I am not allowed and do not take responsibility for giving you comprehensive medical information. Please check with your physician and the CDC website for travel information. The following is offered for background only.

-- If you have any medications, bring them in the original container that clearly mark them as a prescription drug with your name on it. Keep them in carry-on luggage not checked baggage. Over-the-counter medications should also be in original containers and in carry-ons.

-- No vaccinations are been indicated to me as requirements for the trip (but note again that I am not your official source of info about this). The CDC has suggested vaccinations for Hepatitis. Consult with the Travel Clinic at Boynton for authoritative information.

You have additional travel health insurance while in country. This insurance will compensate you for any medical expenses you incur.

Safety info

Athens and Greece is, in general, a pretty safe country. Primary risks we are likely to encounter include:

-- Pickpockets at the airport and on the subway.

-- Slipping on the slick marble sidewalks and stairs and being injured (this is actually my number one worry).

-- You should take the normal big-city precautions and never flash money or leave valuables unattended.

-- Being approached by scam artists with a sad story and a request for money.

You are subject to all Greek laws while in Greece. Being an American does not exempt you from this. You should know:

-- Drug laws are typically more severe in Greece than in the U.S.

-- Laws concerning child pornography or sexual contact with those under 18 are more severe in Greece than the U.S.

-- Photography of military facilities is prohibited.

Less than you think. I'll discuss that at our pre-trip meeting and have some handouts for you.

Social information

You're a tourist. Actually you are more than a tourist--you're a traveler and a student. But let's think about tourists.

Greeks depend on tourism (18% of the economy) and there are different rules for tourists which normally grant you an exception from social disapproval. However, these points may be helpful.

-- Public drunkenness is not acceptable. In tourist areas you'll see it, but it is not regarded as generally acceptable. A lot of alcohol goes with Greek life, but people are expected to keep themselves under control.

-- Greek men seldom wear shorts. Tourists do all the time. No worries.

-- Taxi drivers in Athens are inconsistent at best. They often seem unaware of the most basic geographical reality of their own city and will price gouge if they can.

-- Women are not subject to more harassment than in the U.S. Club and bar owners may try to lure women in with the promise of free drinks or a "special offer". While on rare occasion this has been the excuse to put a 'date rape' drug in the drinks, most of the time it is just an attempt to drum up business from guys who want to go where the ladies are.