Uniform

As you will recall, Ochi Day is one of the most important days of the year, here, commemorating this country's refusal to allow the Italians to enter Greek territory during World War II.

Part of the commemorative celebrations involve schools parading through the streets and, being a fifth year, Emily was taking part for the first time this year, which meant that we had to buy her a school uniform. A school uniform just for a single parade? Well, yes, I'm afraid so. Although there is no uniform in Greek state schools (and nor, I think, in most private schools), if you want to take part in a parade you have to have one. The parade is not compulsory, of course, but no kid wants to be left out, which means that parents of fifth and sixth formers found themselves comparing notes last week on where to find the right clothes. Unfortunately, wherever we went, although designs and quality varied, prices seemed standard. Fifteen euro each for a white shirt, a sleeveless blue pullover and a grey skirt and five euro for a pair of white tights. Which may not seem much, but add in a pair of black shoes and that's a fair amount to have to stump up for an outfit that will be worn no more than a handful of times (and some items of which, judging by their quality, may not even last until the next parade comes round).

I wonder if the politicians who think that parades like this are a good idea ever ask themselves what kind of additional financial burden they represent for parents? (That was a rhetorical question, by the way...)