Hi, Rob.
Graham’s right, local knowledge is the thing. If you are going somewhere new in mainland Greece or the on islands, get on the local website, not the uk based agents, (e.g.
http://www.agni.gr ) and shoot off a few e-mails to the actual owners of the accommodation you’re interested in,(always good to cut out the middle man!),then look it up on Google Earth. Look for the nearest small harbour with fishing boats and chances are you’ll spot the slip. A couple more e-mails to find out what kind of reception you’ll get is worthwhile.
When you arrive be aware of local sensitivities e.g don’t leave your trailer just anywhere without getting permission first. ...and be extra polite with fishermen. They can be very helpful (and good company over a bottle of tsipouro ) or totally ruin your plans just as easily.
Photos show (1) Lakka harbour on Paxos and (2) the beach used exclusively by the local boatmen - Fishermen, sea taxis and hire boats. That’s one slipway you do NOT want to block with a parked car or trailer. It could end up in the harbour , done accidental, on purpose, like. If the boatman can’t get his boats to the client first thing in the morning that’s the whole day and several hundred euros lost.
Cultural notes, which you may or may not want or need - but what the Hell... us insomniacs have to fill in the time somehow.
In rural areas old customs are alive and well but they do things differently out there!
When talking with the islanders or hill folk don't smile too much - or at all, at first. Makes 'em suspicious!
If invited to someone's house always take a small gift, if possible. (Pastries are always welcome but don't over-do it as it sets up an obligation) Don't admire any personal property or household effects too much as it could be thought that you want it as a gift.
Most Greeks love kids and if they've been gushing over yours or you have complimented theirs, don't be offended if the ladies make a sort of fake spitting noise. They are simply spitting at the Devil to avoid bad luck! They didn't Christen or name the children until they reach two or three years old for much the same reasons.. In the days of high infant mortality it was thought to be tempting fate.
Similarly, if you have blue eyes don't be offended if the old folk spit discretely into the gutter when they've walked past. They're just warding off the Evil Eye. It isn't personal, they don't think YOU are evil.
Don't wave to anyone by holding your arm up with the palm towards them and fingers spread. It's a gesture with a highly offensive meaning!
In the UK we beckon someone towards us by flexing the fingers with the palm upwards and dismiss them (rudely) by flicking our fingers away, palm down. In Greece its exactly the opposite, which confuses the hell out of your kids when some little old lady is trying to be nice to them!
Lastly, a Greek might agree with you or say "yes" by shaking his head diagonally and saying "Neh" -which sounds a bit negative to British ears. To say "No" he might jerk his head up - which looks like nodding, backwards - and say "Ochi" which to a Scot might sound a bit like "Och, Eye!" or, simply make a sucking noise with his tongue against the roof of the mouth - a bit like West Indian kids do when they are being disrespectful.
....and if you think all that's a bit confusing just wait 'til you try learning the language! Like the UK, each area has a regional accent and dialect words. Luckily, in the Ionian they tend towards an Italian lyricism but talk to an Athenian and it sounds like a verbal machine gun!
Get your boat to a Greek Island! It's what Matt designs them for!
