Crisis forcing Greeks to think outside the box to survive

Athens

IF necessity is the mother of invention, eight years of a crippling recession and dwindling work prospects have compelled at least some Greeks to reboot, switch professions and innovate to survive.

From the island of Syros, handmade wooden spectacle frames are proving a hit with hipsters in Europe and beyond. Gold-infused organic honey from the rolling hills of Evoia in the east is finding favour with upmarket clients in the United States, London, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. And in an Athens suburb, a carpenter turned to his lifetime hobby of crafting fishing spearguns after his business faltered. His first client was from Russia.