No kidding there are mixed opinions--even within families!
Our compromise is, in the daytime at a beach taverna, my husband goes shirtless as is his strong preference. In fancier establishments, or anywhere after about 7 pm, he puts on a tee shirt.
I remember my surprise on my first visit to Greece when I went out on his parents balcony in Athens after siesta, and saw men relaxing on their balconies in their undershorts.
Love the signature, Viv.
Message posted by Avva mou on 09 July 2010 at 12:51am - IP Logged
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On our first visit to Corfu my husband put his t-shirt on prior to walking in a bar at lunchtime, the bar man told him there was no need as he was on holiday. Hubby will always cover up if going into bar/taverna/on a bus, his preference. I am probably not that bothered what men do. If the Greeks are not bothered why should we impose our preferences.
Message posted by elizajay (Moderator) on 09 July 2010 at 1:04am - IP Logged
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I am with you Avva Mou, my husband is of 'the old school' and will always put his t shirt on when approaching a bar or taverna table to eat or drink...his reason being...'HYGIENE' which hasnt yet been mentioned...
In high temps, most men 'sweat' ptofuseley...I am not too fussed at having that dripping all over the bar or indeed the tables....a little shirt or t-shirt does mop that up somewhat...
Not meaning that to sound stuffy or old fashioned. Just considerate to other diners...
xxx
Message posted by janmanessi on 09 July 2010 at 2:06am - IP Logged
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Personally I think it is a shame that the people who expose most are usually those who should hide most!
Learning to drive in Corfu the best thing was not having to squeeze onto a crowded bus next to someone without a shirt on who was covered in suntan oil!
The people who hire scooters and go round in swimming things on them risk horrid injuries from gravel grazes to sensitive parts which can spoil their holiday, and their tan.
Bank staff, shop assistants etc. all dress appropriately, and I think it shows a lack of respect to the local people to go round Corfu Town without a tee-shirt.
So all in all- yes, go topless on the beach or in a poolside or beach taverna at lunchtime, but think of your fellow human beings away from those places- how many of us would really like to have to look at ourselves semi-naked?
Message posted by dazzalad on 09 July 2010 at 9:21am - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by elizajay on 09 July 2010
I am with you Avva Mou, my husband is of 'the old school' and will always put his t shirt on when approaching a bar or taverna table to eat or drink...his reason being...'HYGIENE' which hasnt yet been mentioned...
In high temps, most men 'sweat' ptofuseley...I am not too fussed at having that dripping all over the bar or indeed the tables....a little shirt or t-shirt does mop that up somewhat...
Not meaning that to sound stuffy or old fashioned. Just considerate to other diners...
xxx
What!!! most men "sweat" profuseley...don't women? (this'll get em going) & what about the chef's & kitchen staff standing over your loveley food whilst roasting away in a very hot kitchen...lol, drip, drip, drip!!!!
I'm with Maggy, Ava Mou & the rest...let men be men it's only two weeks of the year!
Message posted by Viv D on 09 July 2010 at 9:48am - IP Logged
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We have had a go at the men - but ladies all though the saying goes
that women glow - men perspire - horses sweat.
I always put on either a beach kaftan or T-Shirt and wrap around skirt when I am sitting down lunch time to eat and other half puts his t-shirt on. After all I have suntan lotion on my body and if by the beach also sand that I may have missed and not washed off and I could also be glowing in the heat of the day.
So lets be fair to them - they may be in a suit and tie 50 weeks a year or a uniform and it is like throwing of all that work stress and that includes the suits, uniforms etc so that they can relax and enjoy there holiday as well.
I remember my Father sitting on a beach in Guernsey - now he was in uniform all year and even our two week holiday he used to sit on the beach with a shirt and tie on - never see him in shorts or swimming the most he put on was sun glasses.
Viv
Message posted by C4owner on 09 July 2010 at 10:29am - IP Logged
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Personally, I always put a shirt/T shirt on when going inside any establishment, be it a shop, taverna, etc.
By the pool, on the beach, at a poolside bar, I have no problem being in shorts, but I simply wouldn't ever consider going into any where on holiday without covering up.
It is a matter of respect to others and safer in a taverna/restaurant to. Ever had someone accidently spill hot food on you?
You wouldn't consider going into a bar or restaurant at home, (you would probably be asked to cover up or leave anyway) so why is it deemed acceptable to some, to do it on holiday?
Message posted by maggy on 09 July 2010 at 11:35am - IP Logged
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Some circumstances are different and more acceptable!
A pool bar or beach taverna to my mind is OK for the shirtless man, I doubt if he'd drip sweat all over me as he would be sitting with his own party, if he was going to drip it would be on them!
Another example of the shirtless man ---is in a resort, a child on his shoulders,pushing it's buggy loaded up with all kinds of beach gear, he's off to the beach! Fine!
Be honest now---how many of us have sat in the shade of a beach taverna people watching?
The antics of all shapes and sizes of people, male and female, shirtless, topless or even naked, might have become a topic of conversation or kept us entertained without them being aware of it!
Once they set foot in the taverna does our attitude change, I think it does!
An entirely different situation is the half clothed male or female on a bus,I would prefer not to sit next to a shirt less man, as I would not want any contact with him that might mean I get stuck to him
A man sitting next to a scantily dressed female, I doubt would object, providing she was gorgeous and a body that was the envy of every female aboard the bus!
Banks and other establishments are another matter, yes, I think they should cover up!
The thread started with a shirtless man in a beach taverna, my thoughts on the matter is live and let live
What I do dislike is---
Ladies swimming in an accomadation pool topless!
But living in a world where anything goes, who am I to object
Message posted by emmaloub on 09 July 2010 at 11:43am - IP Logged
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I think I'm a bit old school on this one - but I know anything goes on holiday. I will always cover up to eat or if we go for a walk or to the shop and hubby always puts on a t shirt - only polite and really I don't want to look at a semi-naked man over lunch - might put me off!
But then if I had a gorgeous body and was 20 years younger I might show it off a bit more! Wobbly flesh is ok when you're lying down, but not moving!
In my 20s I did go topless - but it was all the rage then and I looked a lot better!
Message posted by Vaughan on 09 July 2010 at 11:57am - IP Logged
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It's not just bad etiquette, it's unhygienic and selfish. I can ignore it but it makes my wife very angry when men wonder round supermarkets or restaurants without a shirt.
I don't think anyone means offence, some people just don't think or simply don't consider others but it's a small offence in the world we live in isn't it.
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