Why Living in Greece Feels Like a Little Piece of Paradise
Because Greece has been on Mum’s mind for almost twenty years now.
Or rather — in her heart.
Some places you visit once and forget.
Others stay with you quietly, for years, waiting.
Jabba: You know, it doesn’t surprise me at all.
For us it’s the first time Mum took us with her…
but I understand her perfectly. Greece is simply wonderful!
We felt at home here right away.
Jojo: You’d feel at home even in outer space.
As long as Mum was there.
Jabba: Hard to argue with that, Jojo.
But listen — I heard Mum telling Dad a story once…
A Little Piece of Paradise (Saved Just in Case)
Jabba: When God was dividing land among the nations,
the Greeks — being Greeks — arrived late.
There was nothing left to give.
So they started lamenting and begging God to take pity on them.
Jabba: And he did.
He gave them land…
or rather, a little piece of paradise on earth
that he had kept for himself.
Jabba: Isn’t that lovely?
Jojo: For the Greeks — very much so.
For God — less so.
Jabba: Hahaha! Well, yes…
But it really is paradise on earth.
Jojo: People say that about many places.
Jabba: Not like this.
Jojo: Go on, then.
Daily Life in Greece (And Why It Feels Different)
Jabba: Look — Greeks, just like pugs,
always have time and the desire to chat.
And coffee. So many cafés!
Jojo: And tavernas.
Now that is an invention.
Jabba: And even if you don’t use cutlery,
no one seems to mind.
Jojo: Which says a lot about priorities.
Jabba: And they really know how to have fun!
And dance!
Jojo: And sit. For hours.
Jabba: Yes! Sitting is important.
Jojo: Very.
Jabba: That’s part of living in Greece too, isn’t it?
No one rushes you away.
No one looks at the clock every five minutes.
Jojo: Time behaves differently here.
Jabba: Slower?
Jojo: Softer.
Jabba: Oh… I like that.
Jojo: Of course you do.
Jabba: And the beach is always just around the corner!
I heard Mum tell Dad that the place farthest from the sea in Greece
is only ninety kilometers away.
Jabba: Can you imagine that?
Jojo: I don’t need to. I can smell it.
Jabba: And there are so many islands and islets
that one lifetime isn’t enough to see them all!
Jojo: Which is convenient.
Jabba: Why?
Jojo: It gives you a reason to stay.
Jabba: Oh…
Jojo: Or come back.
Sun, Seasons and Small Everyday Things
Jabba: And beautiful weather almost all year round.
When Bro puts on a winter jacket in the Netherlands,
Mum is still walking around in a summer dress.
Jojo: That does seem unfair.
Jabba: In a good way!
Jojo: Debatable.
Jabba: And the light! Everything looks different here.
Brighter, but softer at the same time.
Jojo: Less grey.
Jabba: Much less grey.
Jojo: That helps.
Jabba: And everywhere smells like history!
Old stones, warm air, something… ancient.
Jojo: Dust with a story.
Jabba: Exactly!
Jojo: You’re getting poetic.
Jabba: I can’t help it.
Jojo: It’s the light.
Jabba: It is!
Jojo: Or the coffee.
Jabba: Also that.
Jabba: But you know what I think?
Jojo: That’s always a risk.
Jabba: I think living in Greece is not just about the place.
It’s about how people are here.
Jojo: Slower.
Jabba: Kinder.
Jojo: More available.
Jabba: Yes! That’s it. Available.
Like they’re not constantly somewhere else in their heads.
Jojo: Or on their phones.
Jabba: Exactly.
Jojo: That changes things.
Jabba: It really does.
Jojo: Even for pugs.
Jabba: Especially for pugs!
Jabba: So maybe that story about God…
maybe it’s not just a story.
Jojo: You mean the paradise part?
Jabba: Yes.
Jojo: Maybe.
Jabba: Because it does feel like that sometimes.
Jojo: Sometimes is enough.
Jabba: You think so?
Jojo: More than enough.
Jabba: And still…
out of all the smells here — the sea, the sun, the history…
Jojo: Yes?
Jabba: I think I know which one I like best.
Jojo: I’m almost afraid to ask.
Jabba: Pastítsio.
Jojo: Of course.
Jabba: Warm. Cheesy. Perfect.
Jojo: Now that is a reason to believe in paradise.
