What do you love about where you live?

I live in Greece, it’s my home country.

So, what I love is the weather. It’s cold in winter, but it’s that dry cold. Winter doesn’t last long here, and in summer it’s warm, even though it’s too warm in recent years. However, that is a general problem on our planet due to global warming.

Another thing I love about Greece is that we have many islands, beautiful islands. I haven’t visited many, but it’s on my to-do list. On the top of the list are Tinos, always Tinos, Elafonisos, Kos, Naxos,

As a coffee junkie, I have another big love: the coffee here in Greece. Now, you may think you can get coffee wherever you want on this earth, but not that exceptional coffee. It’s the freddo cappuccino, and it’s a Greek invention. A summer without a freddo cappuccino is like summer without sun.

Last but not least, our history. History is essential to shape one’s identity. It gives a feeling of belonging and pride. So, I love our history, specifically the ancients, ancient tragic playwrights, and the philosophers. In the last couple of weeks, I have been pondering engaging more with ancient literature, specifically in the original ancient Greek. That’s another thing I like, the language, ancient Greek. The modern Greek language is rooted in ancient Greek but is spoken and written slightly differently. Let’s, for example, consider a Greek modern word. You trace back its history to ancient times, how they used it, and which other words have a common root with this word and are derived from it. This process makes you understand the development of the language.

Now history and language are the first cells, the basis step on which you build your identity. And having the blessing to be surrounded by this environment, it’s a great gift.

_{©image: bazaraki.com}