I didn’t grow up a world traveler. The Midwest is where I dug my roots and the closest I ever got to “wanderlust” were the summers I spent at my grandparent’s house in Monongahela, PA. Don’t get me wrong. I was not raised in a bubble. My parents exposed my brothers and I to art and culture and food and educational experiences- more so than most. But we were never a family that took exotic vacations. It wasn’t within our means and our focus was experiences (think art camp and jazz performances) over locations. That is, until the the spring I turned 13.
That year, my school district began offering trips abroad over spring break to students in the Gifted & Talented program. And fortunately, that included me. Timing couldn’t have been more on my side, as in the years to follow I was afforded the opportunity to explore England, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Spain, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic; and all before my 18th Birthday. It was during this time that I was officially “bitten” by the travel bug. It was during this time that I learned how small the world can feel if you don’t open yourself up to somewhere new. It was during this time that I knew I’d never be able to stay in one place again.
If you follow me on social media (more on that here), then you know I just got back from a restorative and incredible three weeks in the Mediterranean; beaching, eating, and romping around Greece with my husband. For us, this trip was long overdue and a chance to unplug (and I mean actually unplug. I went three weeks with no cell phone), visit family, and plant some of our own roots at my husband’s family villages. And it did not disappoint.
In true life-changing fashion, I’m finding myself at a bit of a crossroads on the re-entry side; a la reverse culture shock if you will. It’s the third time I can openly admit this has happened to me upon returning from a trip. The first was when I spent a semester abroad in Northern Greece (and also coincidentally when I met my husband); the second was our month-long honeymoon in the South Pacific; and the third, as you know, is wear I am now.
It’s incredibly easy to get so wrapped up in our daily routine that we forget there is a world out there waiting to be discovered. And as women, it’s even easier to get so wrapped up in taking care of everyone and everything- managing schedules, meeting demands, compiling to-do lists, all while never letting anyone down- that we forget to prioritize what our souls need in order to feel balanced. I don’t pretend that I was out of the country long enough to experience what is actually defined as reverse culture shock, or the emotional and psychological distress suffered by some people when they return home after a number of years overseas which can result in unexpected difficulty in readjusting to the culture and values of the home country. (sounds fun, doesn’t it?) I will admit that travel and exploration is a stimulus and what my soul needs to be happy and fulfilled. And this vacation reminded me that I need to be WAY better at prioritizing that.
So from me (a tan, jet-lagged, 2lbs. heavier from too much feta and ice cream, happy woman), to you (my dear readers), my take-away is this. Go somewhere. Anywhere. It doesn’t have to be exotic. It doesn’t have to far. But get out of your comfort zone and try something, somewhere new. Maybe for you that’s Greece. Or maybe for you that’s a new coffee shop. We have the ability and the technology to travel any time to any place in the world. Find what feeds your soul and go there. As often as you can. And maybe put your phone down for a while. It’s incredibly freeing.
If you’re looking for tips on what to do/where to go in Greece, shoot me a message. My list of recommendations is endless. But here’s a quick list of a few places I did love.
SARAKINIKO BEACH
Situated on the north shores of the island of Milos, Sarakiniko is shaped by white volcanic rock and views of the ocean blue for as far as the eye can see. Don’t expect a traditional beach, but the view is worth the trip.
LIMENI VILLAGE HOTEL
Situated in the Mani region of Southern Greece, Limeni is one of my favorite views of the Peloponnese. Grab a Freddo Cappuccino or a cocktail and watch the sunset.
ACROPOLIS OF ATHENS
Even though it’s easily the most tourist-y thing you can do in Athens, a visit to the Acropolis is something I won’t pass up. The history and the architecture never cease to amaze me, and it’s one heck of a way to view the city below. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid huge crowds.
Live your myth. Wear you are now.
xx
Natalie
Natalie
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