(soft landing)

Athens Diary

There is something really freeing (and equally scary) about throwing yourself into uncertainty. After packing up my life into boxes, storing my furniture and handing myself over to the unknown without a return ticket or a defined timeline, I found myself sitting at the airport feeling surprisingly calm. Maybe it was because I knew a friend would be there when I landed, maybe because, sometimes, you just know you’re doing the right thing.

The day before I flew, I talked to a friend about why some of us get that irresistible urge to escape winter. He said something that stayed with me: ”I think we’re just birds following our natural rhythm. We follow the sun and migrate to warmer places…” So when the plane lifted off, I put on I’m Like a Bird by Nelly Furtado. (Shoutout to Ernesto — I really do think I’m a bird :D)

I make a playlist for every longer trip or place I visit (songs that accompany me through that time and become little sound-memories of the places I’ve been).

Here is mine for Athens:

Being a very intentional little bird, I used the flight to create a desire map and write down a few intentions for my time here, something to empower and to return to on the days I feel low or question my decision:

Having a friend in town made the landing wonderfully soft. After the most beautiful week with Lucs — exploring my neighborhood, cafés, restaurants, lots of walking, and the most perfect day by the sea — I settled into my flat. I hung up a few photos, bought some plants, and started working (very endurable).

I also started learning vocabulary. Since my brain works visually, I set myself a little challenge: creating a small illustration for every new word I learn.

Moving to a new city feels like the beginning of a love affair. Athens is my new muse. I’m slowly learning her ways, her traits, tasting her fruits…All I can say so far is I’m crushhinnggg

Sending some sun your way,

Lino