Over the past two weeks in Greece, I have noticed many cultural differences between Greece and America. One of the most notable differences is meal times. Greeks typically eat lunch around 2 p.m. and dinner at 8 or 9 p.m. My friends and I quickly picked up on this after going out to eat at 6 p.m. the first few nights. We had thought the restaurants were closed because very few people were eating there.

Another cultural difference is the duration of meals here in Greece. I am used to eating at a restaurant for about an hour, but I learned that Greeks spend at least two hours eating a meal. Since the servers assume that you will be eating for a while, they do not give you the check until way later. My friends and I have learned to not expect the check to come immediately after we finish a meal. Greeks spend a lot of time at restaurants because they view eating as a social event where friends and family can catch up on each other’s lives. I now embrace this practice and have long meals. Greeks do not feel like they have to rush through meals which is a nice change from American society which seems to emphasize getting as much done as you can in a day.

One of my favorite foods I have tried abroad is Greece’s famous Greek salad. I discovered that Greek salads are much different than the American “Greek salad.” I was pleasantly surprised to see no lettuce in my salad but instead freshly diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. On top of the Greek salad is a block of feta drizzled with olive oil which cannot be compared to feta in America.

I have been studying some of the Greek language over my past two weeks here. I have learned the word thank you which is Efharisto in Greek as well as the word no and yes. Although these words are simple, they have helped me to feel more connected to the culture around me. It is important to practice the country’s language that you are studying because it is a sign of respect to the locals. Locals have appreciated my attempt to speak their language and they often follow my response with a friendly smile.