My first taste of Greece was the island of Santorini. The abundance of postcard details, sweeping vistas and luxury odes are made for travelers of the social media age. In retrospect, I didn’t leave the island feeling culturally nourished. It felt like a tourist-groomed, quiet corner of a vast cultural dynasty to float into for a quick Pinterest moment. That’s not my priority nowadays. There is no shortage of dreamy Greek islands, and Santorini and Mykonos are perhaps the last ones a native Greek would recommend. Plus, to travel Greece without first visiting Athens is like attempting to read a book without learning the language.
In Athens, every step taken is directly upon the uneven bones of Greece — her culture, her history, her emotions and the ruins of her life. Athens is where all the emotions of Greece surface. That can be comfortable, and it can be uncomfortable. Still, Greeks find a way to anchor their lives in strength and beauty despite it; this is perhaps what it means to be Greek. They refuse to allow the core vibrancies of their life to be interrupted by time or circumstance, no doubt an endearing key to the culture’s iron-clad longevity.
The contrasts between my two Greek experiences are all the symbolic of my life then, versus my life now. As a younger 20-something, I had no idea how to be uncomfortable. It was all about planning my life to the hour. It was putting immense pressure upon myself to bring every last endeavor and relationship to fruition, and the constant need to control the narrative of my reputation. There is no power in that. The best gift one can have in their 20s is to go though an event that wipes away the layers of accumulated distractions and be left with only the bones of your own purpose. There is longevity in being focused only on what makes you feel alive.
A few first impressions of my first nights in Athens:
The Athens Riviera
A sophisticated, secluded bay of modern waterfront eateries, chic boutique hotels and gorgeous beaches…The Athens Riviera has the air of a mini sea-level Miami. About a 30 minute commute to the city center, this sweet spot is perfect for any traveler who wants to be based in a more serene nook of Athens.
Swimming in the Sea
Greeks don’t take a single crystalline, aquamarine azure drop of Aegean sea for granted. From sunrise until sunset, you can see Greeks descending habitually to their rocky slices of beach and swimming into the sun. Greeks are resourceful and turn to the sea for nearly every pleasure, including wellness.
Road Trip Dreams: Ruins, History and Sea
While most of the time was spent in Athens, we did have a couple opportunities to escape into the Greek countryside to explore ruined limestone temples, hidden antique shops and small farmers stands. Greece is a dream for an adventurer, and driving is the only imaginable way to get a true taste of it. Our favorite little town was the ancient capital of Greece before Athens: Nafplio.
The Mediterranean Lifestyle
The Mediterranean lifestyle reminds you that the richness of life is found in quality simplicity. When it comes to food, it has a purpose beyond pleasure; it’s medicine. Greece is one of those places where those with a distinctly western palate can eat to their heart’s content and perhaps lose weight by the end of a holiday. The devotion to fresh, simple, local ingredients is how eating should always be. The same value of quality is applied to every aspect of the Mediterranean life: passionate love, enduring friendships, a welcoming home, appreciation of culture and always nourishing one’s own heart.
