Things I miss about Athens
22 of February is always an emotional day for me. In 2014 on this date I moved to the Greek capital of Athens to study abroad for one semester. In Europe we call this Erasmus and I had one year to prepare for it. In my mind I played the video over and over again how my life in Athens would look like. I imagined a lot of sun, beach, parties and a little bit of study haha. Well, that image was true. But what I did not expect was how this was going to be such a big turning point in my life. Yes, I partied a lot in Greece but I also started to see beauty in things that I'd never noticed before. I experienced the freedom of travel and from that moment on I knew that this was the lifestyle that I wanted to create for myself. It is a dream that I am still chasing and feeling blessed for all the memories that I have been making on the road.
So, back to Greece! I left a part of my heart there, especially in Athens, so no day goes by without me missing it. But today I miss it a little more than other days.. So let's look back on all the little things that made me feel at home!
Watching the sunset from Lycabettus Hill
This is the highest hill in Athens and a great place to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views over the city. Especially during sunset!
Walking by the most creative streetart in Exarchia
I never cared much for streetart until I moved to Athens. My neigborhood Exarchia was full of the most talented pieces of art I've ever seen. I loved strolling around to the streets and discovering new ones each day.
The epic evenings on our apartment rooftop
We spent almost every evening there with beers, barbecue and we bought our own little pool. Not to mention all the parties and pre-drinks we hosted there. Yes, our rooftop was legendary!
Frequent trips in the weekends
Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos.. all those stunning islands were just a ferry trip away.
Cheap, delicious food!
We would eat out several times a week, there were so many great restaurants right around the corner.
Koi Sushi bar
This is seriously the best sushi I've ever had in my life. I would do anything to eat some Salmon Teriyaki roll again!
Little convenience kiosks on literally every street
Soda, beer, gum, cookies, ice cream, personal care items, magazines.. you didn't have to go far to buy those!
Daily temperatures of more than 20 degrees Celsius
Yes, spring and summer are actual seasons in Greece! Beach time was guaranteed and we went there almost every week.
Shopping until late
I don't know about you, but here in Holland the malls close after 6 PM. Great for your wallet, not-so-great for convenience. In Athens I got so used to being able to go to the stores whenever I wanted that I really had to readjust to it when I returned home.
Ouzo!
This drink tastes sweet but contains 40 percent alcohol. You have the tendency to keep drinking as you get more and more jolly. Before you know it you're drunk and you have a huge hangover the next day. So yeah, be moderate with ouzo. As long as you do that it will bring you lots of fun!
Lots of house parties
No, not the big events with electronic music but literal house parties. Every week students would host a party at their home and everyone was welcome!
Admiring the Acropolis while enjoying a cocktail at nice rooftop bar
It is no secret that I love a good rooftop bar. And what better view than to be looking at centuries of history while you're sipping your cocktail?!
Taking my guests to the Acropolis
Speaking about the Acropolis, I've been there like four times. The first time to see it for myself and the other times whenever I had guests visting from home. The Acropolis never fails to impress so I will definitely go there again when I return to Athens!
Did you ever go to Athens? What did you like the most about it?
Ayo! AR x
I will never forget those months of our lives ?. I share the same feelings about food, lycabettus, and of courses our rooftop parties ??. Hope to see you in the road soon 😉