When Chinese friends who have immigrated to Greece gather back home and talk about their local life, the most frequently used word is "enjoyment." They cannot stop praising the pleasant climate, the breathtaking scenery, and the comfortable, leisurely pace of life. So, is settling in Greece a good idea? Is Greece suitable for Chinese immigrants?
If you have traveled to Greece, you should have some basic understanding and impression of the country. Even the capital, Athens, cannot be compared to even a second-tier city in China. There are very few buildings over six stories high, and skyscrapers are extremely rare. Looking around, you see only low-rise buildings. Many streets are very narrow, cars on the road drive fast, and buildings along the streets are basically covered in graffiti—an aesthetic that is truly hard for some to accept. Even in the so-called affluent areas of Athens, the situation is not necessarily much better because it is simply not very modernized. Furthermore, Greece is a country with little rainfall, and the urban greenery is also quite underwhelming.
However, the environment in Greece is not without its merits. The air quality here is definitely worth a thumbs up; it is very fresh. The seawater is very clean, and it is mostly sunny. However, the ultraviolet rays are very strong, so sunscreen is indispensable when going out. The cities in Greece are just average; the places that are truly breathtaking are on the islands or in the towns, such as Crete and Santorini. These islands are what truly represent the beauty of Greece.
If you experience the streets of Greece at two or three in the afternoon, you will understand the Greek attitude toward life. Many shops on both sides of the street will be closed in the afternoon. It is not the kind of situation where the owner is resting inside while still open for business; they simply close their doors! It is surprising—aren't Greeks known for having low incomes? Why wouldn't they want to make money? Basically, the only shops that remain open are those owned by Chinese people, who have truly brought the industrious spirit of the Chinese people to Greece.
Local Greek women are very gentle and virtuous. However, the local men are a different story; some can be a bit arrogant and lack a strong sense of professionalism. Of course, one cannot generalize; there are many local Greek men who are very handsome, sunny, humorous, and helpful.
A large proportion of local Greeks work in government-related jobs, the so-called civil servants. For Greeks, such a job is ideal: plenty of holidays and few tasks. Although the income is not that high, it is certainly enough for a living. However, it must be noted that the Greek economy is not strong, and it is said that many young people go to other European countries to find work. In addition, a significant proportion of people in Greece are engaged in business, with a very large number of people working in tourism and trade. For some Greeks running small businesses, their approach to making money is quite "Zen"; living comfortably is what matters most.
The cost of living in Greece is truly low, especially for coffee, which is usually 1-1.5 Euros. The taste is, of course, much better than Starbucks; the coffee at any street-side cafe is excellent. That is why Greeks love cafes so much; it feels like many people really just sit there for an entire afternoon with a cup of coffee, lost in thought.