now is the time to support local

Most of us live our lives focusing on convenience or rather what we call "one-stop" everything. Super-markets that offer everything under one roof. Malls that offer shopping, dinning and entertainment.Shops are trying to attract busy customers by supplying or better yet squeezing everything into "one-stop". We hire people to babysit our kids, read and play with our kids, all for the sake of "convenience"

When I first moved to Greece I was unemployed and of course this meant I had  lots of time on my hands. So I watched people, the housewives, the grandparents. and what  I observed was that their day was different from what most of us are used to.

By 8am they are already out the door.First stop the bakery for fresh bread, and no they don't buy bread to put in the freezer for a month, they buy fresh bread every morning. Next step the butcher who every day greets his customers with a huge smile and is more than willing to give cooking tips and advice to his customers.Next stop the local grocer, who always puts extra vegetables in your bag just because he likes you, and  if the bags are heavy offers to have them delivered to your home.Last our favourite deli where my youngest son is always encouraged to help himself to kalamata olives or a slice of his favorite salami.

In one morning they have exchanged conversation and human contact with so many people.They say simple words  like  goodmorning....how are you today.....how are your kids..Of course their is.no pressure at the check-out counter (like the supermarket) because there aren't 10 people behind you in a hurry to go somewhere else.....

That is the key..the somewhere else.  Let's go back to basics, let's talk to people, support your local shop even if you pay just a little extra. Don't forget the small shops can't buy the massive quantities a super market can, we have to support the local economy....and above all you can't put a price on human contact..

Say goodmorning to someone today...get to know your neighbours..stand by each other...!!

- originally posted Oct2010