This was my first trip to Europe and my first plane ride longer than 5 hours for that matter. Me being me, I was most excited to see an airplane with 3 rows (think Bridesmaids), it’s the little things in life. First, allow me to mention that I had to last minute push my flight up a day due to some bad weather on the east coast, which was where my layover was supposed to be. I did not want to take the chance of arriving to Greece too late, The Yacht Week was going to start with or without me. I had a terrible fear of the boat leaving before I arrived, so for safe measures I got my butt in gear and moved my flight up to avoid any potential delays.

Travel Day:

Still feeling a little anxious after last night having to change my flight so last minute. Thankfully the airport this morning was full of laughs with Sarah (she was heading to NY around the same time) and the best TSA agents who had us giggling for 5 minutes as we waited for our carry on luggage near the belt. To then realize our stuff was on a different belt, perhaps we were still half asleep? I didn’t sleep much due to anxiety and a bad dream about the trip (we won’t talk about it). This anxiety thing is recent for me, but nothing I can’t handle. God doesn’t give us challenges we can’t face. I also had some issues with my bank and currency exchange (TIP: this process typically takes about 2 days and the exchange rate is better at the bank vs the airport). This is all very small compared to the bigger picture, I’m on my way to freaking Greece and I WILL make it!

As I was sitting on the plane descending into Detroit (first layover), I realized I was thinking and acting out of fear. This anxiety wasn’t going away, though I was still beaming with excitement. It’s good that I can recognize this, that’s where change happens. Being aware allows me shift my thinking and confidently tell myself everything will be ok, I will get there on time, I will have enough money, I will make amazing friends, I will feel comfortable in my own skin, I will find transportation...the list goes on. Fear of things going wrong sabotages everything going right. So I took a few breaths, remember the bigger picture - GREECE and just be present and positive on my journey. Isn’t it amazing how we surrender and trust our lives in the hands of others (i.e. pilots) - people we don’t even know, but we whole heartedly trust them to get us to our destination? Surrender and trust in God, everything will work out as it is supposed to.

Touched down in Detroit! I arrived at my gate and looked around, I checked the screen, then checked the screen again. Does that really say Paris (next layover)? A wave of emotion came over me, I can’t believe this is really happening. My first time to Europe, I just didn’t think it was in the books for me. I’m honestly not sure why I keep saying that. I’ve always worked hard. Everything I have is a product of myself, being strong and independent. I deserve this, I am capable. When my mind says otherwise, that’s the ego. I know I have to push my ego aside and stop acting out of fear. I believe everyone is capable of doing what they want to do, travel related or not. Manifest it, make a move, work hard at it, don’t go crazy, let it be, watch it grow. We are so in or own minds of what we can’t do, instead of wasting time thinking woe is me, just do. A year ago I didn’t think I could do what I’m about to do, plus some. I am, because I worked hard for it and believed it to be true. Being open to letting God lead me and surrender without questioning can be terribly scary, but liberating once you understand the process - be patient. I talked to my mom when I was sitting at the gate waiting to board and I started crying. Happy tears of course, just feeling so so thankful for this opportunity to see the world. Does anyone cry more when they talk to their mom or just me? She continued to tell me how proud she was of me and that meant everything to me.

Landed in Paris! I was super confused on whether or not I had to get my luggage or if it would be checked all the way through. After walking around for an hour, I finally found someone to help me and someone that spoke English (TIP: they check it through). I roamed around the beautiful airport in awe of the beautiful people, cool accents and various languages being spoken. I was also in awe of all of the carbs swarming the airport, how do these people stay so skinny?

Finally, landed in Athens! I arrived to our airbnb to meet some of my crew mates. I ended up taking the metro train AND a cab. But how, two forms of transportation you ask? My sense of direction is terrible, I got lost on the metro and decided to get off to take a cab the remainder of the way. To my defense, everything is in Greek! Later that night we headed to meet the rest of our crew at their gorgeous hotel overlooking Acropolis. Wow, talk about a view.

The next day I jumped on a yacht that I was going to live on for the next 7 days, no big deal. Read more about my Yacht Week experience in my next blog, titled “My Yacht Week Itinerary!”

Post yacht week I had 2 additional days to explore Athens, which I highly recommend doing. TYW is a great way to see the different islands, but exploring Athens by foot really made me feel like I saw it all. We rented an amazing airbnb in the heart of Athens. Our place had 5 floors, an elevator, rooftop terrace, bikes, etc. - it was awesome! After some much needed rest, we walked to the top of Acropolis, seeing the Parthenon up close was so freaking cool!

The next day I had a much needed “me day,” I loved my crew but I am used to my alone quiet time. I started off by walking to the nearest coffee shop, followed by an amazing massage where the woman climbed on me - those are the best kind. I found myself in an area called Monastiraki, where I discovered all the flea markets and shops. OMG, I was really in love with Greece now. I roamed around ALL DAY, mostly shopping and just taking it all in. I finally cut myself off and walked back to our airbnb, clocking 10 miles. This was our very last night and only the Nashville girls were left in Athens. We grabbed dinner and gelato and did some final gift shopping. I couldn’t of asked for a better way to wrap up this trip. Being alone really helped me reflect on this amazing opportunity.

Overall, Greece was magical. It is full of culture, history, blue hues, amazing Greek cuisine, pretty people, different languages and more! I think this trip was a good ice breaker for my future upcoming travels. Luckily, my crew was very well versed in traveling, so I learned a lot from them. The Yacht Week was full of inspiring young people from all over the world that also had a passion for traveling. The places others have been and their stories were so inspiring. I know this is just the beginning for me and I am so excited for what’s in store over the next couple months or years! Traveling feeds something inside me, it lights me up, it makes me feel more aware, more conscious. I think traveling is a key part on my journey to self-love and discovery. It’s going to a place where no one knows who I am and I can be the best and most honest version of myself. I can’t wait to see what else traveling unfolds for me.

Thanks for reading about my Greece experience! Please feel free to comment or leave a question below, I’d love to connect!

Anayat ❤

Getting to Greece