My Parents' Visit to Athens

At the beginning of May 2019, I was getting adjusted to my new internship. And of course, getting excited for my first visitors of the summer: my parents!

Like all parents visiting their kids, they were excited to get the lay of the land around my new home. For me, it was a really special visit. They met some of my local friends, tried my favorite restaurants, and even went to a couple bars with me. There was one particular night I took my parents to a local hole-in-the-wall where I had been several times before.

We sat down on a beautiful, warm Friday night around 10pm (the Greeks lean towards late meals). I ordered for some tasty dishes to share and Greek tsipouro to drink. Soon after, as it happens every Friday night there, a local band came out. But this restaurant is unique—their bands perform Greek Rebetiko music, an older style of urban Greek music that when played, can transform anyone to a Greek village in the 1950s. I watched my parents become mesmerized and smile, surely feeling a connection to their parents’ village upbringings.

It was then that I realized how much I appreciate watching others fall in love with Greece.

As the visit progressed, I became more and more certain that I made the right decision moving to Greece. My parents constantly commented on how happy I was, encouraging me to keep going with my new, independent life. My parents’ opinion is very valuable to me; I speak with them every day, and sometimes it is hard to be far away. Having them visit me at this time was really special, and I was thankful for their words of encouragement.

During the rest of our visit, we dined at local hot spots as well as some other “secret” dinner spots (that of course, were everyone’s favorites), drove down the Athens Riviera for a day at the Four Seasons Astir Palace in Vouliagmeni, and walked all around Athens for sites and shopping. For my parents, Kolonaki boutique shopping was really exciting, as the neighborhood is filled with talented designers and stunning Greek art.

When my parents left, I was of course sad, but also encouraged to continue living in Greece. After all, the summer was off to a great start!