More Than Picture Deep...

GREECE !

It has been a week since I returned from a fantastic trip with the nurses travel network and I’ve just been doing some reflecting because I am still in awe of that beautiful country. I went into Greece with high hopes and this trip did not disappoint. You see all the pictures of Greece on social media and it genuinely looks JUST LIKE THE PICTURES. That is rare. But we traveled through Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. Throughout the sites, the views, the cocktails, boating, and greek salads, there are a few qualities about Greece that stuck out and made me fall in love with Greece more than picture deep.

Firstly, the people and their culture! Everyone was so warm, inviting, and exuded happiness with great energy. That leads me to an aspect of their culture and/or country being that they seem to have a great quality of life. Everyone enjoyed what they did for a living. Whether they were servers, valet, receptionists, masseuses,  tour guides, boat captains, food vendors, etc., they were happy. Quality of life was the dominant objective and not how much money they made or the job they possessed. The USA is so classist and money driven that you can see the enormous weight people carry everyday. The people of Greece felt light and relaxed. I enjoy that quality. I desire that quality of life for myself and for my future family.

Secondly, the weather ! One of our tour guides told us that it only rains MAYBE 25 times a year. Always breezy and sunny with bomb views ?! SIGN ME TF UP !! Now it does get HOT, but blame global warming. I can’t put that on Greece. It’s hot everywhere.

Thirdly, the FOOD ! I mean the Mediterranean diet Is something that I can get into. They eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables (I ate sooooo many tomatoes and cucumbers ), fish (their sea bass is top tier), and very little is fried. They eat very little meat besides lamb of course. The only downside is those yummy carbs. Yes, everything was very healthy, but TASTY too and that sold me. I can eat fresh, unprocessed, and delicious food, not feel super heavy after, and give my body what it needs. Not only that, the restaurants give me the aesthetics that I like to enjoy with my food as well. Again, SIGN ME TF UP !!

Fourthly, as a black woman I felt accepted, admired, not out of place, dismisses or undervalued. I felt as I always should have. Now, I have confidence and in no way shape or form do I suffer from low self-esteem (at the moment ), but that does not change the fact that as black women we are not treated as we should be in America. There were no side eyes, turned up noses, or rude remarks as we traveled almost 20 deep of black women into restaurants and other establishments. I just felt comfortable and safe. We are QUEENS, to be desired and revered.

I felt that In Greece.

With all that being said, the more I travel the more my attachment to the USA decreases.

I could really see myself moving out of the country permanently and building a life elsewhere. Maybe its just the post first trip across the pond high, but I’m about ready to pack my ovaries up and head out.

Anyways, Yamas “cheers” to more experiences, more travel, and more beautiful memories !

Keep it G,

G3