When life gives you olives...

So, here I am, freshly unpacked ( well, sort of, it's been 10 months ) and ready to dive headfirst into this new chapter of my life: settling down in Greece.

Yes, the land of ancient philosophers, endless olive groves, and sunsets that make you wonder if the gods really, do paint the sky themselves.

The decision to move here wasn't exactly easy, but after one too many " why not? " moments, I found myself swapping the familiar for the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.

And honestly...it feels like I've hit the jackpot.

First things first - Greek food.

Oh, the food... I was somewhat prepared for the inevitable love affair with Feta, but I had no idea just how deep that relationship would go. I mean, I've always enjoyed a good salad, but the Greeks? They take salad to a whole new level. Greek salads here aren't just a side dish - they're a full-blown event. I'm talking about chunks of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy olives, and of course, a slab of feta that could easily feed four. Add a drizzle of olive oil, and it's pure bliss.

Then, there's the local coffee culture. Back home, grabbing coffee was a quick affair, ten minutes top and you're back on the run. But in Greece, coffee is sacred. It's not just a drink, it's a lifestyle. Here you sit ( yes sit! ) and you sip your coffee slowly, ideally while engaging in deep conversation or, let's be honest, people-watching.

I've quickly adopted the frappe as my go-to. It's essentially iced coffee but with a lot more attitude. And much like the pace of life here, it's not meant to be rushed. It's sipped, and savored, and appreciated. I might actually, be learning the art of patience thanks to this coffee.

Now, let's talk about the language.

Greek is, well Greek to me. My current vocabulary consists of " Kalimera " ( good morning )

" Efharisto " ( thank you ), and a few other words that I've mastered with varying degrees of success, but I'm working on it I promise.

Despite the occasional mispronunciation ( ok, frequent mispronunciation ), the locals have been incredibly patient and encouraging, It's like they know I'm trying...

And let's not forget the legendary Greek hospitality. The concept of " philoxenia ", which translates to " friend to a stranger ", is alive and well here.

I've been invited into homes for meals, been given directions with a smile, and even received a crash course in Greek dancing, at a friend's home, after lunch.

But perhaps the most surprising part of this new chapter is how quickly Greece has started to feel like home. The slower pace, the warmth of the people, and the beauty of the landscape are all working their magic.

Sure, there are moments of adjustment, like figuring out how to deal with the bureaucracy or realizing that siesta time is a thing.

But every day brings something new, and I'm slowly but surely finding my footing in this land of myths and sun.

So here's to new beginnings in Greece, a place where history whispers through the olive trees, where the sea sparkles just a bit more brightly, and where I'm learning that life is best enjoyed one ( feta-covered ) moment at a time.

To be continued...