Student Spotlight: Temilade Onile in Greece

What is the relationship to food that the people in your host country have? When do they eat? What kinds of foods and ingredients do they eat? Are meals usually with a group or alone? Are there any traditions or customs surrounding food that aid digestion?

I would say that Greeks take a more natural approach to food as fresh fruit, produce, meats etc are very accessible. They have a very Mediterranean diet with plenty red onions, tomatoes, seafood and fresh ingredients. I haven't noticed anything yet pertaining to traditions around digestion but I know that they eat a lot of acidic food like tomatoes, lemons, yogurt etc which are good for gut health.

What does daily movement look like in your host country? Do people mainly drive cars or use public transportation? Do they walk or bike? Do you see people exercising? Are exercise facilities available and accessible?

Greece is definitely a place where you can get your steps in. It is extremely hilly and your 10 minute walk to class will have an incline. I'd say a lot of people have cars but there are a lot of smaller eco friendly cars here. And a lot of the cars are older outdated models. I also rarely see SUVs. People that I've seen walk more than biking however there are a lot of mopeds/motorcycles. I've seen a couple gyms in my area so fitness facilities are accessible.

Is there a cadence or rest in your host country? Do people generally go home or start their work or school at a certain hour? Do they have periods of rest during the day? Is there urgency or relaxedness in your host culture?

Greece is definitely a more laid back country as they used to even implement a siesta break during the working day. People are casually late and it's no big deal because they don't operate on the same fast paced life like we do in the U.S. I'd say people typically do work at home as most people I've seen in the library looks seemingly American.