10 Tourist Trivia Facts About Greece

We're bringing you a little bit of Greek Tourist Trivia. Maybe you have a trip to Greece in the future, maybe not. Either way, who doesn't love some fun trivia facts?

1. The official language in Greece is modern Greek, but in tourist areas English, French, German and Italian are also spoken.

2. Greece is eight hours ahead of Dallas, TX time.

3. For a stay of more than three months, a resident's permit must be obtained from the Aliens Bureau. Phone +30 (210) 7705 711.

4. Driving in Greece is on the right, and there are many car rental agencies in the various tourist centres. Tourists may use an International Driving Liscence if they wish to drive. Motorcycles are very commonly used in Greece and on the islands, for convenience reasons.

5. Greece uses the metric system, and the visitor from Anglo-Saxon countries which have not yet converted may find the following conversions usefull: 1 inch = approx. 25 mm 1 mile = approx. 1.6 km 77oF = approx. 25oC 1 kg = approx. 2.2 pounds

6. Shops and supermarkets in areas frequented by tourists are usually open all day long, from 9 am to 10 pm. A periptero is a sort of kiosk that sells all kinds of things, ranging from chocolate and chips, to batteries and magazines. These kiosks are very useful, they can be found easily and many are open 24 hours / day.

7. Water in all areas where tourists are likely to find themselves is chlorinated and perfectly safe to drink. Yet bottled water, you will find, is very popular, primarily for convenience reasons.

8. The sun in Greece is very bright and strong. In fact, most TV channels interrupt their regular summer program several times per day to broadcast Sunbathing Report. This report will tell you how long it is advized that you stay in the sun according to the time of day and your geographic location all around Greece.

9. There are no restrictions on amateur fishing, and visitors can even indulge in underwater speargun fishing without a licence, as long as they stay at least 200 meters away from the shore. When spear fishing, it is advised to go in pairs.

10. The drinking age in Greece is 16. The drinking age here at Ziziki's in Dallas and Plano, is 21. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 to 6pm. Come join the fun!

Considering Going GREEK This Fall?

For some people, being part of a fraternity or sorority is a major part of their college identity. Like most things in life, Going Greek can be a mixed bag.

There are several considerations to being involved in Greek life:

1. Cost: This isn't something people give much thought too beforehand, but joining Greek life comes with some built-in expenses. Some costs include a recruitment fee, house fees and dues, a sorority pin, and social functions for both student and family. Many of these are optional, of course, but some are definitely not.

2. Alcohol use: Excessive and underage drinking is a common problem on college campuses in general, but peer pressure to drink can be even higher within the Greek system. This is something that many students deal with when they go to college, and certainly is something worth considering before deciding to join a fraternity or sorority.

3. Limitations: It's easy to let the Greek system become your entire world. Living in a fraternity or sorority gives you a place to belong at college, but it can become limiting as well. Remember to be involved outside of your sorority too.

4. Connections: Greek life is not the only way to meet new people, but it is one of the easiest ways. Being a part of a fraternity or sorority gives you an instant connection with a large group of people, and that network will continue to grow.

5. Events: Being in a sorority or fraternity provides many opportunities to engage in all kinds of events and activities, such as Homecoming Week, themed parties, serenades, philanthropy events, and theatrical productions. If these sound up your alley, definitely consider going Greek. Keep in mind, however, that some of these things can become major time commitments.

6. Belonging: It sounds cheesy, but a sorority or fraternity can become a home away from home, just as a dorm, group of friends, or campus organization can. Especially if moving into the house, my sorority sisters or brothers become the ones with whom you share everything—failed tests, lazy Sundays, new jobs, broken hearts, and game days, to name a few.

Before you go through recruitment, however, consider whether you will be comfortable living in a house with 70 other women or men. It is definitely a new experience, especially if you didn't grow up with siblings.

7. Stereotypes: It is undeniable that there are certain stereotypes associated with Greek life. There are people who will judge you for being in a sorority, or for which house you join. The important thing to remember is that each house has all types of students, so you shouldn't put too much stock in those who make assumptions about fraternity men or sorority women. This is another reason to be involved outside of your sorority. It can be just as rewarding to participate in activities that have to do with your academic focus or other interests.

Ziziki’s would be pleased to have you and your brothers or sisters come to dinner one night to celebrate. Remember - It’s fun to GO GREEK!

Going GREEK At School

Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon…..There has never been a more fitting time for GREEK things, than at the beginning of Greek Rush (also called Greek Week) at Colleges and Universities all across the country.

"Greek life" started the year that the United State declared their independence, 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. While there were Latin "clubs" at the time, Greek fraternities emerged and distinguished themselves as being exclusive from the other clubs on campus by utilizing the Greek alphabet to identify their 'chapters'. Certainly, to this day - there are fraternities and sororities that do not have Greek letter names at all - such as Skull and Bones at Yale, Acacia and Farmhouse.

The emergence of Greek organizations, later known as "fraternities" and "sororities", took hold of college life and began to establish itself on campuses all throughout the country! Now many college students go through “Greek Rush” to become a member of a Sorority or Fraternity and it has become the most exciting part of going to college. Making new friends and attending fun events is what makes Greek life so great – some friends that last a lifetime.

Close to home, the DFW metroplex boasts a university with the 2nd largest Greek student body (by capita) in the country! TCU in Fort Worth, Texas has a campus that nearly 43% of their 8,000 students are involved in some Greek letter organization. With all the “Greek activities” going on including – Toga parties, Greek initiations and partying “Greek style” you could treat your sorority or fraternity new member for some authentic Greek food to celebrate their big moment!

Ziziki’s would be pleased to have you and your brothers or sisters come to dinner one night to celebrate. Ziziki's is known for it's catering, as well as our party rooms to cater your party or large group or private dining. Or - perhaps you're looking for a something a bit different - visit Ziziki's Taverna for our small plate appetizers and huge wine bar. Visit one of our two locations in Dallas for some great Greek cuisine and a great Greek atmosphere! Remember - It’s fun to GO GREEK!