Greece

Well I live in Greece. I will to give some useful information for people who are contemplating coming to Greece in the near future. First of all, Greece is generally a safe country. As always focus of the media is on the spectacular and not on peaceful everyday life. We all feel deeply sad about the riots that caused the life of three innocent people but this is something very unusual in our country. They died because some stupid young hooligans threw a Molotov bomb in the building where they worked. I personally don't remember any such serious incidents during the last twenty years. Therefore, there is no need for visitors to worry about being trapped in violence, I think it is highly unlikely something similar will happen. In part because the police are being more prepared and in part because of the public outcry against these criminal deeds.

However, because of the economical hardship that the country is going through there are going to be strikes and demonstrations in the major cities (Athens and Thessaloniki). Most visitors will probably not notice anything, but there will be a few who will. For example today there is a strike on public communications in Athens, usually these are one day affairs but are of course annoying.

I don't think anyone who is planning a visit should change their mind. In fact most people in Greece do wish for tourists to come, especially this year, and for those who are dependent on the tourists for their income in the islands for example it is crucial that people come and feel welcome and have a great time. There will probably be reductions in prices and various offers for the visitors so it may be a great time to visit Greece. And with the risk of being partial it is a lovely country with so much to offer as you can see from Mell's pics too.

Wishing you all a great summer
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