StCirq my dear, I can show you rural places in Italy, Spain and Greece that are all alike and very basic - there is no difference. All three countries have similar climates so farms of similar sizes have virtually identical conditions.

Rural isn't my thing, nothing to see except fields isn't me!

Well whether you're saying Greece IS a third world country or is LIKE a third world country compared to France or Italy I think you're wrong. And it doesn't come down to Gucci stores either, nor down to Kolonaki.
Greece (and especially Athens and Thessaloniki) have sophistication. It may be that the country is poorer, the economy not as strong, the language not as widely spoken, but the actual quality of living is high. What you get for your money living there. I will admit that it is easy as a tourist to get a bad deal (or rather, a very touristy deal) if you haven't researched the area, but then again I found the same thing in Sorrento which was incredibly touristy yet I don't tell people not to visit the Amalfi coast on that basis.
Anyway, I think the real question here is what rkkwan and TopMan have been pointing out: 3 different threads on the relative merits of Greece by somebody who's never posted before?

Well, regardless of whether Gucci is over, it's still a brand when it comes to the designer category. I mean, we can level charges against all the designer brands. Burberry is so over. So is LV. So is Prada. So is Kate Spade. So is Jack Spade. So is (take your favorite brand). What gives?

I mean, these things come and go. Tom Ford has left, true, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the brand has died or can't be revived. Your country's Burberry, for example, has a rather different look from its look ten years ago, say.

All I mean to suggest is that one has far more choices in London than in Athens's Kolonaki. This is hardly a controversial suggestion (I'd like to think, but maybe you think otherwise).

Nana, how is your report coming? Did you ever expect to start a cat fight?
For the record, Greece is much different than the other countries you mention. It does compare well to Sicily which is part of Italy.

Regarding whether Greece is third-world (no, I never claimed so), I do wish to make the following observations:

1. That it's not a great power in the modern era.

2. That one can be objective and compare gross domestic products across countries. I'm sure that France, England, Germany will come out ahead in that category. Probably even Italy. Greece is not a G-7 country.

I don't see anything controversial about 1. and 2. and I don't see why it should be controversial to admit that Greece is not France or Italy or Germany. It simply isn't, regardless of how you slice it.

I mainly buy from up and coming designers rather than the more well established ones. Siv Stodal produces small but wearable collections. The Antwerp six aren't over yet.

As for Burberry, I've never ever been a fan. Its latest prosorum collection does have identity and stands up well in its own right, but they're still having a hard time shaking off that raincoat image.

I found fabulous upmarket delicatessens in Kolonaki stocked with Krug and Cristal (harder to find in London), and they even have a jewellery shop just for men, something which London doesn't have! Anyway, we digress, I'll agree to disagree!

Well m_kingdom, if I buy any Anne Demeulemeester, I'll be sure to give it to you. The space in Antwerp (by the art museum) is pretty stunning, but the clothes are not my cuppatea.

But I'm willing to bet that it must be easier to buy the Antwerp Six in London than in Athens, no?

I can't believe people are judging a country by it's 'designer stores' - you are joking (I hope). When experiencing the culture and environment of a foreign country, 'designer shops' and tacky gift shops are of no consequence to me. A pair of Italian shoes are the same if you buy them in Athens, Rome, or Hoboken New Jersey. Locally made articles are of course a lot more interesting.
OK - I'll get off my soapbox now

Bob, dont tell the Sicilians that.. They dont considers themselves Italians anyway!!

Ah zootsi, you don't know what you're missing.

Of course I'm partly jesting, but just partly. There're so many ways to compare countries. Comparing designer stores (or designers) is one. I don't necessarily see why that's invalid. Comparing economic prowess is another. Comparing infrastructure, yet another. Comparing flora and fauna and landscapes, yet another. Comparing food and culture, yet another.

In other words, what's of consequence to you maybe of no consequence to another. As they say, one man's meat is another's poison. Still I disagree that Kolonaki is to be preferred to Bond Street or Mayfair.

I don't agree that Greece is like a third-world country when compared to the rest of Europe. Did you know that Greece leads Europe in the consumption of soap? I was astonished at how clean the Greek people were, even in the most desolate places.

Athenians are very chic, indeed. You can find world-class clothing boutiques in Athens, as well as gorjus jewelry.

I also found the Greeks to be extremely warm and friendly.

I love Greece and would take a holiday there in a heartbeat.

But, TG, you haven't compared it to Italy, Spain or France.

It is far easier to purchase any of the Antwerp six in London, but I did manage to buy some Dries Van Noten in Athens (ever so slightly cheaper there). Furthermore, I bought several items from Athenian designers, and some local jewellery too - none of these items could be purchased in London!

Thank you very much for your interesting postings. Although i don't agree that Greece is "like" a 3rd-world country i recognize that it lacks infastructure when compared to other European countries.
I came across a very interesting article the other day on Conde Nast Traveler stating that "whether the transportation projects, hotel renovations, and general refurbishing get done in time for the Olympic Games or not, a major beneficiary for decades to come will be the visitor". I feel that those projects and construction work will help to turn things around. What is your opinion?

The greatest charm of Greece, for me, is that it continues to be itself. When I shop for gifts to bring home, I can find items unique to the country. When I want to stop for something to eat, I don't have to fight my way past 30 Starbucks or Burger Kings to get something I couldn't find on a highway near home.
Is the infrastructure a little shaky? Yes. The roads resemble Ireland more than England. One might wish for more modern plumbing sometimes. I haven't been to Athens in several years -- and preparations for the Olympics may have made a difference -- but I remember my distress at finding my fine hotel with its glorious views of the Parthenon and the Temple of the Athenian Zeus completely surrounded by motorcycle shops and car rental agencies.
But the greatest difference for me is that the Greek alphabet is not the same as the one used by the Americas and most European nations. In Italy, Spain or Germany I could make a stab at what the street signs meant; in Greece -- on those occasions where there were no English translations -- I was truly lost.

I agree with Bob. Greece has a similar feel to Sicily in all the best ways. Stunning scenery, the most friendly people and generous people and a rich history. Forget the glitz.

And I agree with Toni - the friendliest and most generous people we met in Europe were in Greece - one very hot day our car needed some attention - the mechanic brought us cold delicious lemonade from nearby shop and when we tried to pay he refused "ees geeft". I loved it in Thessaloniki when a girl in a restaurant sat there with her pet rat on her head - no-one batted an eyelid! There'd be hell to pay if someone tried to do that home here in Australia. And the best looking man I have ever seen in my life is in the booking office for the Corfu ferry!

I think you'll find that Italy, France and Spain are all in the depths of misery at the moment, whereas Greece is overcome with elation and optimism. (I'm referring of course to Euro 2004!)

Poli Kala Hellas!!!

I was going to post some of the internet jokes floating around after England got knocked out. But I suppose I'd better not.

How do you say "come on Greece" in Greek?

Sheila:

"Ela Elada"