Need all the advice I can get......I plan traveling solo to the Greek isles including Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos, and Athens Greece. My trip is for an entire month. Does anyone have words of advice for me??????? Will I be the only black african american in greece?????

Hello, You won't be the only black American. Especially on upscale islands like Mykonos and Santorini there are lots of Americans (maybe just a few african americans but some other black europeans) and the Greek people will be happy to meet you!

kennyphilly,

When I lived on Mykonos, Naxos and Samos from the mid-50's to early 70's, I did not see any racism. African gentlemen would come to Greece to find a bride. In fact my husband & I were god-parents to a child who was home visiting his grandparents. To me, it was so wonderful not to have the hatred going on in my own country. I came to Greece from Atlanta. Now, I won't say that about Greeks and Turks. Remember I''m speaking of years ago.

I know you'll have a wonderful time and I don't know if you'll be the only african american but I'm willing to bet you won't be the only black person.

Kind Regards, Joan

Believe me, you won't be alone........

Remember, Western Europe has been multicultural for decades and there are very many Black French, Black British, Black Dutch etc, who are seen in holiday resorts including those in Greece. It's likely that until you open your mouth, many locals will think you are European, possibly British or French.

Hi Kennyphilly!
I'm also known as Phillyjan on some other travel forums - I live in the Art. Museum area.. are you in Center city too?

I think you'll have a great time -- you didn't say what month you were traveling and I'm hoping it won't be August. When you're a bit off-season, meeting other folks is easiest, though it can be done any time. Off-season seems to attract the better-educated, more sophisticated travelers, more fun to meet & talk with.

I know from experience; my first trip was largely solo and on my trips since (I'm starting trip #7 in May), I always take 5-6 days on my own after my travel companions fly back to USA. And every time, I have had enjoyable encounters with friendly and savvy travelers, mainly European.

I'm not African-American but I've seen a number of same on my travels, seemingly having a good time along with everyone else.

I think you'll find a high level of courtesy and friendliness among the Greeks -- they're notable for being welcoming to strangers (in Greek that's known as xenophilia--love of strangers, as opposed to Xenophobia).

I think you'll be seen primarily as an American, that will be the distinction.

As a solo woman traveler, I suggest being open to conversation with others; a likely venue is the cafe setting at sunset.

Have a newspaper to read, but be willing to initiate conversation when u hear English spoken at the next table. Best response when speaking to other women, or mixed groups, or the female in a couple situation.

You'll find many people are very happy to exchange experiences and chat with new acquaintances -- I've often had meals later with same. Another good socializing opportunity is on a day tour on an island--I think of Zas tours on Naxos, for example.

If you give more info about your dates of travel and your lodging budget, it will enable us to give more advice on specifics. Have a great time!

Kennyphilly, my wife and I are a black couple and we've travelled extensively in Europe (20 countries) and never had a single issue with racism.

Note there have been many places we've gone where we've been the only black people, but still no issues.

We haven't been to Greece (yet), but my wife has a (black) female friend who went there, like yourself, solo and had no problems and had a great time.

Relax, Europe is great...enjoy yourself

In Greece we have words here that I find now diffucult to translate exact meaning. It is that what is on the skin is not so important as what is under the skin.

You will be very welcome when you come here.

Please, if you have any questions you need information about Mykonos please ask and I will try and help you.

thanos

Hi Thanos
Christos anesti!
Gaspard

Hi K,

>Will I be the only black african american in greece?

Yes, and everyone will stare at you.










Don't be silly.

Ira, I know you were joking/teasing, but kennyphilly's question was actually very good. Being black and living in America, these are definitely things that you worry about.

You can see my post above for my feelings, but I still do some checking into eastern european countries before travelling there

Thank you Gaspard. Alithinos o Kyrios.

We have had a day of tsougrisma. I do not want to see one more egg.

I hope you have wonderful Eastertime

thanos

To Thanos,

Christ Has Risen. I hope you and your family and all of Mykonos had a wonderful Easter and your little daughter is doing well.

Thanks, kennyphilly, Thanos is a very special young man.

Regards to you all, Joan

Yes Joan, Christ Has Risen and I say to you, Alithos Anesti. You remember so much of your time here.

You are very kind and my face is now red. Just like all eggs today. I am not special, my baby is but not me. Thank you.

I hope you and all of your family had a very, very happy Easter and perhaps you carry out the traditional of fireworks you see when you live on Mykonos?

thanos

Like someone stated before beware of those african men looking for a bride.
I could barley shake one loose when I was in Ireland. He was already packed in his head to come to america with me,oh and we was studying to be a lawyer and ain't he lucky I lived in DC what a plus.
He didn't drink or dance. WTF!?




Let me know how it goes,that's one of my destinations in the next 5 years or so.

PS

I'm also a solo black female traveler.

African men looking for a bride in Greece, a Greek bride to Africa or did they settle in Greece?

In those days in Greece, many, many years ago the brides parents had to provide a house and or money for the couple. The bride was able to keep it in her name. If a man had many, many daughters he was very happy to have someone come from another country who did not have this custom. Yes, they married in Greece and went back to Africa. Everytime my mother-in-law saw me, she'd remind me I'd married a surgeon and what had I brought to the marrage. I still have scars on my tongue from bitting it( not really). I smiled sweetly. What's funny, I was her favorite.

Hi,
Greeks are generally very friendly people. You may well be the only black person in some of the less cosmopolitan islands. You may be an object of curiosity but not in a horrible way. There are some blacks from Africa who sell CDs in beach resorts and they are made very welcome. Greeks are curious, friendly and may ask questions (not just of balck people) that would be offensive elsewhere. I am sure that you will enjoy great hospitality.

Carolina

http://www.islandstrolling.com/english/index.htm

I'm also single and going to greece this summer. Im going 22. june until 19. juli. I desided to stay i Antiparos. Souds like the most frendly place you can be on erth Good luck to you!
SORRY ABOUT MY BAD ENGLISH;-)