I don’t know how many of you are familiar with the Erasmus program, but it basically is a University exchange program that allows you to travel to another country and study there for a semester or one year. I obviously love this idea, and thankfully so does my sister who took advantage of this chance and got to go to Greece about a year and a half ago.
I have to admit I was not too upset to pay her a visit and enjoy Athens either.
Before going, I heard a few bad reviews of the Greek capital. It was said to be ugly and not very interesting, dirty and overall disappointing, so my expectations were not particularly high.
And while all those things are actually true – I loved it.
The thing that makes a place is not always the buildings but the life and culture of that particular place. And while athens is not particularly beautiful, or photogenic for that matter, it is very much alive – there is a chilled vibe around the city and the relaxed mood catches on.
Of course I was staying with my sister, which meant she already was able to direct us to the best places, and give us directions of where to eat and what to do. But I am convinced that if I had high expectations I would have been unable to properly enjoy myself.
The best thing about everyone’s favourite places is usually the experience one is unable to communicate – the light a camera can’t catch and feeling you get walking down a street that you will never be able to explain.
My favourite places are also the worse pictures I get. Not that those photographs are bad, simply I always feel the images fall short from reality.
These places – the cites, countries, beaches or towns we remember more fondly, – all have a certain je ne sais quoi – something that makes you love it but not explain it.
Athens is the perfect example of that for me – It had everything to be a disappointment and yet it was everything but
wow, I wish I’d seen that. I went to Athens but – dunno how – missed the ACropolis.
I have a frind who went to rome and didn’t see neither the colloseum or the sistine chappel! I think that gives you both a good excuse to return hahah 🙂
I was in Thessaloniki in April and it was wonderful! Didn’t make it to Athens but one day I will. Thanks for sharing a piece of Greece!
I really wnt to visit Thessaloniki – I hear amazing things about it! I am glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for reading 🙂
What a wonderful opportunity….and such lovely pictures….thank you for sharing 🙂 Have a blast!
Thank you 😀
Oh wow. The sunset picture is my favorite. Magical!
We had a long climb before this – but you are right – the sunset made it worth it 😀
Wow, wonderful photos 🙂
Thank you 😀
Your blog is a lovely discovery and your pictures and perspective refreshing.
Thank you! I am really glad you enjoyed it 😀
Wonderful travelogue … I guess I should visit more often now!
Thank you so muc 😀 I am glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Love the anquite shop atmosphere!
It is a really cool market! Ans te atmosphere is really cool too! Thank you for rading 😀
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Yes, there is a magical happiness that permeates Greece after the sun goes down and the people come out to eat and enjoy each other. I loved it, too!
Hi there, yes I think there are some places that simply have a je ne se quais factor to them :)Thanks for the comment!
So in love with your blog! Love all the way from Malaysia 😀
Oh thank you!! I am really glad you liked it.. love all the way from portugal too! 🙂
I’ve read your article on bucketlist about your Erasmus in Istanbul. You’ll love it. It’s a amazing city… When are you going there? How long will you stay?
I hope so! I am almost leaving! in a couple of days really! I will be staying for about five months, but am coming home for Christmas! I am nervous and excited! But am hoping for a great experience 😀 Thank you so much for your comment 🙂