Visitors to the Greek islands will soon notice that the Greek way of life is quite different from that at home. The first hint will probably be the relaxed Greek attitude to timekeeping. They have a motto - do tomorrow what you can do today - and this easygoing approach to life fits in well with the tourist on holiday.

The unhurried Greek seems to enjoy life and this is nowhere more apparent than at the regular religious festivals when a whole island can turn out to enjoy the street celebrations. Greeks are also very hospitable, especially to strangers. They have a word for it `filoxenia`. Literally, it means `love of strangers` and it may result in getting invited to a Greek family celebration and being offered the best food and wine in the house. Greeks take great pride in generosity to strangers and it is what can define a Greek island holiday. If you don`t have cash to pay for a taverna meal you will be told to `pay tomorrow`; if it rains (unusual) you may be offered an umbrella to return when you are next passing.

Family is also very important to Greek culture. Sons usually stay at home until they are married. Mothers tend to dote on sons, especially when they are young. Men rarely help with the running of the home and many will be found in the local cafe, especially early in the morning before going to work.

The climate plays its part too. Days start early before it gets too hot and afternoons can be taken up with a siesta from 2pm - 5pm. Greeks will often return to work from 5pm - 8pm. They also eat late - usually after 10pm - and families with children can often be seen enjoying a taverna meal after midnight. In this way the Greeks manage to pack two days into one.