Make you move in the off season
Whether or not on a trial basis, temporarily or with the thought of making a Greek Island your new home...consider the advantages of a Greek Island in the off season for a short term sojourn to regroup, finish a project or to begin your recon for a long term stay or relocation. Experience the ambience or your chosen destination outside the hot tourist season and be able to sight see in comfort. Best of all you will be able to negotiate a good off season rate for short term accommodation and be able to have a better selection of housing for a long term stay.

The advantages of an island
There are two overwhelming factors that make life on a Greek island (and particularly Aegina) seductive: virtually no crime and an abundance of gorgeous fresh produce-- and seafood caught in sparkly clean waters. Another great advantage to island life is that everyone knows everyone and just by being brave and talking to people you will be lead to whomever or whatever you need.

Relocated couples
By contacting the web host of aeginagreece.com--a site found by a blind "Google" while doing my initial seraches for information before Ieft I "met" Lizzy Koster, a successful web designer from Holland. Lizzy's aeginagreece.com site was a labour of love... Lizzy is able to operate her successful website design business from Aegina with the bulk of her clients in Holland! A good example of how telecommuting can allow one to live one's dream. Erik Rooze, her partner, is an experienced builder, engineer and project devloper with years of experience abroad (including helping to rebuild East Berlin after the wall fell) who now operates a full service design, building, maintenance and resource service called Medi Terra. His website has invaluable information outlined for those wishing to build in Greece and on Aegina in particular. http://www.medi-terra.com

Through Lizzy I was lead to the wonderful Ian and Emma Cooper of Aegina Property Services. The Coopers rented me their immaculate fully equipped Aegina Town house at an incredible off season rate and helped me with first class service, generosity and thoughtfulness. The Coopers are both from England and Ian brings his years of experience as a chartered civil engineer and general manager to running their property management and property development service. Currently they are building houses in Marathona Beach. www.saronicfinehouses.com

Between the Coopers and the Rooze-Kosters several languages are spoken. All of them have a good working knowledge of Greek and the byzantine ways of Greek administration. If you are thinking about renting, building, need a reliable service resource for your property and home or a guiding hand and a cup of tea--contact them.

These two couples represent relocation/emigration success stories. They are people who have succeeded in their home countries and have now come to Aegina bringing their various talents and skills to bear on the demands and needs of others seeking to build a new life in Greece. Without their help and generosity I would not have been able to make the leap from California to Aegina--nor from Aegina to Holland.

Day trippers island
However, the island does attract day trippers, particlularly the Japanese, who come to see the most beautiful and extant temple in Greece: The Temple of Afaia--and to eat at the mad funky fantastic Agora fish taverna. Or, just to eat. The choices of a waterfront taverna either in Aegina Town, Perdika or Aghia Marina--mind boggling and mouthwatering.

Aegina attitude
Despite a fair amount of day tripping tourists there is an inexplicable shall we say... 'je ne sais quois' about the Aegina natives' attitude to non Greeks or maybe its to everyone. The "agents" (euphemism for the reality) who dispense information and tickets from the bus station represent the nadir or dark side of the Aegina temperment. These fellows seem to be living out a purgatorial sentence such as was described in Sartre's No Exit. A bare kiosk with chairs, some cash, bus tickets and little to do except smoke and consult with one another. Any disruption to this routine, such as a request for service, is met with annoyance and contempt. To mollify my easily aroused homocidal tendencies I amused myself by imagining them to be waiting not for "Godot", (whose dereliction of duty would leave anyone irritable) but for an appearance by John Cleese.

What I call the 'Greek shrug', a perplexingly rude response, (this is when a simple polite question will be asked and you can be either completely ignored or met with a twitch of the shoulders and a tilt upwards of the chin which telegraphs: I dont give a toss and if I did what would you expect me to do about i. And particular hazard to be found when dealing with OTE; yet the Post Office and library staffs were wonderful. ) can be explained by a cultural quirk that is amplified upon in Exploring the Greek Moasaic - A guide to Intercultural Communication in Greece by Benjamin J. Broome. (see recommended reading list) The effects of other behavioral anomalies that might put off the sensitive newcomer are also explained.

Touching kindnesses
The other side of this is that one will encounter extraordinary and touching kindnesses, generosity and the luxury of trustworthyness that does not exist outside the hothouse environment of a small island community. "Small is" demonstrated to be "Beautiful".

Close to Athens
The advantage of Aegina is its proximity to Athens and the ability to use your home base as a jumping off point to make day trips to the rest of the famous Saronic Island group: Spetses, Poros and posh Hydra. Plus, the beautiful little island of Agistri with its gorgeous beaches are just a 10 minute boat ride away! The Peloponnese is so close you can reach out and grab it.

Lively all year round
And Aegina Town is buzzy and all is open year round. You can have your quiet, solitude and views by choosing to rent or buy a house outside of town.

Wildflowers
Wildflowers are an annual perk to life on Aegina. The island is verdant and in the spring the profusion of particularly the golden daisy like blossom wildflowers is ravishing. Clumps of wild lavender decorate the heath like hillside between Aegina Town and Perdika punctuated with a variety of delicate blue and purple blossoms, Scotch Broom, poppies, hollyhocks and most everywhere else especially amongst the fig and pistachio groves a blanket of a gold daisy like flower takes over. 'O ray ah'. That is your first Greek word. It means 'lovely'.

Plants
The Greeks love their potted plants and flowers. There seems to be little landscaping per se, but no respectible terrace or balcony is seen unadorned and shopping for and choosing the terra cotta pottery and planters--a specialty of Aegina (and a far cry from the boring and commonly found Italian terra cotta garden pots one is used to) to adorn 'your' terrace along with buying flowers and plants will be one of the pleasures of setting up your new digs.. There are many wonderful plant and flower shops all over the island. Pink and red geraniums are of course as de rigeur as the bright blue trim and shutters.

Geranium care tip: I knew nothing, but was given as a house warming gift a lovely terra cotta urn with stunning pink buds. Often geranium plants looked derelict to me and I was ambivalent towards them. But because I loved the pot and pink blooms and the way it set off the old wooden carved table on the terrace I was determined to keep it looking fresh. I discovered just careful watering almost everyday and pinching off dead leaves and tired blossoms kept the plant going and looking gorgeous.

And... you will never want for a lemon. If somehow your property is missing a lemon, (fig or olive) tree just stroll innocently along your residential lane and reach up..(figs seem to start budding by mid April).

Pistachios!
Aegina is the growing capital in Greece. Delicious. Loads of little gift boutiques specialise in their various delectible forms.

Architecture
The architecture of Aegina Town is neo classical and charming and the narrow lanes and passages are fulll of tiny well done shops that just by their human scale and use of space are fun to go into. The daily shopping for food a pleasure as is having to go purchase anything. The horror of the strip mall, giant corporate chain monster with parking lots the size of football fields will be forever deleted from consciousness.

Eating in Greece and particularly on AEGINA!
There is one element of life in Greece that reduces the usual differences and inconveniences of living in another culture and away from the small benefits of a consumer oriented society (which i suggest one take advantage of before pulling up stakes) to mere adjustments and trifles--and that is the advantage of having good healthy food always at hand. Especially on Aegina! Aegina sits in the middle of Greece's richest fishing ground. Often you can be served fresh grilled kalamari, octopus or fish brought in from a boat literally metres from your table and caught in sparkling clean waters perhaps less than a mile from where you are sitting. And then there is the produce...it is everywhere. Quite possibly in your yard or up the hillside. A greek delicacy is the tough weed called "chorta". (Also a generic term for a variety of greens but in particular the wild weed) It is picked wild all over Greece, particularly in Crete. Every few meters in Aegina Town is a shop with produce sppilling out in front and on certain days as you come into the town the farmers are there with their trucks of gorgeous product. And it is quite likely you will have the luxury of a farmers truck come down the street near to where you live.

You will never taste sweet red peppers that are better; the cucumbers taste good as do the carrots and the variety of greens not normally seen in the rest of European supermarkets or in America demands you get your healthy ration of them. The eggs are often fresh and not commerical, too. The olive oil seems to taste better and the strawberries are cheap and taste divine.

Then there is the bread. Hearty, like steak, and healthy. The bakeries are wonderful. A gorgeous round of bread only 60 cents. Even the inexpensive wine sold in cartons tastes good.

Eating is the epicentre of Greek life. A taverna is ALWAYS open even in the dead of winter. The closest you find to fast food here is one of a couple of souvlaki joints. Even there you can order a fresh Greek salad.

Bring your recipe books and good kitchenware. Prices in Aegina are HIGH compared to the rest of Greece, I have been told. A meal on Crete half the price...but not all the islands have the bounty of seafood that Aegina has.

The Agora FIsh Taverna.
For 102 years its been run by the same family. Walk through the Fish Market and at the end is the Agora. Its the most famous eaterie on the island. Walk to the back and up two steps to the cooking area and prep table behind which is whoever is cooking that day. To the left is an orgy of dishes to choose from cooked fresh. Heaps of horta or other greens and fresh grilled and fried fish or meat. If you come during the lunch and are a regular they will make you a special price for a set meal for about 3 or 4 Euros!. Otherwise you can pretty much order what you like. If you are on a budget its the place to frequent and even if not its the most frequented place on the island by the locals not to mention the busloads of Japanese tourists that descend on this hole in the wall. When its busy a dozen tables appear out under the walkway canopy. If you are lucky you will be there on a day the owner cooks mussles saganaki. You can have some version of seafood sagananki at most taverneras but it will never taste like Kristos'. The Agora seems to always be open and the word "funky" was invented to describe it. (don't mine the uh...ahem "waiter" who shuffles up to your table dangling a cigarette from his lips. This is Greece. Remember, you could be riding the tube and eating greasy chips--which brings me to the next culinary adventure: the fluffy "pommes frites" you get at the Village Taverna in Perdika)

The Village Taverna, Perdika
Hidden down the main road into the point of Perdika and the only taverna not in the long row of tavernas and cafes along the charming harbour of the fishing Village of Perdika (which despite how charming the tavernas look they may not have the best food) is Sophia Flabouri's taverna specializing in 'Greek Traditional Food.' The taverna also serves as the family's--if not the village's--lounge and community centre during the long often cold off season. Its always open and there is no menu. Faithful customers--Athenians, who come in periodically to their "country house" as they call them, will arrive out of the cold night gloom and be treated like royalty. The whole place becomes animated. First the warm and boisterous greeting. Then a thorough discussion of what is on offer ensues...meat and fish magically appear and the grill is ignited. The special savoury dishes, chorta and home made desert are prepared and ready each day. The TV is on and Stamatis, Sohpia's husband and resident buddha who spends his retirement tending his vegetable garden from which you, the customer benefit, relinquishes his sanctified spot from which he wathces the news and cleans the horta from their land--into springs into action. You can have anything from souvlaki to a delicately prepared fresh caught lobster to the home made bread Sohpia laboriously makes several mornings a week. Sophia's prodigious out put of labour everyday is terrifying. In between running the taverna, cooking, shopping, cleaning and as a proxy landlord--she goes to Athens to tend to the domestic chores of her son a well known chef! As she puts it: "Greek boys problem;mammas do everything".

If you don't--then be prepared: The Greeks love it and 45% of the adult population does it--everywhere. The normal restraints commonly practiced in other European countries and America are not in evidence. Smoking was only recently banned in hospitals! Check out these two websites for an interesting overview of the Greeks and their second favourite pastime after eating and talking which are inseperable.

http://www.tobacco.org
http://www.elia.org.gr/

I searched hard and about the only hotel that advertised a dedicated floor of non smoking rooms was the trendy boutique hotel The Athenian Callirhoe. (www.tac.gr) Immaculate, good staff and huge buffet breakfast included in the price.

Aye, that is the question.

Within Europe the baggage allowance on a flight is laughable--unless you are caught unawares blithely packing up suitcases thinking perhaps a $125 excess for each 70 pound bag worth the expense to get those"essentials" on the plane with you so you will have them upon arrival.

The above allowance is for an international flight originating in America and does not hold for flights within Europe. The same heap I brought alllllllll the way from California would have cost over a thousand Euros just to be transported to Holland by plane. (Unfortunately, the author of this article was unable to remain in Greece) Luckily, I was given the name of an overland shipper with a run between Athens and Holland who saved me. My excess luggage was taken on board a truck for a pittance as filler on his shipment and delivered to my door in Amsterdam.

JOHN BEYER/ HEEZIK
0031 302 479 511
Overland shipper between Holland and Greece. Here is a tried and tested service. His agent at the Athens end helpful, reliable, speaks English and generous with time and care. If you are coming from even England, Northern France, Scandanavia, Belgium--it may be you can rendezvous with Heezik's office in Utrecht to have either a substantial amount of goods brought to Athens--he also can arrange for goods to be delivered to an island destination--or perhaps you have some excess baggage that can be used as filler on a big shipment. The trucks go between Holland and Athens once a week.

Lesson: shop all shipping options from where you are daparting and then compare with buying once in Greece. But remember: there are no "Euroland", "99 cents" or"Everything is a Pound" equivalents on Aegina.

There is an IKEA near the airport. You may want to consider integrating a stop there on your way to wherever you plan to live. Look at the website for the Greek IKEA and note the good prices.

Don't count on finding any second hand or thrift/charityshops on Aegina. (The Greeks don't throw anything away and you will see every conceivable thing stored in heaps in everyone's yard)...except the tiny hole in the wall ANIMAL RESPECT shop. Please go there whether you need to or not; make a donation and learn what this incredible group is doing. You will also see their big cast iron dog--donation box-on the port quay as you walk in off the ferry.

from airport to hotel and Piraeus.

So, you have a load of excess baggage and your plane arrives in the middle of the night. Even if it doesnt and you want to not struggle or have problems with a taxi driver that doesnt want to take too much luggage you can arrange by phone before you arrive to have one of two fantastic, helpful, reliable private transfer taxi services to meet you.

George Kokkotos: +30 210 9637 030,
george_loula@hotmail.com
George's service is referred to in many websites and travel guides. His friend is...

Christos: +30 693 666 1346,
christos@greece-private.com

http://www.dolphin-hellas.gr
Take advantage of their website with a full despcription of hotels in all categories organized by region, city or island group. They also have a very good reputation and are referred to in many webistes.

There are very chic and well stocked pharmacies and cosmetic shops in Aegina Town. However, you still may not find that one product you are used to and prices are high. Check online to see if something you are used to is available and can be shipped reasonably to Greece. But do stock up on floss. The cost of it on the island will bankrupt you! On the other hand you may save a fortune on prescriptions...

A surprising bonus of life on Aegina was to be able to zip up to the Medical Centre in Aegina Town; go to reception and say I needed to see a doctor in order to have a prescription refilled. I had an audience with a physician in about 10 minutes!
I showed him my Rx from home (California) (so no healthcare privileges of an EU citizen) and for no charge wrote out a prescription which was filled in the local pharmacy on Afea Street for 1.50 Euro. Astonishing. (The same Rx cost $19 in America)

I had read in Lonely Planet that the doctors were good in Greece; all emergencies treated for free and the pharmacies and pharmacists excellent. When I first arrived I came down with a bug and thought I may need antibiotics. I popped into the pharmacy and would have been prescribed one without having to see a doctor. Bring copy of Rxs and a print out on whatever drug you have been prescribed.

Greece needs you. If you want the satisfaction of direct action and the ability to "do something" within your own community and make a difference--this is the place to do it. Unfortunately, Aegina has become a summer dumping ground for unwanted pets brought over by mostly Athenians on the family summer holiday. There is a great organisation, Animal Respect, that tries to find new homes for pups and grown up dogs abroad. They are trying to do what they can but also their shelter has a limited amount of spaces.

Animal Respect is lead by: The Great Gaby: Austrian born Gaby has spent the last 6 years on Aegina protecting and defending defenseless animals. Gaby works tirelessly making rounds to feed strays, rescuing them and administrates the round of vet visits that give medical attention as well as ensuring a high standard of loving care at the Animal Respect's mountain shelter.

Your children

Children can roam freely and have unlimited access to swimming, sailing, fishing, sun, nature, archeological wonders and family life. knowing your neighbours and being able to trust them. Virtually no crime.

Leave behind the constant concern to pick up your child before the latest serial killer does. Your children can actually scamper around with their mates on their own--like I did in the 50's and 60's. The biggest worry you will have is that your child does not take up smoking or ride a moto without a helmet or before the age of 18.

The family is everything here. And most businesses close for the afternoon. Whatever you are doing in Greece or on an island as your profession it will not interfere with your enjoying your children or family life. Islands are small, no traffic, freeways, ugly vistas. If the education system is wanting here--and it is--the compensation is the REALITY outside the literal classroom. Rather than the dry evocation of classical Greece given in the cold, grim classroom of an expensive fee paying school why not say to little Sara or Derrick: "Right" off we go to the Temple of Apollo or Afaia...hard to beat, isnt it? It is also likely there will be a classicist and 6th form college teacher who has retired to your island. And the kids WILL learn Greek! Another more cautious point of view can be read in the Expat Focus' website's education advisory.

http://www.expatfocus.com/expatriate-greece




Heating
First, you need to know that Greece is cold in wintertime. Aegina didn't start warming up until middle of April. You can have warm days and still need a jacket by afternoon or evening and warm bedding at night. Tip: get yourself an electric blanket available on Aegina!

The buildings are brick/stone and plaster--the floors crushed smooth stone. Easy to care for and clean--but cold. However, an electric, oil filled radiator heats beautifully and these buildings seem to heat fast and hold the heat. I bought a top of line DeLonghi for 100 Euros. It was meant for a large space and to operate as energy efficiently as possible.The price seemed good in comparison with other DeLonghi purchases in America and England.

Most accommodation seems to have those high mounted wall unit combination AC/Heater which means they blow. I dont reccomend their use for heat. Especially if you have allergies.

On Aegina there are several choices of stores that sell heaters. But towards spring they may run out of stock on some. And as a heater can be a heavy item it will be a costly trip with the car to Piraeus to buy one--or adding taxi fare at both ends. If you do have a car then plan your trips on the ferry to make them cost effective. Its 40 Euros a trip! (Between Aegina and Piraeus, that is)

Laundromats
Second, there are no laundromats and if you dont have a washing machine put in--or until you do--you will be washing on the terrace with big plastic tubs and hanging your things out on a line--which will dry nicely. A dryer is unlikely and clothes drying on the line efficient and the norm. So clothing, textiles and bedding should be brought and bought accordingly.

Bedding:
Bring either a down sleeping bag that can be opened up or a light down comforter. They pack small and are light. And they are exactly the right kind of coziness you will need. Whatever other blankets you bring make them lightweight and easy to care for. Bring some lovely light woven shawls and throws to supplemet. You will use them.

Heavy, synthetic, thick brushed fake fur blankets are what are commonly sold on the island. You can also find bright colored cotton thermal blankets--which are great year round.

Take advantage of the inexpensive light cotton Indian bed spreads, textiles and throws easily found in England, America and the rest of Europe. These are worth purchasing and bringing. Easy to wash and dry, cheap, and will suit the interiors of most accommodation. And they are not easily found in Greece. You can find a variety of sheets here; colourful or plain sleek white and at reasonable prices.

Clothing
BRING EVERYTHING. Especially shoes. Take advantage of the prices and selection in America, especially, and Europe. Clothing selection in Greece and on Aegina very poor. There are some cute boutiques with well known brands, but prices sky high and everyday stuff poor in style and quality and expensive. You can find some 10-20 Euro items but not very appealing.

Bring a good selection of outerwear as the weather changes rapidly in one day before the hot season starts. And it does rain. Fleece is probably good to bring. Light to pack and easy to wash and dry. You need to layer here. It can be warm in the early part of the day and really cold by late afternoon.

Bring water shoes.
It can be rocky on Aegina. The water is beautiful and there is one good perfect sandy beach and swim area in Aghia Marina. Virtually everywhere else is rocky.

Kitchen/Household/Electrical
Bring your good pots, pans, utensils and even small appliances if the electrical current doesnt need converting. Also wise to bring a supply of the plug adapters. I did find a good small discount electrical shop tucked into the main tourist lane at the east end of Afea St. Just a doorway open--no sign. He had some good deals on electric kettles and irons...otherwise prices are on the high side and if you are already using a shipper or driving a car to bring a load put in your small appliances/kitchenware/bedding.

If you are coming from America:
Only bring those electrical items you must like your laptop (Apple has a built in voltage converter) and other peripherals--but remember to bring the voltage converters and plug adapters. Forget a printer as the cost to bring it as luggage will cost more than to buy new--and it will have to have a voltage converter ($39 at Radio Shack--practically the cost of a cheap printer). Aegina has two computer shops and of course Athens/Piraeus close by--also check online for a European supplier and see what the cost would be. If you are shipping by sea or want to bring a printer do take advantage of the cheap cartridges you can buy in the States and online.

Take advantage of Target, Marshalls, Walmart and the countless other good value shopping you can do in America. Then kiss it goodbye. And do pillage your favourite 99 cents/Pound or Euroland store for toiletries and kitchen/hardware stuff if its light and you are shipping anyway.

On the island there are good electrical, appliance and hardware stores. However, if you are shipping and have space cram in basic tools like hammer, screwdrivers, wrench, pliers, scissors etc. You are going to need them and they will not be cheap. Remember: you are trying to set up a whole new household again.

Furniture and furnishings
Terrible! Well, thats my opinion. There are two exceptions--two shops with very trendy household decor items, but for furniture in general you need to think ahead. What is available on the island is very heavy, old fashioned and not of any discernable style.

Trips to Athens, the Plaka and Piraeus and even Ikea might be necessary to actually furnish a house if you are not bringing everything overland or if from America--unless you can bear the expense and effort of finding a sea shipper and just throw the whole lot in
containers!

Mattresses and bed frames
Those are available on the island, but probably wont be what you want. You can get inexpensive foam mats to use in various ways, cots and the little metal fold away beds are sold everywhere. Futons have made it to Aegina, but are very expensive -- though those, along with a good selection of reasonable priced hammocks would provide someone with a very good livelihood--a good idea for a boutique!

Lighting
you can find lots of lighting, but may not be what you want. There is not the variety. Small inexpensive desk lamps are available. If you are coming from Europe probably worth bringing lamps and an array of paper shades for the ceiling light or something stylish.

Small tables
The choice of small tables in Greece is fabulous. Do take advantage of the chamring and ubiquitous metal tables; the wood base tables with slabs of marble on top and just plain wood tables. There are wonderful tables everywhere. They can be used to eat on, in hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens.

Throw rugs
Remember, the floors are stone or tile; hard and cold. You can find some good small rag rugs in the shops here and there is one shop near the post office that has very trendy colourful throw rugs. Take advantage of what Ikea has in this line or if you have your set of Moroccan rugs--bring them--or any other thin ethnic throw rug. These will set the tone of your decor and create "home". And while on the subject of Greek floors do bring padded warm slippers for the cold months. All the crazy funny indoor footwear we never have an excuse for are perfect for Greece.

Curtain panels
The windows in the houses, here, are "prima" are fine. Lots of French doors opening out to a terrace or balcony and lots of big windows that open out--and always shutters which can be closed and will let in air--if not the new ones--and you can safely leave your window open. But, you still may need some kind of curtain at times. Also, most of the windows are not double glazed so during the many cold months you may want to consider something simple to bring like the colourful velvet
panels that have become so trendy. They are easy to put up and will help keep cold air out. Also the light weight charming Indian cloth panels you can find everywhere are a good idea. Good size for a lot of the doors and can be easily adjusted for smaller windows.

FInding attractive window treatments on the island will not be easy. Take advantage of the lightweight, colourful cotton, easy care ethnic fabrics and decor items easily found in America and the rest of Europe.

Door snakes
Do bring them. Doors here don't usually come with stripping and flash and you can get quite a wind whistling through...

Hammocks or Hang Mattens
If you are lucky enough to have near where you live a wonderful boutique that sells the colouful lightweight hammocks from Brazil or Mexico--or where ever--consider bringing one! Perfect for your terrace or just inside by your big window or doors that open out. One can certainly buy online!

Mosquito net
Bring one. Often now found along with trendy light ethnic cotton home decor items--or where one can buy camping gear. The windows dont have screens, though rolls of screen are easily bought in many hardware stores. But then you have to have a frame made or nail up a swathe--not very attractive. In the supermarkets on the island there is a big variety available of electrical anti mosquito plugs, which work really well.

Officialdom/Bureaucracy/Paperwork
if you are an EU citizen, see the Athens News' annually published pamphlet which will serve as an invaluable resource on most all things pertaining to a relocation and vital information one should have. If American/non EU, it is still useful as a guidepost. And if you fit the latter category note the following:





Turning anything on under your name
To turn anything on under your name you must first go to the tax office and get and tax number. You must prove a legitimate long term residency status, so, as an American or non EU citizen you can run into trouble trying to just get a phone/internet hook up let alone electricity. If you are renting and only short term then check to see if your landlord will allow these things to be put in his/her name--perhpas paying a logical amount up front to seal the deal.

Mobiles
If coming from Europe you may have a phone that is unblocked and you simply get a new sim card for about 10 Euros. Otherwise, one can pick up a phone deal in Piraeus or at one of the two phone shops on the island. If coming from America see if the phone you have will allow you to roam and/or to put in another sim. Ability to get better rates on a contract phone will depend on your credit/credit cards and whether or not you get a tax number. That will hold for any kind of contract package you may want. Otherwise its pay the pre pay phone rates which are ghastly.

NB: choose your network according to who you think you will be calling the most and what network they are on. Most newcomers/oldtimers from outside Greece are on Vodaphone (this is NOT a product endorsement) and most Greeks tend to be on one of the Greek networks--so get an idea of who you think you will be calling most and which service will give you the versitility of an unblocked phone, roaming and easily switched sim card. Remember, you will likely be taking trips outside Greece from time to time and all the major networks like Vodaphone, and T Mobile etc operate all over Europe and one can just put in a 10 Euro sim card that includes talk time and have a phone to use where ever else you are visiting or travelling.

Public phones
They are around and often broken. But its good to have a phone card as its cheaper than using the mobile on prepay rates if you are waiting for a landline hookup and need to make a lot of calls.

Internet
Aegina Town and close surrounding area has DSL. The rest of the island has ISDN. Rumour has it DSL will be in Perdika shortly (within one year). There are also a variety of dial up, ISDN and DSL providers to choose from. Just make sure you have the right phone line put in for the type of internet service you are want. Anything beyond dial up will require at least an ISDN line. Do not have your initial phone service hooked up with a PSTN (basic phone line and what dial up access will use) or you will pay another 30 Euros to change the line.

OTE
To get phone or internet you must get a line put in by "the phone company" and you must have gone to the tax office and brought in all your paperwork in order to be granted an account. If non EU be ready for a headache or see if your landlord will put phone in their name if you pay a deposit up front.

Alternative calling packages
If you know you are going to be calling outside Greece a lot research the various calling packages. The deals are certainly not as good as I have found in UK and America but there are alternatives to OTE's services. You get the basic OTE service and then piggy back an alternative calling package that can include getting cheaper rates within Greece.

Free Internet
Available at the Library in Aegina Town. There is a small charming library with equally charming and helpful staff and inhouse cat next to the grade school just up Mitropolis Street. They have 5 good computers on DSL free for public use.

Microtech
There is also Microtech on Afea Street that has several computers and they are open all hours. You can also bring in your laptop and plug in and pay the hourly use rate. Its expensive, but you will have internet access. One of the cafes on the waterfront has a computer and so does the Avli Cafe. Its in the bar and can be used for the price of taking something to at least drink.

DVD rentals
Yes! At least two good shops. The Greeks have good taste in film preferring art house fare and the local cinema has a very good program. And there are a lot of good deals on DVD's which will come to you while sitting at a taverna...

TV
You can have all levels of programming here. Just on the basic cable hook up I received CNN, BBC and several Greek channels featuring American movies and prgramming. Only the cartoons were dubbed. One of the transcendent moments of my whole experience was hearing Tweety BIrd and Elmer Fudd in Greek.

Public Transportation
Aegina has it! Buses that run every two hours from before 7 a.m. til around 8 p.m. Perdika, Aghia Marina and Souvala and whatever is on the road inbetween those towns and Aegina Town is what is serviced. The buses are funky 20-30 year old excursion buses, but they get you there.

TAXIS
will take you anywhere on the island and are plentiful.

CARS
if you are bringing your own make it a small one! No room down the lanes and passages of Aegina Town and Perdika for a fat car. And motos are what 99% of the population uses. If you get a good deal on some wee funny little set of wheels to bring over--take it. It will suit for getting around the island. Keep your bigger posh vehicle for trips to the mainland if you think you will be driving overland a lot. Smart Cars, Ka cars and cute little mini pick up trucks and vans are ideal for island life.

PLUMBING "Issue"
The island is mostly or totally on individual septic systems. One does not flush the paper...it goes in a bin. This is a rather unsavory aspect of llife here. But endurable. And there is always a drain in your bathroom floor and often the smell will come up. Be brave and remember you are no longer having to ride the subway...

Water
Its often rationed in the summer on Aegina. Find out details during your recon mission. In Aegina Town no one drinks it.Too salty (but not "bad")--so one needs to budget for always having to buy drinking water. The water in Perdika is fine from the tap.

EXPAT community
There is one and easily found. American, British, Dutch, French, German etc. The Avli Cafe seems to be a magnet for many of the British-Scottish gang. The Animal Respect Charity shop will always bring you in touch with other relocated
Euroopeans.

Ramblers Group
A 14 year tradition so popular now people come in even from Athens every Sunday to be taken on treks by its erstwhile leader, the retired classicist and author, Gerald Thompson. Gerald is the author of "A Walking Guide to Aegina" mentioned in the NY TImes article Side Trip: Saronic Gulf Islands.

Post Restante/Postal Services
If you need an address right away the best solution is to use:

Post Restante
The Post Office
180 10
Aegina
Greece

Western Union
Is available at the post office.

Courier Service
There are some. ACS. It is conveniently located on (you guessed it) Afea Street inside the Microtech Computer shop. Arrange to just pick up from there and avoide phone and driver tag. This is the service Olympic Airlines will use if your ticket has
to be couriered as many are.

BANKING
The Alpha Bank will exchange travellers checks for cash and give you cash for your Visa. This bank is just along the waterfront inbetween the cafes as all the banks are.

ATMS
There are loads of ATMS. Few shops take debit cards or VISA. However, its good to know that the big supermarket Kritikos will take a foreign Visa and foreign debit card.

Foreign language newspapers
First of all there is The Athens News. A well regaurded English language paper sold in a very good little shop called Kalezis sandwiched between the cafes on the waterfront. The shop carries most major foreign language papers plus a choice selection of guides, dictionaries, phrase books and style and desing books.

Language tuition/translators
There is language tuition on the island and not just for Greek! A German-Greek woman teaches English, Greek and Italian and I am sure there are other tutors and courses that can help you take advantage of island life and being able to study a new language. You can also easily find someone to do some translating or write a business letter in Greek if need be. (To make sure a contractural arrangement between you and perhaps your landlord is clear...) Alexandra is someone who can help and charges the standard rate per page. Her number is 693 411 853.

Most Greeks on Aegina have some knowledge of English or another language even if only enough to conduct a transaction. Anyone planning a long term stay really should consider some basic Greek tuition or you can run into a lot of frustration. If possible, start before you move.

The Athens News' annually published pamphlet on immigration for EU citizens. Also valuable information for non EU citizens.

2005 Directory - Athens News www.athensnews.gr

Exploring the Greek Moasaic - A guide to Intercultural Communication in Greece
Benjamin J. Broome ISBN 1-877864-39-0

A book on intercultural communication from perspective of an American academic. Very good tips on the Greek sensibility.

Cultural Attitudes (Elegant expository on issue of Greeks and their treatment of animals) An essay by Dr. Brian Sparkes for Greek Animal Rescue-Canada
www.geocities.com/jtegos1/culturalattid.pdf

Athens News, Friday March 24, 2006 - Business"Slow State Hampers Tourism"

Best website and most up to date on Aegina:
www.aeginagreece.com

For overview of various regions and island groups back this up with:
www.greeka.com

Sailing:
www.sailingissues.com/greekislands/aegina.html

Ex Pat Focus,
for anyone moving or living abroad
http://www.expatfocus.com/expatriate-greece

1. Fun fact: the most commonly heard word in Greek conversation is "Yes!" but it sounds like "No!". and exactly the same as the Dutch "no". Imagine bringing a young Dutch child to Greece who is just learning to talk! Lizzy and Erik's little Isabella had to untangle the Greek "Nee" (yes) from the Dutch "Nee" (no). You try that at 16 months.
   
2. Learn to recognize the Greek alphabet and some basic Greek before you arrive--if possible. Be prepared to study Greek once settled.
3. Aegina Advantages: "Buzzy" all year round. Almost everything is open in Aegina town all year round. Most all amenities available.
4. Proximity to Athens if one is commuting or needs to fly out frequently on business. 40 minutes by Flying Dolphin; 1 hour by ferry.
5. Fresh seafood heaven-- it sits in the middle of richest fishing ground and sparkly clean water
6. Sailors paradise.
7. Do your recon in the offseason. Take advantage of a good rate on a fully equipped vacation rental plus the ability to negotiate a long term deal on the many vacant properties. Test the off season ambience and weather.
8. Shop all shipping options from home and evaluate cost of shipping with replacing in Greece.
9. Research the amenities of your chosen destination. Bring copies of any Rx's and a print out on the drug(s) you are taking
10. Dont count on second hand or charity shops. The Greeks don't throw anything away. However, Piraeus and the Plaka will give you some flea market hunting fun.
11. Shoe and clothes shop before you leave home.
12. Make a local contact via a website and get an idea of amenities at your destination.
13. Shop for colorful, inexpensive easy care curtains, throws, pillows, bedding, and DOWN sleeping bags or comforters in your home country.
    
14. No fat cars: if you find a good deal at home on a little van/pickup truck or tiny car and can drive it overland--do it. Only your car can stay for a limited period on the island (6 months). After that period it has to leave the for an other 6 months before it can come back.
    
15. Bring your heaters, small appliances, clothes drying racks, Baby Belling etc if shipping. Even your half fridge.
    
16. Pack your recipe books and good cooking pots and utensils!
    
17. Find a colourful hammock and pack it. A perfect item for your Greek home and not noticably available in Greece. You can find the hardware for it on the island.
    
18. Telecommuters and computer users: Bring all your gear and if shipping take advantage of a cheap cartridge and paper supply.
19. Have in mind that it's hard to find a well paid/ interesting job on Aegina. It's hard to find a job at all! Speaking Greek is a big advantage in finding a job. Life on Aegina is not cheap, some things are really expensive. Money is not the most important thing in your life, but living on Aegina without money is no fun!