NikolasGatsioudis, kefthalonia is In my schedule for September
@@peterevenhuis2663 excellent choice,smart timing :)
about a kafeneio=caffe, from another Mediterranean country: (a cup of coffee is a ritual). A busy man comes to the caffe, orders a cup of coffee, drinks it quickly and calls the waiter to pay. The waiter waved with his hand lazily and said : To those who don't know how to drink coffee, I don't charge.
Here in Greece there is καφενείο and cafe. There is a terrible difference. The cafe maybe morning cafe that also serves companies with coffee but on Saturday night they wont have much work. There is the cafe with loud enough music that u can go and have your coffee and speak for one or three hours, or more if u want. The date cafe lets call it. But καφενείο in Greece is the central talk place of every little villages social life. Ofc pention owners or people who can visit the place for a break on job r usually the people who retain the place. Usually the village will peven peak their mail from there. If u want to get in all political in any island or such this is the place to go. :) Born in Greece, still here. 5 first years of my life in Zurich. Been in many european countries in those younger years of mine. Germany, England, Luxemburg, Belgium, France, Austria and Italy. My grandfathers village didnt even meat German soldiers in Kefalonia back in the 40s because it was to far from any main target. If u search for Chionata in the southern east side of island, thats the one. Also i go 2 friens from Venezuela who sell used or new bateries for cars in Chalandri athenes. They grew up here but still use their home language. I think they own a Le coq sportive agency aldo in Venezuela. Their father was Greek and their mother was from Venezuela. I think Caracas.
I have an Italian boyfriend, lovely in every aspect and very close to Greek mentality. We stopped to have an espresso, standing up in northern Italy. I was looking at the cup perplexed and stated that there is no way I can drink coffee standing up. Coffee drinking is a ritual, if I don't spend at least twenty minutes looking at the bubbles or daydreaming or philosophizing while drinking it, it's not coffee at all. Next time I went to Italy I carried Greek coffee and my Loumidis briki.
I am watching the vide from Greece
@@joannaheart8167
Southern Italians resemble more the Greeks.
@@sulo1039 purtroppo il fidanzato 'e di nord che non mi piace ma con un po mentalita di sud. Ora devo andare nel Sud e vedere me stessa!!
Im moving to greece next year, im swedish, soo excited moving to kefalonia with my husband to his mums house ❤
As a Greek fellow... Thank you for your kind words. Bureaucracy and Fakelaki, is something, all Greeks are familiar with! You may never have to pay for it, but you still know, what it is. Greek citizens, are in common, underpaid, and most of them are looking for the extras.
We all need to live in a way, that we can keep (retain) our dignity! Dignity meaning, having the essentials. Not the villas of rich people.Not the Latest BMW model. Not the latest Iphone. Watching your videos and listening, to a man coming from another continent, praising my country, makes me feel so thankful! Thank you friend! I hope that you and your family have a great life here in Greece!
Greetings from Thessaloniki! Fakelaki literally means small envelope. That envelope contains a bribe used to grease the wheels of bureaucracy or to achieve better care in a hospital etc. Very nice videos mate! Thank you for honoring Greece and it's beauty!
I am German, lived ten years in Greece in the '70s and '80s, and can only confirm. Got married to an American and moved to the US. Miss Greece, bureaucracy, and everything else every day. Never a dull moment. And yes, very close to Latino culture.
@@BrunoHeggli-zp3nl , life has its twists and turns. Haha, no, thank God, not Florida or California or Texas or NYC.
We actually wanted to retire to Greece. But then Covid came with crazy restrictions, war in the Ukraine, forest fires, floods and landslides in Greece, rising prices for homes and energy in GR, etc etc. All that in combo with the decrepit health care system, the non-existence of efficient and reliable ambulances, φακελάκια in hospitals, and si many other daily SNAFUs, like the railroad disaster, plus some changes in our personal situation, have prompted us to at least delay, if not reconsider. Also, my husband does not speak Greek. I am fluent, since I graduated twice from ΕΚΠΑ. A move at age 18 is not the same as at 30, 50, or 70. The priorities and considerations change considerably.
@@BrunoHeggli-zp3nl Why not Florida? It's one of the best states, great conservative governor.
You miss bureaucracy?
@cineffect
DeSantis is NOT a
Conservative Governor
In Florida, Radical Right
Wing Republican, Highest homeowners Insurance in the United States, Period
Quote three facts of Something Good from DeSantis?
@@Gruin Well he sure stands for families, tradition and against the whole DEI, green terror and alphabet people nonsense.
I have lived in Mexico for 10 years after leaving Greece, then I went to live in Australia for 20 years and now in Thailand for 8 years. And I have lived for many months in Venezuela and Brazil.. In Greece there is a saying...Where there is land there is a Homeland...
But the truth is that where you are going to live you have to learn the language. Because if not, you will never feel comfortable
ΟΠΟΥ ΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΤΡΙΣ !
I lived in Greece, 7 years, in the beautiful capital of Athena. The best years of my life. I learned the language and their tradition. I am proud that my sons went to school there and learned greek.
I experienced some discrimination because I came from Albania but compare what I earned in this country I almost put away some bad memories. Greek people are friendly and simple. I love the simplicity of this country. We had the luxury to have some vacation there on summers; Kos, Santorini, Ydra, Egina, Halikidiki, Poros, Lefkada, Korfu, Parga, Joannina, etc
I always like to go back to these people and this beautiful country with lots of islands.
If you live in Greece you don’t have time to go abroad. Islands are enough for your whole life 🌞❤️
'Islands are enough for your whole life'. Said like a true poet ! I have only been to Greece in books and my writings. You are very fortunate to have had these experiences. I'm from Australia. Albania has a bad reputation but people don't know how Albania kept Jewish people safe during world war 2, how Muslim people and Jewish were such good neighbors. People think about criminals and overlook all the good things about a country. All the best !
Να είσαι καλά Αλεξάνδρα 🙂
This is a Moving video. This is very touching and more effective than watching a million touristic promotional videos that praise Greece presenting the Parthenon, the islands and cats. All Greeks should see this. I wish All Greeks could see their own country from this exact point of view. This is actually a video about the Parthenon. Thanks man. You are more Greek than most Greeks will ever be. Just because you chose to be. Cheers from Athens.
Thanks my friend for your support 🇬🇷💙🙏
Canadian here who lived in Greece for 4 years; one of the first words I learned in Greek was "grafokrateia". It was a mind numbing experience. To the Greeks, they shrugged their shoulders and called their pappou to find out if there was a cousin that worked in a relevant government ministry that could expedite the paperwork.
This is absolutely true and total shame. Greek here that lived in Canada for 8 years. I thought that things had changed while I was abroad but nothing changed. Maybe it got even worse.
I am from Germany and I know Greece very well. I love Greece!!! I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages in this beautiful country. The people are friendly, the weather is great, the food is amazing, the country is beautiful, and so much more! Bureaucracy and unemployment can be found everywhere in the world. In the big cities there are also many shopping centers. Specially for retirees, Greece is the place to be. Thank you for this video. God bless you and your family.
Greece has the second highest unemployment rate among OECD countries and youth unemployment over 20%. So no, not every country has the sort of unemployment that has Greece has and the limited work opportunities.
@@zeus-ow8li😂 you must be one of the Greeks he is talking about who put their country down...
@@blessingsalways5742 they are facts. It has nothing to do with putting anyone down
thanks so much for sharing… i’m greek… my parents left Constantinople in the sixties & came to Belgium, where i live … i’m 63 … unemployed… learning how to digitalize to create some revenue… and Greece is calling … her voice grows stronger… and your video’s really transparent about the different topics… 💝🌟
Did they leave Constantinople after finding out that they have been calling the city with the wrong name since 1453? Come on…
Why? How do you call Thessaloniki? Don't you call it ,for example, Selanik? Come on...!
A Finnish person here, I like Greece (Crete💙) and Greek people a lot like many Finns do, it's our number 1 summer holiday destination. As said in the video, winters in Greece are different, less services available and the weather can be surprisingly chilly and damp. That's probably why rather few Finns stay there for longer periods, most choose Spain.
Could you please elaborate on the similarities between Greeks and Finnish people? Also do you prefer Finnish winter or Greek winter?
Many greetings from Greece!
From Australia για σου φίλε, ke pasa senior.
my name it's Panagiotis Athenian. Live in Sydney for 37 years. Few more years i get the pension, and i move back to Greece. I travel the world like you from here,
i when to many places, but you won't find country like Greece, it's the most beautiful in the world. You make a go decision to live in Greece. I can anderstan how you feel to don't speak the Greek language fluent. Don't give up make a Greek friends don't shy to speak Greek even if you don't pronounce the words correctly, when you talk to Greek people ask them to correct you to pronounce the words correctly if you make a mistake, they will help you, Greek people have φιλότιμο.
I learned to speak English in Australia,
i still have strong accent but i don't care people know i am Greek. I was in Ναύπλιο 1972 and 1981. Take care .
Σου εύχομαι εσένα και στην οικογένεια σού υγεία και ευτυχία 🇬🇷🇨🇴
I travelled to Athens on the Magic Bus on 10 May 1979 (we had had deep snow in England the week before). It was non stop, for £15, we left at noon on Monday arrived in Athens, Omonia Square at midnight on the Friday. You had to bring all your food and water, as the toilet breaks were in quiet woods where you wouldn't need to change money to use "toilets"; you got v friendly with strangers v quickly. I was in Greece, island hopping for 6 months, and had to work in a hostel (Dianas) to earn the £15 to get home lol. I learned 10 words a day, and still remember enough to be dangerous lol. It was wonderful to go and stay there before "package holidays" and cheap flights.
Ha ha! My first trip to Greece was also in 1979. I hitchhiked all the way from the UK. Also stayed in Dianas hostel in Athens - might even have met you if you were working there!
My biggest regret was that I never made it out to the islands, but made up for it in the following years by coming out again every summer, often for six weeks or more! Fun times!
Ha ha! My first trip to Greece was also in 1979. I hitchhiked all the way from the UK. Also stayed in Dianas hostel in Athens - might even have met you if you were working there!
My biggest regret was that I never made it out to the islands, but made up for it in the following years by coming out again every summer, often for six weeks or more! Fun times!
@@sirrathersplendid4825 Worked at Dianas the whole of August making the breakfasts 7 - 9am !!! I got free b&b for that, then gave out leaflets till noon nr the museum. Christos was the guy on the front desk. Been to Greece 13 times, but only go to Egypt now.
@@anotherblonde - Yes. 🌞 Just checked my diary. Was there at Diana’s in August. Often chatted with the people dropping leaflets.
Worked on a cargo ship for three weeks sailing from France to Algeria, then hitched via Italy to Greece.
I stayed only a few days in Athens and then got a lift from a beautiful German couple all the way to Munich. I think they were also staying at Diana’s.
@@anotherblonde - Yes. 🌞 Just checked my diary. Was there at Diana’s in August. Often chatted with the people dropping leaflets.
Worked on a cargo ship for three weeks sailing from France to Algeria, then hitched via Italy to Greece.
I stayed only a few days in Athens and then got a lift from a beautiful German couple all the way to Munich. I think they were also staying at Diana’s.
As a Greek I found your video very informative, how a person born in another country living here in Greece experiences life here :) I get it how it feels to live far away from your actual birthplace ... I have lived a few years in the UK and experienced that, somewhat. Regardless of all the downsides and upsides, I hope this country that is your home away from home is treating you well and continues to treat you well in the future. Best wishes to you and your family. Cheers, να είσαι καλά :)
As a Greek native, born, raised, and living in Greece, I second everything you said in your video. And I feel you as my kind because I too work entirely online as an entrepreneur, and I would never ever change the freedom of it. Congratulations on your video and your interesting story; you are one of us!
Thank you my friend for your kind words 🙏💙🇬🇷
Hi ! I'm a Sri Lankan Australian citizen living in Sydney. Migrated with my family in 1971 when I was 12. I'm glad your channel popped up on my screen. I have just subscribed. Beautiful scenery, and you're telling a story that's no less important than an ancient myth - the reality of living and making a life for yourself in Greece. We don't get too many stories about that. Thanks for your video, and I look forward to seeing more of them. All the best to you & your family !
I’m new to your channel and really enjoy your open and honest videos. I was born in Athens and my family moved to New York when I was 19 months old (long before you were born). My command of the Greek language is basic at best, but my vocabulary has improved just from watching Greek cooking videos. My children want their dual citizenship, which is a nightmare with the bureaucracy, not to mention, my sons would have to do mandatory military service.
As a Greek living in a Spanish-speaking country I empathise. Regarding learning the language: living under the same roof with a local is probably the most important thing. You can pick up a million little details about the language just by listening to them (and asking questions). All the best for the future!
The adjustment period when moving to a new country is always the hardest.
I love Napflio, cant wait till i come back in September. My favourite Place in Greece.
Wow out of all beautiful places in Greece?? I was in Nauplio two years ago not bad but certainly not the most beautiful.
This is a great video, Daniel! As a young couple recently relocated to Greece, leaving UK was not an easy decision. But we're glad we did! This information is very useful and sunms up really well what to expect when relocating to Greece ! Well done, my friend!👏💙💙
Lived in Thessaloniki for more then 3 years, from Norway, all the public offices acted like I owed my country so they wanted money under the table . But the locals was really nice . Yes racism in the supermarkeds yes , but I loved staying there , Hellas is wonderful , travel as often as I can for my holidays.
Oh if only I could go back, my Greek would come back.
Can I add a few things about languages as a native English speaker but a linguist and somebody who has lived in three different countries.
Immersion is important but it is not enough on its own as your story about your friend in Hungary proves. You have to actively study it and learn it and then use the immersion to become confident and fluent. I have met people who didn't do this and thought 'I'll just pick it up when I get there'. Of course, they pick up phrases here and there but never become proficient. One of my best foreign languages that I've worked really hard to learn is Romanian. I've never lived there but have a bunch of Romanian friends. I recently met an English guy in Bucharest who'd lived there for nine years and he could manage basics like ordering drinks and food but that was it. He was open mouthed when he heard me chatting in Romanian with his friends and wanted to know how I'd done it. When I started to explain he shook his head and said 'nah, I don't do studying'. QED.
Great attitude to language ! I was in the forces, learned 100 words of the country I was deploying to each time! Then married an Argentine! Even now they banter my Castellano, but …. I speak better Spanish than they do English! That’s the tipping point, speak the local language better than the locals speak your own!
Περιμένω το επόμενο σου βίντεο Ντάνιελ,ενα μεγάλο μπράβο κάνεις καταπληκτική δουλειά συνέχισε έτσι!Τα χαιρετίσματα μου απο Θεσσαλονίκη ❤
I ve loved your video...the way you look at things....
You are Greek in your heart....
You express yourself like one...
15:56 We appreciate that you love our country, bien venidos, καλώς όρισες! And good luck to you !
This is 100% correct , if a person wishes to live in any country they must learn the languages .
Another great video Daniel. I appreciate the fact you are so genuine and not afraid to share the good and not so good, which is true no matter where you live.
Thank you for loving our country!❤
Love your videos. I’m Australian Greek and thinking of retiring here in a few years. Been coming here since I’ve been a kid and I feel at home in Greece. I love Australia, but it is not a warm place anymore, and I’m not talking about the weather.
working in a metropol 9 to 5, losing your health in the meantime vs. living a modest and 'organic' life in a place where the nature is great that doesn't make you sick..I'll take the latter one..especially after Covid and everything that's going on in the world.
@AL-grhvc.
And how would you live ?
@@ac8907 on moderate terms with a source of income. the quality of life where he lives is much better than the one in a capitalist city I think.
@@geogeo2299
No, how earn money without jobs ?
@@geogeo2299
The question is : is there any enough jobs there ?
Daniel i can only say every point spot on !!!, Naplio been there once might head there again soon for photography, your story parallels mine and most foreigners need to see your videos to learn the in & outs, more power to you Cheers
I want to say that you are absolutely right about all those 7 things you mention in your video. I also want to say that as a Greek I felt nice listening to a foreigner (ξένος) talking about the good and the bad of my country, you have been very objective, I have to say. You have also been very courageous to move to Greece in 2010 when many many Greeks were trying to move out of the country. Myself, I relocated out of Greece in 2013 because of the financial crisis, lived as an expat in another country for 7 years and returned in 2021 in Greece. Thank you for this video, I am touched.
Caffeneio is the place where most the elders go to drink coffee, watch football/basketball games and drink ouzo or beer with some small tapas like food.Foreigner coffee shop owner with Greek gramps for clients is bad combination.
you're welcome to the Greek really 😂😂
reality
@chrispascal3743 Sorry but you do not go to a Caffeneio just to drink something. You go mostly to talk about everything. It is like a small 'Agora' . You are there to communicate and argue ideas, judge and be judged . How right your ideas are according to the community's values. How innovating they may be. Make fun and be made fun of for the bad choices of your life in a cathartic way and get actual redirection from the team. The ones you trust. 'Elderly houses' was not a thing until recently in Greece because there were a lot of 'Caffeneio". That is what makes coffee just an excuse for people to meet. That is why drinking a coffee in Greece takes so long. That is why in a crazy way most older Greeks are in a greater mentality than most of us.
@@jionasis
Where do the " old women " meet ?
( just wondering )
@@marionpfander8752 in fellow women houses pay visits and drink coffee
Very informative video. I will be reaching out to you soon (on your website) to ask you advice on living in Greece. Nafplio looks so amazing!!
Congratulations!!!
Amazing video!!!
I love your passion about my country!!!
I live in London at the moment and I miss it a lot…
enjoy greece my friend and im sure you went through shit with the cafe but in the end im sure it was worth it cheers and enjoy life in this beautiful country
You are 100% correct…on all your narratives……and you’ve stuck it out so you’re a master of your own destiny….Well done …I like your videos and your honesty …..until soon ….Alex🇬🇷
I'm a appliance repair man , I've always done bussmans holiday . I would love to visit Greece again beautiful place . Be interesting to hear what you do online . I wish UK hadn't left eu. I live in West Scotland , very beautiful and hardly any shops just millions of tourists
Great video! I appreciate the authentic and down to earth perspective!
Thanks so much!
A very good summary, I have been living in Switzerland for 22 years as a Dutchman. Although I only feel “half the pain” because I am only one day away from my home country, a lot of your points are recognizable for me and also for me it is difficult to keep up friendships and family connections (but not imposible), you have to learn the language and understand the history and main stories of your new country, respect that you are changing and your homecountry is also. You feel in a way a stranger when you return back after 10 years and there comes a point that you feel going home, when you actually go to your new country. Two hearts in one body.
Is life in Switzerland much more expensive than the Netherlands?
@@Claire-sj9mp Yes, that is true. But income taxes are also much lower and incomes are much higher. In most cases, you are better off in Switzerland from this perspective, although both countries are very liveable, with low unemployment, high security, good infrastructure, healthcare and education.
@@ronnie9187 I am sure you are better off in Switzerland ..I know that the wages are much better than in the Netherlands..Is the housing a problem there like it is in Nethetrlands ?
About the selective racism 9:33 is soo true,although in last 6-5 years things are more calm than previous years,thankfully. And i say this because im a Filipino,my name is Giannis, adopted by Greek parents since the day i was born and im a greek citizen. Never met my biological filipino parents. And i'll say this: Almost all my school years were freaking hell,imagine a brown asian kid on a school in the 90s...Kids will make fun of me left and right,thank god for my family and friends who taught me how to handle this kind of racist situations and many times protected me or defend me,peacefully (atleast most of the time :P,it was rly rough years,a different dark time as you said). And some times even now at my 32,some people still afraid of me when they see me or changing sidewalk,but i don't rly care anymore and most of the time i break the ice by just saying "Geia sas" and thats it,suddenly im the most nice person in the world :D. But i get wierd stares from time to time.
Thank you for bringing this up.
Most white people pretend it doesn't exist, but it's real.
@@maryamkim1281 When I found out that Black people cannot serve in the Greek military I was devastated! I worked at a Greek Orthodox church here in Denver and everything was great, but then I find out Greece only wants white skinned people in their military. That was a real downer.
I really like your videos really inspiring can learn a lot from you keep uploading
In July my wife and I are coming to Greece for a month to try and I am learning a lot from you
Thank you
Wow how exciting 🎉 I wish you the best ! I wish I was you 😂🎉
Ευχαριστούμε!
Ευχαριστώ πολύ 💙
Hi Daniel, thank you so much for sharing your story and your life in Greece. The clip you shared from the day you moved from London to Greece reminded me the day I moved from my hometown Katerini, Greece, to the UK for studies and a better life. It must have been the same period, December 2010 one of the heaviest winters of the last 15 years with a lot of travel disruptions due to the snow. Everything you say about Greece is spot on. The main reason keeping me and my family still away from Greece after 14 years is the unemployment, job insecurity and the working conditions in general. Εύχομαι να μπορέσω κάποια στιγμή να γυρίσω πίσω να απολαύσω την πανέμορφη χώρα μου χωρίς έγνοιες. Να είσαι καλά και σ ευχαριστούμε για ότι κανείς. Συνέχισε!!!
I've lived in Greece now for 30 years. I will never go back to Canada to live willingly. I have never had a problem with having to pay a bribe at the hospital (fakalaki) . But we did have a big problem when we wanted to build our home. Our permit was rejected twice, for no reason. But we eventually got it and built our home. I love Greece and have no regrets. Life wasn't always easy, but with patience, it worked out well.
I hate bribery, all those dodgy people, where you have to bribe everyone to get your rights. It is actually Turkish, Ottoman custom. Horrible.
Healthy video. Good vibe. Thank you. Keep it up.
Thank you for this video.
As a Greek-American, our parents came to America workd hard to give us a better life, and now we are working just as hard to go back.😊
I love to know more, yes, I have my son who has been in Athens for the last 5 years. My daughter of 20 is also with my son for the last 21/2 months and enjoying Athens
Great video! As a Greek person who grew up in Greece and since 2012 has lived in London, Portsmouth, and recently moved to Hungary, I can relate. Especially with the language part... I understand your friend in Budapest, but I'm trying to learn Hungarian :)
I love your videos, the background is amazing and the way you speak and express yourself is great. Happy for you 👍
Thank you so much! 🙏💙
Drawing from my personal experience as the son of a South American immigrant to Greece, I have a profound understanding of the intricacies of different cultures.
One significant issue in Greece is the high cost of living relative to the average wages. For many Greeks, everyday expenses are a heavy burden. While bureaucracy in Greece has improved compared to a decade ago, navigating the healthcare system remains a major challenge.
2:25. Thank you. Wonderful videos and your sincerity is very much appreciated. Best wishes to you and your family 😊
I very much like your videos. My wife is Greek and I proposed to her in Nafplio, at the pier where the small lighthouse is. To me this is one of the best places to be. Currently we live in Cologne, Germany. But we plan to move to Athens in a couple of years. Greece is so wonderful and I love the people, especially my family. They took me on as a son instantly. Can´t wait to go there.
@@BrunoHeggli-zp3nl u drunk?
Arbeite mal an Deinem Englisch
Northern Californian here. I love Nafplion. Took my litltle sister here years ago. I'm a permanent resident of Japan. YES, it's most importan to speak the language. Most people in Japan actuallly do not speak English. They often lack self confidence and do not speak. I lived in Kansai and realized learning Kansai-ben was very important. I'm a self entrepentor so understand your feeling. Best wishes to you and thank you for this gorgeous presentation
As an expat from the uk married to a greek man , i have been here since 1980! Boing. This country can be exasperating but it is the best country in the world. As you said, i also sometimes feel the need to encourage greek people to hang on to their national culture and customs and not adopt lifestyles from other countries. I dont believe greeks are racist , if we define racism as believing that some races are superior to others, on the contrary , many times they considers themselves inferior which they definitly are not.
The diaspora Greeks hold on to their culture maybe more than actual Greeks in Greece.
Greeks think themselves superior, not inferior! Also here from the 80s
In Greece as in the whole world racism is against the poor...
@@jsidiropoulou It is not a matter of superiority or not! Greece never had systemic constitutional racism! The most of the western countries had laws against other races, and until the second world war they held serious debates on who is a human, who is white and stuff like that which we would not even consider to give a second thought on!
It's totally different! Even a greek can't easily blend in another village! People are suspicious at the beginning! And more conservative, the smaller the place!
@@constantined9015 you don't live here, do you?
I lived in Corfu for 20 years, my family have homes there and some of their children live there permanently now. We all love it, It is our second home. The Corfiots have always been welcoming and we never felt like foreigners.
Great post! I am looking to retire there next year. Loutraki area.
I really enjoyed your commentary about living in Greece. I lived on one of the islands for a year, as I had a job renovating a house. I love Greece and the way of life there,and the people are very friendly and accomodating. I've heard ex-pats(mostly Brits) saying "you wouldn't think Greece had an empire and taught the world so much,look at it now",but I completely disagree ! Their way of life,their accommodation of foreigners,and their version of democracy is all a legacy of their Empire. Just look at the wonderful scenery,the mighty mountains and the glorious sea,and it's not hard to imagine why they produced many great thinkers and philosophers. And I completely agree about learning the language - I can't imagine going to live somewhere and not trying to learn the language ! Not only is it a rewarding learning experience,but the locals really appreciate you trying to speak their language. You get so much more from a place if you can converse with people in their own tongue. We Brits are lucky(and therefore lazy !) that most Greeks have some knowledge of English ! To not learn the local language is quite arrogant,I think,and it helps maintain the abhorrent(and racist?) "us and them" mentality. Greece is a wonderful place to live,but like everywhere,you need to be able to support yourself to really enjoy it. Σ'ευχαριστώ για την ενημέρωσή σας,να είστε καλά, γειά χαρά ! Με αγάπι από την Ουαλία 🏴🇬🇧🇬🇷
I’ve always liked Grace and I do visit quite a lot. I’m surprised. I thought I heard another Irish man when you were speaking and then you came up with some Venezuela but you do sound like an Irish man anyway have a great time. I might see you soon.
I totally agree about the language. I'm learning Greek now in preparation for my trip. It is my personal conviction that foreigners have a moral obligation to learn the native language regardless of the country.
I just found this video by chance. Beautiful video, some very wise remarks and advice you gave. I hope you keep up enjoying Greece and making content.
Thank you! 💙
Keep doing this amazing videos buddy thank you for your positive words
Excellent video. I am new on this "expatriot" journey. I am relocating from the United States to Italy. In my first year. All that you describe is spot on. But as you so eloquently conveyed, you must have the passion to make it through. It takes work - twith the many rewards there are 😊😊obstacles you will need to work through which can only happen with the passion. Congratulations!!!
I love your videos. I love your positivity. There is no perfect country and Greece is one of them. I have lived at a small island for 3 years. I really liked it in Winter. But many people can’t cope because everything was shut down. We didn’t even have cloth shopping. We had to go to Athens or wait for summer season. However ordering online was working well. People need to think seriously if they want to relocate to a small island. Winter is not easy! People were asking me how I can live at that small island in Winter…..I am Greek living in Australia. If I ever return to Greece I will work online. I have worked for a Greek salary…..I don’t think I prefer that…..looking forward to your next video. Dimitra
I hope you and your family have the very best time in Greece! I think the only real issue with this beautiful country is getting a solid income to support yourself and your family, but if you have that covered then I am sure you guys can live happily ever after here.
I’m a Greek American and looking to relocate in Greece.. already have been learning Greek since a child .. you give me hope 😊
me too my dad was born there i want to go very much
Thank you so much loving our country. I admire you and your optimistic point of view. Very nice video, I watched it till the end. Speaking Greek while not a Greek is an honor to the country and its people!!
Kafeneio is a traditional greek coffee shop only for men. Usually elders, but MEN!
Great video, Daniel.
You are truly doing an awesome job making these videos.
GOD BLESS YOU.
I love your video and I agree with you about learning a country 's language! i even try to learn the language just for travel for 2 weeks. Your English Is EVCELLENT and I am sure your Greek is great because you speak Spanish. Sorry about your Kafenio experience!
I moved from Greece to the Uk back in 2017. Then in 2020 i made it back finding indeed public services improved a lot. My take as an individual from a different country who grew up in Greece and has relatives across western Europe(thats how i have some info to use for comparison )is that all countries have issues with public services qnd all of them do things differently. No matter where u coming from(or where you going to) u re gonna face something weird compared to what u re used to. My hot take here is that bribery or connections work in every country but in Greece you don’t need to be rich to access that privilege. If you’re doing just ok and get yourself prepared to share a little of your cash you can lube things up and get your needs met quite often faster than expected . Is it ideal or Ok? Of course not, but thats the way it is and we just jam with the music! Overall im pleased with my choice of coming back in Greece and if you decide to give it a try you might like it as well!
So informative! Thank you!