This isn’t about anything specific. If anything, it’s to stress the importance of traveling. Greece’s recent financial troubles may be what comes to mind for many when they think about the country, but the beauty of Greece is something that cannot be changed.

For a country that hasn’t been getting the best press lately, it felt like the country itself and what it has to offer was the only press it needs. While in Greece, I found myself feeling like I was in a dream of some sorts or maybe I was feeling the presence of the Greek gods. The way the sunlight peaked through the clouds illuminating both the bottom of the valley and the sea that crept up next to the mountains was nothing short of spectacular. Speaking of spectacular, I have yet to even mention the food, which I will get to later.

I soon realized the glow that emanates from Greek mythology was reality. Every time I thought the country couldn’t get prettier, it did. I found it ironic how although the landscape was dry and arid, the country was so breathtaking. The combination of mountains and sea was so perfect it could make anyone want to stay. What’s more is that the lifestyle of the Greek people is one that I feel we can learn from. Taking a moment from the busyness of life to just unwind, sit outside, have a cup of coffee, and watch people go by is the Greek way. It’s the simplicity of life in Greece that I envy sometimes.

Some of the best food I’ve ever had was in Greece. As a vegetarian, I eat fish on occasion and I’m glad I chose to eat fish when I did because the calamari I had was spectacular. The stuffed grape leaves were incredible, the baklava was out of this world, and the food coma that followed was also great. The restaurants had so much character too. One of the best meals I had on my trip was at the top of this very long set of stairs and was owned by this very generous Greek man named Lakis. The food was great and we had a long conversation with him and he later gave us some food free of charge. I was very glad we made the decision to hike up all those stairs to Lakis’ restaurant where we sat on the balcony overlooking the city and the Mediterranean. I look back at my trip to Greece with great fondness and a desire to return.