Hi Kat,

Yes, I know what you mean about the “tourist tax”. They’re horrible that way. I would walk around, speaking French with my brother, and they’d quote me one price without me even asking. Then I’d speak Greek to them (I sound like a local, as I am Greek), and they’d drop it by a good 20-40%!! I was shocked!! It’s absolutely shameful, I know. Although it still tickles me pink to hear them “dinner please, good restaurant” in horrible accented English (I don’t look like a local at all!), and watch their faces fall when I reply in clear Greek “No thanks, we’ve eaten”.

I’m also sorry to hear about the citizenship troubles. If it’s of any comfort, even people of Greek descent can have difficulty getting Greek passports. Hey, bottom line is that it’s an EU passport, and it shouldn’t be too easy to get. But living somewhere for 15 years and speaking the language! In the UK you can apply after 6 years. It costs a bundle and takes forever, but it’s possible. I wish I could hit the Greek government over the head with a cluebat and get them to wake up to the 21st Century…

Sorry you’re having such a hard time down there, nice to “meet” you :) and… I’ve also left, most likely never to return. And I’m supposed to be _from_ there… You’re not alone.

Once people realise I speak Greek and defend myself, they change their tune and lower 100 euros to 5 euros or they run away and curse me. My Greek friends also say it’s rude to speak up. So wait, I’m supposed to get ripped off instead? It’s OK if Greeks make a fuss but as a foreigner I should keep quiet or go home. This has been my home for 15 years, and I’m still not entitled. The irony is, I’m told to be more Greek, then chided that I never will be, as if I don’t know that.

Lots of people would like to help Greece, but first it needs to help itself. Patience and protests aren’t going to change anything. Tourists that dream all their lives of coming here want to feel appreciated and that they’re getting value for money, or they’ll never come back. Taking a poll of everyone in my life who spent a lot of money here and never returned, Greece is in deep trouble. One day soon I’ll also leave and never return. After spending a lot of money here in taxes and expenses and having nothing to show — not even citizenship, which is currently off limits to everyone not of Greek origin — it’s hard to ignore I’ve made a bad investment and am keen to contribute elsewhere.

I cringe a bit as an American observing America from the outside, but it’s where I’m from and has shaped me. You have plenty to be proud of, so there’s no need to renounce your heritage. It’s one facet of who you are, like a diamond. Filakia! :)