When you arrive in a new country at night, it’s hard to get a sense of the place. The sun was just setting as our plane touched down, 30 minutes late, in Bucharest. By the time we got our bags and cleared customs, only the city lights gave us glimpses of our new home. We […]
Author: Abbey
Ex-archaeologist, business development and networking wiz, people person, aspiring author and travel writer.
Loves horses, the sea, exploring, history, good food and wine, and Joe.
Athens Retrospective: Rediscovering an Ancient City
Steeped in history and mythology, Athens is a complex beast. Many visitors simply use it as a stopover point on the way to the more romantic, alluring islands. Perhaps because of these short, hurried stays, Athens gets a bit of a bad rap. The architecture can’t rival that of Rome or Barcelona, the people can […]
Dinner in the Sky: Adventures in Haute Cuisine
When you exit the Kerameikos metro station in Athens and head towards Gazi, you will emerge onto a small square. Directly opposite the station, you will find a concert venue called Technopolis marked by a large, rusted metal structure. Joe and I noticed the unusual circular framework right away, but not the extremely tall crane […]
I’ve Been There, But Not With You
I am exceedingly familiar with many archaeological monuments in Greece. When I studied abroad in Athens, I ventured up to the Acropolis on the regular. While working at Nemea and Mycenae, I got to know those ancient stones and columns all too well. I’ve gazed up at the Venetian fortress in Nafplio many, many times. […]
Food Trucks for Everyone at the Athens Food Market
Running errands is generally a completely mundane, uneventful activity. But when traveling in a foreign country, mundane things often become much more interesting and enlightening. When Joe and I were out and about preparing for my parents’ visit, we stumbled upon the Athens Food Market. About 15 food trucks clustered around Plateia Klavthmonos, and a […]
A Few of My Favorite Things (On Crete)
Joe and I only spent a week on the island of Crete, but its magic quickly captivated us. We had a great deal of freedom thanks to our rental car and we used it to the fullest extent. After exploring parts of the western half of the large island, I think Joe fully understood what […]
Worth the Journey: Remote Beaches of Crete
When tourists flock to Crete, they are likely making the trip for several reasons. Ancient Minoan and Greek archaeological sites abound, and delightfully fresh seafood and expertly grilled meats are available everywhere. However, the island’s intense natural beauty is perhaps the most compelling reason to visit.
Hiking the Samaria, Europe’s Longest Gorge
When you sign up to hike the Samaria Gorge, it’s hard to imagine exactly what lies ahead. Even if you have made the descent before, as I had, your memory plays tricks on you and optimism prevails. Joe and I discussed the possibility of knee issues, but brushed our worries aside because, when in Crete, […]
Discovering Stories at the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art
Nestled on a quiet street corner on the edge of the Kerameikos neighborhood, a relatively clean, four-story building devoid of street art rises up behind a row of orange trees with a subtle air of importance. The Benaki Museum of Islamic Art houses a stunning collection of artifacts dating from the 8th – 19th centuries […]
Living Our Best Normal Lives Overseas
You’ve read about our adventures to Porto and Ibiza, the gastronomic delights we’ve enjoyed, hikes we’ve taken up steep, rocky hills, and the awe inspired within us while gazing at elaborately decorated architecture – the highlights that make a good story. Perhaps some of you are wondering, however, what we actually do all day every day over […]
The Writing on the Wall: Street Art in Athens
Oh, Athens, you beautiful, dirty, seething, charming, noisy, riotous, sun-drenched, ancient, ever-changing, artful city. This place bursts with memories of learning, growing up, drinking, dancing, eating, laughing, crying and living. So much has changed – there was actual LETTUCE in my Greek salad the other night – but many things remain the same: the Parthenon rises up, […]
Barcelona Retrospective: Highlights of a Magical City
Barcelona is an incredible place, and we loved our time there. We probably could have stayed for many more moons. So, to celebrate our first month and a half of living abroad – and to start a habit of reflection and consensus after each of our major stops along this crazy journey – I give you: Joe […]
Little Delights Abound in Edinburgh
I had never been to Scotland, and neither had Joe, so we didn’t know what to expect when we hopped on the train and headed north from London. Our four-hour ride took us through verdant rolling hills and fields, past stereotypical, vine and rose-covered stone country cottages and along blustery sea coasts, the waves frothing […]
The Power of Place at Edinburgh Castle
I don’t think anyone would debate the military advantages of building a stronghold on the highest, least-accessible ground possible. The rulers of Edinburgh, Scotland in the 12th century certainly understood the merits of establishing their castle and keep atop a massive, rocky cliff (called Castle Rock) which sits directly in the middle of the modern city. Sheer […]
No Excuses: Working Out While Traveling
We’ve all been there: we work out and eat well in the months and weeks leading up to a vacation, but once that plane’s wheels are up, most of our well-intentioned plans to exercise on the beach evaporate like steam from a hot tub. And sometimes, that’s just fine – if the goal is really […]
Tasting Our Way Through the Bermondsey Beer Mile
The soft rumbling and clacking of trains passing overhead caused us to look up from our beers at first, but then gradually faded more and more into the background noise. All sorts of people stood and sat shoulder to shoulder, groups spilling out into the sidewalk and roughly-paved street, half-pints in hand, chatting and tasting amiably. […]
Hidden Gems at the Tower of London
Let’s face it – 99% of visitors who come to the Tower of London are there primarily to see the Crown Jewels. And it’s understandable – they’re incredibly impressive, overwhelmingly large and sparkly, and are certainly worth ogling, mouth slightly agape in wonder, for 10-15 minutes. When we visited the Tower we did indeed make […]
Gaudi’s Masterpiece: The Awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia
You might have heard of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia – it’s the massive cathedral, started in 1882, that’s still being built today 90 years after its master-planner’s death. Not-so-fun fact: Gaudi died in 1926 after he was hit by a tram, and was therefore unable to witness the completion of his crowning achievement. Because of this tragic fact, […]
“Getting Involved” with Mexican Food at Hoja Santa
Every once in a while, we’re fortunate enough to dine at a truly fine restaurant – one that transcends the ordinary – and even the great – to become really exceptional. Joe and I discovered such a spot, recommended to us by the owner of a small-batch, high-end tequila company called Ocho Tequila (the restaurant uses […]
Creating Community Abroad with InterNations
I think I speak for both Joe and myself when I say the best thing about Austin is our friends. We’re so fortunate to have several strong networks of great buddies there, and we miss everyone dearly. When we decided to move abroad for a year, I knew we’d need a way to create connections while traveling from […]
