"This was how it used to be in the old days before money was involved."

As it might be imminent that Greece comes out of the Euro, watch this short video about how these poor people are struggling to cope.

Useful language

from X to Y, from handicrafts to food

handicrafts:  artesanía

a bartering system: A system of swapping items without money

a grassroots initiative: an idea that came from the ordinary people.  This would be good to use in Advanced.

to spawn: It has spawned other bartering systems around the country. To cause the system to spread, to multiply. In this context (impulsar)

soaring unemployment: rising

reenergize: to give more energy to something

a glimmer of hope: a tiny shining light of hope