Anafiotika: Inside Athens' Hidden Village

As we were weaving our way through Plaka, we accidentally stumbled upon Anafiotika - a small Cycladic village at the base of the Acropolis. The village was built in the 19th century by stonemasons who had emigrated from the small island of Anafi. The workers stayed true to their roots by using architectural styles and colors that evoke the charm of island life. Everything about this tucked away neighborhood is charismatic and picturesque, and I could have spent hours admiring all of the little details. Vibrant flowers crawl up towards faded shutters, while friendly cats lounge in the shade of colorful buildings. Although this is exactly the kind of place where I'd expect hordes of tourists, it felt seemingly undiscovered. This quiet escape from the cacophony of the city was by far my favorite place to wander in Athens. 

How to Get to Anafiotika: 

Anafiotika is located on the northeastern slope of the Acropolis.

From Monastiraki square, walk towards the Acropolis and wind up the narrow streets. 

Metro: Monastiraki or Acropolis

A Little Life Update

Greetings from AMERICA! As many of you might already know, I'm back in good ol' Washington State. I'm spending two months at home in Seattle suburbia before heading back to Madrid for a second year of teaching abroad. It feels good to be home, but it's also been a strange adjustment. So, I'm taking a quick break from Greece posts to update you all on what's going on in the upper left USA:

Reverse Culture Shock is a real thing.

What do you mean I have to pay TEN DOLLARS for a glass of wine? Why is everyone so nice here? Why are strangers asking me how my day is going? How do I tip? Why is everything so big? Do I remember how to drive? How is it possible to buy everything you need in one place? Why aren't the stores closing after lunch? NOTHING IS ANY MAKING SENSE, YOU GUYS.

Wide open spaces? What are those?

Jet lag is overrated.

Friends from the east coast, you have no idea how much I envy you. This nine hour time difference is a giant fun-suck. The full 24 hours of travel didn't help either. I know this is what I signed up for, so I have no right to complain... but "zombie" really isn't a good look on me. Bring on the Melatonin.

I turn 24 in three days.

...and I just found my first gray hair. Cue panic attack. And to make matters worse, I still haven't received my acceptance letter from Hogwarts. What's up with that?

I know how I'll be celebrating this year.

I already miss Spain.

A lot more than I thought I would, quite honestly. While I'm soaking up everything that I've missed about home - like kale salads, Nordstrom, chardonnay, and being able to leave the house in work out clothes without being publicly scorned - I'm realizing that I miss the heart & soul of Madrid so much more than I missed these random comforts of home. But at the same time, it feels SO good to be reunited with my friends and family. Can't I just bring everyone I know and love to Madrid with me?

I miss you, perfect balcony view. See you in two months!

Fellow expats: do you have any tips for dealing with these weird transitions? 

How do you handle having more than one place to call home? 

Please share your wisdom with me!

Athens in Ruins

While the city of Athens can't quite compare to the natural beauty of Crete or Santorini, somehow it remains unexpectedly charming in all of its dilapidated glory. Between the ruins of the Acropolis and the unkempt hipster neighborhoods of Psiri and Monastiraki, the derelict gems of Athens exude character and personality. Sure, it wasn't one of the most pristine or aesthetically pleasing cities I've ever been to, but it has life.  

It's abounding with bustling cafés serving iced freddo espressos, trendy froyo shops nestled between boutiques, all-organic restaurants, and vintage bars like Osterman - a Gatsby-esque wine bar recently converted from a run-down Victorian fabric shop. Locals amble down the streets yelling to one another in Greek and convening on outdoor terraces, joyfully sipping their frappés and taking refuge in the shade. The chipped paint, colorful graffiti and boarded up windows contribute an unlikely charm to the surrounding urban jungle.

From exploring the awe-inspiring Parthenon to sipping freddos inside hip cafés with crumbling exteriors, the disrepair and hidden beauty of Athens is to be celebrated.

My Athens Picks:

Best Coffee: Lukumades

Best Views: Atop Mount Lycabettus

Favorite Restaurants: To Kafeneio, Thanasis

Best Place to Wander: Anafiotika 

Favorite Bar: Osterman