Postcards from Greece - May 2021

An excerpt from Access Magazine’s May 2021 Edition

What do you do with a bushel of lemons dumped in your lap? Artist B’Beth Weldon makes lemonade! Like most, this past year has been one of challenges and hairpin turns. For B’Beth, it was time for a new adventure... this time in the form of a Greek revival. 

Dear Friends, 

Having sold my home surprisingly fast, I suddenly found myself free of any anchor. It was then that I decided to listen to The Universe and my daughter already living in Greece (whom I hadn’t seen in nearly a year). She kept repeating, “Just come to Greece!” Over the years, I’ve traveled near and far for inspiration, private clients, and art shows to exhibit my paintings and drawings, but I was now craving a new creative project and just knew this was it. With my Greek visa secured, I found a fabulous flat online the very next day complete with a studio, terrace, and breathtaking views in the heart of Athens. A couple weeks later, Arthur (my Welsh Springer Spaniel) and I both boarded the plane during a pandemic to start this new adventure. 

After a few hilarious Ikea furniture fiascos, the flat was completed in time for the holidays, and since then we have had some wonderful adventures exploring many of Athens’ historic sites. This sprawling city with 3 million inhabitants was the heart of Ancient Greece and is still dominated by these infamous 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis and Parthenon temple. Now I don’t have to look very far for inspiration, as I see these hilltop masterpieces every day from my home. Seeing these sites in the early morning light, snow, and at dusk as the city comes to life — every bit of it motivates me to paint (and then to paint some more)! 

My favorite walks have been with Arthur through the lush National Gardens, sunset strolls around the Acropolis, and through the Friday markets buying the freshest fruits, vegetables, and eggs (“Laiki Agora” λαϊκή αγορά). We’ve also been enjoying leisurely lunches on the terrace with friends — Heaven on Earth! Bravely, I have decided to take Greek lessons, which has truly been the biggest challenge of my adult life, because it’s really “all Greek to me!” However, I remain determined and committed, as it’s the perfect time and place to learn and I know it will make life here so much easier. 

So far, I’m laughing at myself constantly and finding comfort that my path here was clear and instantaneous, making me feel like it was “meant to be.” Above all, I’m grateful to be able to write a new chapter. Greeks are slow to rise, so every morning I wake and feel I have the city to myself with Arthur, and it is the gentlest way to get to know this bustling, foreign city that I hope will one day become home. I hope you will follow this expat’s journey here and on Instagram! 

Until next time! 

μέχρι την επόμενη φορά 

B’Beth