First day in Athens. Got in kinda late yesterday after my flight from @copenhagenairport and used whatever energy I had left to walk to the nearest local market and stock up on delicious olives (three kinds, no less), tasty feta cheese, the creamiest yogurt, and other Greek essentials.

The one-bedroom apartment Charlotte rented for the month is roomy and comfy and located in Thissio – a neighborhood with a very local vibe – yet close to Acropolis and other ancient sites, some of which I visited today (like the view above from lunchtime today).

This is my third visit to Athens but my first off-season stay. Love this city’s contrast. It’s gritty, modern and ancient all at once. Charlotte says Athens is our new Lisbon just as Lisbon was our new Malaga a few years ago. From a culinary perspective, while not as “fancy” as say, French or Italian cuisines, Greek food is arguably the healthiest of all the countries around the Mediterranean. And I’ve always experienced the Greeks as friendly, welcoming, and generous people.

Going to complete my book about phobias while here and then begin compiling a book of personal stories which I’ve been inspired to create after that my cousin Laura @brushedthread so generously shared her limited edition “Little Memoirs” with me a couple of years ago.