June 15th 2016, Istanbul, Turkey
About Greece. Foothills of Europe
Jakob & Ernest:
Incredibly, we are in Istanbul! After almost two weeks we have left this beautiful Greece with its ancient culture, the delicious food and the helpful, friendly people.
On our way through Greece we saw for the first time in our lives refugee camps. Unfortunately we could only see into them through the fences from the outside because the police forbade us to visit the camp. Shortly before the border with Turkey, we met three Swiss cyclists on their way by bike to Shanghai. They had been working as volunteers in Idomeni and noticed impressively what actually happened in the camp. They told us of great encounters with Syrians, Afghans and Pakistanis, and were only quenched and angry about sensationalist reporters who would have preferred to photograph the burning wagon instead of helping extinguish the fire. Specifically, we want to mention the example of a reporter who has spread that prostitution, drugs and violence dominate everyday life in the camp. But when thousands of people live together in a confined space, it may be that something like prostitution occurs sporadically, although never anything was known of specific cases. And yes, there were drugs, marijuana. But this drug is also found in moral and elegant German villages and town quarters, perhaps even more frequently. On the subject of violence in the camp, the three Swiss expressed as follows: of course, there was now and then a small scuffle or an argument, but in all that time, in which existed the camp, there was nobody killed or seriously injured due to external forces.
Greece was perfect for us for cycling, because there were few cars on the streets. Now, the cause of that is not that the Greeks prefer hiking on foot from place to place, but to the high taxes they must pay. About 70% of Greeks cannot pay their taxes, which has meant that many cars have been decommissioned. In conversations with older Greeks we learned what it means to live in poverty at old age. Back then economically booming Germany needed workers from Greece, Turkey and other countries. People, who then came to Germany, now receive their well-earned German pension and do not have to worry. However, those who remained in Greece and have been working here must come to terms with a very low Greek pension.
We felt very safe and welcome in this country. The Greeks, who crossed our path and enriched our experience, were very helpful and open people. Hosts cooked deliciously for us, and we already miss the Greek food.
The first days in Turkey were very exciting, and we look forward to the next two weeks with the Salesians in Istanbul. You will soon hear from us again!
{Translation from German: Webmaster}
^ First wild camp ^
^ Camping in the plantage ^
^ Thessaloniki ^
^ B-day jump ^
^ Irni Happy B-day ^
^ Adventurer's meeting ^
^ Camping shower ^
^ We love road constructions ^
^ Istanbul ^
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