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Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

The Spanish team started their work after a group of cavers stumbled upon two skeletons in a deep and complex cave system high up in the Cantabrian Mountains of northwest Spain in 2006. The human remains, which belonged to two men in their early 30s, had been extremely well preserved by the cool environment of the cave. Carbon dating put the remains at around 7,000 years old, before farming had swept into Europe from the Middle East. The timing fitted with ancient artifacts found at the site, including perforated reindeer teeth that were strung and hung from the people’s clothing.

0Adv

What can be inferred about the Mesolithic cavemen based on items found in the cave?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

The Spanish team started their work after a group of cave explorers found two skeletons in a deep and complex cave system high up in the Cantabrian Mountains of northwest Spain in 2006. The human remains, which belonged to two men in their early 30s, had been extremely well preserved by the cool environment of the cave. Carbon dating put the remains at around 7,000 years old, before farming arrived in Europe from the Middle East. Other things were found at the site, including reindeer teeth that were strung and hung from the people’s clothing.

1Int

What does carbon dating tell us about the skeletons?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

The Spanish team started their work after a group of cave explorers found two skeletons in a deep and complex cave system high up in the Cantabrian Mountains of northwest Spain in 2006. The human remains, which belonged to two men in their early 30s, had been extremely well preserved by the cool environment of the cave. Carbon dating put the remains at around 7,000 years old, before farming arrived in Europe from the Middle East. Other things were found at the site, including reindeer teeth that were strung and hung from the people’s clothing.

1Int

Where were reindeer teeth found?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

The Spanish team started their work after a group of cave explorers found two skeletons in a deep and complex cave system high up in the Cantabrian Mountains of northwest Spain in 2006. The human remains, which belonged to two men in their early 30s, had been extremely well preserved by the cool environment of the cave. Carbon dating put the remains at around 7,000 years old, before farming arrived in Europe from the Middle East. Other things were found at the site, including reindeer teeth that were strung and hung from the people’s clothing.

1Int

What can be inferred about the Mesolithic cavemen based on items found in the cave?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

The Spanish team started their work after a group of cave explorers found two skeletons in a deep cave high up in the Cantabrian Mountains of northwest Spain in 2006. The skeletons, which belonged to two men in their early 30s, had been very well preserved in the cool cave. Carbon dating showed the skeletons are around 7,000 years old, from the time before farming arrived in Europe from the Middle East. Other things were found in the cave, including reindeer teeth that were hung from the people’s clothing.

2Ele

What does carbon dating tell us about the skeletons?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

The Spanish team started their work after a group of cave explorers found two skeletons in a deep cave high up in the Cantabrian Mountains of northwest Spain in 2006. The skeletons, which belonged to two men in their early 30s, had been very well preserved in the cool cave. Carbon dating showed the skeletons are around 7,000 years old, from the time before farming arrived in Europe from the Middle East. Other things were found in the cave, including reindeer teeth that were hung from the people’s clothing.

2Ele

Where were reindeer teeth found?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

The Spanish team started their work after a group of cave explorers found two skeletons in a deep cave high up in the Cantabrian Mountains of northwest Spain in 2006. The skeletons, which belonged to two men in their early 30s, had been very well preserved in the cool cave. Carbon dating showed the skeletons are around 7,000 years old, from the time before farming arrived in Europe from the Middle East. Other things were found in the cave, including reindeer teeth that were hung from the people’s clothing.

2Ele

What can be inferred about the Mesolithic cavemen based on items found in the cave?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

On top of the scientific impact, artists might have to rethink their drawings of the people. “You see a lot of reconstructions of these people hunting and gathering and they look like modern Europeans with light skin. You never see a reconstruction of a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer with dark skin and blue eye color,” Lalueza-Fox said. The Spanish team went on to compare the genome of the hunter-gatherer to those of modern Europeans from different regions to see how they might be related. They found that the ancient DNA most closely matched the genetic makeup of people living in northern Europe, in particular Sweden and Finland.

0Adv

How will the discovery impact how artists should portray Mesolithic hunter-gatherers?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

On top of the scientific impact, artists might have to rethink their drawings of the people. “You see a lot of reconstructions of these people hunting and gathering and they look like modern Europeans with light skin. You never see a reconstruction of a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer with dark skin and blue eye color,” Lalueza-Fox said. The Spanish team went on to compare the genome of the hunter-gatherer to those of modern Europeans from different regions to see how they might be related. They found that the ancient DNA most closely matched the genetic makeup of people living in northern Europe, in particular Sweden and Finland.

0Adv

Which of these nationalities has DNA most closely related to Mesolithic hunter-gatherers?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

On top of the scientific impact, artists might have to rethink their drawings of the people. “You see a lot of reconstructions of these people hunting and gathering and they look like modern Europeans with light skin. You never see a reconstruction of a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer with dark skin and blue eye color,” Lalueza-Fox said. The Spanish team went on to compare the genome of the hunter-gatherer to those of modern Europeans from different regions to see how they might be related. They found that the ancient DNA most closely matched the genetic makeup of people living in northern Europe, in particular Sweden and Finland.

0Adv

How are Mesolithic hunter-gatherers currently portrayed through art?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

On top of the scientific impact, artists might have to rethink their drawings of the people. “You see a lot of reconstructions of these people hunting and gathering and they look like modern Europeans with light skin. You never see a reconstruction of a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer with dark skin and blue eyes,” Lalueza-Fox said. The Spanish team compared the genome of the hunter-gatherer to those of modern Europeans from different regions to see how they might be related. They found that the ancient DNA most closely matched the genetic makeup of people living in northern Europe, in particular Sweden and Finland.

1Int

How will the discovery impact how artists should portray Mesolithic hunter-gatherers?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

On top of the scientific impact, artists might have to rethink their drawings of the people. “You see a lot of reconstructions of these people hunting and gathering and they look like modern Europeans with light skin. You never see a reconstruction of a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer with dark skin and blue eyes,” Lalueza-Fox said. The Spanish team compared the genome of the hunter-gatherer to those of modern Europeans from different regions to see how they might be related. They found that the ancient DNA most closely matched the genetic makeup of people living in northern Europe, in particular Sweden and Finland.

1Int

Which of these nationalities has DNA most closely related to Mesolithic hunter-gatherers?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

On top of the scientific impact, artists might have to rethink their drawings of the people. “You see a lot of reconstructions of these people hunting and gathering and they look like modern Europeans with light skin. You never see a reconstruction of a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer with dark skin and blue eyes,” Lalueza-Fox said. The Spanish team compared the genome of the hunter-gatherer to those of modern Europeans from different regions to see how they might be related. They found that the ancient DNA most closely matched the genetic makeup of people living in northern Europe, in particular Sweden and Finland.

1Int

How are Mesolithic hunter-gatherers currently portrayed through art?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

This discovery is important for science. It is also important to artists who will have to draw Mesolithic people in a new way. “You see a lot of pictures of these people hunting and gathering and they look like modern Europeans with light skin. You never see a picture of a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer with dark skin and blue eyes,” Lalueza-Fox said. The Spanish team compared the hunter-gatherer to modern Europeans from different regions to see how they might be related. They found that the ancient DNA was most closely related to the DNA of people living in northern Europe, in particular Sweden and Finland.

2Ele

How will the discovery impact how artists should portray Mesolithic hunter-gatherers?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

This discovery is important for science. It is also important to artists who will have to draw Mesolithic people in a new way. “You see a lot of pictures of these people hunting and gathering and they look like modern Europeans with light skin. You never see a picture of a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer with dark skin and blue eyes,” Lalueza-Fox said. The Spanish team compared the hunter-gatherer to modern Europeans from different regions to see how they might be related. They found that the ancient DNA was most closely related to the DNA of people living in northern Europe, in particular Sweden and Finland.

2Ele

Which of these nationalities has DNA most closely related to Mesolithic hunter-gatherers?

Swarthy Blue-Eyed Caveman Revealed

This discovery is important for science. It is also important to artists who will have to draw Mesolithic people in a new way. “You see a lot of pictures of these people hunting and gathering and they look like modern Europeans with light skin. You never see a picture of a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer with dark skin and blue eyes,” Lalueza-Fox said. The Spanish team compared the hunter-gatherer to modern Europeans from different regions to see how they might be related. They found that the ancient DNA was most closely related to the DNA of people living in northern Europe, in particular Sweden and Finland.

2Ele

How are Mesolithic hunter-gatherers currently portrayed through art?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Agios Efstratios is so remote, so forgotten by the banks, the government and most of the modern world that the mobile phone network can’t process data and there isn’t a single ATM or credit-card machine on the island. Before Greece was plunged into financial chaos, residents of this tranquil outpost in the northern Aegean managed quite well. They did their banking at the post office and the few dozen rooms to rent were booked out every summer with people who had heard – by word of mouth – of its spectacular empty beaches, clear seas and fresh seafood.

0Adv

What event dramatically reduced the quality of life for residents in Agios Efstratios?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Agios Efstratios is so remote, so forgotten by the banks, the government and most of the modern world that the mobile phone network can’t process data and there isn’t a single ATM or credit-card machine on the island. Before Greece was plunged into financial chaos, residents of this tranquil outpost in the northern Aegean managed quite well. They did their banking at the post office and the few dozen rooms to rent were booked out every summer with people who had heard – by word of mouth – of its spectacular empty beaches, clear seas and fresh seafood.

0Adv

What was true about tourism in Agios Efstratios before the recent financial crisis?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Agios Efstratios is so remote, so forgotten by the banks, the government and most of the modern world that the mobile phone network can’t process data and there isn’t a single ATM or credit-card machine on the island. Before Greece was plunged into financial chaos, residents of this tranquil outpost in the northern Aegean managed quite well. They did their banking at the post office and the few dozen rooms to rent were booked out every summer with people who had heard – by word of mouth – of its spectacular empty beaches, clear seas and fresh seafood.

0Adv

Are there many hotels in Agios Efstratios?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

The Greek island of Agios Efstratios is so remote, so forgotten by the banks, the government and most of the modern world that there isn’t a single ATM or credit-card machine on the island. Before the economic crisis in Greece, residents of this tranquil island in the northern Aegean managed quite well. They did their banking at the post office and the few dozen rooms to rent were fully booked every summer with people who had heard – by word of mouth – of its spectacular empty beaches, clear seas and fresh seafood.

1Int

What event dramatically reduced the quality of life for residents in Agios Efstratios?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

The Greek island of Agios Efstratios is so remote, so forgotten by the banks, the government and most of the modern world that there isn’t a single ATM or credit-card machine on the island. Before the economic crisis in Greece, residents of this tranquil island in the northern Aegean managed quite well. They did their banking at the post office and the few dozen rooms to rent were fully booked every summer with people who had heard – by word of mouth – of its spectacular empty beaches, clear seas and fresh seafood.

1Int

What was true about tourism in Agios Efstratios before the recent financial crisis?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

The Greek island of Agios Efstratios is so remote, so forgotten by the banks, the government and most of the modern world that there isn’t a single ATM or credit-card machine on the island. Before the economic crisis in Greece, residents of this tranquil island in the northern Aegean managed quite well. They did their banking at the post office and the few dozen rooms to rent were fully booked every summer with people who had heard – by word of mouth – of its spectacular empty beaches, clear seas and fresh seafood.

1Int

Are there many hotels in Agios Efstratios?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

The Greek island of Agios Efstratios is very remote. It has been forgotten by the banks, the government and most of the modern world. It doesn’t have a single ATM or credit-card machine. Before the economic crisis in Greece, the people of this peaceful island in the northern Aegean lived quite well. The few rooms to rent were fully booked every summer with people enjoying its empty beaches, clear seas and fresh seafood.

2Ele

What event dramatically reduced the quality of life for residents in Agios Efstratios?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

The Greek island of Agios Efstratios is very remote. It has been forgotten by the banks, the government and most of the modern world. It doesn’t have a single ATM or credit-card machine. Before the economic crisis in Greece, the people of this peaceful island in the northern Aegean lived quite well. The few rooms to rent were fully booked every summer with people enjoying its empty beaches, clear seas and fresh seafood.

2Ele

What was true about tourism in Agios Efstratios before the recent financial crisis?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

The Greek island of Agios Efstratios is very remote. It has been forgotten by the banks, the government and most of the modern world. It doesn’t have a single ATM or credit-card machine. Before the economic crisis in Greece, the people of this peaceful island in the northern Aegean lived quite well. The few rooms to rent were fully booked every summer with people enjoying its empty beaches, clear seas and fresh seafood.

2Ele

Are there many hotels in Agios Efstratios?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

But, because the island still runs on cash, the closure of banks nationwide has been devastating. Residents have been forced to make nine-hour round trips to the nearest big island to get cash and Greek visitors say they can’t get together enough cash to come. “Tourist numbers are down 80% this year,” said Mayor Maria Kakali, in an office in the village where she grew up, home to around 200 people. “Even people born here and living in Athens, who have their own places on the island, aren’t coming.”

0Adv

How has the closure of Greek banks affected the local residents of the island?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

But, because the island still runs on cash, the closure of banks nationwide has been devastating. Residents have been forced to make nine-hour round trips to the nearest big island to get cash and Greek visitors say they can’t get together enough cash to come. “Tourist numbers are down 80% this year,” said Mayor Maria Kakali, in an office in the village where she grew up, home to around 200 people. “Even people born here and living in Athens, who have their own places on the island, aren’t coming.”

0Adv

Why do Greek visitors no longer come to the island?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

But, because the island still runs on cash, the closure of banks nationwide has been devastating. Residents have been forced to make nine-hour round trips to the nearest big island to get cash and Greek visitors say they can’t get together enough cash to come. “Tourist numbers are down 80% this year,” said Mayor Maria Kakali, in an office in the village where she grew up, home to around 200 people. “Even people born here and living in Athens, who have their own places on the island, aren’t coming.”

0Adv

Where do island residents have to travel to get cash?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

But, because the island still uses only cash, the closure of the Greek banks has been devastating. Residents have to make nine-hour round trips to the nearest big island to get cash and Greek visitors say they can’t get hold of enough money to come. “Tourist numbers have reduced by 80% this year,” said Mayor Maria Kakali, in an office in the village where she grew up, with a population of around 200 people. “Even people born here and living in Athens, who have their own places on the island, aren’t coming.”

1Int

How has the closure of Greek banks affected the local residents of the island?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

But, because the island still uses only cash, the closure of the Greek banks has been devastating. Residents have to make nine-hour round trips to the nearest big island to get cash and Greek visitors say they can’t get hold of enough money to come. “Tourist numbers have reduced by 80% this year,” said Mayor Maria Kakali, in an office in the village where she grew up, with a population of around 200 people. “Even people born here and living in Athens, who have their own places on the island, aren’t coming.”

1Int

Why do Greek visitors no longer come to the island?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

But, because the island still uses only cash, the closure of the Greek banks has been devastating. Residents have to make nine-hour round trips to the nearest big island to get cash and Greek visitors say they can’t get hold of enough money to come. “Tourist numbers have reduced by 80% this year,” said Mayor Maria Kakali, in an office in the village where she grew up, with a population of around 200 people. “Even people born here and living in Athens, who have their own places on the island, aren’t coming.”

1Int

Where do island residents have to travel to get cash?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

But the island still uses only cash so the closure of the Greek banks has had a serious effect. Local people have to make nine-hour round trips to the nearest big island to get cash. Greek visitors say they don’t have enough cash to come. “Tourist numbers have reduced by 80% this year,” said Mayor Maria Kakali, in an office in the village where she grew up. The village has about 200 people. “Even people born here and living in Athens, who have their own places on the island, aren’t coming.”

2Ele

How has the closure of Greek banks affected the local residents of the island?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

But the island still uses only cash so the closure of the Greek banks has had a serious effect. Local people have to make nine-hour round trips to the nearest big island to get cash. Greek visitors say they don’t have enough cash to come. “Tourist numbers have reduced by 80% this year,” said Mayor Maria Kakali, in an office in the village where she grew up. The village has about 200 people. “Even people born here and living in Athens, who have their own places on the island, aren’t coming.”

2Ele

Why do Greek visitors no longer come to the island?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

But the island still uses only cash so the closure of the Greek banks has had a serious effect. Local people have to make nine-hour round trips to the nearest big island to get cash. Greek visitors say they don’t have enough cash to come. “Tourist numbers have reduced by 80% this year,” said Mayor Maria Kakali, in an office in the village where she grew up. The village has about 200 people. “Even people born here and living in Athens, who have their own places on the island, aren’t coming.”

2Ele

Where do island residents have to travel to get cash?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Kakali has badgered the government and a major Greek bank into promising an ATM within weeks but she still feels it may come too late for this season on an island where tourism dwarfs the two other sources of income: fishing and agriculture: “We have almost no reservations in August, when usually we have people calling us up asking to find a room and we can’t help them.” A hard winter ahead may be slightly improved by 50 workers billeted in the village to expand the harbor but there is an even bigger crisis looming because the government has said it will end a decades-old tax break for islands.

0Adv

How many tourists will likely visit the island this season compared to previous years?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Kakali has badgered the government and a major Greek bank into promising an ATM within weeks but she still feels it may come too late for this season on an island where tourism dwarfs the two other sources of income: fishing and agriculture: “We have almost no reservations in August, when usually we have people calling us up asking to find a room and we can’t help them.” A hard winter ahead may be slightly improved by 50 workers billeted in the village to expand the harbor but there is an even bigger crisis looming because the government has said it will end a decades-old tax break for islands.

0Adv

What is the upcoming “bigger crisis”?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Kakali has badgered the government and a major Greek bank into promising an ATM within weeks but she still feels it may come too late for this season on an island where tourism dwarfs the two other sources of income: fishing and agriculture: “We have almost no reservations in August, when usually we have people calling us up asking to find a room and we can’t help them.” A hard winter ahead may be slightly improved by 50 workers billeted in the village to expand the harbor but there is an even bigger crisis looming because the government has said it will end a decades-old tax break for islands.

0Adv

Who has said islands will stop getting their current tax breaks?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Kakali has badgered the government and a major Greek bank into promising an ATM within weeks but she still feels it may be too late for this season on an island where tourism is the main source of income: “We have almost no reservations in August, when usually we have people calling us up asking to find a room and we can’t help them.” A hard winter ahead may be slightly improved because 50 workers will live and work in the village to expand the harbor. But there is an even bigger crisis ahead because the government has said it will end a tax break for islands.

1Int

How many tourists will likely visit the island this season compared to previous years?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Kakali has badgered the government and a major Greek bank into promising an ATM within weeks but she still feels it may be too late for this season on an island where tourism is the main source of income: “We have almost no reservations in August, when usually we have people calling us up asking to find a room and we can’t help them.” A hard winter ahead may be slightly improved because 50 workers will live and work in the village to expand the harbor. But there is an even bigger crisis ahead because the government has said it will end a tax break for islands.

1Int

What is the upcoming “bigger crisis”?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Kakali has badgered the government and a major Greek bank into promising an ATM within weeks but she still feels it may be too late for this season on an island where tourism is the main source of income: “We have almost no reservations in August, when usually we have people calling us up asking to find a room and we can’t help them.” A hard winter ahead may be slightly improved because 50 workers will live and work in the village to expand the harbor. But there is an even bigger crisis ahead because the government has said it will end a tax break for islands.

1Int

Who has said islands will stop getting their current tax breaks?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Kakali has asked the government and a major Greek bank to install an ATM, and this should arrive soon. But tourism is the main business on the island, and she feels the ATM may come too late for this season. “We have almost no reservations in August, when usually we are full.” But there is an even bigger crisis ahead – the government has said it will end a tax break for islands.

2Ele

How many tourists will likely visit the island this season compared to previous years?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Kakali has asked the government and a major Greek bank to install an ATM, and this should arrive soon. But tourism is the main business on the island, and she feels the ATM may come too late for this season. “We have almost no reservations in August, when usually we are full.” But there is an even bigger crisis ahead – the government has said it will end a tax break for islands.

2Ele

What is the upcoming “bigger crisis”?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Kakali has asked the government and a major Greek bank to install an ATM, and this should arrive soon. But tourism is the main business on the island, and she feels the ATM may come too late for this season. “We have almost no reservations in August, when usually we are full.” But there is an even bigger crisis ahead – the government has said it will end a tax break for islands.

2Ele

Who has said islands will stop getting their current tax breaks?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Created to help island communities survive when they were suffering mass emigration, a lower sales tax contained the costs of living in places where everything had to be imported and made tourism more affordable. Tourist favorites such as Mykonos fear that losing the tax breaks will make it hard for them to compete with Turkey but, for Agios Efstratios, it poses a far greater threat. “If we have to pay a tax of 23%, I’m sorry to say it but we will all die on the island,” says Kakali. Food and fuel are already more expensive than on mainland Greece, there are no economies of scale and little economic flexibility on an island which, even in summer, has only three shops, two restaurants and not a single official hotel. “This is an expensive island. Everything, even milk or bread, has changed hands three or four times before it gets to us and each middleman has to take a profit,” said Provatas Costas, a 58-year-old fisherman.

0Adv

According to Kakali, what will happen in Agios Efstratios once the tax break ends?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Created to help island communities survive when they were suffering mass emigration, a lower sales tax contained the costs of living in places where everything had to be imported and made tourism more affordable. Tourist favorites such as Mykonos fear that losing the tax breaks will make it hard for them to compete with Turkey but, for Agios Efstratios, it poses a far greater threat. “If we have to pay a tax of 23%, I’m sorry to say it but we will all die on the island,” says Kakali. Food and fuel are already more expensive than on mainland Greece, there are no economies of scale and little economic flexibility on an island which, even in summer, has only three shops, two restaurants and not a single official hotel. “This is an expensive island. Everything, even milk or bread, has changed hands three or four times before it gets to us and each middleman has to take a profit,” said Provatas Costas, a 58-year-old fisherman.

0Adv

Why are things generally more expensive in Agios Efstratios, according to Provatas Costas?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Created to help island communities survive when they were suffering mass emigration, a lower sales tax contained the costs of living in places where everything had to be imported and made tourism more affordable. Tourist favorites such as Mykonos fear that losing the tax breaks will make it hard for them to compete with Turkey but, for Agios Efstratios, it poses a far greater threat. “If we have to pay a tax of 23%, I’m sorry to say it but we will all die on the island,” says Kakali. Food and fuel are already more expensive than on mainland Greece, there are no economies of scale and little economic flexibility on an island which, even in summer, has only three shops, two restaurants and not a single official hotel. “This is an expensive island. Everything, even milk or bread, has changed hands three or four times before it gets to us and each middleman has to take a profit,” said Provatas Costas, a 58-year-old fisherman.

0Adv

Why does Provatas Costas mention milk and bread when describing Agios Efstratios?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

The tax break was created to help island communities survive the problem of mass emigration. The lower sales tax reduced the costs of living on the islands, where everything had to be imported, and it made tourism more affordable. Tourist favorites such as Mykonos fear that losing the tax breaks will make it hard for them to compete with Turkey. But, for Agios Efstratios, it is a far greater problem. “If we have to pay a tax of 23%, I’m sorry to say it but we will all die on the island,” says Kakali. Food and fuel are already more expensive than on the mainland. Even in summer the island has only three shops, two restaurants and not a single official hotel. “This is an expensive island. Everything, even milk or bread, has been bought and sold three or four times before it gets to us and everyone has to take a profit,” said Provatas Costas, a 58-year-old fisherman.

1Int

According to Kakali, what will happen in Agios Efstratios once the tax break ends?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

The tax break was created to help island communities survive the problem of mass emigration. The lower sales tax reduced the costs of living on the islands, where everything had to be imported, and it made tourism more affordable. Tourist favorites such as Mykonos fear that losing the tax breaks will make it hard for them to compete with Turkey. But, for Agios Efstratios, it is a far greater problem. “If we have to pay a tax of 23%, I’m sorry to say it but we will all die on the island,” says Kakali. Food and fuel are already more expensive than on the mainland. Even in summer the island has only three shops, two restaurants and not a single official hotel. “This is an expensive island. Everything, even milk or bread, has been bought and sold three or four times before it gets to us and everyone has to take a profit,” said Provatas Costas, a 58-year-old fisherman.

1Int

Why are things generally more expensive in Agios Efstratios, according to Provatas Costas?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

The tax break was created to help island communities survive the problem of mass emigration. The lower sales tax reduced the costs of living on the islands, where everything had to be imported, and it made tourism more affordable. Tourist favorites such as Mykonos fear that losing the tax breaks will make it hard for them to compete with Turkey. But, for Agios Efstratios, it is a far greater problem. “If we have to pay a tax of 23%, I’m sorry to say it but we will all die on the island,” says Kakali. Food and fuel are already more expensive than on the mainland. Even in summer the island has only three shops, two restaurants and not a single official hotel. “This is an expensive island. Everything, even milk or bread, has been bought and sold three or four times before it gets to us and everyone has to take a profit,” said Provatas Costas, a 58-year-old fisherman.

1Int

Why does Provatas Costas mention milk and bread when describing Agios Efstratios?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

The sales tax break was created to help people on islands survive when lots of people were emigrating. Islands that are popular with tourists, such as Mykonos, fear that losing the tax break will make things very hard for them. But, for Agios Efstratios, it is a much bigger problem. “If we have to pay a tax of 23%, we will all die on the island,” says Kakali. Food and fuel are already more expensive than on mainland Greece. Even in summer, the island has only three shops, two restaurants and not one official hotel. “This is an expensive island. Everything, even milk or bread, has been bought and sold three or four times by middlemen before it gets to us and so is very expensive,” said Provatas Costas, a 58-year-old fisherman.

2Ele

According to Kakali, what will happen in Agios Efstratios once the tax break ends?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

The sales tax break was created to help people on islands survive when lots of people were emigrating. Islands that are popular with tourists, such as Mykonos, fear that losing the tax break will make things very hard for them. But, for Agios Efstratios, it is a much bigger problem. “If we have to pay a tax of 23%, we will all die on the island,” says Kakali. Food and fuel are already more expensive than on mainland Greece. Even in summer, the island has only three shops, two restaurants and not one official hotel. “This is an expensive island. Everything, even milk or bread, has been bought and sold three or four times by middlemen before it gets to us and so is very expensive,” said Provatas Costas, a 58-year-old fisherman.

2Ele

Why are things generally more expensive in Agios Efstratios, according to Provatas Costas?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

The sales tax break was created to help people on islands survive when lots of people were emigrating. Islands that are popular with tourists, such as Mykonos, fear that losing the tax break will make things very hard for them. But, for Agios Efstratios, it is a much bigger problem. “If we have to pay a tax of 23%, we will all die on the island,” says Kakali. Food and fuel are already more expensive than on mainland Greece. Even in summer, the island has only three shops, two restaurants and not one official hotel. “This is an expensive island. Everything, even milk or bread, has been bought and sold three or four times by middlemen before it gets to us and so is very expensive,” said Provatas Costas, a 58-year-old fisherman.

2Ele

Why does Provatas Costas mention milk and bread when describing Agios Efstratios?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

For Agios Efstratios and its closest large neighbor, Lemnos, the timing of the crisis is particularly cruel. They were condemned to relative obscurity for years in part because they are served by slow and unreliable ferries. In 2015, the government had finally given the contract to a new, efficient company, drawing floods of new visitors to explore the islands’ largely overlooked charms, before the bank controls hit. “This season started out as the best season in 30 years and, in one week, became the worst,” said Atzamis Konstantinos, a travel agent in Lemnos who used to earn €15,000 a month as a captain of petroleum tankers and other large ships but came home because he missed it so much.

0Adv

What improvement made the islands more popular for tourists?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

For Agios Efstratios and its closest large neighbor, Lemnos, the timing of the crisis is particularly cruel. They were condemned to relative obscurity for years in part because they are served by slow and unreliable ferries. In 2015, the government had finally given the contract to a new, efficient company, drawing floods of new visitors to explore the islands’ largely overlooked charms, before the bank controls hit. “This season started out as the best season in 30 years and, in one week, became the worst,” said Atzamis Konstantinos, a travel agent in Lemnos who used to earn €15,000 a month as a captain of petroleum tankers and other large ships but came home because he missed it so much.

0Adv

What caused this tourism season to be the worst in 30 years?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

For Agios Efstratios and its closest large neighbor, Lemnos, the timing of the crisis is particularly cruel. They were condemned to relative obscurity for years in part because they are served by slow and unreliable ferries. In 2015, the government had finally given the contract to a new, efficient company, drawing floods of new visitors to explore the islands’ largely overlooked charms, before the bank controls hit. “This season started out as the best season in 30 years and, in one week, became the worst,” said Atzamis Konstantinos, a travel agent in Lemnos who used to earn €15,000 a month as a captain of petroleum tankers and other large ships but came home because he missed it so much.

0Adv

Why did people consider the islands as remote and obscure?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

For Agios Efstratios and its closest large neighbor, Lemnos, the timing of the crisis is particularly cruel. They were seen as remote for years partly because you could only reach the islands by slow and unreliable ferries. In 2015, the government had finally given the contract to a new, efficient company and this has brought many new visitors to explore the islands’ charms. But, then, the bank controls hit. “This season started as the best season in 30 years and, in one week, it became the worst,” said Atzamis Konstantinos, a travel agent in Lemnos.

1Int

What improvement made the islands more popular for tourists?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

For Agios Efstratios and its closest large neighbor, Lemnos, the timing of the crisis is particularly cruel. They were seen as remote for years partly because you could only reach the islands by slow and unreliable ferries. In 2015, the government had finally given the contract to a new, efficient company and this has brought many new visitors to explore the islands’ charms. But, then, the bank controls hit. “This season started as the best season in 30 years and, in one week, it became the worst,” said Atzamis Konstantinos, a travel agent in Lemnos.

1Int

What caused this tourism season to be the worst in 30 years?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

For Agios Efstratios and its closest large neighbor, Lemnos, the timing of the crisis is particularly cruel. They were seen as remote for years partly because you could only reach the islands by slow and unreliable ferries. In 2015, the government had finally given the contract to a new, efficient company and this has brought many new visitors to explore the islands’ charms. But, then, the bank controls hit. “This season started as the best season in 30 years and, in one week, it became the worst,” said Atzamis Konstantinos, a travel agent in Lemnos.

1Int

Why did people consider the islands as remote and obscure?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Things are also difficult for the island of Lemnos, the closest large neighbor of Agios Efstratios. People saw the islands as remote for years partly because the only way to get there was by slow and unreliable ferries. In 2015, they finally had new, efficient ferries and this brought many new visitors to explore these islands. But, then, the bank controls began. “This season started as the best season in 30 years and, in one week, it became the worst,” said Atzamis Konstantinos, a travel agent in Lemnos.

2Ele

What improvement made the islands more popular for tourists?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Things are also difficult for the island of Lemnos, the closest large neighbor of Agios Efstratios. People saw the islands as remote for years partly because the only way to get there was by slow and unreliable ferries. In 2015, they finally had new, efficient ferries and this brought many new visitors to explore these islands. But, then, the bank controls began. “This season started as the best season in 30 years and, in one week, it became the worst,” said Atzamis Konstantinos, a travel agent in Lemnos.

2Ele

What caused this tourism season to be the worst in 30 years?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Things are also difficult for the island of Lemnos, the closest large neighbor of Agios Efstratios. People saw the islands as remote for years partly because the only way to get there was by slow and unreliable ferries. In 2015, they finally had new, efficient ferries and this brought many new visitors to explore these islands. But, then, the bank controls began. “This season started as the best season in 30 years and, in one week, it became the worst,” said Atzamis Konstantinos, a travel agent in Lemnos.

2Ele

Why did people consider the islands as remote and obscure?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Lemnos has dozens of wild beaches, where even at the height of summer you can swim and sunbathe virtually alone, a small nightlife scene, and numerous cultural sites. Lemnos is the eighth largest island in Greece so it is in line for the first round of tax increases in autumn 2015 but far less wealthy than many smaller ones. It has just over 3,000 beds for visitors, compared with tens of thousands on an island such as Rhodes. Its councilors say that they will fight the tax rise, although none can say how. “We have been suffering economically in recent years and, now, we will suffer more,” said Lemnos Mayor, Dimitris Marinakis. “When there is not enough money, you reduce your consumption and therefore the whole economy declines.”

0Adv

What is among the primary attractions of Lemnos?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Lemnos has dozens of wild beaches, where even at the height of summer you can swim and sunbathe virtually alone, a small nightlife scene, and numerous cultural sites. Lemnos is the eighth largest island in Greece so it is in line for the first round of tax increases in autumn 2015 but far less wealthy than many smaller ones. It has just over 3,000 beds for visitors, compared with tens of thousands on an island such as Rhodes. Its councilors say that they will fight the tax rise, although none can say how. “We have been suffering economically in recent years and, now, we will suffer more,” said Lemnos Mayor, Dimitris Marinakis. “When there is not enough money, you reduce your consumption and therefore the whole economy declines.”

0Adv

Why does Lemnos have to pay the first round of tax increases?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Lemnos has dozens of wild beaches, where even at the height of summer you can swim and sunbathe virtually alone, a small nightlife scene, and numerous cultural sites. Lemnos is the eighth largest island in Greece so it is in line for the first round of tax increases in autumn 2015 but far less wealthy than many smaller ones. It has just over 3,000 beds for visitors, compared with tens of thousands on an island such as Rhodes. Its councilors say that they will fight the tax rise, although none can say how. “We have been suffering economically in recent years and, now, we will suffer more,” said Lemnos Mayor, Dimitris Marinakis. “When there is not enough money, you reduce your consumption and therefore the whole economy declines.”

0Adv

How does Lemnos compare in size to other islands in Greece?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Lemnos has dozens of wild beaches, where you can swim and sunbathe virtually alone, a small nightlife scene and many cultural sites. Lemnos is the eighth largest island in Greece, so it is in line for the first round of tax increases in autumn, 2015 but it is far less wealthy than many smaller islands. It has just over 3,000 beds for visitors, compared with tens of thousands on an island such as Rhodes. “We have been suffering economically in recent years and now we will suffer more,” said Lemnos Mayor, Dimitris Marinakis. “When there is not enough money, you reduce your consumption and the whole economy gets worse.”

1Int

What is among the primary attractions of Lemnos?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Lemnos has dozens of wild beaches, where you can swim and sunbathe virtually alone, a small nightlife scene and many cultural sites. Lemnos is the eighth largest island in Greece, so it is in line for the first round of tax increases in autumn, 2015 but it is far less wealthy than many smaller islands. It has just over 3,000 beds for visitors, compared with tens of thousands on an island such as Rhodes. “We have been suffering economically in recent years and now we will suffer more,” said Lemnos Mayor, Dimitris Marinakis. “When there is not enough money, you reduce your consumption and the whole economy gets worse.”

1Int

Why does Lemnos have to pay the first round of tax increases?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Lemnos has dozens of wild beaches, where you can swim and sunbathe virtually alone, a small nightlife scene and many cultural sites. Lemnos is the eighth largest island in Greece, so it is in line for the first round of tax increases in autumn, 2015 but it is far less wealthy than many smaller islands. It has just over 3,000 beds for visitors, compared with tens of thousands on an island such as Rhodes. “We have been suffering economically in recent years and now we will suffer more,” said Lemnos Mayor, Dimitris Marinakis. “When there is not enough money, you reduce your consumption and the whole economy gets worse.”

1Int

How does Lemnos compare in size to other islands in Greece?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Lemnos has wild beaches, where you can swim and sunbathe almost alone, a small nightlife scene and many cultural sites. Lemnos is the eighth largest island in Greece so it will have to pay the first round of tax increases in autumn 2015. But Lemnos is far less wealthy than many smaller islands. It has just over 3,000 beds for visitors – Rhodes, for example, has tens of thousands of beds. “We have been suffering economically in recent years and now we will suffer more,” said Lemnos Mayor, Dimitris Marinakis.

2Ele

What is among the primary attractions of Lemnos?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Lemnos has wild beaches, where you can swim and sunbathe almost alone, a small nightlife scene and many cultural sites. Lemnos is the eighth largest island in Greece so it will have to pay the first round of tax increases in autumn 2015. But Lemnos is far less wealthy than many smaller islands. It has just over 3,000 beds for visitors – Rhodes, for example, has tens of thousands of beds. “We have been suffering economically in recent years and now we will suffer more,” said Lemnos Mayor, Dimitris Marinakis.

2Ele

Why does Lemnos have to pay the first round of tax increases?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

Lemnos has wild beaches, where you can swim and sunbathe almost alone, a small nightlife scene and many cultural sites. Lemnos is the eighth largest island in Greece so it will have to pay the first round of tax increases in autumn 2015. But Lemnos is far less wealthy than many smaller islands. It has just over 3,000 beds for visitors – Rhodes, for example, has tens of thousands of beds. “We have been suffering economically in recent years and now we will suffer more,” said Lemnos Mayor, Dimitris Marinakis.

2Ele

How does Lemnos compare in size to other islands in Greece?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

If taxes go up, even more young people will leave, warns Mayor Kakali, who has devoted her year in office to improving education on the island to help keep it an attractive place for families. Because it is one of the smallest islands, Agios Efstratios has until 2017 before the rise is due to come in, so Kakali hopes that the roller coaster of Greek politics means it yet may be spared. If not, though, she plans to travel to Athens to remind the distant government what the tax rise would cost. “The truth is the government doesn’t pay much attention to the islands of the north Aegean,” she said, “so I would take all the kids from our school to the gates of parliament, to tell them: ‘There is still life in these islands’.”

0Adv

What does Kakali hope will happen by 2017?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

If taxes go up, even more young people will leave, warns Mayor Kakali, who has devoted her year in office to improving education on the island to help keep it an attractive place for families. Because it is one of the smallest islands, Agios Efstratios has until 2017 before the rise is due to come in, so Kakali hopes that the roller coaster of Greek politics means it yet may be spared. If not, though, she plans to travel to Athens to remind the distant government what the tax rise would cost. “The truth is the government doesn’t pay much attention to the islands of the north Aegean,” she said, “so I would take all the kids from our school to the gates of parliament, to tell them: ‘There is still life in these islands’.”

0Adv

What will Kakali do if Agios Efstratios has to pay the proposed tax increase?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

If taxes go up, even more young people will leave, warns Mayor Kakali, who has devoted her year in office to improving education on the island to help keep it an attractive place for families. Because it is one of the smallest islands, Agios Efstratios has until 2017 before the rise is due to come in, so Kakali hopes that the roller coaster of Greek politics means it yet may be spared. If not, though, she plans to travel to Athens to remind the distant government what the tax rise would cost. “The truth is the government doesn’t pay much attention to the islands of the north Aegean,” she said, “so I would take all the kids from our school to the gates of parliament, to tell them: ‘There is still life in these islands’.”

0Adv

Why wasn’t Agios Efstratios one of the first islands to pay taxes?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

If taxes go up, even more young people will leave, warns Mayor Kakali, who has worked to improve education on the island to help keep it an attractive place for families. Because it is one of the smallest islands, Agios Efstratios has until 2017 before the tax rise comes in. Kakali hopes that, because things change very fast in Greek politics, the island might still avoid the tax. If not, though, she plans to travel to Athens to remind the distant government what the tax rise would cost. “The truth is the government doesn’t pay much attention to the islands of the north Aegean,” she said, “so I would take all the kids from our school to the gates of parliament, to tell them: ‘There is still life in these islands’.”

1Int

What does Kakali hope will happen by 2017?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

If taxes go up, even more young people will leave, warns Mayor Kakali, who has worked to improve education on the island to help keep it an attractive place for families. Because it is one of the smallest islands, Agios Efstratios has until 2017 before the tax rise comes in. Kakali hopes that, because things change very fast in Greek politics, the island might still avoid the tax. If not, though, she plans to travel to Athens to remind the distant government what the tax rise would cost. “The truth is the government doesn’t pay much attention to the islands of the north Aegean,” she said, “so I would take all the kids from our school to the gates of parliament, to tell them: ‘There is still life in these islands’.”

1Int

What will Kakali do if Agios Efstratios has to pay the proposed tax increase?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

If taxes go up, even more young people will leave, warns Mayor Kakali, who has worked to improve education on the island to help keep it an attractive place for families. Because it is one of the smallest islands, Agios Efstratios has until 2017 before the tax rise comes in. Kakali hopes that, because things change very fast in Greek politics, the island might still avoid the tax. If not, though, she plans to travel to Athens to remind the distant government what the tax rise would cost. “The truth is the government doesn’t pay much attention to the islands of the north Aegean,” she said, “so I would take all the kids from our school to the gates of parliament, to tell them: ‘There is still life in these islands’.”

1Int

Why wasn’t Agios Efstratios one of the first islands to pay taxes?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

If taxes go up, more young people will leave, warns Mayor Kakali. Because it is one of the smallest islands, Agios Efstratios will not have to pay the tax increase until 2017. And Kakali hopes the political situation in Greece will change before then. But, if not, she plans to travel to Athens to remind the distant government what the tax rise would cost. “The government doesn’t pay much attention to the islands of the north Aegean,” she said, “so I would take all the kids from our school to the gates of parliament, to tell them: ‘There is still life in these islands’.”

2Ele

What does Kakali hope will happen by 2017?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

If taxes go up, more young people will leave, warns Mayor Kakali. Because it is one of the smallest islands, Agios Efstratios will not have to pay the tax increase until 2017. And Kakali hopes the political situation in Greece will change before then. But, if not, she plans to travel to Athens to remind the distant government what the tax rise would cost. “The government doesn’t pay much attention to the islands of the north Aegean,” she said, “so I would take all the kids from our school to the gates of parliament, to tell them: ‘There is still life in these islands’.”

2Ele

What will Kakali do if Agios Efstratios has to pay the proposed tax increase?

The Greek Island Where Time Is Running Out

If taxes go up, more young people will leave, warns Mayor Kakali. Because it is one of the smallest islands, Agios Efstratios will not have to pay the tax increase until 2017. And Kakali hopes the political situation in Greece will change before then. But, if not, she plans to travel to Athens to remind the distant government what the tax rise would cost. “The government doesn’t pay much attention to the islands of the north Aegean,” she said, “so I would take all the kids from our school to the gates of parliament, to tell them: ‘There is still life in these islands’.”

2Ele

Why wasn’t Agios Efstratios one of the first islands to pay taxes?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

There are approximately 50,000 mystery shopping trips carried out every month in the UK, according to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, and, because more and more spending takes place online, the demand for mystery shoppers is growing. Mystery shoppers pretend to be a customer in a store but they are really collecting information on how good or bad its service is. “Retailers are becoming increasingly aware that shoppers who are prepared to set foot in a physical store want a service and an experience they can’t get online,” says Simon Boydell, spokesman for Marketforce, which has more than 300,000 mystery shoppers on its books. “Our clients want to measure how well their stores are delivering on that experience.”

0Adv

Which factor has been contributing to the increasing demand for mystery shoppers?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

There are approximately 50,000 mystery shopping trips carried out every month in the UK, according to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, and, because more and more spending takes place online, the demand for mystery shoppers is growing. Mystery shoppers pretend to be a customer in a store but they are really collecting information on how good or bad its service is. “Retailers are becoming increasingly aware that shoppers who are prepared to set foot in a physical store want a service and an experience they can’t get online,” says Simon Boydell, spokesman for Marketforce, which has more than 300,000 mystery shoppers on its books. “Our clients want to measure how well their stores are delivering on that experience.”

0Adv

Why do retailers hire the services of Marketforce?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

There are approximately 50,000 mystery shopping trips carried out every month in the UK, according to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, and, because more and more spending takes place online, the demand for mystery shoppers is growing. Mystery shoppers pretend to be a customer in a store but they are really collecting information on how good or bad its service is. “Retailers are becoming increasingly aware that shoppers who are prepared to set foot in a physical store want a service and an experience they can’t get online,” says Simon Boydell, spokesman for Marketforce, which has more than 300,000 mystery shoppers on its books. “Our clients want to measure how well their stores are delivering on that experience.”

0Adv

Who are the clients of Marketforce?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

There are approximately 50,000 mystery shopping trips carried out every month in the UK, according to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, and, because more and more spending takes place online, the demand for mystery shoppers is growing. Mystery shoppers pretend to be a customer in a store but they are really collecting information on how good or bad its service is. “Retailers are becoming increasingly aware that shoppers who are prepared to set foot in a physical store want a service and an experience they can’t get online,” says Simon Boydell, spokesman for Marketforce, which has more than 300,000 mystery shoppers. “Our clients want to measure how well their stores are delivering on that experience.”

1Int

Which factor has been contributing to the increasing demand for mystery shoppers?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

There are approximately 50,000 mystery shopping trips carried out every month in the UK, according to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, and, because more and more spending takes place online, the demand for mystery shoppers is growing. Mystery shoppers pretend to be a customer in a store but they are really collecting information on how good or bad its service is. “Retailers are becoming increasingly aware that shoppers who are prepared to set foot in a physical store want a service and an experience they can’t get online,” says Simon Boydell, spokesman for Marketforce, which has more than 300,000 mystery shoppers. “Our clients want to measure how well their stores are delivering on that experience.”

1Int

Why do retailers hire the services of Marketforce?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

There are approximately 50,000 mystery shopping trips carried out every month in the UK, according to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, and, because more and more spending takes place online, the demand for mystery shoppers is growing. Mystery shoppers pretend to be a customer in a store but they are really collecting information on how good or bad its service is. “Retailers are becoming increasingly aware that shoppers who are prepared to set foot in a physical store want a service and an experience they can’t get online,” says Simon Boydell, spokesman for Marketforce, which has more than 300,000 mystery shoppers. “Our clients want to measure how well their stores are delivering on that experience.”

1Int

Who are the clients of Marketforce?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

There are about 50,000 mystery shopping trips every month in the UK, according to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association. Mystery shoppers pretend to be a customer in a store but they are really collecting information on how good or bad its service is. The demand for mystery shoppers is growing because online shopping is becoming more popular. “Retailers are becoming increasingly aware that shoppers who visit a physical store want a service and an experience they can’t get online,” says Simon Boydell, spokesman for Marketforce, which has more than 300,000 mystery shoppers. “Our clients want to know how well their stores are delivering on that experience.”

2Ele

Which factor has been contributing to the increasing demand for mystery shoppers?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

There are about 50,000 mystery shopping trips every month in the UK, according to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association. Mystery shoppers pretend to be a customer in a store but they are really collecting information on how good or bad its service is. The demand for mystery shoppers is growing because online shopping is becoming more popular. “Retailers are becoming increasingly aware that shoppers who visit a physical store want a service and an experience they can’t get online,” says Simon Boydell, spokesman for Marketforce, which has more than 300,000 mystery shoppers. “Our clients want to know how well their stores are delivering on that experience.”

2Ele

Why do retailers hire the services of Marketforce?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

There are about 50,000 mystery shopping trips every month in the UK, according to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association. Mystery shoppers pretend to be a customer in a store but they are really collecting information on how good or bad its service is. The demand for mystery shoppers is growing because online shopping is becoming more popular. “Retailers are becoming increasingly aware that shoppers who visit a physical store want a service and an experience they can’t get online,” says Simon Boydell, spokesman for Marketforce, which has more than 300,000 mystery shoppers. “Our clients want to know how well their stores are delivering on that experience.”

2Ele

Who are the clients of Marketforce?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

“We assign different store locations to each shopper and rotate them so that they never go back to the same shop within three months,” says Jill Spencer of mystery shopping company ABa. “Each day, they typically spend up to eight hours visiting five to ten stores, plus another hour or two filing detailed reports on every aspect of their visit.” For that, the mystery shoppers can earn up to £155 a day. They are also reimbursed for their gasoline and hotel stays, and compensated for their car depreciation (the shoppers can be expected to drive as many as 20,000 miles a year). Meanwhile, video mystery shoppers, who film their visits with a hidden camera planted in a buttonhole or handbag, can earn even more – around £300 a day.

0Adv

How many hours do mystery shoppers spend visiting stores per day?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

“We assign different store locations to each shopper and rotate them so that they never go back to the same shop within three months,” says Jill Spencer of mystery shopping company ABa. “Each day, they typically spend up to eight hours visiting five to ten stores, plus another hour or two filing detailed reports on every aspect of their visit.” For that, the mystery shoppers can earn up to £155 a day. They are also reimbursed for their gasoline and hotel stays, and compensated for their car depreciation (the shoppers can be expected to drive as many as 20,000 miles a year). Meanwhile, video mystery shoppers, who film their visits with a hidden camera planted in a buttonhole or handbag, can earn even more – around £300 a day.

0Adv

What does the mystery shopper have to do to earn around £300 a day?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

“We assign different store locations to each shopper and rotate them so that they never go back to the same shop within three months,” says Jill Spencer of mystery shopping company ABa. “Each day, they typically spend up to eight hours visiting five to ten stores, plus another hour or two filing detailed reports on every aspect of their visit.” For that, the mystery shoppers can earn up to £155 a day. They are also reimbursed for their gasoline and hotel stays, and compensated for their car depreciation (the shoppers can be expected to drive as many as 20,000 miles a year). Meanwhile, video mystery shoppers, who film their visits with a hidden camera planted in a buttonhole or handbag, can earn even more – around £300 a day.

0Adv

How many stores do mystery shoppers visit per day?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

“We assign different store locations to each shopper and rotate them so that they never go back to the same shop within three months,” says Jill Spencer of mystery shopping company ABa. “Each day, they typically spend up to eight hours visiting five to ten stores, plus another hour or two filing detailed reports on every aspect of their visit.” For that, the mystery shoppers can earn up to £155 a day. They are also reimbursed for their expenses. Mystery shoppers who film their visits with a hidden camera can earn even more – around £300 a day.

1Int

How many hours do mystery shoppers spend visiting stores per day?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

“We assign different store locations to each shopper and rotate them so that they never go back to the same shop within three months,” says Jill Spencer of mystery shopping company ABa. “Each day, they typically spend up to eight hours visiting five to ten stores, plus another hour or two filing detailed reports on every aspect of their visit.” For that, the mystery shoppers can earn up to £155 a day. They are also reimbursed for their expenses. Mystery shoppers who film their visits with a hidden camera can earn even more – around £300 a day.

1Int

What does the mystery shopper have to do to earn around £300 a day?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

“We assign different store locations to each shopper and rotate them so that they never go back to the same shop within three months,” says Jill Spencer of mystery shopping company ABa. “Each day, they typically spend up to eight hours visiting five to ten stores, plus another hour or two filing detailed reports on every aspect of their visit.” For that, the mystery shoppers can earn up to £155 a day. They are also reimbursed for their expenses. Mystery shoppers who film their visits with a hidden camera can earn even more – around £300 a day.

1Int

How many stores do mystery shoppers visit per day?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

“We assign different store locations to each shopper and rotate them so that they never go back to the same shop within three months,” says Jill Spencer of mystery shopping company ABa. “Each day, they spend up to eight hours visiting five to ten stores, plus another hour or two writing detailed reports on every part of their visit.” For that, the mystery shoppers can earn up to £155 a day. Their expenses are also paid. Mystery shoppers who film their visits with a hidden camera can earn even more – around £300 a day.

2Ele

How many hours do mystery shoppers spend visiting stores per day?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

“We assign different store locations to each shopper and rotate them so that they never go back to the same shop within three months,” says Jill Spencer of mystery shopping company ABa. “Each day, they spend up to eight hours visiting five to ten stores, plus another hour or two writing detailed reports on every part of their visit.” For that, the mystery shoppers can earn up to £155 a day. Their expenses are also paid. Mystery shoppers who film their visits with a hidden camera can earn even more – around £300 a day.

2Ele

What does the mystery shopper have to do to earn around £300 a day?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

“We assign different store locations to each shopper and rotate them so that they never go back to the same shop within three months,” says Jill Spencer of mystery shopping company ABa. “Each day, they spend up to eight hours visiting five to ten stores, plus another hour or two writing detailed reports on every part of their visit.” For that, the mystery shoppers can earn up to £155 a day. Their expenses are also paid. Mystery shoppers who film their visits with a hidden camera can earn even more – around £300 a day.

2Ele

How many stores do mystery shoppers visit per day?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

Shoppers are usually repaid any money they spend in the stores. “I’m typically given between £5 and £20 to spend at each store, to assess the service I receive at the counter,” says Laura, a 50-year-old mystery shopper from Devon, who has been paid to visit around 7,000 shops since 2001. The purchase usually has to be related to a service or a type of product that the retailer wants her to check. “I’m always given a scenario, such as buying something from a specific department or a new product range, but, within that framework, I can often buy whatever I want – and keep it.”

0Adv

What does Laura get between £5 and £20 for?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

Shoppers are usually repaid any money they spend in the stores. “I’m typically given between £5 and £20 to spend at each store, to assess the service I receive at the counter,” says Laura, a 50-year-old mystery shopper from Devon, who has been paid to visit around 7,000 shops since 2001. The purchase usually has to be related to a service or a type of product that the retailer wants her to check. “I’m always given a scenario, such as buying something from a specific department or a new product range, but, within that framework, I can often buy whatever I want – and keep it.”

0Adv

What is one perk of Laura’s job?

The Secrets of the Mystery Shopper

Shoppers are usually repaid any money they spend in the stores. “I’m typically given between £5 and £20 to spend at each store, to assess the service I receive at the counter,” says Laura, a 50-year-old mystery shopper from Devon, who has been paid to visit around 7,000 shops since 2001. The purchase usually has to be related to a service or a type of product that the retailer wants her to check. “I’m always given a scenario, such as buying something from a specific department or a new product range, but, within that framework, I can often buy whatever I want – and keep it.”

0Adv

What items can Laura purchase at stores?