[928frenzy]

Jack:
Thanks again for a quick response and an eye-opening point-of-view.

Many years ago, I lived in Greece for just over a year, and I learned then what you said. I''m told the ancient Greeks invented bureaucracy thousands of years ago, and the modern Greeks have made it to an art-form. I think their government tries to make it difficult for outsiders to live there because they know their country is blessed with a great climate, beautiful seas and beaches, and wonderful people (my wife being the best of all). If they didn''t discourage outsiders, their country would soon be overrun by everyone else. Just like the US, they too have an immigration problem, which they are trying to control. Apparently, they seem to be doing a better job of it than our Immigration Service and Border Patrol, but (for the moment) that''s not my concern.

We plan to go to Greece this Spring for two weeks. Also, we plan to return several times before we make the permanent move. During each of those visits, we will gather some information, and do a bit of house and marina hunting. Naturally, we plan to talk with local sailors as well as local officials. Even so, I suspect that what we ultimately find to be the case will differ somewhat from what we are told (officially as well as unofficially). Unfortunately, I''ve been around the block often enough to - "trust no one". That''s not just a Greek thing, as it applies to all nationalities. :^(

~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~