Why We Left America to Live in Greece | Our Journey to a Better Life

[@johnthegreek5836]

My father was born in Greece and my mother’s parents were from Greece! I’ve been to Greece as a young kid twice and 3 times as an adult, I miss coming to Greece

[@becoming_greek]

Hopefully you can make it back. What part of Greece are they from?

[@NikosWings]

After living for 35 years in America I have managed to be lucky to be able to live 5 months out of the year in Greece. For me America is a thing of the past. It was good for what it was but there’s no future for me in America. Greece is an absolute gem, yes with some difficulties but man do you live life! In America we don’t live, we just survive, with money or without, we just survive. Everything comes natural in Greece, friendships are easy, connections are easy, people share and tell you their problems and joys, they love to share and are genuinely interested in you and your life. In a couple of years I’m selling everything in the US and my full time life in Greece will become a reality.

[@becoming_greek]

I totally agree with you

[@angelatheologis5963]

Good for you. My husband wants to do the same thing, cause Australia is going downhill fast. Our parents also left for a better life. Mine were from Volos, Greece, which is an absolutely beautiful coastal city. My husbands from Belgrade Serbia. I wish i had your confidence. He's ready, but i just can't leave the country i was born in. Thanks for sharing with us. Really enjoyed watching 😊

[@spyrosl9566]

Well if he had the same mindset as you, you would not have a husband now...

[@becoming_greek]

It’s not easy and I understand. Greece is beautiful but not without its struggles. We’ve heard great things about Volos, while we haven’t been we have visited the beautiful, neighboring Sporades islands. The first episode we actually made was in Skopelos which we adore. There is never a perfect time to go so if it’s something you want you just have to go for it, if not though that’s understandable, it takes a lot to do. It’s a big decision so we started with the decision to move for a year and we are still going almost 18 months later

[@angelatheologis5963]

@becoming_greek thanks for that. I will go over to our main channel @Kevin and Ange and stay connected. Look forward to watching more of your videos soon 😀 😊. Have a great weekend 😀

[@angelatheologis5963]

@spyrosl9566 not sure what you mean by that.

[@kevinandange]

Hello again. This is Ange. I've subscribed to your channel from ours and look forward to staying connected. Have a great weekend oh and I agree skopelo is beautiful. Next time visit Mt. Pelion its beautiful up there especially in winter. Cheers 😊

[@georgiosgusos9919]

...good luck guys....i m on my way coming back to kalamata...by next may.... after 37 yrs ...!!!

[@becoming_greek]

Thank you and good luck to you!

[@becoming_greek]

Also, Katina’s family is from close by, in Koroni. We have an episode there 😀

[@annavretou8721]

Χρόνια πολλά και καλά για την ονομαστική σου γιορτή, Κατίνα 🎉

[@becoming_greek]

Ευχαριστώ πολύ! 🇬🇷

[@Luvmykindle]

The quality of life in the U.S. is terrible. I’m also tired of the constant drama here. Lucky you live in Greece! 🇬🇷💙

[@becoming_greek]

Understand too well.

[@madman1761]

you have no idea how is the quality of life in greece. whch is one of the worst in europe

[@Luvmykindle]

@@madman1761 I hope it gets better for you. 🙏

[@warpspeed9877]

Leave Athens then.​@@madman1761

[@NikosParasxos]

​@@madman1761αν έχεις οικονομική δυνατότητα, δεν έχεις πρόβλημα, απίθανος καιρός, καλό φαγητό, ήλιος 12 μήνες τ χρόνο, καλοί άνθρωποι!!!!!

[@vassilisvouris6269]

Χρόνια πολλά Κατίνα!

[@TheHappyHoopDancer]

Ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ🥰

[@becoming_greek]

😀🇬🇷

[@Theo-yf1pj]

Well done, congratulations. Against all the missery / complaining of all the greeks of the diaspora. You made it, welcome home!

[@becoming_greek]

Thank you! So glad we have made it!

[@salgab]

How fitting to report on how serene, calm and peaceful greek life is from a place called ''galili'' Have you made this video there knowing the meaning or is it just a coincidence? NICE VIDEO....greetings

[@becoming_greek]

Thank you for noticing and we appreciate the kind words 😀🇬🇷 it’s always nice to have substance behind content that often goes unnoticed

[@George-ri6vg]

I grew up in Naxos, but I have been living in America since 2005. very nice channel. Best of luck to your new life in Greece and your new adventures!!!

[@becoming_greek]

Thank you! Naxos is a nice island

[@Naturesound__]

Καλωσήρθατε ❤

[@becoming_greek]

Ευχαριστούμε πολύ

[@annavretou8721]

Καλησπέρα.. σήμερα σας ανακάλυψα ....❤

[@becoming_greek]

Μπράβο. Σας ευχαριστούμε που μας παρακολουθήσατε

[@BBQChefRohan]

Nice honest video. I'm 30 minutes away from Agia Galini. Would have liked to meet.

[@becoming_greek]

I think we can probably work something out in December/ January! Also, we are going to do some things around Crete and food, maybe we can talk about doing something togetehr

[@BBQChefRohan]

@@becoming_greek yes! Let's do that!

[@orthopaedicsurgeongr]

Great video! A Greek in the US…

[@becoming_greek]

Thank you! Roles reversed

[@fishingwithfilitsa]

'Very beautiful👍👍

[@becoming_greek]

Thank you!

[@ErisstheGoddessofmanhwas]

Omg what a beautiful place .❤❤❤❤❤😍😍😍😍😋

[@becoming_greek]

🇬🇷yes it is 😀

[@RyanTaylorDrum]

Im thinking of making this move as well. A few questions, do you work remotely, did you switch citizenship, how much $$ did you need to have to (example) to prove you can sustain yourself? Thank you!

[@εγεω]

I would like to learn more about what you mean about the health care aspect of your stay in Greece? You visit like hospitals?

[@becoming_greek]

So we have yet to visit hospitals but we have visited a couple of specialists and Katina has gotten medication that was under prescription in the US but wasn’t required in Greece

[@ttfri2010]

Where are you at?? Coming over there soon🎉

[@becoming_greek]

Nice! Close to Chania

[@MrKozanitis]

And let’s not forget the climate! The sun, the light, the clarity of the atmosphere (ok, except in the four of five largest cities, which even there is not as bad as in other European cities!) and the life style is…healing. Greeks don’t use as much psychologists/psychiatrists or therapists…and you know why! Because you have friends that you get together almost daily and usually al fresco, since the climate is so forgiving, and that in itself is a…therapy session! You talk in a relaxed environment and manner, over food, or drinks (wines and ouzo/tsipouro/tsikoudia are great helpers!) and, yes, …the siesta are terrific stress eliminators. I concede, more so in the country-side than in the big cities, where life gets more complicated and stressful also due to traffic congestions, distances from work and house, hectic rules etc Also, the Greek bureaucracy can and does drive you crazy…but given the benefits of living in Greece, it is manageable! FYI, I spend six months in Greece and six in the States…and I consider myself very lucky: May-October in Greece, November-April in the States.

[@becoming_greek]

The climate is magical. Another interesting thing we learned is that high phenolic olive oil (basically in the early harvest artisanal oils) also is a natural stress reducer. With the amount of olive oil Greeks consume this is magic. What part of Greece are you in for those months?

[@MrKozanitis]

@becoming_greek: You are absolutely correct re. the olive oil! I have a home in Thessaloniki and another one in Athens; however I rarely go to Athens as I find it too chaotic. Thessaloniki is my birthplace where I feel at home as most of my childhood friends are here, in Kozani and Kastoria. I have brought from the States my beloved Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 and I travel all over the mainland as well as island hopping enjoying every opportunity I get to indulge in my favorite hobby: off-roading! Life is grand indeed. :-)

[@becoming_greek]

That’s amazing! Katina is also a jeep person. We still have to make it to Thessaloniki, hopefully soon

[@MrKozanitis]

@ if you guys happen to come between Early May and mid-October, hit me up. I’ll be very happy to get to know you and show you around. Conversely, we plan on off-roading in Crete this summer, in which case, if you are amenable, Katerina and I would love to meet you and swap stories about Greece and/vs USA.

[@becoming_greek]

Let us know when you come!

[@sammyvandenburg]

How long did it take to get used to the heat?

[@becoming_greek]

Not long at all really as where we are from in America it’s hot and humid. The bigger difference is that you do spend more time outside in Greece

[@Panis.1]

Aus eigener Erfahrung, In zwei Wochen hat sich der Körper gewöhnt und man fühlt sich ganz wohl ohne zu schwitzen. 😢

[@Laconic-Spartan-GR]

Since you've chosen a small, tight, but open Greek community, my advice, do not choose isolation. In said Greek communities, you'll receive more than you give back. Keep in mind, no matter wherever you'll be in Greece, you and others fellow Europeans or our friends over the Atlantic will be more than welcome. We face serious birth-rates issue. At this moment, Greece is only 1,32 when you need over 2 for replacement measures. Please, do not misunderstand my words. We don't need you to start giving us small Greek babies, but it just helps as a side-effect. When you'll have the time and opportunity to visit other islands and especially the mainland, you'll discover in what a paradise you've chosen to live and the reason we Greeks are "localists" to the extreme. Sometimes, when we travel even in other fellow European countries, we get homesickness, just to imagine. We love our country, we respect our history and our national emblems. Other than these 3, you're more than free to do whatever you like! Greece is a country of many antithesis. I could explain, but it would take too long. Better find out on your own. More fun. I wish you'll live your myth in Greece! Something last, in case anyone knows a couple of things about the extremely long history of Greece, I hope he/she will excuse us we despise anything related to Islam. Especially the woman which is Greek-American. Be Atheists, Agnostics, Christians or whatever, just don't bring on the table Islam. We're sorry, but truth to be told. Well you don't seem Muslims, so, all good! Mingle with our people and cuisine which is unparalleled and learn our modern, slang motto, «Σιγά-Σιγά» (Siga-Siga = Slowly-Slowly), which means, "Take it slowly, do not rush, don't be anxious". Thank you for your consideration and understanding.

[@becoming_greek]

Thank you for the kind welcome. We love exploring the country (both islands and the mainland), if you haven’t seen that’s part of the main point of why we started this channel. We have a playlist called Becoming Greek Episodes where we try to explore the beauty, history and culture of different areas of Greece. We have met many atheists as well as obviously Orthodox Christians (Katina is Greek Orthodox and I was raised Protestant).

[@takismaratzas9937]

Good start guys! Welcome to Greece 🇬🇷! The farthest from the extreme US capitalism you are, the better! In a while in the US will pay even for breathing! Although, in Greece unfortunately we are heading to the same situation similar to US years ago. In Greece you can have very nice life, outdoors, good food, summer ☀️ 7 months etc. In Athens and Thessaloniki is crap unless you are 18 to 25. 3 advices: 1. Keep on foot to the US (a job there, or something to get even the slightest income 2. Get a private health insurance, both of you (they destroy the last stand of what had been left from the public health services 3. When you are about to buy a land or a house, just ask around to trace the owner yourself instead of agents (even better use a trusted greek front man to buy it....😉) All the best guys!!!

[@becoming_greek]

Thank you! All solid advice! We are doing #1, have been considering #2 pretty seriously and #3 hopefully we’ll be able to do in the next couple of years, after Katina gets citizenship. It probably doesn’t make sense until then

[@takismaratzas9937]

@becoming_greek great guys! I wish you all the best! If you need anything, let me know. There are many people who would help you, just give time to see intentions l and avoid the bad ones. There are many truly honest and good people who would be happy to just help you. Enjoy your new beginning ✨️

[@becoming_greek]

Thank you so much! You are right, so many people genuinely offer to help. It’s such an amazing thing about Greece, the Φιλοξενία. I don’t know if we’d feel as welcome relocating if it weren’t for the kindness of the Greek strangers. This is also I think contagious to the other people who have relocated to the country and is a great way of life. Of course there are exceptions but we try to surround ourselves with the good people. What part of Greece are you from?

[@takismaratzas9937]

@becoming_greek Athens, but I don't like it anymore. The life on the islands or i the countryside in the mainland is far better than in Athens

[@becoming_greek]

@ I agree. I like some things in Athens but there’s a lot of stress living in a big city

[@tedn6855]

What part of the usa did you leave? I would imagine that plays a part. I am making the move to greece but from canada. For us obviously weather is a factor. For the usa that would be a lesser concern I suppose.

[@becoming_greek]

We lived in Atlanta. The weather is pretty amazing in Greece we think but it’s definitely outdoors with a lot of sun exposure (I’m assuming that’s your concern) and winters can have quite windy days.

[@tedn6855]

I spent a winter in greece. It was a colder than usual. Overall it was fine outdoors. Indoors it was worse than canada. So when we move we will make sure we get a place with good insulation. Atlanta for weather sounds good compared to canada. The other benefits wee are going for are non weather relates like lifestyle and culture.

[@Eliasgreek-y5k]

🇬🇷🇪🇺👋 Welcome

[@becoming_greek]

Thank you! 🇬🇷

[@patrikpridalko7746]

Could you recommend a property agent to get some insights on housing?

[@becoming_greek]

To be honest we haven’t used one, there’s quite a few and they are quite expensive and don’t do a lot other than list properties from what I hear. I don’t want to give too much advice here though because we don’t have first hand experience

[@cookiecutterslab]

KALIMERA From Rethymno !

[@becoming_greek]

Καλημέρα

[@cookiecutterslab]

@@becoming_greek

[@nereussatyros3461]

Nice video

[@becoming_greek]

Thank you

[@wuerzelburg]

How do you make your living in Greece?. Have you started a business registered in Greece? Because doing business is not the easiest thing. High taxes, bureaucracy etc

[@becoming_greek]

I have a small S-Corp in the states. I’ve heard the difficulties of starting one in Greece 😬

[@wuerzelburg]

@becoming_greek Thank you for answering. It not super difficult, be t not as easy as in the us i suppose.

[@madman1761]

you should stay there in the unted states. for many reasons.

[@becoming_greek]

That’s obviously an opinion. To each their own and everyone must do the best they can for themselves as long as they don’t harm others in the process

[@ofoufoutos7110]

the background music is rather high in volume

[@becoming_greek]

Ok

[@polha4966]

butyou havent visited the mainland

[@becoming_greek]

We have spent quite a bit of time in Messenia and Athens. We have also traveled to Meteora, Ionnina, Parga, etc. We still need to go to Thessaloniki.

[@spv3782]

Administration wise USA is the kind of state they want to make Greece, I mean pure ruthless capitalism. Well we struggle somehow not to get there but who knows what the future wll bring. In Greece also the Greeks themselves MUST realise that they MUST leave the 2 biggest cities Athens and Thessaloniki and go to live at smaller places even at the mainland or Islands. This it will change the face of the country on many aspects.

[@becoming_greek]

Yes, I’ve heard.. it’s a looong way to go before it gets that way and I think a big mistake. Even so it’ll take many years to become as bad as it is in America

[@despinadespina4552]

🇬🇷 WELLCOME TO GREECE🇬🇷 YOU DONE WELL👍🇬🇷👍, TO GO and live in Greece🇬🇷Your parents ARE GREEKS, 🇬🇷 YOU ARE GREEKS🇬🇷👍 HAVE A GREAT TIME IN GREECE🇬🇷👍🎉🎶HEALTHY LIFE🎉🇬🇷👍🎉🎶🌻🦚🌺🕊️🎈 THERE are also MANY PEOPLE, from other COUNTRIES, who live in GREECE, for the GOOD WEATHER. WITHOUT having, any Greek blood connection. 🇬🇷🐦🌺🎈🕊️🦚🌻🎶 EVERYBODY IS FREE TO LIVE, ANY WHERE THEY LIKE🌻🦚🌺🐦🥰🇬🇷🎉🇬🇷🎉🇬🇷🎉👍🇬🇷👍🇬🇷👍

[@becoming_greek]

Thank you for the kind words 😀

[@KristinRyans]

Reth? I believe was you name? Sorry if I got it wrong, but YOU might be greek or half greek or turkish too! You look like something in between and deffinetly have some middle-eastern / turkish features. And you could pass as greek too 🥰 You should do a DNA test.

[@TheHappyHoopDancer]

Rett is always being called out as the Greek and when I tell them that I’m the Greek one I hear “are you sure?!” 😆🫠

[@becoming_greek]

LOL I hear it a lot. I think it’s because I do have some Native American blood mixed with European, which I think is why. I should do a test though, you never know. My name is Rett, but it’s ok, I know it’s so uncommon in Greece and confuses people. I’ve considered using a Greek Alias but I also don’t want to give up my name 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@despinadespina4552]

They look VERY GREEK, TO ME👍🇬🇷

[@peteratt1739]

Hi 👋

[@becoming_greek]

👋

[@antoniosdimoulas3566]

People in America work hard just to pay their rent or mortgage, and to drive an expensive car and pay property taxes, and debt cards, and God bless America. 🙄

[@becoming_greek]

Yep..

[@despinadespina4552]

Rett +KATINA 🇬🇷 = ΡΕΤ+ΚΑΤΙΝΑ🇬🇷 KATINA, yesterday 25 NOVEMBER, was your name DAY. IT WAS the DAY, that our faith CELEBRATES SAINT KATERINA or AIKATERINH 🇬🇷 = TΗΣ ΑΓΙΑΣ ΑΙΚΑΤΕΡΗΝΗΣ. 🇬🇷👍🎉🥰🐦🌺🦚🌻🎶🕊️🎈🌸💐 WELLCOME to 🇬🇷 GREECE, and have a VERY HAPPY, and Beautiful Peacefull Healthy LIFE, in GREECE 👍🎉👍🎉👍🎉💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@becoming_greek]

Thank you for the name day wishes and for welcoming us! Katina is Greek Orthodox so she has celebrated her name day her whole life but it’s nice to do it now in a place where it is recognized by everyone 😀Where are you from?

[@despinadespina4552]

@becoming_greek MY home city, is 1 hour, OUTSIDE ATHENS, north. I am EX-PAT, in UK. When the time, is right I will make a move😊🥰🌺🌳🌼🌻🌷☀️🥰 ENJOY LIFE+THE SEA SIDE, there👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Ποτχε-ν7ζ]

5:00 minutes in america everything is for sale even your health,all out capitalism

[@becoming_greek]

True

[@geogeo2299]

2:09 LoL

[@becoming_greek]

I don’t think I’ll ever find a good balance but I can dream

[@geogeo2299]

@@becoming_greek it was abt the scooter in the back 😁

[@lolottedon]

ΑΡΧΙΣΤΕ ΝΑ ΜΑΘΑΙΝΕΤΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ.

[@becoming_greek]

Κάνουμε μαθήματα εδώ και κάνα δυο χρόνια. χρειάζεται χρόνο. ούτε τα παιδιά δεν μιλούν τόσο γρήγορα

[@lolottedon]

@@becoming_greek ΜΠΡΑΒΟ ΣΑΣ ΚΙ ΕΛΠΙΖΩ ΝΑ ΤΑ ΜΙΛΑΤΕ ΣΑΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ ΠΟΛΥ ΓΡΗΓΟΡΑ! ΚΑΛΗ ΥΠΟΜΟΝΗ

[@theatisgr]

What nobody has probably told you is that the name "Katina" has negative connotations in Greek: it is used to describe a woman of low education level who is into gossiping and likes to badmouth other people. That's why women prefer to be called "Katerina" (Cathreen), rather than Katina. 😃

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

did not know that.

[@becoming_greek]

Oh we hear it all the time… but it’s her given name. It was her Yiayia’s name.