Don’t speak Greek? No need to freak. Getting by in Greece is no problem for non-native speakers: roughly half the population speaks English, and anyone under about 45 years of age should be conversational (as English education became standard for school-aged children back in the ’80s). That said, it’s always wise, culturally and respectful — not to mention super fun — to learn a handful of useful phrases (such as those broken down into travel-appropriate categories below) before you go, to better immerse yourself in the language and culture when you travel to Greece. Make new friends There's a variety of ways to greet friends and strangers in Greece, some more casual than others. Here's a good start: Giásas / Giásou / Geia “Hello/Goodbye/Hi” Yah! / Yah-soos! “Hi! / Hi y’all!" Hárika polí “Nice to meet you” Na se kala “Be well” Kaliméra / Kalispéra / Kaliníhta “Good morning”/“Good afternoon/evening”/“Goodnight” Milás angliká? “Do you speak English?” Support local businesses Whether a souviner, a Greek coffee, or booking a local tour, sometimes you just need to know: Póso kostízei aftó? Póso? “How much does this cost? How much?” Ena kafe, parakalo “One coffee, please” Use good manners Parakalo can mean many things, such as please, and ‘you’re welcome’ — when in doubt, it's good for tagging on to any kind of request. Parakaló “Please/you’re welcome/okay” Sas efcharistó (para poli) “Thank you (very much)” Sygnómi...Me synchoreís “Pardon me...Excuse me” Nai, parakaló “Yes, please” Óchi, efcharistó “No, thank you” *[IMPORTANT! Note that “yes” (neh, or nai) and “no” (ohi or ochi, which can sound a bit like ‘okie’) are super easy to mix up!] * Navigate around Traffic signs, signposts, maps, and navigational tools are almost always in both Greek and English, so getting around shouldn’t be completely foreign. However, it never hurts to be able to say: Pós boró na vro… “Excuse me, how do I get to…?” Pou eínai to bánio? “Where’s the bathroom?” Pou eínai to...? “Where is the…?” Aristera “Left” Dexia “Right” Mesa
“Inside” Exo “Outside” Vóreios “North” Nótos “South” Anatolí “East” Dytiká “West” The Greeks are infinitely proud of their culture and appreciate it when visitors make an effort to learn their language. So by memorizing a few key pleasantries, you’ll be nurturing goodwill between cultures, improving your travel experience — and best of all, keeping a little Greek in your heart when you leave. Until then: Antio sas! “Good-bye!"
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St. Petersburg is Russia’s second largest city and former capital. Filled with striking architecture thanks to Peter the Great, the city is a center of culture and elegance. Boasting some of the world’s best ballet and art, St. Petersburg thrills with its formidable beauty and irresistible command of the fine arts. What to Know This maritime city was founded in 1703 and is now home to over five million inhabitants. Considered Russia’s most romantic city, St. Petersburg is filled with canals, palaces, and a robust historical heritage. The city has 800 bridges, 218 of which are for pedestrians. In addition to the landmarks, views, and thriving arts culture in the city, you can also expect Russia’s best bars, free karaoke, and specialty cocktails. When to Go Winter in Russia is notorious for being brutal, with February often being the coldest month of the year. Summers, however, are sunny and mild, making June to September the best months for travel. If you go between late June and early July, you can enjoy the White Nights festival, an international arts festival which includes ballet, opera, and music events. How to Get Around Public Transport The city of St. Petersburg has an expansive public transport system which is efficient, reliable, and cheap. Every day of the week, the public transport systems run between 6am and midnight. You can opt to use the Metro or hop on a bus, trolleybus, or tram. Taking the Metro is the preference for most who travel through the city. Taxi Taxis are available in St. Petersburg, however traffic in the city is infamously heavy. Drivers are generally advised to add about half an hour to their drive time if they are on the road in the evening. Unless you have lots of time on your hands and cannot use public transit, it is not advisable to try to take a taxi. Water Taxis One option which is only available during the summer, water taxis will transport you over St. Petersburg’s rivers and canals. These boats travel along a fixed route and stick to specific timetables, so planning ahead is mandatory. Most locals don’t use water taxis as regular public transit, however visitors may find the line useful. Cycling Advanced bikers may enjoy making their way around the compact city by bike. St. Petersburg is relatively flat, however the roads can be rough. Though more people are starting to opt for bicycles to get around, the city is still not bike friendly and drivers tend to dominate the roads. Where to Eat Not only is St. Petersburg one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, it is also a top culinary destination! In the city, you can find European, Georgian, and Cuban-themed restaurants, among other tempting offerings. If you’re not sure where to find good eats in the city, try one of these great places to grab a bite! Baklazhan Ligovsky Ave, 30 А, Sankt-Peterburg Phone: +7 812 640-16-16 Fyodor Dostoevsky Vladimirskiy Prospekt, 9, Sankt-Peterburg Phone: +7 812 334-22-44 Palkin Nevsky avenue, 47, Sankt-Peterburg Phone: +7 812 502-22-00 Café Abat-jour 9-Ya Liniya B.o., 30, Sankt-Peterburg Phone: +7 812 409-00-39 Stroganoff Steak House Konnogvardeyskiy Bul'var, 4, Sankt-Peterburg Phone: +7 812 314-55-14 What to See Winter Palace The official residence of the Russian monarchs from 1732 to 1917, the Winter Palace is St. Petersburg’s most famous building. The monumental palace is now part of the Hermitage art museum. A stunning example of merging architecture and decorative plastic art, the gorgeous palace is a must-see for all visitors. Alexander Garden Located along the south and west facades of the Russian Admiralty, this monument-filled garden was a popular place for aristocrats to visit. Designed as part of the 200th anniversary of Peter the Great’s birth, the garden was opened in 1874. It is still a very popular place to visit, especially in the summer. Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul This is a Russian Orthodox cathedral located inside the Peter and Paul Fortress in the city. St. Petersburg’s oldest landmark, the cathedral boasts the world’s tallest Orthodox bell tower. Though officially designated a museum in 1924, religious services resumed in 2000. The cathedral holds the remains of almost all the Russian emperors and empresses from Peter the Great to Nicholas II. Tips and Tricks
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Peterhof Peterhof was called a “window into Europe” after its inception in the 1700s. Located on the Gulf of Finland, Peterhof was established as a stop for ships traveling to and from the Kronstadt fortress. Now, you can visit and stroll its majestic fountain park and enjoy the gardens. Pavlovsk An old imperial residence, Pavlovsk gets its name from the emperor Paul I who received the property as a gift from his mother, Catherine the Great. The park is immaculately kept, but the crowning jewel of the area is the Great Palace. There, you can explore the beautifully designed interiors and a small collection of old-world masterpieces during your visit. Shlisselburg The town of Slisselburg was built around a 14th-century fortress which, though made of wood, still remains mostly in tact today. The fortress first served as a defense base, was captured by the Swedes, and was later taken back by Peter the Great. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shlisselburg is a popular destination for day trips from St. Petersburg. |
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