Opposition or Adaptation?

Anonymous Today was another beautiful day in Athens, Greece. Although it took a while for the clouds to burn off and the sun to appear, we still had a lovely time walking around the Plaka and having lunch at a terraced outdoor cafe. As I spend more time in this amazing city, the distinctions between Greek culture and American culture are becoming clearer and clearer. As these distinctions become more noticeable, an important question must be asked: Which aspects of Greek culture would I like to leave behind in Athens, and which would I be willing to embrace back home?

Perhaps one of the most noticeable differences between Greek and American culture is the tolerance for smoking. In today's America, if you light up in a restaurant the manager will chase you out in a flash. I believe most states have passed laws about smoking in public places. The fact is, smoking just isn't as socially acceptable in America as it used to be. However, upon my arrival in Athens I felt as if I'd stepped onto the set of Mad Men. Smoking is EVERYWHERE in Greece. During my walks around Athens, I've noticed people of all sorts smoking, from elderly men to mothers holding a child's hand. Smoking in Greece is a part of life, just as much as the coffee or hanging out in a cafe. However, despite the culture's embrace of cigarettes, I'm not sure it's something I'm willing to adapt into my own life. The dangers of smoking have been pounded into my head from a very young age. I've watched close relatives suffer horrible diseases thanks to years of smoking. Although casually smoking a cigarette in a cafe is part of Greece's unique culture, the risks just aren't worth the satisfaction of 'fitting in' or 'living like a Greek'.

Although there are certain parts of Greek culture I'd rather not embrace, there are many more portions of Greek culture that I would love to incorporate into my life. One thing I love about the Greeks is the lack of massive chain grocery stores or retailers. While chain restaurants and stores are easy to find in Athens, there are even more smaller, more personal places to buy food and clothes. In America, I buy my groceries at Fred Meyer and other bare essentials at Target. Small, family run restaurants are common in America, but so are big brands like Red Robbin and Taco Bell. In Greece, things are a little different. If you want groceries, you go to a small grocery store that feels microscopic when compared to massive outfits like Fred Meyer or Safeway. The streets of Athens are bursting with tiny family run tavernas and cafes you would never find in Portland or Seattle. I have been in Athens two whole days, and I have yet to see a Starbucks. The lack of large brand names gives this huge city a more personal feel. This is definitely something I would love to have at home.

As my second day in Athens comes to a close I have begun to reflect on the differences between American and Greek culture. Despite the aspects of Greece I'd rather not embrace, there are many, many more aspects I would love to embrace. So far Greece has shown itself to be an exciting, vibrant place, and I can't wait to see what else the people of Greece have to offer.