Touring Greece with Writer and Language Learner Marina Tsekoura
Our latest guest on the Coloring My Way Across The Globe podcast—Marina Tsekoura touring Rome, Italy while on a business trip
Greetings, colorful ones! How are you all doing this fine Friday? Where are you and what adventures do you have for the weekend?
I find myself today reminiscing on the September/October 2023 trip to Greece and some of my in-person podcast interviews conducted. They were my first ever podcast interviews!
Today we feature Marina Tsekoura, contributing writer to the international publication INSIGHTS GREECE.
Marina and I originally “met” via LinkedIn where I discovered the publication and some of her articles about places off the beaten path near Athens. I reached out to her in advance of the trip and requested an interview. Voila! We met in her cozy Athenian apartment and writing studio for an in-person discussion of her city and life as a traveler and language learner.
As is the case with most Greeks, Marina’s filoxenia—truest Greek style hospitality and friendship with foreigners—was on full display. She offered me treats, coffee and then took me to lunch post interview. What a lovely new friend I made that day!
While in Athens I learned to navigate the metro transportation system and enjoyed touring suburbs and towns just to the north, east, west and south of us!
During our interview, Marina and I discussed coffee spots, Athens suburbs to tour, reasons to learn languages and other cities in mainland Greece that are dreamy destinations quite far from the capital.
As a supplement to the podcast interview, you can read more of what Marina recommends on Athens neighborhoods here:
https://www.insightsgreece.com/16-coolest-neighbourhoods-to-visit-in-athens/
One neighborhood in particular that she encouraged me to visit—and I did—is Kifissia. It is a lovely, picturesque town to the north of Athens, and so I just had to check it out myself. Looking for things to do there? Here is an INSIGHTS GREECE article on this quaint and special neighborhood: www.insightsgreece.com/best-things-to-do-in-kifissia/
I discovered a Mexican restaurant there in Kifissia that is stunningly decorated!
One of the “dos” Hermanos himself greeting patrons at the door of his Mexican restaurant
Being the Mexican food connoisseur that I am, imagine my delight to find Dos Hermanos in the heart of Kifissia, amigos! You know I had to stop and enjoy the food and gorgeously decorated restaurant. I spoke to one of the “dos” hermanos, a Greek-American who lived for some time I believe in San Antonio, Texas. He and his brother felt inspired and thus went into the Mexican restaurant business. Bravo I say! The food and ambience are highly rated.
Whoever handles color, materials, finishes and design for this restaurant did a superb job!
Other neighborhoods we discuss on the podcast are Evangelismos, Acropolis area, Monastiraki for antiques and unique jewelry and art finds, Glyfada—the Athens Riviera beach town, and Koukaki or Pagrati for coffee.
Speaking of coffee, here are INSIGHTS GREECE’s top recommendations: https://www.insightsgreece.com/12-places-to-get-the-best-coffee-in-athens/
As Marina and I wrapped up the interview, I turned to the question I ask all guests—What is your idea of a colorful life? Her answer was well considered and elaborate, and I sincerely hope you will take time to listen to our meaningful, in-depth and insightful episode.
“To live a colorful life is to live a life that you love, appreciate every aspect, be a free spirit……..I strongly believe that there are various ways to fill our lives with color. The basis of this is to cultivate curiosity.”
October 2023 | Yours truly “sampling” a lot of wine from over 150 wine producers in Greece
Last but absolutely not least, Marina recommended that I tour the annual Wine + Art Festival in Athens. Hundreds of wine producers and artists converge on the scene to host an unforgettable, cultured and delightful day of wine education, sampling and art viewing. I loved the experience!
Also, some other places in mainland Greece to consider per Marina are Thessaloniki, Ioannina and the Peloponnese region. Many of us don’t think of Greece beyond the islands, but the country’s mainland boasts many mountainous regions perfect for a winter getaway and some snow skiing.
Well, color lovers, let’s get to the podcast episode itself. Click the link to get started! I hope that you will enjoy it and get in touch with any comments, feedback and/or topics you’d like me to discuss on future episodes of Coloring My Way Across The Globe.
Until next time, stay colorful!
Lauren B.
