The economic stability of the European Union does not seem as prevalent in reporting currently, what with the Iranian standoff and campaign posturing in the US not willing to relinquish the centre ring. For those whose career’s purpose lies exclusively on reading such augers and repackaging austerities as something progressive and obliging, however, the plight of the Greeks is very much a topic for common-currency. Though usually reserved for the for the influence peddlers at the attendant transnational credit rating agencies (and their hangers-on) another industry, a group of German travel agents, is stirring the cauldron lately.
They wonder how vacation-package providers will handle the issue of remittance, in case Greece declares bankruptcy and leaves the euro-zone. How would contracts be negotiated with a devalued Drachma and would they be expected to accept a
hair-cut as well? It is a practical concern but has raised some ire in this on-going situation. Seeing travel agencies at every major corner, coming from the States, I am a bit bemused and proud of how they are a part of the infrastructure, the inventory of the smallest villages. In America, it seems as if the neighbourhood travel agent was made redundant long before its time, just as the ability to book flights oneself (and direct sales from the airlines) was emerging. Seeing the store front touts and posters make me instantly distant and yonder thinking about our next adventures. Apparently, there are a lot of bargains to be had on the isles. I wonder if such commerce as tourism and green-grocers ought not be the main power-brokers behind the decisions of sacrifice and reform, since they seem a bit more fair-minded than the bankers.
