Another year has gone by…

Dear all,

Here we are. Almost time for 2014 to step out and say goodbye to us. Almost time to welocome the new year. It is the time to make your wishes for the new year, get the wishlist done and say farewell to 2014 . What a year! As I am gazing outisde my window, in a very sunny, yet freezing cold, Bucharest, I realize that this is the perfect ending of 2014. It is such a contrasting day, the sun shines so bright and yet the atmosphere is ice-cold and frozen, just like 2014 was. A year of contrasts, of tumultuous feelings, of unexpected change, of amazing moments, followed by dreadful ones.

Personally, I couldn’t say it was a good year, nor a bad year. Professionally, it was a great year. I had the chance to travel more and broaden my horizons. I had the chance to meet amazing new people and I was lucky enough to see new places.

However, this year life also knocked me down so hard. It took me by surprise. Many times I found myself in very difficult situations, I got to see the real faces of certain people, I found myself alone, I felt pain and sorrow, deeper that ever. It was a hectic, chaotic year. Now I was here, tomorrow there. But I give my thanks to every experience I have been through, because now I proved myself, that no matter the struggle, I always get up  and move on.

2014 brought me to new adventures. I was given the opportunity to live and study in Athens. To exlpore the Greek culture. A beautiful and unique experience, that changed many of my views on life. It was a year of hard work and dedication. It was also a year that took away friends or dear people from me, but gave me new enriching friends from all over the world. It was a year of great gains and great loss. It was also the year that inspired me to start doing new things, that I never tought I was capable of doing.

As I am looking back, reflecting on another gone year, my toughts go straight to the people that were always by my side, to the people I met, to the people I lost, to the moments I shared with so many of you. Beautiful moments. Moments of happines. All sort of moments. This year brought me closer to some incredible people, but it also estranged me from some other great ones. However, I am thinking of you all, hoping that the new year will bring us together again.

I want to thank you all for being part of my life, even if just temporary. 2014, thank you for the memories and for the lessons. For the places you’ve taken me to, for the new friends you gave me and for bringing me together with my loved ones.

So lets raise a glass for a better year to come. A more peaceful year, with more pleasant days. Lets welcome 2015 with hope, that it will be a good one. A year to make your wishes come true, a year with lots of health and luck. Let’s leave 2014 behind with joy. Let’s be grateful for the good times and the bad times and open our hearts for the unknown.

My wish for you all is to be brave and courageous, to be good and do good. Make your wishes come true. Work hard. Take your time to enjoy your life. Travel somewhere new. Explore more. Help the ones in need. Be who you want to be. And no matter what, always stay strong! Cheers to 2015!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Yours,

Cassandra

Greek winter

When you say winter, when you think about it, the normal images and words that come to the mind are cold, snow, blizzards, terrible weather, ice, Christmas, mountains and all the activities that are practiced in the cold season. Some people may think about drinking a cup of hot wine, while walking around a Christmas market, some imagine enjoying a comforting hot chocolate, while cuddling in front of the fireplace or even some may think of just enjoyning a day inside, while hiding out from a snowy weather.

However,in Athens it is a completely different story. Not only that it almost never snows and maybe the most terrible weather is a heavier rain, but people here do not even want to imagine the stories that I have written above. The greeks are used only to a specific weather. They love the sun, the warm days, the blue sky. Apparently all these, love them back. I am saying this, because even in December, when Christmas is knocking on the door, there is no sign of snow or cold whatsoever and I am still enjoying my fresh orange juice, the sun is mostly always up and the weather looks like an authentic October. Not only that sun is a regular thing here, but what is even more exotic and fascinating, is wandering on the streets of Athens and seeing all the trees full of oranges.

There are, of course, decorations beeing made, the shops are full of promotional, seasonal products, it smells of hot wine, here and there, so the Christmas spirit is alive. It is a strange feeling, however, to truly feel the holidays coming, in such a different winter environment, to feel that indeed, Christams is just around the corner and the New Year is almost arriving. But you feel it. I feel it. Maybe it’s because all the people are out, shopping for presents. And maybe it is just because it is time to go home.

Anyhow, the Greek winter it is definitely a special type of winter. A calm, tranquil season, where people don’t imagine snowy days or hot chocolate, but they imagine walking outside in the sun, enjoying a Freddo Cappucino or gathering at a Taverna with friends, eating a good Souvlaki, or maybe just wandering around in Monastiraki, delighting in a tasty Gyros, while gazing at the fabulous Acropolis.

Xoxo,

Cass

*all photos are taken by me

Let’s December it!

Here we are again.It’s that time of the year. That joyful, beautiful month. December. It means so many things for each of us. So many feelings come to life. It is the last month of yet, another year, the last chance to accomplish the undone things written down on the last’s year bucketlist, the last adventures of 2014 are about to happen, the last memories of 2014,the preparations for Christmas are starting, the shopping sessions for finding the perfect presents for the loved ones. Ice-skating with your best friends. Going to the Christmas markets. Attending the Christmas parties.See the first snowflakes falling down. The marvelous first snow. It is all a delightful, busy month.

The first of December. What a wonderful day this one is for me! It means so much. Not only that on this day in my country it is celebrated the national day. It is Romania’s national day. It also means the countdown to the holy holidays. Ever since I was a little girl I used to be in love with this month. The air is filled with love, it is so charming, every year I’m falling back in love.

However, my perception of it changed so much over the years. When I was little I was desperatley waiting for Christmas to come for all the presents, for Santa Claus, for the free weeks from school or from kindergarden. Now, December for me has a different meaning. It’s coming home. The traveler goes back to its routes. It is a nostalgic, yet very happy time, full of hopes, full of energy. It is the month that makes me think of the people I love, of the people I loved, of the people I have in my life as well as the people I lost. I just go back to December all the time. It is the month that, wherever it finds me on this amazing planet, makes me eager to go home. To the people who love me unconditionally. To the people that I know are waiting to see me as much as I want to see them. To my safe zone. The kid inside of me magically wakes up. And while others wish for all type of presents this month, I just wish from it to bring me home. Oh..December. My fairytale.

It is the month that makes almost everyone feel the same way. Have the same toughts. The same activities. The same joy. It connects people. It just comes with such splendid and unique feelings. Everyone gathers around, enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or some warm tea or, perhaps, a glass of hot wine, with a little bit of cinnamon, having amazing conversations. Everywhere you go, you see Christmas lights, decorations, you hear the seasonal music. The beautiful carols. Such a dazzeling atmosphere.

A time to enjoy, to feel more love and compassion. A time to light the candles and be inspired by the lights. The perfect time to cuddle up in bed with a good book. The time to enjoy some December goodies. To go outside and just enjoy the cold December air. To feel like a kid again. To be with the loved ones. That’s December all about. The loved ones. Family. Friends. Lovers.

It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. So have a wonderful, magical, happy December all!

Xoxo, Cass

Let’s talk about love

Many travelers, many people who live abroad argue about what is the best experience when you are in a different country for a significant time. Some say it’s the new things you discover about different cultures, some say it’s the parties, some say the people you meet during your journey, some say it’s the adventures and experiences you have while traveling or some even say that the things you purchase, because they remind you of your journey . Well it’s all true, all of the above are just amazing things, but how about living all these with someone you love? And i am not talking about the romantic type of love or the family love, which is unconditional love, but about the love that grew over years, I am talking about someone who has known you for the longest, someone who chose to stay by your side, who knows your good parts, but also the bad parts, the darkest secrets and still accepts you as you are. Someone who chose to be your friend. How about experiencing new adventures in a new environment, with your oldest best friend, or the bff, the modern and overly utilised word.

And…in my case every blonde needs a brunette best friend!

Well I’ve been lucky enough to have experienced all of the above in more than one different countries and I’ve also been lucky enough to have my bff’s with me for quite a while. Ohh and what a trip over years we’ve had. However, our last meeting happened to take place in Athens. It all happend very fast, I found out just a few days before the arrival, that my best friend is coming to visit me. After the big, exciting news, a very interesting schedule had to be planned. I mean I wouldn’t have left my bestie to get bored. Oh, no no!

She arrived on a Friday, almost one week ago, on Eleftherios Venizelos, the Athenian airport, the nerves were huge, I was waiting for her like a kid is waiting for candies. And she finally walked out the door. Ohh, such happy moments, such happy times. She was here for only five days, but it felt like a lifetime and yet, it felt so, so short. But, during her stay, many outfits have been scouted, many outfits have been worn, many places have been checked out, many foods have been tried and many great memories have been created. The amount of laugh and fun we’ve had, our exact type of fun. And the people we’ve met, all so unique. Five full days that make me look forward to see her and my other best friends as fast as possible.

But until then, the weather becomes colder, December is almost here, so get your boots, your warm winter hats and your jackets ready. Let’s welcome december prepared and with great energy!

Yours,

Cass

Sweater weather

November. That month that looks like autumn, but feels like winter. The month that it’s like a bridge between October and December. The month in between seasons. And, here in Athens, feels the same like everywhere. People already started to prepare for winter, for Christmas. Decorations are popping out here and there. A little to soon in my opinion, but being a huge Christmas lover, in the childish kind of way, i don’t mind them.

November. The sales season started for the Athenians. Every shop invites you in with 40%, 50%, even 80% sales for every item you want to purchase. A great marketing strategy to attract customers to buy more products. Clothes are the most attractive of course. Every fashion lover who seeks quality at an affordable price is out there, looking for their perfect item. The star of the season being of course the sweater. Cashemere sweaters, cotton or puffy ones, everybody wears one. The comfy sweater that can go perfectly with jeans and some Ugg boots, and the casual look is perfect or  the sweater that can go nicely with a skirt and a pair of high heeld boots, that can create a smooth dinner outfit. Autumn creates the perfect weather for the sweater. Anyhow, the city of Athens is busier than ever.

November. The month when laziness sneaks in all the time, the month when you just want to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or a spiced something latte, while reading a good book, or while watching a good movie. The month you want to be with friends or with a significant other. The month when you feel how the little things count so much.

November. The perfect days to enjoy a good coffee at the nearest Starbucks, while enjoying the company of your friends, or your lover, or just by yourself, with your toughts or with your work materials. Everything just goes with Starbucks. It is also quite something that when you look on the window you can see the autumn leaves and gloomy weather, but when you look inside, you already see Christmas decorations, Christams coffee, Christmas cups and sweets, the Christmas edition is all over. Cozy feeling, however, very, very cozy.

November. The month when the gloomy autumn weather blends nicely with the coziness of the upcoming winter. The month of looking farward to December, to Christmas, to holidays, while saying farwell, day after day, to the friendly autumn.

Xoxo,

Cass

Rainy autumn days in Athens

“Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday”…great lyrics that go perfect with the weather today.

So the autumn days decided to make a stop in the sunny and hot Athens too. The black thick clouds, the strong wind give Athens a different look. It is so gloomy and dark outside. You can feel the nostalgy in the air. Or maybe it’s just me. It’s been days since i feel homesick. But the rain, the sad rain, is very welcome. I can finally feel the autumn scent. That autumn feeling.

The city became different. Seems like everybody is runing away from the rain, hiding in their cars, in caffes, in shops. It is chaos. Or just a beautiful mess. It is a sight to see. It’s like watching a movie or a live play.

It is somehow a romantic weather, full of charm. That charm that only an autumn day can have.

Xoxo,
Cass

Confessions of a traveler

What can be more delightful and realxing than enjoying a cup of pumpkin spice latte on a sunny, yet windy sunday in a foreign city?

The cozy atmosphere given by the charm of an autumn day, watching the october leaves falling, busy streets, people gathered all around…it’s so beautiful to see the city alive.

And what a wonderful feeling this autumn day gives. It’s a blessing to soul!

“Autumn…the year’s last loveliest smile”. Special words, for a beautiful afternoon

Xoxo,
Cassie

And while we were..in Athens

Once upon a free, realxed friday I found my time to write again. It’s been a while since I did it, to be honest my inspiration was gone, it melted in the Athenian hotness, but I am glad to write again. These past weeks have been very busy for me, but between school and social life and everything I managed to adapt a bit more to living in Athens.

Athens, is actually not only a crowded city, but it’s also full of life. You can always find a corner with a few fancy caffes, at every hour of day and of night. The poeple are always out and about, there is a party every day of the week, everything is always moving on and on. It’s a nice feeling, but even in such a crowded city sometimes I get a bit homesick I miss Romania, I miss my love, The Netherlands, my good old friends, my good old habits.

It’s exciting tho to be here, to live on my own. At first I was afraid that I won’t like it, but I enjoy it to the fullest. Not depending on anyone. Now I realized that’s what I needed. To be alone for a while.

I’m also lucky that for the nights and days that are meant to be spent with someone, I have met here some very awesome people, new friends, who make the place and life better in Athens.

This Erasmus programme is indeed a great opportunity to meet new people, new cultures, new mentalities. It’s a great escape from the ordinary life and from the routine. It’s great when you leave your home to live new adventures in a totally different city. Too bad for me that I’ve already been there and done that, when I first moved to The Netherlands few years ago. It’s funny, but I see myself in most of the Erasmus people, they are the way I was when I left my hometown, at 19 years old. I still enjoy it being here, but perhaps in a different way.

Otherwise observing the Athenian life and people it’s akways different from day to day, but somehow it’s the same. There are many weird things for me to see, however. Like partying on mondays, people expressing too much affection on the streets, a big amount of people not speaking english in a city where more than half people are international tourists. It’s even weirder for me to come home, and outside my house’s walls to find ocassionally small lizards, which still terrifies me. But all in all, I got used to life here.

Until next post I wish you all a happy friday! See the good things in life!

Xoxo,

Yours Cassie

Athens: The beginning

It’s been less than a week since I have adventured into my Erasmus exchange in Greece and I have seen and lived so many things already. I can easily say that my impressions changed so much from one day to another and my toughts got so chaotic. They are very simillar to how life in Greece, especially Athens, can be described as. If someone asked me now to describe Athens in one word , I would say chaos. It is very hard for me to say if I like it or not or if I accommodated or not. Because the answer would be somewhere in between. However i don’t want to get lost into too many detailes, so I will tell my story from the day it started.

I left my house in Romania, exactly 5 days ago, and the first night on Greek teritory I spent it in Thessaloniki. Lovely this city is. It has almost the same vibe as The French Riviera, but it definitely has its specific charm. The streets, the shops, the harbour and main walking area, right by the sea, they all create a breathtaking atmosphere. However, the city seems kind and friendly and the environment is extremely warm and welcoming. Everywhere you walk, you can see bars, lounges, caffee places, full of very well dressed people, all enjoying a cup of coffee, mostly. Apparently, I got to learn that the Greek people drink coffee like water, or maybe more. Anyhow, the city is vibrant and lively and, ohh, so charming!

   

After Thessaloniki, I took the road to Athens and I was so excited and eager to see the beautiful life of Athens, seeing only perfection in front of my eyes. And so it was until I entered Athens and the first image I had was rather scary, then amazing. The traffic was so chaotic, nobody respected the signs or the colors of the stops, there were everywhere traffic jams, the people were crossing the streets everywhere, and the suburbs, as a first imprssion seemd quite uninteresting. However, after I checked in at my hotel, where I have to stay for a few days, until my proper home here gets free, I started to enjoy the Athens experience. The view I am having here gives me the opportunity to see the entire Athens, which is a huge city. Scarily huge. It’s home to more or less eight million people. So the first day here turned out to be better than I expected.

 

Also the next day, I decided to visit the Acropolis which is an amazing experience. The view, the history, the place itself, the surroundings and the amount of tourists melt into a fantastic combination which is a must see at least once in a lifetime. This place made me fall in love with Athens, even if just for a while.

  

However, all these beautiful sights, cannot cover the real situation that is easily seen on the streets. For me right now, Athens, is the city of contrasts. I decided that exploring the city closely would be a good ideea after already visiting such beautiful historical places. So with my heart charmed I started walking around Athens. And i was shocked. It’s like all the beauty vanished. I never realised how hard the economical crisis is affecting the Greek citizens. The effects are all around the world. In some places like The Netherlands, for example, where I live you can see it less. In Romania, where I was born, it is definitely worse. I tought it was terrible there, until I got to Greece. Half of the stores that were once open, are now closed, bankrupt, i heard stories of how wonderful life was here once, and now it looks more like a shadow of what it was. The number of beggers on the street it’s alarming. It is so sad to see all these things, it’s also very dissapointing for me that a country full of potential, instead of evolving, is getting worse day by day.

Even yesterday, I whitnessed something incrediblie. The people from Kurdistan were protesting and complaining about their actual situation and the guards and police started descending, and all of a suddent the protest turned into a chaotic mess, followed by street fights.

Moreover, later on as I was walking on some very beautiful streets, into a beautiful district, which turned my dissapointment into a little bit of hope, I was enjoying an excellent ice cream, while I was passing by a man who was singing a beautiful greek song on the street. I turned to see who was singing, and what impressed me to tears was that he was only given a 50 euro cents coin. And the saddest part is that he is not the only one like this that I saw here. So many tragedies happen here because of the crisis, it breaks my heart.

Of course, Athens has very beautiful parts as well, like the beaches here, the harbour, many central streets and parts of the city. But my impression so far is very different from what I initally expected. It is an interesting city, very Greek, and its definitely a once in a lifetime experience that it’s happening to me, but I still need to accomodate and discover many more about Athens. I hope I will only see good things from now on.

Xoxo,

Cassie

 

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3,2,1…GREECE

It was a long, beautiful summer but it’s time to leave again, to pack up and explore the world. After such a long stay in just one place, I almost forgot how chaotic packing turns out to be. It’s not only what you take with you, but also what you leave behind. Not just material things, but also pieces of your soul. And then there are all those questions like how is the weather going to be? How many dresses or jeans should I have? Will I be able to carry all by myself? And so many others. And then you realize how long the journey will be.

And then from being impatient to explore, I became a little nervous. A little bit stressed. In the end, I’m going my own way again, without knowing what expects me. I feel like I’m going to the first day of school or like I’m a first year student all over again and I am in a new country, new language and many, many questions and fears go through my head.

As I’m packing, a lot of forgotten memories are coming back to me and they make me confident and eager to go, live life more. Seize the moment, make new friends, be spontaneous, take chances and learn, more and more.

And with all these thoughts, the luggage is done. The excitement got bigger and it’s almost the right time to start the countdown. 3,2,1-Greece!

Xoxo,

Cassie