Do I Tip the Local Car Washers? (and lessons learned driving in Greece)

19 Jan Do I Tip the Local Car Washers? (and lessons learned driving in Greece)

Some things I learned during two weeks of driving in Greece.

1. Horn blowing and fist shaking are commonly practiced forms of communication. Becoming fluent in this “tongue” should be a top priority.
2. The surest ways to give away your identity as a tourist:
   

   1. Use your blinker
   2. Stop at stop signs
   3. Give pedestrians the right of way
   4. Yield to the traffic already in a round-a-bout

3. Park wherever you want, even if it blocks traffic.  As long as you put your hazards on, it’s all good.
4. The shoulder = slow lane.  Either get in it & stay in it, or speed up.
5. While driving in the mountains, passing on a blind corner is considered reasonable and prudent, even in winter.
6. Its only considered tailgating if you actually hit the other person.
7. The painted lines designating lanes are merely suggestions.  As are speed limits.
8. Despite language barriers, the one sure fire way to communicate, “I’m an _ _ _ hole” in at least 8 European languages: Drive a hummer.
9. It is not uncommon to experience one of two feelings (or both) upon reaching destination:

• The elation that follows near death situations.
• Desire for a stiff drink such as the locally stilled Tsipouro (Greek equivalent of moonshine, and equally at home starting fires, putting hair on your chest, or removing paint).