September 2023

George Rosolymos · September 2023

After two years of not visiting a Greek island for summer vacations due to various circumstances, we finally managed to plan a 15-day trip to Greece, in order to spend quality time, and most of all, to feel again what it's like to stop the time in a place by the sea. I have to admit that the absence of the sea for almost two years, affected me more than I could have ever imagined.

WHEN- For the first time we decided to make that trip during the off-season, mid to end of September, in order to avoid the over-tourism and the unjustified profiteering of the Greek islands. We managed indeed to avoid over-tourism (the advantage of the off-season traveling), but I am not sure about the overpriced policy, since unfortunately, it is an uncontrollable situation.

WHERE- We wanted to stay on a small, quiet, and not busy island. The idea was: swimming, eating, chilling, repeat. So, we chose Schoinoussa. A small (by far the smallest island I have visited) idyllic island, located in the heart of the Aegean Sea. It was the ideal destination to fulfill our expectations. With its pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Schoinoussa is a heaven for those who enjoy spending hours by the sea, seeking tranquility and relaxation. Exploring the island's charming tiny Chora, adorned with traditional white-washed houses, and colorful bougainvillea, is like stepping back in time. The island's cuisine is a delightful fusion of traditional Greek flavors and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From the delicate and succulent seafood dishes that showcase the island's coastal bounty to the flavorful mezze platters bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, Schoinoussa offers a culinary experience that is both authentic and unforgettable. We ate a lot!

HOW- From the beginning the challenge was how fast we would embrace the calming atmosphere in order to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The triptych was Observation, Simplicity, and Appreciation. Living in a fast-paced big city is so hard to take a step back and just observe the things happening around you. It is almost impossible, for example, to appreciate all those simple things that can make you really happy and they are far away from the material life that we are all deep inside. That’s why we made a promise to ourselves, to watch the sunrise every day. And we did it! I will never forget the overwhelming sense of tranquility washing over me every day, as we were watching the magnificent show that nature was putting on just for us. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a final blaze of golden light, I couldn't help but feel a deep appreciation for the fleeting nature of such breathtaking sights.

CONCLUSION- From the moment we arrived at its picturesque port, I knew that this would be The place, our own heaven on earth. It is an island with a wild and untouched beauty that is hard to find elsewhere, and it's very hard not to get carried away by its rhythms. All you have to do is lower your guard and shake off the urban oddities you're carrying. I think we did it!

Watching the sunset reminded me of the importance of embracing each passing moment, and realizing that the most difficult thing is to be a simple man!

october 2023

august 2023