Greece

Greece is a great place to visit with something to offer everyone. It's got ruins, history, beautiful landscapes, awesome beaches, great nightlife, and unexplored countryside. There are really two parts to Greece: Athens and the Islands and everywhere else. The islands are fantastic, and touristy. But who goes to the beach to experience culture? You've already heard my opinion on Athens already, but it unfortunately the only major transportation hub in the country so getting from place to place in the "everywhere else" part of the country requires a lot of bus tranfers and patience. The train system is totally backwards and the ferries are so sealed off that you might think your in an airplane. Basically the public transport needs a lot of improvement, surprising for a country that's been a member of the EU for more than a twenty years. Perhaps the best way to see the country is to rent a car and just drive. Of course, car rentals aren't cheap and going one-way into other countries generally doesn't work. To truly experience Greece, I think you would either need at least a month or to rent a car and focus on Greece. The entire country is cheap for Europe, with great budget food such as souvlaki and gyros (souvlaki is meat shish kebabs in a sandwhich, gyros are meat on a rotating spit in a pita) for $2-3.50/1.50-2.50€. The exception to this statement on price is the lodging in the "everywhere else". I think because these areas don't see too many backpackers, hostels are impossible to find and the budget hotels are pretty expensive. But what there is to see will make up for it, see the what I missed section for a list. English is fairly common in Greece but in a pinch, you can make due without knowing Greek but knowing the Greek letters. It's about the only time I've ever been glad I studied physics and calculus. How many times did I think of how pointless using Greek letters were? The names of the Greek letters we call them by actually make the sounds in the same way we pronounce them. For example, the symbol for "sum," sigma (∑), actually makes an S sound. It gets a bit harder with lowercase and uppercase, both of which they use quite frequently, but still do-able. Most of Greece is dry and rocky, getting a bit greener towards the Northwest and farmland, looking the same here as at home, is eveywhere there is flat land. The majority of the people are friendly and helpful if you look lost but every once in awhile you'll find a real jerk. Usually it's someone you really need some information from, as well. But it's a great place to go to have fun and see some cool stuff.

Beer of Greece: I only ever saw one Greek beer sold anywhere, Mythos, a pretty standard lager, tasty and smooth. Most places won't serve it though, preferring Heineken or Amstel. Greece really needs to catch up with the rest of the first world. Grade: C.

Places Missed: Delphi, Mt Olympus, Vikis Gorge, Zagori, Corfu, and plenty more I'm sure.