XpatAthens

Wednesday, 20 August 2025 19:45

Hoâme - Vegan Holistic Wellness Agency

Home /hoʊm/ + âme /ɑm/, the French word for soul. Your heart is your home! Founded by Fouli Micheli, Hoâme is a vegan hospitality and wellness consulting agency enhancing plant based ethics and holistic well-being by combining protocols on both physical and energy body, and providing services which navigate (identify, clear, energize) our psyche by addressing your emotions, psychosomatic dis-eases (body) and soul awakening and development.

Motto

The secret is in the heart(s).
Release (what weights you down) - Relax (stay still , observe) - Reset.
Karma is the roadmap to our evolution.
It is love that heals, not time.

Mission

Hoâme Mykonos has one soul mission to welcome and facilitate anyone who has decided to follow back the path of return to a healthy state of mind , body and soul and address the root of the ailment (physical & emotional).

Hoâme Vegan Holistic Wellness Agency 1

Services

Pranic Healing Can Improve Your Health, Relationship, Emotions, & Business! From the comfort of your home, we offer:

> Psychotherapeutic Services

Ever wonder: Why is this happening to me? In 3 sessions you will receive your emotional modus operati.

> Mind (talk therapy)

Emotional introspection method ( our signature method)

Triptych: relationship with myself, with others, with my family.

> Body (talk & energy therapy)

By mapping your psychosomatic (physical ailments- dis-ease), we will identify the possible root cause and address it with Pranic Healing (energy healing).

Highly recommended to opt for functional medicine consulting & nutritional therapy (physical body therapy).

> Soul (no talk - no touch energy scanning)

Energy Scanning method ( as taught in Pranic healing by Master Choa Kok Sui, founder of modern Pranic Healing).

Once you share your name, we can scan the aura & chakras and identify the energy level, and blockages preventing from being healthy, happy, holy and wealthy.

> Relationships Therapy

Relationships healing (Pranic healing)

Relationship Healing is the application of Pranic Healing techniques dealing with relationships. Any negative thought and emotion, from a simple stress, to irritations, resentment and disagreements tend to cloud the mind and lodge in the chakras. Once the chakras get clouded, the person starts seeing his/her partner through all these negative thoughts and emotions. The effects are increased arguments, hatred coldness and eventually break up. Relationship Healing works on both persons involved in a relationship to remove the negative thoughts and emotions from the aura and the chakras and increase the love and harmony

This can lead to:

Reduced emotional baggage.
Increased emotional resilience.
Improved ability to manage emotions in a healthy way

> Business Healing (Pranic Healing)

Pranic healing can be used to improve focus, strategic thinking and decision-making abilities, right planning, right message and channels of communication, productivity, creativity, focus, success, better performance, greater growth and create a positive, motivating work environment.

> Plant Based consulting & nutritional therapy

We believe and follow a plant-based diet (but everyone is welcome) and we swear by vegan functional medicine and nutritional therapy (naturopathy) which main focus is to promote health through a holistic and bio-individual approach and to support the body and mind in reaching their optimal functioning and balance.

> Conscious vegan business & hospitality consulting

Let’s spread the word about holistic plant based wellness, where we address both physical and energy body with scientific proven methods, where we normalize spirituality for everyday modern life, where healthy food, natural elixirs and communities can thrive!

Contact Info

Website : https://www.hoamemykonos.com/

Pranic healing involves scanning the human aura to detect the imbalances of energies, known as energetic congestion and depletion. It then uses cleansing technique to remove negative and used-up energies and energizing techniques to improve the flow of energy and strengthen the aura and the chakras. Once the aura is balanced, clean and strong, the health of the body gets improved (source).

It can be applied to both individuals and corporations and is perfect for challenges such as low productivity, finances, stressful work conditions, lack of execution, etc.

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Energy Pranic Healing (Prana: /ˈprɑːnə/, Sanskrit word for life force) is highly systematic and scientific-based.

It is a no-touch, no-drug complementary therapy system that uses prana to heal a wide range of physical and psychological ailment.

It was developed by Grand Master Choa Kok Sui and it is now being practiced in over 120 countries and incorporated in a number of hospitals around the globe.

Published in Wellness Professionals

Tagged under

Thursday, 21 August 2025 14:09

A Conversation With Nomad-at-Heart Mahsa Homayounfar, Who’s Redefining Travel With Purpose

From riding through remote mountain passes on her motorcycle to organizing global nomad festivals, Mahsa has redefined what it means to travel with purpose. With over 100 countries behind her, a multi-base lifestyle, and a deep passion for cultural exchange, she’s building a movement. We sat down to talk about her journey, her inspirations, and how she sees the future of travel.

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Q: You started traveling at 16. Was it something you always dreamed of, or did a particular event spark it?

I would say I was always very curious about other cultures, other people, other countries. And I think the most direct way to learn about other places is by traveling. Also, I always loved improvement. I never believed that just because I was born somewhere, I had to live my whole life there. I wanted to improve my quality of life, my world vision, even the quality of people I was surrounded by.

So it was this combination of curiosity—about how the world is, what people think and feel—and this urge for improvement, to achieve something better.

Q: Out of all the places you’ve been, what makes Greece stand out?

I think choosing a favorite country is very personal. For me, what I really appreciate in any place is the people; their kindness, helpfulness, and consideration. Greece still has that. Compared to many places in the European Union, Greece feels more genuine and authentic because people remain warm-hearted and generous. In more modernized countries, things get automated and regulations sometimes reduce personal interaction. But in Greece, the friendliness is still intact.

Also, Greece is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Traveling here means you’re walking through the history of humanity, philosophers, scientists, mathematicians. Democracy was invented here, even if it never worked perfectly!

Then there's nature—the mainland, the islands, the food. Its location is exciting, too, close to the Balkans, Turkey, the Ottoman influences, and North Africa. For example, from Greece I could easily fly to Egypt for €100 and visit the pyramids. It’s a very complete country in lifestyle, culture, geography, so many boxes are checked.

Q: You’ve been to over 100 countries. Are there a few that had a particularly big impact on you, and why?

I’m impacted by countries where you see how the government or society isn’t functioning well, where there’s injustice and corruption. The social, political, and geopolitical situation really affects me, more than nature or other things.

For example, I traveled a lot in Central America. It was tough to see entire nations suffering because of failing governments and corruption. It’s similar to what we see in Europe and Greece: great people but governments that don’t create the right environment for a good quality of life.

When it comes to nature, of course, I love Greece’s beauty. Another surprising place was Sudan. Both North and South Sudan are heavily affected by the civil war, but the people were so friendly and the country felt safe. Sudan is almost invisible in the news, but it’s an amazing country with a generous heart.

Kyrgyzstan impressed me with its wild nature and nomadic culture—I feel a connection because I’m a bit of a nomad myself. Pakistan is similar, with people moving seasonally with their animals, living a simple life, which I admire and keep going back to.

Q: Do you consider yourself to have a home base? Is it Athens, or do you feel most at home while traveling from place to place?

Well, a few years ago, I realized that for me, it only takes about two days to start feeling at home in any city. Because I move around so much—especially on a motorcycle—I’m not someone who stays put in one city for a month. I’m always traveling around the country, exploring day by day: the north, the east, the west, the coast, the mountains, big cities, remote villages.

That kind of lifestyle requires a lot of adaptation. You get very used to adapting and feeling comfortable, because otherwise it would be hard, changing your environment and circle of people every day.

So I’m very comfortable on the road, but it’s funny—I do get homesick. I miss Athens, or Greece.

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Q: Do you ever see yourself settling down in one place, or do you believe you’ll always be traveling?

Yeah, many people ask me that question, but honestly, I’ve never really asked it to myself, because it’s always felt very natural. I started traveling simply because I could. I could work while traveling, and I wanted to do that. It wasn’t some big plan; it just happened organically.

I think today, with all the tools we have—not just for running our businesses, but really for managing our whole lives—there’s no real need to settle down in the traditional sense. I mean, I love Athens, and I use it as a base. I think that’s how more and more nomads are thinking: not so much about settling, but about finding “bases.”

For me, I have a few of those. One is in Bansko, which has this amazing digital nomad community. It’s like a creative Silicon Valley, every day you’re learning something new, starting projects, bouncing around ideas. It’s really alive. Then there’s Athens, where I come back and instantly feel at home. I see friends, enjoy the culture, and reconnect. Austria is another base—it was my old one—so I go back there sometimes too.

This kind of setup works much better for me than settling down in just one place. Settling would actually feel like reducing my chances to travel, to learn, to grow, to live a more exciting life. So for now, I’d say no, I don’t see myself settling. I see myself expanding… just with multiple bases.

Q: You mentioned that your preferred way of traveling is motorcycling. Why is that?

It was both a practical and personal choice. No one in my family rode motorcycles, but I’ve always valued independence—and a bike gave me exactly that. It’s cheaper than a car, can handle rough terrain, and lets me reach remote places to meet people and learn.

Mobility means everything today. With my bike, I don’t have to wait—I just go. It matches my rhythm: fast, open, connected. I’m not closed off like in a car. I’m out there, talking to people, and that suits me perfectly.

Q: You speak so many languages. Can you tell us which ones, and how you picked them up?

Yes, unfortunately, I don’t speak any Greek yet, and that bothers me. From what I’ve heard, Greek is more difficult than other languages. It’s not something you can just learn casually; it requires focus and time, which I don’t have right now. But I haven’t given up hope.

My mother tongue is Persian, and my second language is German. I also speak English, Spanish, and French, though not as well as the others. I can read and write French, and I know some Arabic and Russian, which helps me when I travel.

Q: Out of all these languages, which was the hardest to learn?

Arabic and Russian. I never really finished them, so I know just enough for basic conversation and survival. Both have very complicated grammar. I was more comfortable with Russian because it’s Indo-European like my other languages, but Arabic is from a totally different language family.

Arabic is especially hard because there’s a classical version and many local dialects. Arabic from Egypt is very different from Arabic in Saudi Arabia or Yemen, or the formal Quranic Arabic. So, you’re not just learning one language; you’re learning five or six different versions.

Q: Your brand “Not Just a Tourist” is all about authentic cultural experiences. What inspired you to start it?

Yeah, like I mentioned, I always loved traveling. I started young and whenever I had time and some resources as a student, I’d just go explore Europe or wherever I could. I’m a perfectionist—I like improving things and I don’t like when something isn’t functional or doesn’t work well.

I used to work in corporate jobs, with long hours, like officially 9 to 5 but really more like 7 to 9 pm. I tried to make the most out of my vacations, but it was hard because there wasn’t much freedom or flexibility. Then in 2008, during the crisis, I got fired from Philip Morris. I thought, okay, great, now I can travel and figure out what I want to do with my life.

While traveling, I noticed that a lot of tours and companies don’t offer quality experiences. You pay for a tour but the car is bad, the guide isn’t passionate, the food is poor. I thought, no, this should be better.

I also wanted to create a real connection between tourists and locals. I’m not going to Thailand just to eat coconut and drink. I want to understand the local culture, what people care about, what excites them, their history. That local aspect was missing from most tours back then.

So I decided to create my own initiative and brand—not just a tourist, but a traveler who’s enthusiastic about local people and culture. That was the main idea.

Q: Since launching the brand, have you seen tourism change? Are people seeking more authentic experiences now?

Tourism has changed a lot and is evolving fast. It’s become more personalized, more experience-based. People aren’t just snapping pics of the Acropolis anymore; they’re doing VR tours, hands-on workshops, connecting with locals.

Take food, for example. Twenty years ago, food tours didn’t exist. Now, food is a way to consume culture. In Greece, it’s not just about eating souvlaki, it’s the whole tavern vibe: the music, the people, the old chairs. That’s what makes you fall in love with the place.

Tourism has improved, but overtourism is a real issue. Places like Athens are struggling—prices in the center are crazy. Tourism can be a powerful tool for learning and connection, but it's getting overrun by influencer culture and consumerism. It’s becoming about photos, not real experiences.

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Q: Let’s talk about Athens Nomad Fest. What sparked the idea, and why is Athens the right place for it?

As I said, I’m someone who always likes to improve things, not just be passive and use resources without giving back. When I first came to Athens, I barely knew anyone but there was already a small digital nomad community, people working in Athens for weeks or months at a time. We had a WhatsApp group and did activities together. That gave me a sense of community right away.

Then Covid hit and everything stopped. When it was over, I came back to Athens, and with another foreigner based here, we started a community WhatsApp group for expats, foreigners, and Greeks to hang out, explore, and work together. That was the main idea: to build community.

I’ve been a digital nomad since 2013 and have attended and helped organize one of the biggest digital nomad festivals in Bansko, Bulgaria, a small mountain town. It’s not just a music festival, but a conference-festival where people share skills, network, and have fun.

Seeing how successful that was in a small place like Bansko, I thought, why not Greece? We have the infrastructure, the qualities to host something like that.

Last year, I connected with active Greek remote workers and others organizing similar things, so we created Athens Nomad Fest to put Athens and Greece on the digital nomad map. Greece is amazing, and Athens is one of the oldest European capitals, but hardly anyone thinks of it as a hub for highly skilled professionals working remotely. People go to Berlin, Lisbon, even Albania, but not Athens.

The festival promotes Athens and Greece to the world and brings skilled professionals here for locals to meet them and see there’s a whole different world out there, a way to live and work that’s empowered and different. So it’s about mutual benefit: foreigners coming here, locals learning, and building community together.

What’s interesting is that countries like Korea, Japan, Taiwan are heavily investing in digital nomadism. It’s like the governments have a clear vision. For example, Asians came to Bansko, learned from our festivals and communities, went back home, and talked to their governments. Then those governments said, “Here is the money, go make it happen.” So Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and even Thailand are now joining this movement with serious support.

Q: What’s next on your personal or professional journey?

Professionally, I’m really focusing on consolidating both the Athens Nomad Fest and the Bansko Nomad Fest. These are still works in progress. You start with an idea, and then you expand it, you shape it, you learn as you go.

Something I’ve been dreaming about—and it’s not a fixed project yet, but definitely on my mind—is creating a co-living space or retreat for remote workers. A kind of intentional community where people can come not just to work, but also to rest, to learn, to connect with others on a deeper level. A place that combines personal development, creativity, and downtime.

You know, talking again about travel and this whole question of settling down, while I still believe in having bases, I think there’s a beautiful middle ground. And that’s creating spaces where people like us—remote workers, creatives, nomads—can pause, recharge, and grow together without losing that freedom.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a digital nomad and travel the world?

Start by informing yourself. There are tons of resources—courses, webinars, communities—that can help you understand location independence and financial freedom. But most importantly, you need inspiration. That’s what truly gets people moving.

Events like Athens Nomad Fest can be life-changing. You meet others, hear real stories, and suddenly things feel possible. All it takes is one spark, one connection, and you realize—yes, I can do this too. Learn from others, follow their example, and take the leap.

Q: And finally, if you had to sum up travel in just three words, what would they be?

Growth. Empowerement. Excitement.

Huge thanks to Mahsa for sharing her amazing story and inspiring us to travel with purpose and heart. If you want to follow her adventures, check out her Instagram HERE!

And if you’re curious about the vibrant communities she’s building, explore the Athens Nomad Festival HERE and the Bansko Nomad Festival HERE.

Published in Local Voices

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Wednesday, 20 August 2025 11:20

Professional Diploma in Acupuncture

Are you ready to begin your journey in integrative healthcare? The European Institute of Integrative Health Sciences (EIIHS) in Athens offers a comprehensive Acupuncture training designed for aspiring integrative healthcare practitioners.

The program combines Traditional Chinese Medicine theory with extensive hands-on clinical training, starting from day 1. Students benefit from regular clinical practice treating real patients under supervision, while studying acupuncture meridian theory, point protocols, safety, and patient-centered approaches.

Entry requirements include high school diploma or equivalent. Preference is given to applicants with biomedical or health-related backgrounds. Selected candidates may also undertake an interview.

Admission for the September 8th 2025 program is open now!
Contact EIIHS today to arrange a Discovery Session or keep reading for more information.

Why Join This Program?

Become Part of a Global Community at the intersection of ancient traditions and modern healthcare.
Hands-On from the Start: Treat real patients from your first week under expert supervision.
Integrated Curriculum: Merges Western biomedical knowledge with traditional meridian theory.
Thriving Locale: Study in Athens — a vibrant hub for history, wellness, and cultural exploration.
Real Clinical Experience: Students may perform up to 50 acupuncture sessions in clinical intensives.

About EIIHS

The European Institute of Integrative Health Sciences (EIIHS) is a leading institute blending ancient heritage and modern science, specializing in training practitioners in Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Manual Therapies, and Healing Energetics. Students begin clinical training from Day 1 in Athens-based clinics.

Program Dates

Location & Tuition

Published in Workshops & Trainings

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Wednesday, 06 August 2025 19:18

Colibri Corfu

Colibri is a sacred seaside sanctuary on Corfu Island, Greece, where conscious living, creativity, and community come to life at the Colibri Farm. There, at the same land that holds the Colibri Spirit Festival - an extended version of our festival is now alive every day with Colibri. Nestled along the island’s stunning coastline, Colibri hosts daily yoga classes, transformational workshops, ecstatic dance nights, live music, and nourishing food - all centered around a deep connection to nature and holistic well-being. Our community-driven venue brings together locals and international wellness seekers in a vibrant, open-air environment.

At the heart of the experience is our vibrant Colibri Restaurant, serving delicious, healthy food made with love to support body, mind, and spirit. Whether you're enjoying brunch under the olive trees or a sunset dinner with your feet in the sand, the restaurant is a destination in itself - open daily from morning until night.

You can also stay onsite in our cozy and eco-friendly Glamping accommodations directly at the Colibri Farm. Choose a package that includes your Glamping stay plus full access to Colibri’s daily program - a seamless way to drop in fully and recharge.

Whether you're looking for a mindful retreat, a place to connect, or a stage to feel alive - Colibri creates a magical space where heaven meets earth. Book your Glamping & Beach Pass here.

Key Highlights

Prime wellness destination combining yoga, workshops, dance, music, and healthy food
Open-air, eco-conscious beach sanctuary with intentional gatherings
International and local community hub centered on creativity and connection
Onsite Glamping options available with full access packages
Situated on Corfu Island, offering access to natural beauty and Greek culture
Buy tickets or packages now

Contact Info

Address: Colibri, Corfu, Kerkira, Greece 491 00

Website: thecolibri.com

Email: info@thecolibri.com

Contact Number: +306972125542

Colibri Instagram

colibri beach

Published in Wellness Spaces & Venues

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Thursday, 07 August 2025 11:15

From Brooklyn to Crete & Beyond: The Literary World of Florence Wetzel

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.

Q: You were born in Brooklyn, New York, but lived in Greece from 1990 to 1995, in a small fishing village in Crete. How did that happen?

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.

Q: What was it about living in Crete, specifically in this village, that shaped you personally and creatively?

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.

Q: What inspired you to write a story set in Greece?

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.

Q: What do you personally love most about Greece, then or now? What did you want to capture in your novels?

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.

Q: What do you want to pass on to people about Greece? What do you hope they feel about the country?

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.

Q: Aspasia explores a difficult reality about family and survival. What inspired you to approach such a challenging subject?

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.

Click HERE to read Aspasia's review!

Q: Aspasia connects to ancient Greece, and the name Aspasia has historical significance as an important woman in ancient Greek culture. What meaning did you want that name to carry in your story?

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.

Q: Throughout the book, we see Greek words and phrases sprinkled in. How did you decide which Greek words to include, and what was your approach to that?

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.

Q: Tell us a bit about your journey studying Greek.

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.

Q: Which countries have you lived in? And how do you think these different cultural environments have shaped you as a person or as a writer?

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.

Q: You mentioned Sweden, and I know you’ve written a Swedish mystery, The Grand Man. Was that book inspired by your time there, and did you include autobiographical elements, similar to how your book set in Greece reflects your own experience?

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.

Q: You’ve written many mysteries like The Grand Man and Dashiki, which you call a cozy mystery, as well as horror and sinister stories. What draws you so deeply to mystery and suspense? And when it comes to Aspasia, how do you personally classify that book—would you call it a mystery, thriller, or something else?

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.

Q: Do you see yourself continuing to write stories set in Greece in the future, or are you thinking of exploring new settings and themes for what’s coming next?

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.

Q: To sum it all up, looking back at your body of work, what do you hope readers take away most from your books?

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.

Published in Local Voices

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Wednesday, 06 August 2025 13:40

Fun Things To Do In Athens In August

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.

Published in City Discovery

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Wednesday, 06 August 2025 13:12

CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final At TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, Nov 6-9

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.

What is the European Cup Beach Volley

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.

Watch the official trailer of the event HERE!

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.

3 3

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.

Published in Local News

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Monday, 04 August 2025 16:50

The Silence of Being

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.

When: August 21-24, 2025
Where: Vikos Gorge, Epirus
Email: intheopenioannapappa@gmail.com
Contact: WhatsApp +306907910519
Instagram: ioannapappa___

The Silence of Being1

Published in Retreats & Gatherings

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Monday, 04 August 2025 14:16

Autumn Detox Retreat Mystras

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.

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.

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

Published in Retreats & Gatherings

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Tuesday, 05 August 2025 12:41

Aspasia: A Suspenseful Story Of Survival & Strength

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.

Me holding Aspasia

A Journey Through Rural Greece in the 1990s

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.

Grab your copy of Aspasia HERE and let the journey begin.

Katerina – The Protagonist Who Grounds the Story

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.

Aspasia – The Little Girl with a Big Heart

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.

A Story That Dares to Go Deep

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.

Aspasia as a Modern Greek Tragedy

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.

Grab your copy of Aspasia HERE and let the journey begin.

Greek Words That Shape the Story

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.

A Final Thought

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:

“There were two kinds of people in this world: those who saw something small and wanted to help it grow, and those who saw something small and wanted to exploit it for their own amusement.”

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

About The Author

Florence Wetzel was born 1962 in Brooklyn, NY. She writes in different genres, including the memoir Sara My Sara: A Memoir of Friendship and Loss. Her novels include the thriller The Woman Who Went Overboard, the Swedish mystery The Grand Man, and Dashiki: A Cozy Mystery. She has also authored horror short stories, a book of poems and memoir essays, and co-authored jazz clarinetist Perry Robinson's autobiography. Her latest book is Aspasia: A Novel of Suspense and Secrets, published July 2025.

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

XpatAthens recently sat down with Florence to speak about her connection to Greece and her inspiration behind Aspasia - enjoy the interview here!

Published in Books

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Hoâme - Vegan Holistic Wellness Agency

A Conversation With Nomad-at-Heart Mahsa Homayounfar, Who’s Redefining Travel With Purpose

Professional Diploma in Acupuncture

Why Join This Program?

About EIIHS

Colibri Corfu

Key Highlights

From Brooklyn to Crete & Beyond: The Literary World of Florence Wetzel

Fun Things To Do In Athens In August

2. Explore Athens By Night

📍Thiseio View Cafe Bar.

3. Visit Air-Conditioned Museums & Cultural Centers

📍Numismatic Museum Cafe.

4. Escape To The Hills At Sunset

@kostas.photos 📍Pnyx, Athens.

5. Cool Off At A Beach Or Pool

Credit: www.sgl.gr

6. Browse Cool Cafés & Concept Stores

@littlebookstoresweek 📍Little Tree Books & Coffee.

7. Take A Short Day Trip

📍Thinio tavern in Salamina.

CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final At TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, Nov 6-9

The Silence of Being

Autumn Detox Retreat Mystras

Aspasia: A Suspenseful Story Of Survival & Strength

ABOUT US

OUR WEBSITE

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FOLLOW US

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LOGIN

XpatAthens

Why Join This Program?

About EIIHS

Key Highlights

2. Explore Athens By Night📍Thiseio View Cafe Bar.

3. Visit Air-Conditioned Museums & Cultural Centers📍Numismatic Museum Cafe.

4. Escape To The Hills At Sunset@kostas.photos 📍Pnyx, Athens.

5. Cool Off At A Beach Or PoolCredit: www.sgl.gr

6. Browse Cool Cafés & Concept Stores@littlebookstoresweek 📍Little Tree Books & Coffee.

7. Take A Short Day Trip📍Thinio tavern in Salamina.

ABOUT US

OUR WEBSITE

SUPPORT US

FOLLOW US

STAY UPDATED

2. Explore Athens By Night

📍Thiseio View Cafe Bar.

3. Visit Air-Conditioned Museums & Cultural Centers

📍Numismatic Museum Cafe.

4. Escape To The Hills At Sunset

@kostas.photos 📍Pnyx, Athens.

5. Cool Off At A Beach Or Pool

Credit: www.sgl.gr

6. Browse Cool Cafés & Concept Stores

@littlebookstoresweek 📍Little Tree Books & Coffee.

7. Take A Short Day Trip

📍Thinio tavern in Salamina.