we frequently stay in crummy little places that demand cash. 10 days at 300 euro is 3000 euro. we frequently eat out in cash only places. 300 x 10 days, and wallah, 6000 euro.

we are on the way to athens IN A COUple weeks. . if you can figure out how to get 3000 euro to dc, i will buy them at 95 % of market rate. not a bad deal if, particular if they are hot. better deal from your local honest (an oxymoron) banker.

buying what i call crap crap in the afternoon in much of italy is available at considerable discount after the police go home at 1PM.