I would like to think so, but the truth is, having grown up in a British colony, I was more affected by British culture. For instance, always stand up for the underdog - plus I used to love the British for their tolerance (and even love of) eccentricity.

My sense of fair play comes from childhood, but though I may not like much about the Greeks, they have strong family values and, for instance, if I were in Athens and you came to visit, I would pick you up from the airport and be at your beck and call for your visit - and it would please me to see I've helped make your stay pleasant. In England I would be told, 'I can choose my friends, but not my family, so why should I stay in contact with people just because they are family.'

I know it is difficult, but the best we can do is pick and choose for ourselves.

I have noticd that by writing, I might think I am writing of certain thoughts and hopefully helping others grow, but the truth is, by writing I am forced to think and re-think. Perhaps, in the end, we writers benefit / are influenced the most by our writing.