Athens July 5-8, 2026

Reconnecting with an Old Friend in Athens

One of the highlights of Athens had nothing to do with ancient ruins—it was getting to see my friend Smaragda again.

We met years ago when we were both teaching in Beijing. Not only did we work together, but we also lived in the same apartment complex. Living halfway around the world isn’t always easy, so having a friend like Smaragda made China feel a little more like home.

I’ll never forget when Carly got a terrible ear infection while we were living there. I was worried and far from family, and Smaragda showed up at our apartment with a homemade herbal remedy to help ease Carly’s pain. That simple act of kindness has always stayed with me.

Since our days in Beijing, we’ve both had our own adventures. Smaragda continued teaching internationally, including in Egypt, before returning home to Athens. It was so special to catch up, laugh about old memories, and see where life has taken both of us. Friendships made overseas are different—they can survive years apart and pick right back up where they left off.

Climbing to the Top of the Acropolis

No trip to Athens is complete without climbing to the Acropolis. Standing at the bottom and looking up at the Parthenon, it’s hard to believe you’re about to walk the same paths people have been using for thousands of years.

The climb was definitely a workout, especially in the July heat. I actually wore my Nike shirt on purpose since the Acropolis is home to the Temple of Athena Nike, the goddess of victory. It seemed fitting, and by the time I reached the top, I felt like I’d earned my own little victory.

Seeing the Parthenon in person was incredible. Pictures don’t capture just how massive it is or how impressive the engineering was. Even after all these centuries, it’s amazing to see what the ancient Greeks were able to build.

After exploring the Acropolis, we visited the Acropolis Museum. It was the perfect place to cool off while learning more about everything we had just seen. One of my favorite parts was walking across the glass floors and looking down at the archaeological ruins beneath the museum. Seeing the original sculptures and artifacts with the Parthenon visible through the windows really brought the history to life.

Island Hopping Through the Saronic Gulf

One of my favorite days in Greece was taking a cruise through the Saronic Gulf to the islands of Agistri, Moni, and Aegina.

Our boat left Marina Zeas in Piraeus early in the morning, and before long we were surrounded by crystal-clear blue water.

Our first stop was Agistri, a beautiful little island covered with pine trees and quiet beaches. It had such a relaxed atmosphere and felt like the perfect escape from busy Athens.

Next came my favorite stop—Moni. Since there isn’t a harbor, the boat anchored offshore and everyone jumped straight into the most beautiful turquoise water. I couldn’t pass up the chance to swim in the Aegean Sea. It was refreshing, peaceful, and one of those moments I’ll never forget. While we were swimming, the crew prepared a delicious Mediterranean lunch back on the boat.

Our final stop was Aegina, famous for its pistachios. Everywhere we walked there were little shops selling roasted pistachios, pistachio butter, pastries, and all kinds of treats. The waterfront was full of colorful boats, cafés, and charming streets that were fun to explore.

The cruise back to Athens was just as enjoyable. We stretched out on the deck, listened to music, soaked up the sunshine, and watched the coastline drift by. It was the perfect way to end an amazing day.

That evening we had dinner at Pisina, a beautiful waterfront restaurant built around a swimming pool in Marina Zeas. Watching the sunset over the harbor while enjoying dinner was the perfect ending to another unforgettable day in Greece.

CrossFit in Piraeus

No matter where I travel, I always love dropping into a local CrossFit gym, so of course I had to find one while I was in Greece.

We visited a CrossFit box in Piraeus before heading back to the ship. The gym had an awesome atmosphere—simple, gritty, and full of hardworking people. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, everyone was welcoming, and it reminded me how connected the CrossFit community is around the world.

Getting in a workout while traveling always makes me feel better, and it was fun to experience a little piece of everyday life in Greece instead of just visiting the tourist attractions.

One thing that really surprised me during this trip was talking with people from different countries about politics. Like many Americans, I’ve found myself frustrated with the way things are going in the United States. But when I brought it up, almost everyone smiled and said some version of, “It’s bad everywhere.”

That stuck with me.

Whether they were from Greece, Norway, or somewhere else, everyone had their own stories about political issues, rising costs, government bureaucracy, or frustrations with their leaders. It reminded me that every country has challenges, even if they look a little different.

Travel has a funny way of giving you perspective. It’s easy to think the problems you’re living through are unique until you sit down with someone halfway around the world and realize they’re worried about many of the same things. We may live in different countries and speak different languages, but people everywhere just want safe communities, opportunities for their families, and leaders they can trust.

It was one of those conversations that made me realize travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about understanding the people who call those places home.