Hellenic Notes
Athens has it’s chaos too but there is a certain beat of tradition that many locals keep walking to. They have reason to complain. The have reason to be passionate about the state of their lives, some may say they can be aggressive, but still there is a softness for equality and that everyone should be treated with respect, kindness and warmth. The city is changing. Next generation Athenians are giving the Greek capital a resurgence. Basement workshops are being reopened. Apartment buildings are being renovated to make way for travellers who want to live like a local, whilst young kids are now opening small scale restaurants based around their Mama & Yiayia’s guarded recipes and creating new ideas that will always have the extra dash of Greek generosity.
Now that I’m back in Melbourne and enduring the crammed Tram rides. I find myself constantly daydreaming of my time in Greece, thinking how can I recreate the hellenic lifestyle that we experienced. So this is how Tsilipaki was born. Notes of a time that we celebrated all that travel throws at you.
The ability to endure all that adventure and travel abroad throws at you, makes you appreciate the small things. The dormant qualities of your life. Each day becomes an adventure. Dealing with boredom, quietness and doing absolutely nothing is often a challenge for some, but you learn to enjoy and embrace it with open bronzed arms. Now I cherish the moments that I simply just be.
Previously in my time before the hellenic experiment, I had my habitual walks. My daily hellos. Work and it’s repetitive cycle of time at particular standing points and the usual anxiety that came about when dealing with difficult people and people that embraced their limelight. My job title is “Tour Guide” but somedays i feel like it could be many other things including counsellor, concierge and this
The neighbourhood where I lived was a small bustling Melbourne laneway, that often felt like i was on the set of Sesame Street. It was a place that served it’s purpose for the five years. We saved. We sold our goods and things that we thought had meaning. Goodbyes to friends and family and then we set off for the next adventure, not knowing when we will be home.
After spending six months enjoying the sun on my bones & saltwater in my hair, I find myself back in Melbourne figuring out how to deal with the rudeness, complaints and quickness that has become the city drum. Melbourne for the past few years has claimed & won titles of the “Worlds Most Liveable City” but could the city be changing in a way that pushes out connectivity, respect and slowness in exchange for rudeness, time poor human beings and aggressiveness that may not be tolerated by weary tourists.
