Life in Ruins

ATHENS, Greece-- One of the biggest international stories of 2011 was the economic debt crisis in Greece.  The country teeters on the brink of defaulting on billions of dollars in debt.  A default by Greece this could force the nation to ditch the euro and send other countries into economic turmoil.  The debt crisis has forced the ouster of political leaders.  It has caused protestors to take to the streets.  Workers have held general strikes.  Leaders are being forced to make deep cuts in the country's spending.  What is surprising is how daily life for the average Greek citizen moves on in spite of the political and economic turmoil.  Many will tell you their life in Greece is wonderful.  Perhaps the climate and the culture override the controversies and turmoil.  Regardless, these are difficult times for all people in Greece.

Greek retailers say sales fell an estimated 30 percent in December.   Preliminary figures from the National Confederation of Greek Commerce Tuesday found clothes and shoe sales took the heaviest hit, falling 40 percent compared to last Christmas. It added that consumption of food and drinks fell 15 percent, while toy sales suffered least.  The statement said 90 percent of Greeks spent less in Christmas 2011, "out of necessity, not choice."

The country is heading for a fourth year of recession and has near-record high unemployment. It has been kept afloat by foreign rescue loans since May 2010, after years of government overspending took it to the brink of bankruptcy.

In spite of the crisis, life in Greece is more than just politics.  Residents say their country is so much more than money troubles and protests you see on television or read in the newspapers.  WCN 24/7's Drew Trifelos traveled to Athens and introduces us to some average Greek citizens as they continue their lives in a beautiful climate and a historically rich culture.

About the producer/director of "LIFE IN RUINS"-- Drew Trifelos, a senior broadcast communications major, is a son of Jim and Melanie Trifelos and a graduate of Granville Christian Academy.  He is from Newark, Ohio, near Columbus.  The Inspiration for his documentary, "Life in Ruins," came from a number of things.  It takes viewers into the life of one of the worlds oldest civilizations in a time when the world sees them as falling apart and on the brink of destruction.  Visit the "LIFE IN RUINS" production weblog by clicking here.

"It was a really good experience and learning about one of the world's oldest societies and how they are dealing with one of history's most difficult situations was really eye opening and helped me understand the vast differences between the world's cultures.  It was a journey that I will never forget and I hope everyone who sees it will never forget it either."-- Drew Trifelos

Slideshow from the documentary "LIFE IN RUINS"