Saturday, 05 September 2009

• Greetings From Santorini, Greece

  Cloudy Day @ Fira, Santorini

  Greece is the first spot of our honeymoon trip.

  When we arrived the airport, we were ushered by John, the boss of our pre-booked guest house, with a little card printed "Lexson & Nicole". Such a heart warming feeling especially after a long stale flight. *Tiring* It was a raining night. On the way to guest house, John shared us little stories that happened on this island. He speaks with a very "Greek" accent mixed with English. Anyway, it isn't hard to understand at all. He is a very hearty yet enthusiastic guy who loves his job and business very much. We are very happy with the guest house. It is airy, homey, cozy, clean yet funky.

   It is raining still, 7a.m the next morning. Slowly, rain falls in finer drops and drizzle. Despite the rain, I can't wait to have a glimpse of every corner on this island. Morning market is always the first place I wanna to go. It is one of the vital places where the locals initiate their day. Walking down the street, I realized diverse array of shops sited along the main street in Fira town. Only a handful of shops had opened. Ya, I know, I was too early. Not a huge market like I expected, but only few stalls selling vegetables and seafood. People who looked like housewives, boss' of the local restaurant, fishmongers, vegetable dealers, etc, liaisoned with the language that I don't understand.
  

   

  I read from book, that the Japanese like to address those on arrival with a smile or slight nod of their head while Americans like to shake hand or hug, The French like to serve wines or Howard Hawks. But Greeks? They are a group of people like to "Greet". I insighted the "Greetings Power" in the morning market.

  "Kali, MeiLa, Shuo Fuo Ke Li, Ti, Kha Ni Shi"

  "MiYa, HaoLa, MaLiYa, Yei Fu Ha Li Shi De, Yes"

  "MiYa, HaoLa, Qi, YiKe, Yes"

  "Yes"......

  "KaLi, MeiLa, Shuo Fuo Ke Li, Ti, Kha Ni Shi"

  "MiYa, HaoLa, Ke Shi Da, Yei Fu Ha Li Shi De, Yes"

  "MiYa, HaoLa, Qi, YiKe, Yes"

  "Yes".......

  

  I was standing by the road side, and I heard these greeting conversations merely 20 times in 10 minutes. I'm not too sure how is it exactly sounds like, but this is the what I remembered. Initaite with "KaLi MeiLa....", end with ".....Yes" I whispered in my heart "Amazing, they are absolutely gregarious !!"

  

  Around 11a.m, Fira town is getting alive and dynamic. More cars, motor bikes, All Trail Vehicles (ATV) and more. Shops open sooner for business. We received a warm greeting by a middle age women. She looks virtuous like the mother in fairy tales. She smiled at us with a menu in her hand. She can't speak English. Anyway, we decided to have breakfast in her shop. Her son served us. He is a good looking guy around 30 years old. I "Kali MeilLa" him, he stunned and looked at me, and we laughed. He speaks good English. I can't remember his name, I am sorry, I am too forgetful. But, I know his name starts with D. As he shared with me, the story of D(his name)&K(his partner's name) Cafe. It is a cosy, snug, yet sheltered cafe. But, it is small in space. I must admit, the food wasn't madly amazing but completely home cooked and hearty. This is where i had my first cup of Greek coffee, not like ordinary coffee, but it smells good with the aroma of herbs. The nicest way to start a beautiful day.

  

  

  

   

  

   

  Tripcrazed would like to thank Lexsonico for sharing their wonderful pictures of Santorini, Greece! Remember fans, feel free to share your photos of your vacations as well!

  How do you share greetings in your culture? What is the first thing you do on a trip?
  

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