Generosity
A couple of recent incidents make me return to this theme, which I’m sure will crop up fairly often, as a demonstration that there are still some places in the world where the old values haven’t completely disappeared.
Often, when we shop in the smaller local shops and markets, we get more than we bargained for – but in the nicest way:
The fruit seller, unable to offer us grapefruit this week, pushes a couple of large oranges into my hands.
The vegetable stall weighs my bag of potatoes, gives me the price, then slips a few more in, and maybe an extra onion.
At the bakers, seasonal treats like soft bread plaits are popped into the bag with our usual loaf.
Restaurants bring free plates of water melon or apple, pieces of honey-soaked cake, or sometimes a small glass of spirits to end your meal.
All these people know that giving a little extra is good for business.
But the one that really made me sit up was recounted by friends. They’d been on a drive out and stopped at the taverna in a small country village. Their meal – salad for two, bread, a jug of wine and several beers – came to an extremely reasonably 9 euros or so. After serving up some fruit the proprietor asked them to close their car windows.
A little curiously, this was done, and the proprietor turned on the hosepipe and washed down their car!
I know I can’t say it would only happen in Greece, but I’m fairly certain it wouldn’t happen in England.
Just a nice plant I saw on a recent beach visit
Tags: eating out in Greece, greek friendliness, Greek life, greek people