From New Zealand to Greece – Impressions Of A Kiwi Girl

What did I expect to see when travelling from New Zealand to Greece? New Zealand: a small country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, marked by some as so geographically irrelevant it’s rudely left off world maps entirely.

In short: it’s isolated, so the closest I’ve been to Greece is in front of a television screen. Most memorably when I was 12 years old, it was 2008 and the year Mama Mia was released, filmed on the island of Skopelos. I saw it three times at the cinema. While ABBA and Meryl Streep are by no means an accurate representation of Greece, its people and its culture, one thing was unmistakable; the locations made for an incredibly aesthetic cinematic experience. The extensive span of crystal clear water and golden sand beaches, the characteristic white buildings with splashes of blue and tumbling pink bougainvillaea. For a young girl in awe of the magical place that this film revealed, a seed was planted, and 11 years later here I am flying into Athens.

Greece: the cradle of Western civilisation and one of the most visited countries in Europe. Offering so much more than Mama Mia than this little New Zealander could imagine. When I tell people my next stop is Athens they either respond with an envious sigh and mention they’ve never been but have always wanted to go, or their eyes light up and fog over with a reminiscent haze as they begin to talk excitedly about where, why and what I must see. So what is it that makes this place so appealing? Not just for me, but for the millions of travellers that frequent Greece each year.

The History

The Parthenon, part of the Acropolis, is probably one of the most defining architectural features of Greece to those who have never been.

Its towering marble columns and extensive views of the city make it a bustling tourist attraction, and it will be one of my first stops. While I don’t know a lot, Greek mythology and the Gods have become popularised in Western culture and are portrayed everywhere from Disney films like Hercules to blockbusters like Clash of the Titans, so Zeus, Poseidon and Hades are all familiar. As well as mythology, Greece is home to founding philosophers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Whether or not you’ve read their work, you’ve heard their names. The first settlers in New Zealand probably arrived between 1200 and 1300 AD and Brittish colonisation officially occurred in 1840, so in comparison, historically, New Zealand is a baby.

Travelling allows us to broaden our horizons and provides a unique experience to learn first hand. For me, Greece will be no exception and I’m eager to take such a profound step back in time.

What To See In Greece – History

• See The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum
• Watch a play at Herodotus Atticus Theatre
• Walk Around Monastiraki and Plaka
• Go to Delphi
• Visit the monasteries of Meteora
• Museum of Atlantis and Akrotiri in Santorini

☞ Related: 2 Day Itinerary in Athens

The Lifestyle

People who have lived in Greece have told me that the pace of life is relaxed.

While things don’t move as quickly, it’s purposeful. Essentially you’re on island time, which is a mentality I can very much appreciate, but often don’t have time to practise. Life can be hectic and even traveling can be quite exhausting, so the prospect of being in a place that welcomes and even forces a more relaxed approach to living is inviting. And when there is so much to be appreciated, what a good mindset to be in.

What To Experience in Greece – Lifestyle

• Become comfortable with the driving situation (on the other side)
• Sip coffee by the water without a care in the world
• Stop to talk to random Greek yiayias (and try to understand what they are saying)

• Have raki in Crete
• Go swimming at night (since the water is always warm in the summer)
• Go out for dinner at “Greek time” (after 8 or 9pm)

☞ Related: 4 Top Coffee Spots in Athens For Your Caffeine Dose

The Food

I’m a foodie, so as well the pleasure I gain from the destinations themselves, eating the local cuisine is a large part of how I immerse myself in the culture, not to mention it’s delicious!

The opportunity for trying traditional Greek food at home is minimal, but what I have tried I have enjoyed. For example, dolmadakia, which is rice wrapped in grape leaves, courtesy of the local farmers market. Occasionally, I attempt to make a Greek salad at home, but one thing I’ve learnt so far on my travels about traditional food is that nothing can beat the version made at its place of origin. Maybe its the combination of local ingredients, original recipes and exquisite locations, but honestly nothing can compare.

A macaroon in France, magnifique. Gelato in Milan, fantastico. And Greece? Of course a traditional Greek salad is a must, and will likely be a vast improvement of my own. Spanakopita and souvlaki are some savory treats well known even to those who have never been to Greece. You name it, I will be trying it.

What To Experience in Greece – Food

• Have seafood I haven’t tried before
• Have Greek Salad with the correct amount of extra virgin olive oil (a lot)
• Real spanakopita (try to pronounce it correctly)

☞ Related: Greek Breakfast Guide – What does it mean?

• Skip the Greek coffee (sorry Greek friends)
• Have my first souvlaki (with tzatziki)
• Try bougatsa (pie with custard)

☞ Related: How To Make The Best Greek Salad Of Your Life

Where to from here!