Out-Of-Office: kisses from the Greek islands
ARONIA living is on a summer break. See you in September!
Dear Reader,
It has been quite a long time since I last posted on the ARONIA living website, and you might have been wondering where we have been and whether the face behind this blog, moi, has paused or stopped writing. This is a long-overdue, friendly note to reassure you that we’ve simply taken a summer break. :)
These past few months have been truly incredible since the launch of this blog. It has been a new and invaluable learning process for me, filled with questions and at times doubts about myself, but also waves of creativity, numerous messages of love and beautiful connection. Your support and enthusiasm have been heartwarming, and I am deeply grateful for each and every one of you who has joined me from the start on this journey in my Athenian flat.
SUMMER IN THE GREEK ISLANDS
Summer can be quite different in this part of the world, as you may know. For many of us Greeks, summer is unimaginable away from the country and the Greek islands. For us, being on holiday there, is not just a destination but a longstanding tradition where memories are built from childhood to adulthood until forever. The islands symbolise a way of life, the absolute summer relaxation, carefree moments in the Aegean or Ionian Seas, a deep connection with nature and a strong bond with our cultural heritage. They are a vital part of our identity, a space where the soul finds rest, where life is celebrated, and where a sense of belonging to something larger is nurtured.
With the magic of the Greek islands only a stone's throw away from Athens, this proximity has meant that I have been one of the lucky ones to spend much of my weekends exploring these beautiful places, soaking in the serene landscapes, the crystal blue waters, the iconic Cycladic white and blue houses, and the amazing Aegean sunsets. As a result, and in combination with my other work commitments, I have rarely been at the ARONIA flat to create the content that I had envisioned for this blog this last month, without this affecting my drive or commitment to continue curating beautiful stories and content for you.
AU REVOIR AND 3 NOTES FROM MY SUMMERS IN GREECE
This is officially my last weekend in Athens for summer 2024, and I’m finally taking the opportunity to share a few words with you that I’ve been meaning to write for ages. Soon, I’ll be exploring new and cherished destinations immersing myself in the island vibes, and taking the chance to be inspired, explore, and unwind. Before I go, I wanted to share with you three key notes from my summers in the Greek islands:
Simple life pleasures: Life on most of the islands is wonderfully slow-paced, and it’s the simple things happening there that bring the most joy. Whether it’s enjoying a Greek salad in a traditional taverna, taking a barefoot stroll along the beach, witnessing a breathtaking sunset, or sipping a glass of chilled house wine, these moments are perfect reminders that true beauty lies in simplicity, and at times it is offered for free.
The sea as a healer: There’s something profoundly soothing about the sea. The gentle sound of the waves, the never-ending blue of the Mediterranean, and the salty breeze at the end of the day, all create a sense of peace and tranquillity that's hard to find elsewhere. Just by being closer to the sea, everything feels infinite and endless. The horizon, where the sky meets the water, seems to stretch on forever, offering a powerful reminder of the greatness of the world and the limitless possibilities it holds.
People, beyond the destination: It’s not just about the place, but the people you share it with. Friends are everything to me, and investing in these relationships has been one of my life’s commitments. No Greek island summer would be the same without the beautiful people in my life. Building and nurturing these friendships has given me a chosen family that has profoundly shaped my life in countless ways. Whenever I think of summer holidays, I think of the companionship of my wonderful friends and how lucky I feel to be with them, sharing our ‘forever’ summer moments together. So, invest in friendship.
That’s all for now, my dear friends...
Thank you for your understanding and patience during my absence. I cannot wait to reconnect in September! I promise to return with fresh and inspiring ARONIA living content.
Until then, I’m sending you warm, soon-to-be Cycladic kisses and wishing you a wonderful rest of the summer!
Love,
Andriana - ARONIA living
