My Week in Athens… Dec 27

  • by XpatAthens
  • Thursday, 05 February 2015
My Week in Athens… Dec 27
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and Xronia Polla to all those who celebrate the season!

I’ve just returned from a great few days with friends, celebrating Christmas in a village near Ancient Olympia. 12 of us jumped into our cars and drove the 3 hours across the Peloponnese towards Pyrgos. Our overnight bags crammed with pillows and wrapped presents, we spent 2 days in front of the fire, eating, drinking, laughing and enjoying a relaxed time together. It was really great, and a reminder of the things that really matter.

Even with the distinctly Greek blue skies and sunshine of December, it still felt like Christmas. In the end, that ‘Christmas feeling’ we remember from childhood - the anticipation, the opening of boxes big and small, the delicious meals and stories around the table – these have less to do with climate and location, and everything to do with those with whom we share these days. And a few well-timed Skype calls to loved ones in faraway places brought everyone together in a very ‘modern’ way.

The drive back home included a stop in the picturesque town of Vytina, a perfectly wintery locale, with beautiful stone houses, great tavernas, lots of local wares – the perfect end to a great holiday.

Until next week…

With warm wishes to all,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…