I am what I am Individuality is the chief feature that characterizes the Greeks--which precludes any attempt to box and label them as a people. They exhibit an extreme passion for freedom of choice--which has turned law circumvention into an art and has made them incapable of comprehending words like "discipline,” "co-ordination,” or "system.” There's no such thing as a meek Greek A Greek cannot talk unless he has his hands free, and a soft-spoken Greek is one who can be heard only as far as across the street. Two Greeks having an amiable conversation sound as if they are ready to murder each other, and a party of exuberant Greeks having a good time could be described as a pack of hounds that has just sighted the fox. Free spirits Mercurial in the extreme, the Greeks' temperament flourishes uninhibited throughout their waking hours. This is probably why the ancient sages saw fit to carve their maxims "Nothing in excess” and "Know thyself” on the portals of the Delphic Oracle, in an attempt to persuade their fellow Greeks to curb their emotions. They were not heeded then any more than they are now. How much does a Greek urn? In general, Greeks believe in free trade, fair dealing, and keeping one's word. They are quick at grasping (and inventing) complicated business and financial arrangements and they are past masters in acting as middlemen--which means that they are paid by both parties while risking nothing themselves.
'Aussies do say "G'day". At all levels of friendship, all levels of formality and all levels of family familiarity. The first word between two lovers in the morning is "G'day". The other main greeting would have to be "G'day mate". The reason why this brief greeting has such universal acceptance is simple: it's the flies. The longer your mouth is open the more flies that can crawl in.' Xenophobia is an irrational fear of foreigners, probably justified, always understandable. Xenophobe's Guides - an irreverent look at the beliefs and foibles of nations, almost guaranteed to cure Xenophobia. Xenophobe's Motto – Forewarned is forearmed.
The roots of "Ootame, vaatame" "Let's wait and see," are embedded in the deepest chasm of the Estonian psyche because, for a very long time, the people had little choice to do anything else. This philosophy is a close relation to the Spanish mañana ("tomorrow"). The difference is that the languid Spanish are just deferring something. The pragmatic Estonians are not. They are waiting and seeing. A guide to understanding the Estonians which dispels or confirms preconceived prejudices with humor and insight.