Greece: Rachel Jones (Food in Thessaloniki)

Over my six-week stay in Thessaloniki, Greece I learned a lot about Greek culture and cuisine. One example is the difference of structures in meals. In America, we tend to eat dinner between 5 and 7pm, but in Greece dinner is often after 9pm. Additionally, Greeks have a collectivistic culture while Americans think individualistically. This comes into play during meals. I learned dinner is a time to socialize while in America the main focus of dinner is to fuel your body. Greeks oftentimes spend multiple hours conversing over dinner rather than getting the bill as soon as their plate is cleared. Furthermore, Greeks usually don’t split the bill, but take turns paying for outings. This was a very new thing to experience and sometimes a struggle to navigate when our group was large.

Additionally, Greeks tend to have their meals “family style” which means all food is fair game. I was pleasantly surprised at my first dinner when they brought out a plethora of options to try instead of everyone ordering their own dish. This is a Greek custom I really enjoyed while I was here as it allowed the freedom to try new things without having to risk getting stuck with food you don’t like. Family style dinners is something I would propose Americans add to their list. Besides the structure of meals, the food itself was different. The Mediterranean diet is based on fresh food often consisting of fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat and lots of olive oil and feta. The Greeks REALLY love their feta and olive oil, you will see it on everything. It was refreshing to have meals filled with fresh foods. Overall, I enjoyed trying new foods and partaking in the traditional Greek dinner customs while I was abroad.

 

Rachel Jones

Hometown: La Crosse, Wisconsin

Major: Genetics and Genomics, Psychology

Program: Perrotis College

A professional/academic goal I have for this program is to narrow down my career field interests. This program will give me the opportunity to explore research techniques and fields I have not yet been exposed to. I hope to gain Greek Culture experience and learn about Greek history. I am most looking forward to learning more about greek cuisine… and eating it of course!