See http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9Q9UTIO0.htm and http://www.xpatathens.com/news/24455 for information on the social consequences for its citizens:
Increase in suicides, increase of drug use and violence - not to mention people neglecting their health, because there are either lack of facilities now or people cannot afford it.
In short, Greece has become a developing nation.
BUT, let's take a step back.
Yes, there is doom and gloom everywhere - but let's remind ourselves of WHY we originally came here/love(d) living here:
Greeks individually are exceptionally hospitable people. Despite this doom (or maybe, conversely, BECAUSE OF?) the quality of life here is different to that in, say, the U.S., Canada or the UK. Where else can you take a 4 week holiday in the summer?
Where else can you spend 3 hours over a frappe?
I know, these are not the only things that should keep us here - but it is designed to get you thinking about how quality of life is a relative term. Take a look at this petition and see if you agree. Meanwhile here, in pictures, is a reminder of why I love Greece so much:
| Southern beaches - Athens |
| The outdoor cinema experience in the summer |
| Sunset on Naxos |
| Mount Parnitha |
| Sunrise at sea - going to an island |