Learn Some Greek Language!
Cretan Greek is not necessarily the same as Mainland Greek. Of course there are many dialects on Crete but they are more and more frowned upon by the younger generation as a reflection of the old lifestyle as the country becomes more "Europeanised" and "urbanised" through the influence of the mass media. Noticeably, the national "k" sound is more a "shh" in Cretan pronunciation. It is the one stand out difference as in: "osshi" instead of "o'hee" for No in Greek to a foreigner learning the language.
Here are some words to get you started:
English Sound - English Translation
Kalimera - Good Morning
Kalispera - Good Evening
Kalinikta - Good Night
Efahristo - Thank You
Efahristo Poli - Thank You Very Much
Se Parakalo - Please, Don't Mention it, Can I help you? (Depending on Context)
Avrio - Tomorrow
E-thes -Yesterday
Oshi / O'hee- No
Ne - Yes
(A number of municipalities offer Greek lessons to foreigners in winter. Check with your local neighbours or Mayor's office when in Crete.) More useful phrases at bottom of the page.
Taboo Hand gesture
The one hand gesture you should be aware of, because of it being meaningless in the UK but it's strong meaning in Greece, is the "wave" with open hand with fingers spread wide apart in a fan shape. This gesture to a Greek is infinitely worse that using the F word or other verbal abuse. So think twice before you "wave" to a motorist who has just let you through :-) Spreading your fingers at someone with the palm facing out is much more serious in Greece than giving someone the V Sign or "flippin' the Bird" in the UK.
How to behave at a Greek Wedding (when it is not your own)
- Lengthy responses at the BritsinCrete Forum - Find out what to do if you are invited to a Cretan one!
Your appropriate response when neighbours sitting close by, buy you a drink in the Kafeneio or elsewhere.
After the drink is set in front of you, it is best to wait to catch their attention, raise your glass, and say "efharisto poli". Then, wait until another occasion to reciprocate. Or, do it this way, next time you go to Lidl or any supermarket and buy some continental biscuits or English Chocolates buy just a little something so that the next occasion you happen to pass your neighbour's house drop in and hand them the little gift. Perhaps even better, if they have little ones, buy them some sweeties. English style Smarties go down well. This may be the beginning of your "barter trade" relationship with your neighbours. You have what they want, and they have what you want -- often the fresh produce just harvested for you. That is the great 'care and share' attitude for the most part long since gone in the UK or Ireland.
A postscript: Some villagers seem to have a negative thing about fizzy pop. Soft drinks are not good for the childrens' health, some say and openly frown upon it.
Note: Do be aware that the drinking of Raki (or Rachi) in Crete is almost a national pastime. If you are offered Raki anywhere, always drink it, at least take a sip, even if you don't like it much, as a refusal is considered bad manners (the excuse that you are driving may work sometimes, if you're lucky).
To Help Jog your memory for some of the Movies and TV programmes famously linked to Crete?
Without a long answer here, they include the movie: Zorba the Greek with Anthony Quinn; the BBC TV series, 1972-73 vintage - The Lotus Eaters, - about the life of British ex pats in Crete, and Michael J Bird's classic, Who Pays the Ferryman? A visit to our forum covers the subject.
Television Viewing in Crete
 The good news is there is no Greek TV License, the bad news is you pay towards the cost of ERT (EPT-1, NET and EPT-3) the Greek national television services, rather like the BBC, through your Crete Electricity Bill even if you do not have a TV!!! There is some English language programming, usually movies and sitcoms across the choice of local Crete and National TV channels and networks. But to enjoy any sort of real entertainment value from your TV in Crete, you probably need to consider to do any of the following: 1. Learn Greek very quickly, 2. Get UK Sky TV, strictly not allowed but if you have a UK address already or can get one..... 3. Buy a DVD Player and bring lots of DVD's with you from the UK or 4. Get a Satellite TV Installation (Hotbird 13 degrees East) which brings BBC Prime (subscription) and free-to-air: BBC World, Reality TV, Various Childrens and Music Channels and a fair share of other Sports Channels - all for around €250 for one off payment. There are Satellite Bouquets on Arabsat at 26 degrees East, Astra at 19 degrees East and others. With some twiddling and a few Euros more you can invest in a decent sized rotating satellite dish.
Useful Links
Other Useful Reference Pages on Ex Pat Living in Crete:
Schools for Foreign Children
Being part of the EU, Greece through state organisations has sponsored Schools for Foreign Children, including the EU, European School Heraklion. A true experience of bringing the kids over in "Making the Leap with Kids".
Public Utilities
Public Utilities - Electricity and water. Explanation of billing.
Living in Winter is Different
Crete - you know the weather is good that is why you come to Southern Greece but Crete also has a winter climate and its house heating implications.
PTT - Post and Telecoms
Telephone, Internet and Postal Services - what you need to know.
Healthcare and Medical Services
Essential reading, including the private Cretan Medicare Centres.
Updated Cost of Living Details - February 2008
More important information for calculating the cost of living on fixed income on a monthly basis.
Stores and Supermarkets Grocery Shopping
From small village stores, to large supermarket chains, like Carrefour and Lidl, Crete has it all. A Quick guide to what is available.
Citizens Advice Bureaus in Greece (K.E.P.)
Your short cut to the Ministries and who is responsible for what.
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