Everyday Romance, Greek Style

There are a few nice dinner specials at the better hotels, but long stemmed roses are not seen more than usual, and I haven't seen a heart shaped box of chocolates yet this week. If you didn't look a a calendar, you could miss the holiday altogether.

Why would a country that is so in love with life ignore the holiday of romance? Because it's superfluous. Romance is for everyone, everyday.

Customs that shape the week, and rituals that shape every day, bring romance to life:

1. Toasting: In some countries, we clink glasses to commemorate special occasions, like Valentine's Day. In Greece, we toast pretty much constantly.

2. Laiki- the weekly street market: Meeting the farmers who feed us every week basis widens our circle of intimacy, reconnects us with the earth and the sky. This brings a sweet texture to urban life.

3. Superstition: Romance is the unseen magic of life. Here, there is lots and lots of unseen magic- blue eye charms (protection against the evil eye), spells to dispel spells, coffee cup readings that are sometimes eerily on target. 

4. Lunch: Hot food, bread, wine. And rarely alone. We share a meal with others, at home or out, almost every day, and we make a thing of it, take our time. Crumbs on the table and a little laughter.

5. Volta- Promenade: Especially in summer, after the siesta as the shadows grow longer, we dress up a little for the evening volta. There is a sense of occasion, anticipation, as the shadows lengthen- even on Wednesdays.

6. Coffee and Ouzo: So, we're having this economic crisis- probably you heard about it. People visit and wonder why the cafes are full. Because everyone adjusted- we make less, the cafe charges less, but we're still all together, enjoying life.