Anything you need?

LIVING in Greece over the last couple of years has certainly changed. We live in a traditional village where the traditions are still maintained, however things always change.

  When we first arrived it was usual to see a  van stop and sell fresh fish every day. Nowadays because of the financial situation we have two or even three come around. Then it was not unusual to find another van packed with household items of pots and pans. These days it's a bigger van, and it really is like stepping into a mobile shop.

  What has really changed are the continual flow of individuals who come around with a couple of carrier bags, from which they will pull perhaps socks or paper tissues, or even cans of fruit from a supermarket, but for a few cents more of course.. Another comes around with DVD's and CD disks, and of course there are the vans with local cheeses always happy for you to have a taste. Now we have people who walk aroiund with a young child in tow, visiting every shop or taverna for a hand-out, usually money or even they will be given bread or cakes.

  In the bigger towns and city of Heraklion almost every main junction there will be people to wash the windscreen or they come of the window with plastic cup in hand for change. Even at the supermarkets, they will be there, clutching a child or offering to take the trolley back for you, claiming the money for saving you the trouble!