What is your name?Christine
What is your current age or age range?
46 years old...but they say i dont look it at all.
What country are you native to?
Australia
What area of Greece do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
Athens
How long have you lived in Greece?
Ten Years
When you moved to Greece, did you bring your family? What do they think?
I married a Greek and seperated two years ago.
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
My family are in Australia....you can handle anything if you are good with yourself. It was hard at first but i got use to it.
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
Married a Greek and thought it would be an adventure.
Why did you choose Greece, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Greece?
I guess it was the Greek husband
What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?
I always wanted to go to Ireland...the UK and the states...one day i will go.
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
Not for me...as i was married to a Greek...but the paperwork was a pain...slow service and they dont smile much in the public service.
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
Learning the Language.
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Greece?
Not leaving my husband sooner...hahaha
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
When i found my indipendence and learned to speak Greek
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
Yes one day i will...Greece is not the place to retire unless your on a beachside home and enjoying it that way...the city is pretty glum.
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
Ofcourse i did,,,,
What do you miss the most about your home country?
Meat Pies
Are there the same recreational activities in Greece?
No...not at all..the Casino's are small and nothing much in them. no RSL Clubs...just coffe and food places...lots of clubs though.
How easy has it been to make new friends in Greece?
Through the various groups ...found many englsh speaking people but good friends they are not as easy to find as there is not so many to choose from.
Do you have many friends from your home country in Greece?
Yes i do as i am easy going person and accept people as they are.
What are your favorite activities that are available?
Gyms are everywhere...so i am good.
What are the top ten things you miss about the place you left behind?
Dont think about them and so dont miss them.
What are the top ten things you DON'T miss about the place you left behind?
Dont miss anything really except the meat pies
Do you speak the language of Greece?
Yes but took a long time to learn.
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Greece, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
Yes as not all the Greeks speak english and unless you speak Greek they wont try to communicate at all. The are not a race that says hello first..so unless you do they keep blank faces.
Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?
No for me as i married a greek...dont know about a person who work here on visa.
Did you move to your new location after retirement, or are you currently working or looking for work?
Am an artist here...also worked as Regional Manager for an export marketing company based in australia and greece.
How do you earn your living in Greece?
by working ...no other way unless you join the poor people who beg.
Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?
yes
How did you go about finding a job in Greece? Was it easy or hard to locate work and get a job?
Unless you speak greek ...its hard to get any job...except the summer jobs on islands where there are tourists.
What types of sources did you use to find a job there? (agency, newspaper, website?)
Athens News newspaper...internet..friends.
If you are telecommuting, what obstacles, if any, did you face in setting up your communication methods?
N/A
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
No...they love tourists and smile for them...all tourists think the Greek people are extremely friendly ...if you live here you will find a lot of blank faces unless you say hi first.
What are the top ten things you like about Greece?
Food...going out with friends to clubs...coffee...the islands.
What are the top ten things you DON'T like or find strange about Greece?
The time it takes to get paperwork through.
