Since I am back in Greece now, I decided to do something a little different from what I usually do, which is mostly whatever I feel like that week, but anyway. So, let’s say you are an Indonesian and you decided to come to Greece. You go online try to find what to do there, so what are you going to read? Well, I am sure a million other articles out there, that are probably written in Indonesian to begin with, but in case you somehow stumbled to this article, I will be suggesting you things to do while in Greece, which are pretty different from what you are used to (perhaps).
*Note that this are not things only for Indonesians, but I decided for once to stay on brand for this blog.
Let’s start from my favourite thing: food. Unfortunately, Halal food might be a little difficult to come upon in Greece, especially if you are not in Athens (although to be honest I have never looked for it myself on purpose, so there might be slightly more options than what I am suggesting). More Halal places are opening lately, but still if you see meat out there, it is probably best to avoid it, if you want to stay Halal (but if you don’t care, go ahead, plenty of great meat options await you). Fortunately for you and your hunger need the Greek cuisine has plenty of vegetarian and even vegan options, and of course so so many delicious sweets. Here are my suggestions:
Savory Dishes
-İmam bayıldı
-Gemista Orfana
-Buyurdi
-Patatopita (Pita with Potatoes, tomato, ketchup, mustard, onion-usually)
-Tyropita
-Spanakopita
Dips
-Tzatziki
-Skordalia
Sweet Dishes
-Galaktoboureko
-Saragli
-Tsoureki (especially from Terkenlis)
-Loukoumades
-Portokalopita
-Spoon Sweets (Fig is my favourite)
-Bougatsa (also has a savory version)
-Halva Farsalon
Drinks
-Greek Coffee
-Frappe
-Rakomelo (if you drink alcohol)
And remember everything everything tastes better with some feta cheese
In the realm of Food, there are also fruits. Our climates are obviously very different so in Greece you can find so many fruits you are not used to. So forget your durians (please forget them), and grab some new ones to try. Olives are technically fruits and you can find some great local ones here, although I don’t really like them. Fruits also depend on the season, spring and summer (March to August) are the most fruitful seasons (pun intended). There are many local markets where you can find cheap fresh fruits. My personal favourites are peaches, apricots, cherries, figs and strawberries, but go ahead and experiment. Some more unique greek fruits are Quince, Nectarines and the aforementioned Figs. And yes feta fits even here!
Although as said Summer has the fruits, you have plenty of summer in Indonesia, so I think that Winter or Autumn would be a better experience. Winters in Greece are relatively mild when compared to the rest of Europe, so you will probably not freeze to death (probably). You will get to experience the quietus of life during Autumn, when trees shed their leafs and turn from bright green colors to mellow yellows and oranges. You will see the first chills, when people are not quite sure what to wear, so some are still hanging on to their T-shirts while others have already worn their winter jackets. In Winter except for the sparkle of Christmas, you might even see snow if you are lucky enough or if you for high enough (snowfall in most greek cities is not very common and doesn’t last long). If you are determined to go during summer, beaches are the way to go, just swim away and keep on swimming. Oh! And snorkel, fishes and sea vegetation is very very different.
If you do go during Summer, it would be better not to go to Santorini. Don’t get me wrong, it is a beautiful and interesting island, but it is literally the first picture everyone saw me when I said I am from Greece. They saw me a picture with the famous blue and white houses overlooking the seas and said «Do you know where that is? I want to go there!». The things is everyone does, so for all summer (well maybe not this year), it is packed with tourists and prices are through the roof. You can get picturesque views, great sea and cute houses in many other greek islands too with the added benefit that you won’t have to be pushed and turned in your try to take a picture. My suggestions are: Ikaria, Milos, Thassos (although I am from there, so I am pretty biased), Samothraki, Skopelos and Amorgos. If you are looking for a city escape, you probably already know Athens, but Thessaloniki is also an interesting visit (and a better one). There is also the city of Corinth, not of great significance in modern Greece, but with great past when it comes to Ancient and early Christian times.
Another island that you can visit, but you should visit it during a specific time is Corfu and that time is Easter. I know that Easter is a religious celebration but it encloses many traditions and folk elements of the greek culture that I think would be very interesting to experience regardless of religion. Corfu is the most popular place for celebrating Easter with unique events and celebrations, but it is naturally more crowded. Honestly you can experience it anywhere, but the rural-er the better. Easter is a moving celebration usually somewhere in April. Weather varies. If you don’t want to get involved with Easter then find yourself a small greek tavern with greek music and sit there for some food, some meze or just a drink and you will get a small taste of greek tradition. You probably don’t want me to tell you, but avoid the ones that seem touristy and choose one that locals go to, you might not find great english, but you will find a better atmosphere and better food. And please don’t go anywhere where you hear «Opa» around a million times per second.
Lastly, again different climate, different green stuff, so why not explore them yeyyy! But seriously, the second thing that people in Indonesia told me about Greece, after Santorini, was about the Greek Gods, the ancient ones that is. So why not climb their home, Mount Olympus, the tallest one in Greece. A basic hiking up the mountain is doable for even the more inexperienced person and you will find greenery, small churches, small water lakes with waterfalls where you can swim (although it is cold, -Jack I will never let go cold-), along the way. Another unique destination of the greek countryside is Meteora, which are becoming more and more popular lately (very Instagram friendly). Meteora is series of tall cliffs, with monasteries build on top, a picture will convince you.
So, that’s a taste of what you can visit in Greece, hopefully you got interested enough to actually come, but on the other hand I doubt this article would be the spark to make you come. But whatever it is, well, come!
The Indonesian Chronicles 