Author Florence Wetzel has followed her curiosity across countries and genres—from literary fiction to mysteries, from Brooklyn to Sweden and Greece. In this conversation, she reflects on her years abroad, the inspirations behind her novels Aspasia and The Grand Man, and how language, place, and personal truth continue to shape her creative path.

The seeds for my move to Greece go back to 1976, when my family took a trip to Europe. We went on a cruise to Greece and stopped in Crete to visit Knossos. The light there captivated me—it left a deep, almost mystical impression.

In 1989, a friend was doing an archaeological dig in Crete and invited me along so I could do my writing there. I was 27, living cheaply in Hoboken and working part-time. I wasn’t particularly rooted, so I thought, “Why not? It’ll be an adventure.”

That’s how I ended up living in a small fishing village in northeastern Crete. While my friend worked, I wrote and fell in love with the village—and eventually with a local fisherman. I’d been craving something different from city life, and the village felt like another world. The early 90s were of course before the internet and personal computers, so when I look back, I realize it really was another world.

Flash forward to 2025: I’m retired and spending time in Crete again, in my old village. It feels great to be back.

As much as I loved living in Hoboken, I was looking for something different. Most of all, I wanted to be closer to nature. In New Jersey, life rushes by so quickly. People talk fast and always have so much to do. In this village in Crete, time was different. There wasn’t that constant drive to be busy and productive.

In New Jersey, when you meet someone, one of the first questions people ask is “What do you do? What’s your job?” In Crete, it was “Where are you from? Who are your people?” Or “Tinos eisai?” as people say in Greek. People in Crete don’t usually define themselves by their work. They define themselves by where they were from and their families, who often go back centuries in the same village.

I remember once talking to a man from Heraklion who came to visit my village. He had an interesting job, but when I asked him about it, he said, “When I’m at work, I talk about my job. I’m not at work now, so I don’t want to talk about it.” 

That gave me a different perspective on how you could live and define yourself. In that sense, village life changed my perception of myself. There was a rootedness I got to experience, even as an expat.

My first year in Crete in 1990 was an intense adjustment period. I was overjoyed to be there, but I was adapting to a whole new lifestyle, and I was also struggling to learn Greek. It certainly wasn’t time to start a new writing project.

After about a year, something clicked. Maybe it was finally having enough experiences there to write about, but suddenly I had an idea for my book Mrs. Papadakis. I wrote it from 1991 to 1992, and self-published it in 2002. It’s a light, affectionate story about an American woman in a Cretan village deciding whether to stay or go back to the U.S.

Once that book was done, I started Aspasia. It’s a much different story, about the darker side of village life. I wrote Aspasia from 1992 to 1993, and I also published that book in 2002, along with Mrs. Papadakis.

Now all these years later, I’m slowly working through my older books and republishing them. Each book is getting a new cover and a very thorough edit. I re-released Aspasia in July 2025, and I’ll be re-releasing Mrs. Papadakis in January 2026.

Looking back at these two books, they were completely inspired by living in Crete: the village, the people, the nature, and also the experience of living in a small community. 

A: The pace of life and the different sense of time. And equally, the stunning nature. Crete has amazing mountains in all shapes and forms, and of course the sea is just stunning. There are always amazing sunsets and moonrises, and it’s nice to slow down and experience them.

I also really love olive trees. Around my village, we have some really old ones that are truly beautiful. When olive trees get old, they start splitting apart, making fascinating shapes with their branches. I also love the smells of Crete, like the oregano and sage that grow wild in the mountains.

The sense of safety is something else I enjoy. You can go on walks deep into the mountains and never feel scared. 

Because there are fewer people and more nature in Crete, it makes you feel right-sized. It quiets you down and puts the human experience in perspective. We humans can tend to think we’re the center of the universe, but it’s hard to feel that in Crete. Nature is always bigger than you are.

I think all the things I just mentioned: the beauty of the landscape, the slower pace of life, and the unique charm of the Greek people, especially in Crete.

One danger for expats is that most people first experience the country while on vacation, so they think it’s paradise. They imagine that living in Greece will always be like that. But once you move there, daily life sets in. You have the same responsibilities as anywhere else, paying rent, putting food on the table, etc. It’s important to find a balance: to keep connected to the things you originally loved about Greece, but at the same time take care of the practicalities.

A: The main inspiration was the book Astradeni by Evgenia Fakinou, which ends with something violent happening to a child. For a writer, that’s a very bold choice, to end on a violent act without giving the reader a sense of justice or healing. It’s an amazing book, but I was haunted by it and felt I needed to fix it. Maybe that’s partly what writing is for me, a chance to fix things, to create the world as I would have. So Aspasia came from this inner hunger to change that ending.

Another inspiration was Antigone by Sophocles, which I read in university in a class on classical Western literature. I was struck by the theme of someone seeking justice when society won’t give it, and having to create justice on their own terms. A modern literary example is Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: she is abused and can’t get help from the system, so she takes care of her abuser herself.

Also, a friend’s mother told me the kind of violence in Aspasia was not uncommon in her village. I was haunted by that too.

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Click HERE to read Aspasia's review!

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There are two threads to that. One is that I know a woman named Aspasia who lives in my village. I met her one summer in the early 90s when we were both cleaning pottery shards for archaeologists. She has a great sense of humor and tells wonderful stories. I’d never heard the name before I met her, and I thought it was so beautiful. The original Aspasia is still alive, by the way! And we still have chats.

The second aspect is the historical figure of Aspasia. While planning the book, I did some research and learned about her incredible history in Greece’s Golden Age. I also learned that in Greece, when you name a child after a great person, it gives them something to live up to.

People think little girls are powerless, but actually they are very strong. That’s why I wanted to name the book Aspasia. The five-year-old girl in the book goes through a terrible ordeal, but she doesn’t give up. Her mother supports her, and she finds a way forward toward healing. Like the ancient Aspasia, who was a strong heroine, I feel this little girl named Aspasia in my book is also a heroine to look up to.

Since the book is written in English but set in Greece, I wanted to remind readers that the characters are actually speaking Greek. Sprinkling in Greek words helps with that. But I had to be careful not to overwhelm readers, otherwise the book could start to feel like a language lesson.

I chose a few key Greek words to include—always transliterated into Roman letters, never using Greek script. Two examples are “kafeneio” and “pappou” (grandfather). Hopefully, readers get used to seeing these words in the story, and this gives them the flavor of speaking in Greek.

A friend who’s a Greek language teacher helped me with the transliteration, making sure the transliterated words were simple and clear for readers. It was important for me to get that right, especially since I hope Greeks will read the book, and I want to respect their beautiful language.

When I was growing up in America, I studied Latin and hated it. I also studied a little Spanish, and I hated that too. Foreign languages just weren’t my thing, maybe because I didn’t see any immediate rewards.

Then in 1990, at age 27, I found myself living in Greece. Back then, most people over 55 in my village didn’t speak any English. Even those who knew English would switch to Greek when we were in a parea. I remember sitting there and not understanding a word, feeling like a baby who didn’t know anything.

A friend who lived overseas had advised me to bring an English-language Greek grammar book, so that was my only resource. Remember, there was no internet or YouTube back in the early 90s! But even with the book, I found learning Greek a real struggle. The alphabet felt like an impossible block. In that first year, I tried to learn the alphabet three times, but each time I got confused and gave up. Each time I abandoned my studies, I lost confidence. 

My breakthrough came when I realized I’m a visual learner. I couldn’t read adult books, but looking at children’s books helped me. Seeing a sentence and understanding a few words gave me the confidence I needed to keep going. I started studying about an hour a day with my grammar book, and I paid attention to the words I was hearing in daily life. Learning long vocabulary lists wasn’t helpful for me; I found it was better to learn words people were actually saying.

Living in a small village helped a lot. You can see results quickly, and it feels great when you start understanding what people are saying. It’s also really important to ask questions. Some people have patience with language learners, some don’t, but try to find the ones who do and learn from them.

My big tip to your readers is: don’t stop studying. Even when it’s hard, keep going, because every time you stop, you lose confidence and motivation. Just 10 minutes a day can keep the momentum going.

I lived in Crete from 1990 to 1995, which was my first experience living overseas as an expat. From 1995 to 2013, I stayed mostly in America and didn’t travel much. Then in 2013, I became very interested in Sweden and started spending chunks of time there every year. I even learned Swedish, which took a lot of work, but it gave me a deeper connection with the culture. Just as learning Greek had given me a better appreciation of life in Crete.

Sweden gave me a very different perspective on life. They have this concept of lagom, which means “just the right amount.” It’s such a contrast to America, where it often feels like “too much is not enough.” The Swedish approach feels more balanced, with a much healthier work-life rhythm. Most Swedes are not particularly religious, but nature seems to serve as their spiritual practice, which I also found inspiring.

In 2020, when the pandemic made it impossible to visit Sweden, I started traveling to London instead, spending several months there at a time. It’s been interesting adjusting to British culture: knowing the language of course makes it easier, but there are still unique rules and customs. London is amazing, so vibrant and stimulating, much like New York in many ways. I love the British humor and the energy of the city. But it’s a rather intense place, so it only works for me in small doses.

As for Crete, I love its slower, rooted pace of life. I grew up in cities, and I’ll always need that energy, but as I get older, I’m appreciating the quiet of the Greek village more. 

The Grand Man is actually why I first went to Sweden in January 2013. I’d been reading a lot of Swedish mysteries, starting with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and I decided to write my own. I went there to do research, and that’s when I fell in love with Sweden.

There are three main characters in The Grand Man: two are Swedish, and one is an American journalist who comes to Sweden for the first time, just like I did. During that first visit, I took lots of notes about life in Stockholm that I used in the book. So the journalist in the book is not me exactly, but she wouldn’t exist without my own experiences there.

I grew up reading Nancy Drew. She was my absolute favorite, the classic girl detective. My mom loved mysteries too, so she really inspired me. However, when I started writing my own stories, I was more interested in writing standard literature than mysteries.

Over the years, I’ve changed my focus. Slowly I found myself drawn to writing mysteries. What intrigues me about them is figuring out the plot, and deciding how to drop clues without giving too much away. It’s challenging, but so much fun.

Aspasia is not really a traditional mystery. There are two crimes in the book, but you know right away who committed them. I think of Aspasia more as literary fiction with elements of suspense, which is why I gave it the subtitle A Novel of Suspense and Secrets. The book also tackles deeper themes, which I suppose makes it more literary. So I’d say it’s a novel with thriller and suspense elements, rather than a straight mystery.

Right now, I’m focused on revisiting some of my older books, as I mentioned. That’s my main project for the next couple of years. After that, I definitely plan to write something new, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up being set in Crete. I’m feeling inspired by spending time in Crete again, so it’s possible a new book set in Greece will begin to take shape in the coming years.

First and foremost, I hope readers enjoy my stories, that they feel entertained, even if some books are a bit challenging. I also hope that people find ideas that inspire them. Many of my books explore living an authentic life, understanding who you are and acting accordingly, even when it’s difficult.

Aspasia is really about that: being true to yourself and appreciating this beautiful world we live in, with all its diverse countries and people.

A heartfelt thank‑you to Florence for taking us on such a rich journey through her stories, travels, and creative process. It’s rare to meet someone who can weave together personal history, cultural insight, and literary craft with such warmth and honesty. We’re grateful for her time and for sharing the experiences behind the worlds she creates on the page!

You can follow Florence and more of her work here or on her personal Instagram or Facebook account.

Athens in the summer is no joke; the sun blazes, the pavements sizzle, and temperatures can climb into the 40s. But don’t let the heat put a stop to your plans. With a little creativity (and strategic timing), the city offers plenty of ways to stay cool and still soak in its magic. Whether you’re a local trying to survive August in the city or a visitor determined to make the most of your trip, here’s how to enjoy Athens even when the heat feels impossible.

1. Head To The Coast: A Walk To Kavouri


@oarismas📍Kavouri

When the city feels like an oven, the coast is your best friend. Kavouri, located just beyond Vouliagmeni, offers a breezy seaside escape that’s perfect for a late-afternoon walk or a refreshing dip. The pine-shaded path hugs the coastline, leading to small coves where you can cool off in turquoise waters.

 

If you’re up for a stroll, you can also walk for about 25 minutes from B Plaz Voula to Megalo Kavouri. The walk is beautiful — shaded, breezy, and perfect to enjoy with your dog or a friend.

How to get there: Drive or grab a taxi (about 30–40 minutes from the center). If you’re feeling adventurous, take the tram to Voula and then enjoy the scenic walk or hop on a short bus/taxi ride.

Insider tip: Don’t miss Lasithi Café for its gorgeous views and excellent coffee — the perfect stop to wrap up your seaside escape.

2. Explore Athens By Night


📍Thiseio View Cafe Bar. 

When the sun sets, Athens transforms. The air cools, the streets buzz, and the city comes alive. Take advantage of the milder temperatures and explore Athens after dark. From buzzing rooftop bars with sweeping Acropolis views (like those in Monastiraki or Thisio) to lively beach clubs along the Riviera, nighttime in Athens has its own magic. Whether you’re sipping cocktails under the stars or wandering through the lit-up Plaka streets, you’ll see a whole new side of the city.

3. Visit Air-Conditioned Museums & Cultural Centers


📍Numismatic Museum Cafe.

Need a break from the sun? Athens’ museums aren’t just cultural treasures but also wonderfully air-conditioned sanctuaries. Spend a few hours wandering the Benaki Museum, admiring masterpieces at the Goulandris Museum, or marveling at ancient wonders in the Acropolis Museum. If you’re in the mood for something a little different (and greener), head north to Kifisia and visit the Goulandris Natural History Museum, a refreshing escape surrounded by nature. Afterward, enjoy a meal at Natu Restaurant, set in a beautiful, breezy garden that feels miles away from the city heat. For a more cultural vibe, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is perfect for chilling by the canal or catching a summer concert in the evening breeze.

And don’t overlook the hidden museum gardens right in the city: the Numismatic Museum has a charming, shaded courtyard café, the Byzantine & Christian Museum offers a peaceful garden café with lovely views, and the War Museum hides a quiet spot filled with blooming bougainvillea. All perfect for a cool drink and a pause from sightseeing.

4. Escape To The Hills At Sunset


@kostas.photos 📍Pnyx, Athens.

Hiking in midday heat? No thanks. But at sunset? Absolutely. Head to Lycabettus Hill for panoramic views of the glowing city and if you want to make it extra special, book a table at Orizontes, the hilltop restaurant with unbeatable sunset views and a refined Greek menu. Prefer something quieter? Take a stroll up Philopappou or the Pnyx, where history and nature blend beautifully. Golden hour here is magical, perfect for photos, a light picnic, or simply watching Athens light up as the day cools down.

5. Cool Off At A Beach Or Pool


Credit: www.sgl.gr

When in doubt, find water. Vouliagmeni, Anavyssos, and other Riviera beaches are close enough for a quick escape and perfect for a swim. If you’d prefer something more private, many city hotels offer day passes to their pools, letting you lounge in luxury with a cold drink in hand.

6. Browse Cool Cafés & Concept Stores


@littlebookstoresweek 📍Little Tree Books & Coffee.

Sometimes, the best way to beat the heat is to do absolutely nothing inside an air-conditioned haven. Explore stylish cafés in Kolonaki or Koukaki, where you can linger over coffee, pastries, or even brunch. For a cozier vibe, curl up with a book at Little Tree Books & Coffee, a charming spot near the Acropolis, or Komprai, a small, welcoming bookshop-café that’s perfect for reading or quiet conversation. (Just note that some of these smaller spots may close for part of August — but they’re worth a visit if you catch them open.)

If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, check out Athens’ unique concept stores or independent bookshops — perfect mini-escapes from the midday sun.

7. Take A Short Day Trip


📍Thinio tavern in Salamina.

When the city feels suffocating, sometimes a quick getaway is all you need. Sounio offers a breezy coastal drive and a stunning sunset by the Temple of Poseidon, while Aegina (just 40 minutes by ferry) gives you island vibes without the long journey. From Aegina, you can also hop over to Moni Island, a hidden gem where peacocks roam freely, a truly unique experience.

Even closer, Salamina is only about 15 minutes by ferry from Perama, making it one of the easiest escapes from Athens. While you’re there, head to Thinio, a seaside taverna serving some of the best seafood around, with views that stretch all the way to Aegina.

Head out early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the peak heat and crowds.

After the successful hosting of Nations Cup in May, Crete is getting ready to welcome yet another top-tier international sporting event: CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final, which will take place from November 6 to 9, 2025 at TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, member of Metaxa Hospitality Group, in Heraklion.

It is a major celebration that brings together top European teams and offers high-level spectacle, while also strengthening sports tourism and promoting Crete’s international profile. The tournament is part of the official international calendar and is held under the auspices of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), with the co-organization of the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, the Municipality of Malevizi, and Metaxa Hospitality Group.

European Cup is a new initiative by the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), aiming to strengthen and further develop the sport of beach volleyball. It is a club-based European competition, where teams from various countries represent their national leagues on the international stage. Through this new institution, CEV aspires to expand the scope of the sport beyond traditional international tournaments, giving clubs an active role and creating new opportunities for athletes, national federations, and local communities. Participation is based on the teams’ performance in their national championships, which are officially recognized by the Confederation.

The event includes both men’s and women’s competitions and is designed to complement the CEV’s existing tournament ecosystem, with the goal of promoting the sport at both national and international levels.

European Cup Final will take place in Crete, where the European champion will be crowned, turning the island into a focal point for the only Olympic sport played on sand.

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Watch the official trailer of the event HERE!

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Benefits for the local economy & the tourism promotion of Crete

TUI Magic Life Candia Maris and Metaxa Hospitality Group actively demonstrate their commitment to promoting sports tourism. In cooperation with the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, they possess the infrastructure, expertise, and organizational capability to host a top-tier European sporting event such as European Cup. This trust is no coincidence. It follows the resounding success of the CEV Nations Cup held in May at the very same modern facilities. Crete and Metaxa Hospitality Group — with the valuable support of the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Volleyball Federation and the Municipality of Malevizi — successfully co-organized a high-standard event comparable to similar international competitions.

With a strategic goal of establishing Crete as a global sports and tourism destination, this event serves as a powerful tool for enhancing the island’s international profile and strengthening its identity in the global tourism landscape.

This sporting event will contribute to extending the tourist season beyond the summer months by attracting visitors during a period that traditionally experiences lower tourist activity. The fact that the European Cup brings together athletes, officials, accompanying persons, journalists, and fans from across Europe boosts the local economy on multiple levels — from accommodation and dining to transportation and local markets.

At the same time, through the promotion of the event in international and European media, Crete is showcased as a destination that uniquely combines natural beauty, tourism infrastructure, and opportunities for quality sports tourism throughout the year.

Another major beach volleyball event comes to Greece, and it would not have been possible without the contribution of Technical Director Vangelis Polimeropoulos through the Best Sports Marketing Agency in Greece, ActiveMedia Group. 

August 21-24 - This 4-day nature retreat in Epirus is open to people in a good physical condition and to all levels of yoga practitioners. It includes holistic yoga and meditation sessions, trekking, restorative yoga, silent time, and mindfulness.

The retreat is facilitated by Ioanna Pappa: 1800 hours E-RYT, Healing aspects of Yoga & Meditation, Shiatsu Practitioner, Sound Massage Therapist. This retreat will be held in Greek.

 

28-30 Νοέμβρη - Για δεύτερη συνεχόμενη χρονιά έχουμε οργανώσει, σε συνεργασία με το βραβευμένο για τις υπηρεσίες του Euphoria Retreat, το φθινοπωρινό Detox Retreat μας. Δημιουργήσαμε ένα διήμερο αποτοξίνωσης και ξεκούρασης με ειδικά διαμορφωμένα μαθήματα yoga και κινησιολογίας για να προκαλέσουμε και να βοηθήσουμε το σώμα μας να αποβάλει τις τοξίνες.

 

Η αποτοξίνωση μέσα από την άσκηση και τη διατροφή είναι ένα εγχείρημα που το δουλεύουμε πολλά χρόνια με πολύ καλά αποτελέσματα και πολλή εμπειρία. Το διήμερο αυτό θα πραγματοποιηθεί σε συνεργασία με την τεχνογνωσία του Euphoria στις άριστες εγκαταστάσεις του Euphoria Retreat. Θα προσθέσουμε στη διατροφή μας ροφήματα από ελληνικά βότανα, διαφορετικά για κάθε ώρα της ημέρας και πολύ προσεγμένα πιάτα από το εστιατόριο GAIA.

 

Η αποτοξίνωση είναι μια διαδικασία πολύ εσωτερική κυριολεκτικά και μεταφορικά και για αυτό το λόγο θα δώσουμε έμφαση και στην πνευματική-ψυχική αποτοξίνωση με μαθήματα διαλογισμού, αναπνοών και πνευματικές ασκήσεις.

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XpatAthens is excited to let you know that we will begin to introduce some Greek content to our platform! We love the Greek language and there are many of us within the international community who speak the language and like to connect with our local communities in their native language.

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Δεν θα μπορούσαν να λείπουν από το διήμερο αυτό οι θεραπείες του spa. «Μέθοδοι», που παντρεύουν την Ανατολή με τη Δύση, την αρχαία Ελληνική Ιατρική με την Παραδοσιακή Κινεζική Ιατρική και την επιστήμη με τον νατουραλισμό. Αυτές οι συγκλίνουσες προσεγγίσεις δεν μπορούν να βρεθούν πουθενά αλλού στον κόσμο και έχουν τοποθετήσει το Euphoria Retreat ως τον καλύτερο προορισμό spa στην Ευρώπη.

 

Σας προσκαλούμε λοιπόν να απομακρυνθείτε από την καθημερινή ζωή και να ανακαλύψετε τον κορυφαίο προορισμό της Ευρώπης για ολοκληρωμένη υγεία, ζωτικότητα και μακροζωία. Φωλιασμένο στο θεραπευτικό τοπίο της Πελοποννήσου, το Euphoria Retreat επαναπροσδιορίζει την ευεξία με ένα μείγμα 360 αρχαίων ελληνικών και κινεζικών θεραπειών, ιατρικής αιχμής, επιστήμης φυσικής κατάστασης για να καλλιεργήσει κάθε πτυχή της υγείας και της ευεξίας σας – σωματική, ψυχική, συναισθηματική, πνευματική και κοινωνική.

 

Οι θέσεις είναι περιορισμένες και θα τηρηθεί σειρά προτεραιότητας. Η συμμετοχή θεωρείται έγκυρη με την κατάθεση της προκαταβολής.

Το Retreat θα διεξαχθεί στα Ελληνικά.

Ημερομηνίες: 28-30 Νοέμβρη, 2025

When one starts reading Aspasia, it’s not what they expect. Instead of easing into a traditional narrative, they come across something surprising; a terrible crime, one that’s hard to comprehend, unsettling even. But let me tell you: this is not a story of a devastating crime. This is a story of resilience, of strength, and of the quiet but powerful dignity that emerges when someone reclaims their life in the aftermath of tragedy.

The plot takes us back to 1992, to a small village in Crete. For anyone who wasn’t old enough to remember that time — or hadn’t even been born (like me) — Aspasia offers something rare: a beautifully accurate journey back to the 90s, before smartphones, social media, or even widespread electricity in some areas. It captures the essence of a hidden Greek village, off the beaten track, untouched by modernity, where time seems to pass a little differently.

The village feels alive with the warmth and quirks of 90s Greek rural life. There’s the koutsompola neighbor — the town gossip — always watching, always whispering. There are the pappoudes, the old men who hold court at the kafeneio (the traditional Greek coffee house), exchanging stories and playing prefa. There’s the old daughter still living with her mother, her presence echoing generations of women rooted in family duty.

And, of course, there’s the "treli tou xoriou", the so-called “crazy woman of the village,” a staple figure in many small communities, someone both ostracized and oddly accepted. But as the story unfolds, we begin to question that label. Is she really mad, or is she simply someone the village never took the time to understand?

Even the stray cats seem to play their part, weaving themselves through alleyways and scenes like subtle witnesses, giving the story a lived-in realism. Wetzel gets the details right: the religious icons for protection, the communal rhythms of Greek life, the superstitions, the weathered charm of the land itself.

Katerina narrates in the first person, and through her eyes, we experience the texture of life in this remote Cretan village. But who is she? An American expat, though not a sugarcoated version of one. She’s not some wide-eyed tourist romanticizing the Greek islands. She’s a working mother, living day to day, trying to make ends meet in a place that is as beautiful as it is challenging.

Her husband, Dimitris, is present in the book, yet far away from her, working on a cargo ship. He’s a loving husband, doing what he can to provide for their family, but his absence is palpable. His hard-earned wages are meant to help Katerina fulfill a dream: to open a frontistirio, a uniquely Greek type of private tutoring school. That one detail alone tells you how deeply this book understands Greek life.

But while Dimitris is out at sea, Katerina is left to hold everything together. And this is where Wetzel’s storytelling shines: she doesn’t romanticize her; she gives us the raw, unpolished reality of a woman who is struggling, adapting, and surviving.

The book takes us briefly through Katerina’s language struggles, and more importantly, her emotional ones: the persistent feeling of being the xeni — the foreigner. No matter how long she stays, no matter how much she gives, she knows she will always be “the outsider” in some people’s eyes. That quiet alienation is something anyone who has uprooted their life for a new country will understand.

Yet at the core of Katerina’s character is love: big, consuming, unconditional love. Her daughter is her world, and everything she does revolves around being the best mother she can be. And her empathy extends beyond people, even to the most fragile of creatures, like the tiny grey kitten she adopts despite already having five cats. That one moment says so much about her: her heart always has room for one more vulnerable soul.

And then there’s Aspasia, the real protagonist, the one who gives the book its name. She is only five years old, yet she carries a strength and light that feel far beyond her years.

Aspasia is everything a child should be: innocent, curious, and full of life. She’s a little bundle of joy, a ray of sunshine who wants to explore, to create, and to understand the world around her. She radiates the unfiltered love and boundless curiosity that define childhood at its purest.

But what makes her so compelling isn’t just her innocence, it’s her deep, instinctive kindness. Aspasia has a fierce, protective love for her cats (as any child who adores animals will understand), and she approaches the world with a heart wide open.

Above all, her bond with her mother is the emotional core of the story. She trusts Katerina completely, confides in her, and draws her sense of safety and belonging from her. Their relationship is tender and unshakable, a love so big and so beautiful that it gives the entire book its emotional heartbeat.

Aspasia is not just a picturesque journey into a Cretan village; it’s a book that isn’t afraid to stare into the shadows. Florence Wetzel dives into themes that are as uncomfortable as they are necessary: abuse, mental illness (including OCD), trauma, animal abuse, complicity, as well as family dysfunction and broken trust. She also explores the fragile illusion of safety — how we convince ourselves we are secure until that sense is shattered — and the moral boundaries we’re willing to cross when protecting the ones we love.

What’s striking is how these topics are handled: honestly and unapologetically. This isn’t surface-level drama but rather a deep excavation of human pain, survival, and the messy moral gray areas that often go unspoken.

And remember that when this book was first written, many of these subjects were still taboo, especially in more conservative settings like small Greek villages. To tackle them so openly shows just how ahead of her time Wetzel was. She takes the reader by the hand and leads them through discomfort, not for shock, but for truth.

We could say that Aspasia carries the soul of a Greek tragedy. Florence Wetzel herself has said she drew inspiration from Sophocles’ Antigone, and it shows. The book is filled with characters caught in impossible situations, facing moral dilemmas with no clear path forward.

Even the name Aspasia holds profound weight. In Ancient Greece, Aspasia was one of the most influential women of her time, known for her intellect, resilience, and fearlessness. Giving this name to a little girl feels almost as if she draws strength directly from her namesake, embodying courage, brightness, and a quiet but unshakable will to survive.

This is where the tragedy deepens: we see tragic figures who are torn. Katerina, for instance, is completely fractured, facing unbearable dilemmas, unsure which path to take. Aspasia, too, must endure painful circumstances that no child should face, her innocence standing in heartbreaking contrast to the darkness surrounding her.

Wetzel even layers in hints of epic irony where we, as readers, often understand or sense truths that the protagonists cannot yet face, making the emotional impact even stronger.

One of the delightful layers of Aspasia is the way Florence Wetzel sprinkles the narrative with Greek words and idioms. This roots the book deeply in its setting, making you feel like you’re truly there.

We hear words like kolokithia (literally “zucchinis,” but used as an expression when something doesn’t make sense) or períptosi (a term used for someone seen as a little crazy). These serve as cultural markers and windows into how people think, speak, and relate to one another in this community.

The result? You don’t just read about Greece; you hear it, you feel it, you pick up its quirks. For anyone who loves languages, it’s intriguing and even educational as you might find yourself learning a bit of Greek along the way.

All in all, it was especially touching to see the mother-daughter relationship portrayed with such care and love. In a time when we’re constantly bombarded with despicable stories about broken families and failed parenting, it felt refreshing to see an example of someone being a truly good parent. It’s a reminder of how far one can go for family, and as Greeks, we deeply believe in protecting our own.

If there’s one line from Aspasia that stays with me, it’s this:

I hope that everyone who reads this book chooses to be the first type.

About The Author

 

 

Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Athens that combines history, style, and upscale leisure? The Golden Moments Experience offers exactly that, a premium cultural escape curated for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Set in the elegant surroundings of Golden Hall, one of Europe’s leading shopping destinations, this experience takes visitors beyond the ordinary. From an exclusive guided visit to the Athens Olympic Museum, to a personalized introduction to Greece’s fashion scene and plenty of time for indulgent shopping, this journey is thoughtfully crafted to offer both inspiration and enjoyment.

 

The Golden Moments Experience is an immersive 4.5-hour program designed for individuals, small groups, and travelers seeking a refined cultural and retail experience in the heart of Athens. It blends Greek Olympic heritage, fashion-forward design, and luxury shopping, all in one beautifully choreographed itinerary.

Ideal for visitors, incentive travel groups, and high-end leisure travelers, the experience offers a truly elevated way to explore Athens, going beyond the typical tourist trail.

Start your visit with an exclusive guided tour of the Athens Olympic Museum, the city’s only institution dedicated to Olympic history and ideals. Led by a knowledgeable expert, the tour offers deep insight into Greece’s foundational role in the Olympic movement, the evolution of the Games, and inspiring stories of Greek Olympic champions. It’s a unique opportunity to engage with sporting legacy on a personal level.

Step into the vibrant world of modern Greek fashion with a guided introduction to some of the country's most celebrated designers. This brief but impactful walk-through showcases the innovation and craftsmanship that define Greek style, a great way to experience local culture through design.

Enjoy free time to explore Golden Hall’s exceptional array of boutiques and eateries. With a thoughtfully curated mix of Greek and international brands, high-end fashion, jewelry, delicatessens, and fine dining spots, this elegant venue offers a premium shopping experience unlike any other in the city.

Whether you’re indulging in retail therapy, sipping coffee at a stylish café, or browsing for exclusive souvenirs from luxury Greek brands, your time at Golden Hall is guaranteed to be well spent.

Athens has no shortage of historical attractions, but very few experiences manage to combine culture, education, and luxury as seamlessly as this one.

Here’s why it stands out:

✔️ Cultural enrichment through a world-class museum focused on Olympic legacy

✔️ Fashion & design discovery through a curated local experience

✔️ Ample time for upscale shopping at one of Europe’s leading malls

✔️ Ideal for premium travelers, families, couples, and incentive groups

✔️ Turnkey experience with a clear schedule and added comforts

It’s a chance to explore Athens in style, combining the city’s ancient glory with its modern elegance, perfect for those who want more than a typical sightseeing tour.

Golden Hall is a premium destination where entertainment, culture, and lifestyle intersect. Located in the heart of northern Athens, the complex is home to:

• The Athens Olympic Museum, part of the Olympic legacy of the Athens 2004 Games
• XPLORE Oceans, the city’s only aquarium
• XPLORE Entertainment Center, an interactive educational and play space for kids
• 140+ boutiques and luxury retailers
• Refined restaurants, delicatessens, and cafés
• Ample underground parking and premium visitor services

Its location, design, and curated experiences make Golden Hall a must-visit whether you're a local or a traveler.

You can enhance the experience even further by combining it with the Golden Passport, a package of exclusive discounts and offers at participating retailers within Golden Hall. Guests can enjoy special privileges and added value as they shop.

Looking to offer your clients, guests, or group a cultural outing with a luxurious twist? The Golden Moments Experience is Athens at its best, combining history, heritage, design, and lifestyle in a single unforgettable day.

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Contact details for the experience booking:

 

Evanthia Karastogianni
T: +30 2160025215
M: +30 6940163734

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Moving to Greece as an expat can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you're relocating to Athens, Thessaloniki, or one of the beautiful Greek islands, these practical tips will help you navigate your transition more smoothly and settle into your new Mediterranean lifestyle.

Greek bureaucracy can be complex, but understanding the system early will save you countless hours of frustration. Start by obtaining your AFM (tax number) as soon as possible – you'll need it for almost everything, from opening a bank account to signing a rental agreement.

Visit the local tax office (DOY) with your passport, rental agreement, and completed M7 form. While there, also inquire about residency requirements if you plan to stay long-term. Keep multiple copies of all documents, as Greek offices often require original paperwork rather than photocopies.

Greece offers diverse living experiences, from bustling urban centers to tranquil island communities. Consider your priorities: proximity to international schools, healthcare facilities, transportation links, and your workplace.

Athens neighborhoods like Kolonaki and Kifissia are popular with expats but come with higher costs. Thessaloniki offers a more affordable alternative with excellent cultural amenities. Island living provides unmatched natural beauty but may limit access to certain services. Research thoroughly and, if possible, spend time in different areas before making your final decision. When planning your relocation, working with affordable international movers in Greece can help you transport your belongings efficiently while staying within budget.

While many Greeks speak English, especially in tourist areas and among younger generations, learning basic Greek will significantly enhance your daily life and integration into the community.

Start with essential phrases for shopping, dining, and emergencies. Greeks genuinely appreciate foreigners making an effort to speak their language, and you'll often receive warmer service and better prices. Consider enrolling in Greek language classes – many cities offer courses specifically designed for expats, and it's also a great way to meet other internationals in similar situations.

Greece has both public and private healthcare systems. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency treatment, but long-term residents should register with the public system (ESY) or consider private insurance.

For routine care, many expats prefer private healthcare due to shorter waiting times and English-speaking doctors. Research hospitals and clinics in your area, and establish relationships with a general practitioner, dentist, and any specialists you might need. Keep in mind that many doctors in tourist areas and major cities speak English, but this becomes less common in rural locations.

Greece operates on a different rhythm than many Northern European or North American countries. Shops often close during afternoon siesta hours (roughly 2-5 PM), dinner is typically served much later (9-10 PM), and the pace of life is generally more relaxed.

Join expat communities both online and offline. Facebook groups for expats in your city, international clubs, and volunteer organizations are excellent ways to meet people and get local advice. Don't overlook connecting with Greek locals as well – they can provide invaluable insights into the best local services, hidden gems, and cultural nuances that will enrich your experience.

Relocating to Greece offers the opportunity to experience one of Europe's most historically rich and naturally beautiful countries. While the transition requires patience and preparation, most expats find that Greece's warm climate, welcoming people, and relaxed lifestyle more than compensate for any initial challenges.

Take time to research thoroughly, be patient with bureaucratic processes, and remain open to new experiences. Your Greek adventure awaits, and with proper preparation, you'll be well-equipped to make the most of your new Mediterranean home.

Whether relocating to a new neighborhood or across the globe, moving can be both exciting and overwhelming. From coordinating logistics to ensuring the safety of belongings, the process requires precision, planning, and trusted professionals. Fortunately, specialized relocation services exist to take the stress out of every type of move, from household goods and offices to fine art, pets, vehicles, and exhibitions. Celebrity International Movers provides expert solutions for all of these, operating across Athens and throughout Greece.

Professional moving services are available for both domestic and international relocations. Whether moving within Greece, including remote areas and islands, or relocating overseas, moves are typically handled door-to-door via sea, land, or air. Comprehensive services include:

• Expert packing and unpacking
• Transportation and customs formalities
• Loading and delivery
• Special care for fragile or high-value items

Each move is usually assigned a dedicated consultant who oversees the entire process, offering support from planning to post-move follow-up. Moves may be categorized as:

• Export moves: From Greece to any destination worldwide
• Import moves: From anywhere in the world to Greece
• Third-country moves: Between two countries outside of Greece (e.g. Paris to San Diego)
• Domestic moves: Within Greece, including the islands

Celebrity International Movers handles all of the above with expertise and personalized care, offering full coverage in Athens and beyond.

 

Relocating a business demands careful coordination to minimize downtime. Services tailored to offices, banks, medical facilities, labs, and schools typically include:

• Pre-move planning and timelines
• Packing and labeling using color-coded systems
• Disassembly and reassembly of workstations
• Transport of heavy safes and electronic equipment
• Inter-office moves and archive handling

Office moves are overseen by experienced coordinators who ensure that everything, from furniture to files, arrives on time and in the right place.

Fine art removals require a specialized approach. Dedicated art consultants begin by assessing the collection and recommending custom packing solutions. Services can include:

• White-glove packing and handling
• Custom-made wooden crates
• Air or land transport with security control
• On-site coordination at airports
• Escort options for high-value shipments

Specialized trucks with air suspension and climate control are often used to minimize risk during transit.

For families relocating internationally, pet transport is another critical consideration. From dogs and cats to larger animals, professionals can assist with:

• Paperwork and formalities
• Safety-focused travel arrangements
• Customs clearance
• Door-to-door delivery when needed

The goal is always to ensure a safe and stress-free journey for beloved animal companions.

Exhibitions involve careful planning, particularly when transporting artwork, stands, or promotional materials. Services include:

• Custom packing and storage during the exhibition
• Redelivery and safe-keeping of materials
• Worldwide exhibit transport
• Storage between exhibitions

Experienced technicians work with clients to ensure each detail is handled, from setup to takedown.

 

Cars, motorbikes, and boats can also be safely transported across borders. Services include:

• Safe loading using specialized ramps and supports
• Shrink-wrapping and secure containment for boats
• Customs handling and insurance
• Delivery directly to the destination or storage site

These moves are typically tailored to the size, value, and destination of the vehicle, ensuring peace of mind throughout the journey.

Relocating is a major life event, and it’s worth partnering with professionals who specialize in making every detail smooth and secure. Whether moving a home, a company, or a priceless art collection, quality removals are all about planning, precision, and trust, delivered through teams that understand the emotional and logistical complexity of every move.

Across Athens and throughout Greece, Celebrity International Movers is trusted for exactly this, offering full-service relocation support with professionalism and care.

Get in touch with us, and we’ll help connect you with experienced professionals who can ensure your relocation is handled with care, efficiency, and attention to detail!