Moving to a new country...again.

Moving to a new country is always exciting. It’s also always an adjustment, even when that country is one that you thought you knew so well. When I moved to Japan 15 years ago it was more scary than exciting. If was a completely different culture and I knew no one. Moving to Greece at least I knew I would have a significant social network in Athens and also Crete where I have ultimately landed. It still wasn’t easy, and thank GOD for that network because it would have been nearly impossible without them. The citizenship process for me has taken a total 5 years to complete. Covid didn’t help things at all. In the end there have been miscommunications right and left, and I actually accepted a job before my citizenship was unknowingly approved. The first part of my new living abroad experience was sorting it all out and at one point it was so frustrating I thought it might not actually happen. I was brought to tears several times and it was for a few close friends, especially one in particular in Athens who finally got me to the other side.

Mikra Ammouda Beach on the South Shore of Crete

Now here I am, in Crete, writing my blog posts overlooking the blue sky and crystal clear sea. The sound of sheep grazing in the nearby field. It’s all so “typical” of what we see in the movies. Girl goes through a couple of tough years; a hard breakup, a global pandemic, a job loss, and decides to pack it all up to move to another country…with the sheep. It has been interesting. It has also been nothing like what I thought it would be. There have been challenges, but things are starting to smooth out now and I’m beginning to find myself a life here.

I’ve always wanted to move to Greece. Well…to be honest, I always wanted to move to Europe. I didn’t think Greece would ever actually happen with the bad economy and lack of job opportunity, but I think God had plans for me because Greece seemed to fall into place. It was always one of those bucket list things for me to do. During COVID, when our lives all fell apart, and any sort of normalcy and plans for my future became non-existent, I remember seeing a quote on Instagram…”you know those things you’ve been wanting to do, you should go do them.” This hit a chord with me. I think because we suddenly realized how unpredictable life all became in less than 2 years. Suddenly those irresponsible decisions like quitting your job and moving to an island seemed well…realistic because why not? Life is short, so yeah, you know those things you’ve always wanted to do? Go do them. Move to Europe if that’s what you want to do. I did.

Afterwork Cocktails at Geropatomos Beach

Crete was not initially where I thought I would ever live in Greece. I had always figured coming from NYC, Athens would be more my speed. I love Athens. It’s a fantastic city actually, and all of the people who say they don’t like it, most likely have only spent a couple of days there to see the sights and head straight to the islands, therefore they don’t really know anything about it. Athens is a city rich in culture and history with a fantastic culinary scene and a great arts community. It’s a small city, walkable for sure, especially for someone from the states used to trekking through Manhattan. It also reminds me in many ways of New York City. It has a grittiness similar to the Lower East Side, and walking through the city you quickly go from the posh aristocratic area of Kolonaki to the tourist crazed Plaka and Monastiraki and onto the graffiti filled Exarheia. Although I always thought Athens would be my place, and it most likely will be in the future, the job took me to Crete. Truly an incredibly unique island all on it’s own, the Cretan people feel a certain independence and they live that way. Crete did not become a part of Greece until the early 1900’s so really..they are different. I find the island to be incredible and I am so glad that my life has found me here. With 4 major towns on one island, Chania, Rethymno, Iraklion and Agios Nikolaos, the island is never lacking for things to do. You can be in the middle of the action in downtown, and 5 minutes later (or less) on a pristine quiet beach soaking up the sun and listening to the waves.

Drive from Preveli Monastery back to Rethymno

My life here has been a bit hectic, trying to help open and help run a new hotel is always a challenge, but in my day off each week I try and find myself on a new adventure exploring this amazing place. Often when I drive down the National Highway which runs through the entire island I am awestruck by the beauty that surrounds me. Crete has an incredibly diverse landscape from huge mountains that fall into crystal clear seas and red rocks that can sometimes look like Arizona before taking a turn that finds you amongst green forrests. The food is also incredible here and I look forward to a local Cretan meal any chance that I get. To truly experience this island it takes weeks even months and I am happy to see the tourism booming with people anxious to experience all that Crete has to offer. I hope that I can inspire you to take a visit to Greece’s largest island and in my opinion one of the most interesting ones. I feel blessed to call it my home at this moment and I look forward to taking you along my journey as I go.

View of Agia Pelagia on the drive from Rethymno to Heraklion