My interview at Expatfinder

Couple years ago I had the opportunity to share my experience as an Expat of 18 years now, to one of the most experience sites about Xpats, the Expatfinder. Here Is following my interview that very kindly was hosted on their site. Please share with me your expat experiences, by leaving a message in the end or at my Instagram account! 

My Greek Summer: Chania - Crete

"You are not alone or limited, you have your nice memories from people and places, to go back anytime you like so to help you keeping going." That is exactly the sense that we are getting from the social media, in our current situation, where social distancing is the only way and the lack of physical socializing with friends and family really affects our whole being.  People are posting favorite places they have visited, calming pictures or videos from the nature or pets, or themselves on their younger version, from babies to college years. Past summer holidays is my best happy place that I like to dive in! So, lets take a trip to my memory lane from our last, family, summer holidays in the beautiful Greek island of Crete.

My Greek Summer - Mykonos island

Oh holidays! Music to me ears, especially this year that our life has been so hectic with traveling, saying (again) goodbyes to people we care, and most importantly with moving continents... one more time. So before we leave behind our lovely Netherlands, we packed our 4 suitcases with whatever they could fit for the summer, we load the rest of the house to a container for an oversea destination and off we left for our dream holidays place, Greece. This year we head to Mykonos. One of the most famous islands in Greece together with Santorini. Our only mission to just relax, eat, sleep and enjoy the Mediterranean sea and sun. No parties for 2 tired parents of 2. But is this possible, when Mykonos is known for its VIP profile, its crazy parties and extravagant events? Well, yes! if you know where to go you can have quite family holidays like anywhere else in Greece and if you feel like it you can always rub shoulders with the rich and famous visitors of the island. Here is my photo journal of our trip. Seat, look, and enjoy the view!

Greece's beauty motivates the Greeks

Greece is in an economic turmoil for a long time now. Is on the news everywhere in the world almost every month. Bubbles that burst and flooded the streets, the businesses and the homes with despair, financial uncertainty, unemployment and sadness. But Greeks are trying to take everything day by day, and right now the only motivation I see in their eyes is the country by itself. Greece is the gas that makes the motor run everyday. The beauty that this land was given is the driving force for Greeks to wake up and move on with their day. The hope of a bright, sunny day that will warm their skin and light the darkest spots of the cities. The blooming trees and flowers along the roads. The smell of lilac flower, and jasmine from the house fences. The barefoot feeling on the sandy beaches and the first touch of the Mediterranean sea after months of waiting. Greece is a feeling, it gets in to you even if you are not Greek, and it stays with you forever.

A hymn for Greek people

Reaching for the light through a cave in Chios island

Philoxenia means Hospitality and is a Greek term. A concept that Greek people always had in their lives. Since ancient times Greeks were welcoming the foreign, the new (my name Neofili, means friend of the new actually!) Greece has always been the oasis for the people from North and from colder climates. The place where they plan their honeymoon, the country that trust for beautiful holidays, the most sacred time of everyone's life. The place where they go because they now they will find big smiles, open arms and a lot of great food and sceneries. But Greece proved lately that it is there at dark times also. At times that people need a helping hand, a lifesaver literally and metaphorically. Times that nobody wants to witness. Greek people in the refugee crisis became the lighthouse, the hope and the road to a new life.