Postcards from Greece - September 2021

An excerpt from Access Magazine’s September 2021 Edition

Kicking up her heels through the winding streets of Athens and the sandy seaside cities nearby, local artist B’Beth Weldon paints an oh-so pretty picture of a life well-lived abroad. Here, our favorite expat shares the fruits of her labor as she swings through Greek summer. The big question is, will she ever come home? 

Dear Friends, 

Having been an expat in Greece now for a total of eight months, I’ve keenly observed the similarities and differences between Greek and American holidays. Greek summer feels like the most cherished time of the year. As the tourists arrive, the shopkeepers and restaurants are bustling with happy, smiling faces. 

“Philoxenia” is literally translated as “friend of strangers,” but there is no real English translation, as the depth of meaning to this word is far greater. Referring to a code of hospitality values the Greeks have nurtured since antiquity, it speaks to their generosity of spirit and eagerness to share their lives and culture. Philoxenia is so deeply ingrained in their heritage that it’s no wonder I’ve been made to feel so at home here. 

Throughout June and July, there’s a feeling that the summer is only building up to the pinnacle of August, when longer vacations begin. It’s as if there’s a mass exodus from Athens as everyone flocks to the islands or to their villages for the summer. There is an unspoken, sacred agreement between the Greeks around deadlines and timelines. It just feels like nothing is really expected to be done in August so that everyone can just enjoy the freedom of summer. 

Unlike an Alabama summer, there is little to no rain or humidity this season (Can you imagine?). There are bright blue skies every day, cicadas singing in the pine trees, and a dry warmth that envelops you, one day running easily into the next. 

Dekapentavgoustos is the biggest holiday of the Greek summer. Celebrated on August 15th, festivals, feasts, and celebrations are organized to commemorate the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (“Panagia”). The customs vary from island to island and it’s the perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in the beautiful culture while those named Maria, Panagnotis, Despoina, and others celebrate their “name day” as well. 

In Athens, many stores and offices close for the entire week of the 15th, and some even close for the rest of August entirely. This stillness presents another chance to enjoy the city without traffic, additional time for painting in my studio, late lunches once the heat falls, and going to see films in the many outdoor cinemas tucked around the city followed by a late-night walk home. 

Kalo Kalokairi (Happy Summer)!