A Short Escape to Greece Before the Big Week

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arcange11 days agoPeakD3 min read

I just came back from a short trip to Athens, where I spent a few days visiting a good friend.

Honestly, it was exactly what I needed. There’s no better way to unwind before an important moment like the upcoming Hive HardFork ... although, to be clear, I'm just kidding: my nodes have been ready for days. 😉

What surprised me the most was the weather. For the end of November, it felt unreal: warm temperatures, bright sun all day long, and even the luxury of walking around in a T-shirt. Athens gifted us a perfect late-autumn summer.

Athens manages to feel both massive and intimate at the same time. Despite being a sprawling, densely populated capital with millions of inhabitants, you can still find peaceful little corners that feel almost untouched. One morning, we had breakfast in a small restaurant nestled just below the Acropolis, with a quiet view over the hills.

It was hard to believe we were sitting in the heart of a bustling megacity. Athens has this magical ability to balance chaos and serenity in the most unexpected ways.

Of course, no trip to Athens is complete without witnessing the changing of the guard in front of the Parliament. It’s one of those iconic moments you just have to experience, precise, ceremonial, and deeply rooted in Greek tradition.

Another amazing thing is the beauty of the Orthodox churches scattered across Athens. From the outside, many of them look humble and discreet, but once you step inside, it feels like entering another world. Gold-leaf icons, the scent of incense, and the shimmering halos painted above the saints create an atmosphere that is both solemn and deeply comforting.

Even without fully understanding the symbolism, you can’t help but feel the spiritual weight and artistic mastery behind every detail.

I even stumbled upon a tiny church tucked right into the entrance of a hotel, almost hidden in plain sight. I can only assume the hotel wanted to use every bit of available space while still respecting and preserving the historical structure that was already there. The result is surprising — a small pocket of peace and tradition nestled against the flow of modern life :

During our strolls through the city, I was constantly impressed by the incredible decorations in bars and restaurants.

Another highlight of the trip was our excursion to the sea, where we visited the legendary Temple of Poseidon. The place feels ancient, powerful, and peaceful all at once.

After the visit, we treated ourselves to an amazing seaside restaurant. Fresh food, the sound of waves, and a stunning sunset that painted the sky gold… it felt like a dream you never want to wake up from.

These few days of sunshine, friendship, and unexpected discoveries were exactly what I needed. It was a perfect appetizer for another upcoming trip that is planned after the hardfork, this time to spend some precious family moments.

I can’t wait to share more stories with you.

In the meantime, I wish you all a Happy Hardfork.