Lessons from Greece

I learned all of the tricks of hospitality as a child. My mother was a master hostess. I was taught how to properly set a table; prepare food for 30 people and then find out how to fit them all in a three bedroom house; that you should turn the temperature of the house down because it will soon be full and body heat will compensate; and how to sit properly at the table, say "yes, please" and "no, thank you." Despite the training, I can't say that hospitality is my gift - and I definitely believe it is a gift. My sister also received the gift of hospitality and creativity in that. I do appreciate it though because I know all of the work that goes on behind the scenes.

While on my vacation, a friend of mine asked me what was one of my favorite experiences. I told him dinner at a restaurant on Santorini Island in Greece. My friend Bianca and I arrived to our hotel after hiking hill and dale with our suitcases for about 1.5miles and asked where we could eat dinner. The spunky receptionist suggested a restaurant up the hill we had just hiked down, pretty much the only one in town as well. Unbeknownst to us, we didn't walk into a restaurant but into a Greek family's dining room - or at least that is what it felt like.

We made our orders but somehow the food and the drinks, which we didn't order, just kept coming. The owner asked us questions about ourselves, told us his story about the restaurant, and chit chatted as if we were long lost friends back in town. When we went to leave, we shook hands with gratitude but hugs felt like a more natural exchange. We were happy that our walk back to the hotel was downhill with our exploding stomachs. Our host invited us to come back two days later to celebrate Greece's Independence Day.

Two days later arrived. It was rainy so we were a bit locked up inside our hotel. There was no way we were going to miss this celebration, especially at a place that was so warm and welcoming. Unfortunately due to the weather, inside seating was limited and we didn't have a reservation. All of the tables were reserved, and for good reason! Since our host had invited us specifically, he removed the "reserved" sign from one of the tables without hesitaiton and seated us.

The service, conversation, and hospitality was no different. We were two tourists witnessing the culture that Greece is known for: music, laughter, dancing, eating and drinking. Every person who walked into the restaurant was known by name and received a warm welcome along with a hug and two kisses. Bianca and I sat there and took in the experience feeling like we were living a scene out of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. We didn't want to take pictures as that would crack the moment; plus sometimes an enjoyed experience is more valuable than a photograph.

We eventually had to leave and give up our reserved table for those it was actually intended for. Yet again we departed with bursting tummies but even more touched hearts. Experiencing such amazing hospitality from a stranger is very humbling, especially when it isn't really required as we were just customers looking for some food.

It seems as though hospitality is a lost art, at least in a few places I have lived, or it has become more of a social obligation rather than a genuine expression of love. I was humbled by the kindness of strangers I met in Greece and it has challenged me to share that with others. I may not have the gift of hospitality but I can try to love a stranger as I love myself.