Language

Some language tips and phrases. Of course do not neglect to carry with you a dictionary or any other relevant aid.

Greeks often speak English (especially the young people), particularly in tourist areas. However, it's better to learn at least how to read the Greek alphabet. You probably need it if you want to really enjoy Greece (I suppose the same applies for everywhere). Besides, sometimes you will find a label with Greek characters only or you will have to ask a villager in rural area.

PRONUNCIATION RULES (in order to be understandable by the Greeks)

When reading a map or label with Latin characters, keep in mind the following:
"ch" or "h" is spelled like the letter h in "hi!".
"th" corresponds to letter "theta" and is spelled like in word "theatre".
"d" usually corresponds to letter "delta" and it is spelled like th in the word "there". Sometimes it means "ni"+"tau" so it is spelled like the English "nd", seldom like "nt".
"g" (if it means gamma) is difficult. It is spelled like the very first part of the word "year". Sometimes it means "gamma"+"kappa" then it is like English g in "gate". Sometimes it means "j".
"i" is never pronounced like i in word "five". It is pronounced like the letter i in "zip"
"e" (epsilon) is spelled like e in "men".
Generally, it is better trying to pronounce in the way Spanish or Italians do. English accent and pronunciation is very different to Greek. Another big difference is the very strong accentuation (stress). That's why we use the a stress sign (') on all but the capital letters.
In most tourist places, English speaking will help a lot, although it is a good practice to speak Greek, at least for simple things. Greeks also feel better when you greet or thank them in their language (as everywhere else).
When looking for ancient and medieval sites and monuments, look for the new brown background - orange lettered labels made by National Archaeological Department. They are written in both Greek and English.
Of course, a handy vocabulary might be vital in many situations.

SOME MOTORCYCLE RELATED GREEK PHRASES

"Venzini"=gas, "ladi"=oil, "ladi michanis"=engine oil, "filtro"=filter
"nero"=water, "ygro batarias"=battery fluid, "antipsyktiko"=antifreeze fluid.
"Lampa"=bulb, "miza"=starter, "kleidi"=key (in case you loose it...)
"Lasticho"=tyre, "aeras"=air (compressed or not), "valvida"=valve, "takakia"=brake pads, "fermuit"=brake expanding shoe (for drum brakes)
"Voulkanizater"=a French origin word for the vulcanizer, they can repair your tyre but better try to advise them in case they are experienced in trucks and tractors only.

SOME FOOD RELATED GREEK PHRASES

"Estiatorio"=restaurant, "psistaria"=place where you eat roasted meat only,
"psito"=roasted, "vrasto"=boiled,
"kreas"=meat, "chirino"=pork meat, "arni"=lamp meat,
"mprizola"=steak, "mosxari"=beef, "paidakia"=roasted lamp chops (bones included) eaten by hands,
"katsiki"=goat kid, "gida vrasti"=boiled goat
"choriatiki salata"=greek salad, "feta"=common Greek nice cheese, "kaseri"=cow cheese
"psomi"=bread,
"psari"=fish, "chtapodi"=octapus, "kalamarakia"=small squids fried in oil,
"Fagita tis oras" (grilled dishes) mean meat or fish that is cooked after ordering,
"Ladera" means oily dishes that are pre-cooked,
"Giaourti"=yoghourt, "gala"=milk, "voutiro"=butter (usually made from sheep milk),
"ntomata"=tomato, "aggouri"=cucumber, karpouzi="water melon", "peponi"=melon.

I suppose you know what "souvlaki", "tzatziki"  and "mousaka" mean :)