Greece

My first visit to Greece came during my gap year before college, when I spent several days exploring Athens. Standing atop the Acropolis and looking out over the city, it was impossible not to appreciate the incredible history that surrounded me. As a new solo traveler, I was constantly pushing myself outside my comfort zone. I even remember going to nightclubs by myself in Athens, hoping to force myself to meet new people. It felt intimidating at first, but it taught me how to strike up conversations with strangers and become more comfortable on my own.

A few years later, I returned to Greece after my University of Miami friend Ethan invited me to stay with his family on the island of Corfu. Surrounded by turquoise water, rugged coastlines, and picturesque villages, Corfu was every bit as beautiful as I had imagined. What left the greatest impression, though, was the time I spent with Ethan’s family. Although Ethan had grown up in the United States and his family had lived there for many years, they remained deeply connected to their Greek heritage. Watching generations gather around long meals, share stories late into the evening, and place such importance on family gave me a deeper appreciation for Greek culture than I could have gained from sightseeing alone.