Athens, Greece
I reach the peak of the Acropolis and it quickly makes sense to me that this is where the gods belong. From below, the citadel is imposing, dramatic, steeped in glory; an omnipresent sight from almost every street corner. From above, we stand close to the heavens and within Athena’s earshot; the sky is bright and brilliant, the views commanding. The city, of course, has changed in so many ways – weathering wars, plagues, festivals, conquests – and through it all, the olive trees still bear fruit, the marble columns remain, and the street cats nap beneath the tables of tavernas that hum with the same easy rhythm they've kept since antiquity.
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Athens food tour. Such an excellent way to get acquainted with Greek food – walking around Athens and learning about olives, meats, market vendors, classic dishes, how to order at tavernas etc. Highly recommended for your first few days in Athens, so you can revisit your favourite spots!
Naxos farm cooking class.This one was kindly recommended to me by my friend Jas, and is actually on the island of Naxos – but I’m adding it here anyway. A beautiful cooking class on a fairytale farm with Anna and her sweet family, picking our own produce and learning local recipes such as Naxian gemista, artichokes and potatoes, and tzatziki. Felt so jealous of Anna for growing up in such a magical place – so green and lush and bursting with fresh vegetables and berries and secret doors that lead to glowing meadows. It doesn’t feel real…but it is!
