Gyros, Gyros, Gyros!

Perhaps one of the most stark contrasts in culture between Greece and London/America is the culinary tradition that embodies Greek life. While America is home to such delectable dishes like BBQ-anything (mmmm...), big juicy burgers (mmmmmmmm...), and clam chowder (ok, that's it, I want to go home now), London also boasts impressive food offerings thanks in part to the extreme diverseness of the city. Of the traditionally English dishes, fish 'n' chips has always held a spot closest to my heart. And the beers offer such wide selection and variety that it is impossible not to find an ale or any kind of brew that suits your fancy. But while all these have had a tangible, if not direct connection to foods I have grown up with, Greece has offered a new challenge to overcome. And no, there are no McDonald's, KFC's, or Subway's offering value for my Euro; it's straight local cuisine for me!
Luckily, I have found two dishes that always hit the spot for me, though it comes more from their shared qualities than anything else. The plates, gyros and suvlaki, are both, above all else, delicious. Preferring both in their chicken incarnations, I often find the difference between the two to be negligible. Basically, you have your pita bread, french fries (which actually go in the wrap), chicken, and various fixings like vegetables and the like. Supposedly, suvlaki is different because the chicken comes as a kebab but I've had it prepared where it's just like a gyro. So word to the wise, when you see these on the menu, don't be fooled, just get whatever one is cheaper and you won't be missing anything. Then there are the Greek salads, which unfortunately consist of all the vegetables I don't like plus olive oil en mass (which i have had more of in these past couple weeks than I've ever had in my life combined) and feta cheese. People have been downing those dishes like they were the only selections on the menu, so I guess we've all adapted to foods that we can enjoy. Of course I've kept up my fervent tea drinking, which I'm afraid to say looks like I'll be stuck with for life, but my deepest sympathies go out to the Diet Coke addicts in our group. In Europe, they don't have Diet Coke (and for good reason), but rather a safer version called "Coke Light" which, though packaged very similarly, I am assured is not the same thing. Boo hoo. While some are getting creative and giving Diet Coke up for Lent as a result of this supposed ocean of a divide, others are writing home asking for the real deal. I didn't realize it was that big of a deal, but then again it wouldn't be the first time I've missed a fad. Good thing I prefer the real Coca-Cola classic. Now that, my friends, is universal.