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Culture Shock

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Tell us about a time when you felt out of place.

Indeed, there was a time when I found myself in such a state. It was when I moved from Germany to Greece. No, you might wonder how I could feel out of place when I, as a Greek, moved to Greece.

Well, I was born and raised in Germany. I went to school there and, afterward, finished my apprenticeship. That affected my mentality, character, attitude, expectations, and visions from life to be shaped by the German mentality. A clear mentality determined by rules means you know your rights and responsibilities, especially in the area of work.

It isn’t the case that I didn’t have any contact with the Greek traditions and Greek people; there were many Greeks in the area where I lived, but they had lived for many years in Germany, and they had integrated into the German way of life.

When I moved to Greece, it was a culture shock, and I felt totally out of place. The Greeks were different from the Greeks I was used to in Germany. They were, how should I say it? It’s not very flattering, but I will be honest. I had the impression that they were insidious and scheming in all areas of life. After a half year, I considered moving back to Germany, but I got a job and finally stayed.

To tell the truth, I still haven’t adopted the Greek mentality that dominates here in Greece. In many occasions and situations, I think more like a German than a Greek.

I think the reason is that I’ve spent the most important years that shaped me as person in Germany, and I can’t wipe off these years. When someone asks me which my native language is, I say German first and then Greek. I actually have two native languages.

Gadi Peretz, Linkedin

4 responses to “Culture Shock”

  1. marvellousnightmare Avatar
    marvellousnightmare

    Hmm, I visited Greece twice as a tourist, but the Greeks never struck me as ‘insidious and scheming in all areas of life.’ However, I never really lived within that society. My childhood friend emigrated there, and she complained a lot, but another friend was really fascinated by the Greek mentality.
    You never know, I guess… Your country of birth definitely affects your mentality a lot, even if you try to deny it…

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. papadosshortstories Avatar
      papadosshortstories

      Of course, not all Greeks are insidious and scheming; there are also Greeks here who respect others and are friendly. But I had that impression the first months after moving.
      Yes, it’s different when you visit a country as a tourist because I stayed only for the summer holidays and didn’t pay attention to how life here really was. After, I had to cope with daily life and routine, especially dealing with state and official services, which here in Greece are terrible compared to the Germans. It was a hard time for me. The Germans are just more organized, and I was used to this way of living. I still haven’t acclimatized here in Greece, and for the last months, I’m seriously thinking of moving away.

      Liked by 2 people

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      1. marvellousnightmare Avatar
        marvellousnightmare

        I see, you definitely saw it inside and out. I feel sorry that you feel out of place there, it should be really difficult 😦 I guess the key to success is to find a place where the downsides won’t hurt, and the upsides will be truly treasured and loved.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. papadosshortstories Avatar
        papadosshortstories

        Yes, exactly👍😊

        Liked by 2 people

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