Posts filed under 'Greece'
When you decide to travel across the channel, you never consider that you might need to be concerned about vaccinations but it is a good idea to check with your local health practice. For example, did you know that Western Europe recently had an outbreak of measles and mumps? Denmark, Germany, Greece,Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine were all on the list of Western European Countries that had an outbreak (in 2005/2006) of measles and mumps.
If you would prefer to do your own research on the net before you travel, try this site ‘Centres for Disease Control and Prevention‘. You can make up your own reports about health risks and vaccine requirements for whatever country you are travelling to. Click on this Spot to make your own list.
Tell us if you want more information like this.
By Doreen B.
May 14th, 2006
According to Eurostate there has been an increase in population in Greece but the natural biological birth rate is down. The increase in population is due to the huge numbers of immigrants moving to the country. Brits in particular like Greece and you will find a fairly large Expat community living in Crete. If you are thinking of moving we recommend you do your homework. This sight ‘Living in Crete‘ is quite helpful and should get you started with your research.
Did you know that the population of Greece is too large for the size and economic capacity of the country? That might explain why the population growth has slowed down but it does not explain why the Greek government gives mothers a lump-sum payment of 2000Euros for every child after their second born. This means that they actually want growth. Strange but true.
Let us know if we need to add more information to our site?
Doreen B
March 28th, 2006
We have some great information about Travel Essentials when travelling to Greece. Take a look at our site: www.indigoguide.com.
We do have some fairly important information missing on the site, so here it is:
Greece takes a hard line on the use of drugs in their country. Possession of even small quantities can result in long term imprisonment. Also, if you buy goods in Greece, make sure you keep your proof of purchase. It is actually breaking the law to posses goods without receipts - strange but true. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a no no just like at home and lastly, make sure that you keep some form of photo identification on you at all times. This applies to a lot of other countries, so it is handy to have a certified copy of your passport (including the photo part naturally) handy at all times when you travel.
Let me know what other information you want to see on our site?
Doreen B.
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February 20th, 2006
by Doreen B.
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Fancy a holiday of pure party plus a full day of peaceful archaeological bliss, then head out to Mykonos. Mykonos is undeniably one of the best party spots in Europe especially if you are gay. Quite a fete considering that the island is a mere 10 by 7 miles.
Greek people are renowned for their hospitality and the Greek police are used to dealing with large numbers of foreigners, especially on the islands. They keep things in check quietly and calmly. Having said that, it is important to realise that indecent behaviour, including mooning, is not tolerated in Greece as would be in most civilized decent countries. The authorities will not hesitate to arrest people who behaved inappropriately and they are known to impose heavy fines or even prison sentences. So enjoy the party but keep it decent or at least indoors.
During your stay on Mykonos take a day trip to Delos. One can only access this little island from Mykonos and it takes about 30 minutes by boat. Delos is a little (literally because it is only 1.5 square miles) paradise for people interested in archaeology. Almost all of the island is an open museum with ancient ruins and mosaics. In the spring months the wild flowers are stunning to see. One of the things I believe is a must see, is the ‘Terrace of the Lions’, where five of the original nine white-marble beasts still stand today. The island has been continually excavated since the late 19th century and is a treasure trove for those interested in the past.
Delos is an uninhabited island because there is no source of fresh water. The island is rich in history and is famously known as the birth place of Apollo, the god of light and prophesy. Other attractions on the island are the ‘Sanctuary of Apollo’ and the Delos Museum which holds the findings from the island such as pottery, and mosaics.
If you have experienced this trip already - let me know what else needs to be added?
February 8th, 2006
If you intend Hiring a car or driving your own in Greece for the first time, just be aware that road accidents are pretty high so drive carefully. Accidents are particularly high for Motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and quad bikes. Its also worth noting that if you don’t wear a crash helmet, you could render your travel insurance invalid if you have an accident. Another thing is that quad bike riders have to wear a full-face helmet (or non-full-face helmet plus goggles) under Greek law. You also need to have road insurance and a motorcycle licence in Greece, a valid driving licence with at least category A1 - ‘light motorcycle` is essential. The category P licence which is valid in the UK for driving mopeds up to 50cc is not valid in Greece. Comments will be appreciated.
December 12th, 2005
This is such a cool movie. Its called the sisterhood of the travelling pants. If you haven’t seen, you just have to. Its about four friends who buy a pair of second hand jeans that miraculously fits all four girls despite there very different shapes. They have to split up for the summer but keep passing the lucky pants (jeans) between the four of them. Never mind the fact that one goes to Mexico, one to South Carolina, one to Greece and the last one stays at home. The little parts on Greece make it quite romantic with those lovely white washed buildings handsome Greek Gods. Sound interesting? It is really quite a sweet movie and yes unrealistic but great for one of those stay in nights or a Saturday afternoon laze around the house with friends. Have you seen it? Tell me what information you want on Greece?
December 8th, 2005
The birth place of the Olympic Games is also home to the Throne of Zeus. The word ‘Olympic’ is from the term ‘Olympiad’ meaning every four years which as everyone knows - the games are held every four years. Don’t you just love Greek mythology? Did you know that Zeus could have been consumed by his own father. Before he was born, Cronus (his father) was said to have swallowed his children in the fear that his sons would one day take over from him. It was Zeus’s mother that saved the day. She hid him in a cave in Crete so that his father could not eat him. Anyway, if you are travelling to Greece, you can climb Mount Olympus (with a guide preferably) where you will find loads of history pertaining to Zeus. Just be warned though this climb is not for the faint hearted. Anyone care to tell me of their experience?
December 8th, 2005
I am confused. ….the name Doreen (that’s me) is supposed to come from the Greek name Dorotheos - Doro meaning ‘Gift’ and Theos meaning ‘God’ but for the life of me I cant find any information about any famous people or the origin of the name Dorotheos. It seems to be from Ancient Greece, maybe there is no information on record and I’m hunting for nothing. Apparently the name Dorotheus (spelled with a ‘u’) is French but it also derives from Dorotheos. Does anyone have useful information for me?
December 7th, 2005
Did you know that Greece and New Zealand have many similarities? Both are mountainous, have long coast lines and lots of little islands to explore. Both attract movie makers and tons of tourists and they both suffer from earth quakes. Strange isn’t it? They are soooo far a part. What Greece has that New Zealand does not is ancient history. Now that I have moved from the UK to New Zealand, I regret not visiting Greece. What do you think? I found some of these facts about Greece interesting: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/gr.html#Intro
December 2nd, 2005
Ann, the journalist that wrote this site, took her 2 teenage daughters with her when researching the contents for these pages. It was great fun talking to her about it afterwards. Its impossible to cover everything. What were your experiences? Add hem to the comments to help others.
December 1st, 2005