One particular custom here is the drinking of raki (a homemade brandy) or a whiskey with your morning coffee. At the locals (coffee bars) it is easy to order just coffee. You are often asked if you want anything else, but generally, the only coffee order is accepted. While your associates may be disappointed because they may not feel like they can order their raki, there is rarely any other pressure.

However, visiting someone’s house is a different situation. In the effort to be hospitable, an offer raki or whiskey is extended 3 times to make sure you are not just being polite. If you refuse it 3 times, then it is accepted that you really do not want it. The dialog is something like this:

“Do you want some coffee?”
“Sure.”
“Raki?”
“No thank you. It is too early in the day.”
“Are you sure? It will give you energy. “
“No, no thank you.”
“Just little, it is very good.”
“No, only coffee is good.”
“Take just a little. For energy. I made it myself and it is good”.
“No. only coffee”

With the third ‘no’ the host gets up to make the coffee. In a few moments, they return with the coffee and either a raki or whisky. The three rejections don’t always mean no. Not a problem, as you figure you will just not drink it. While the host may be disappointed, not drinking the raki will not cause an international incident. However, after taking a drink of your coffee first, you realize how easily international incidents are created. “Don’t you like my raki?” Once again, major social queues have been missed.