Category: Articles

CONQUER THE MOUNTAINS

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Winter is already here and we all miss the sunny summer excursions on a beach or a mountain…And now what? Home, Netflix and chill? Of course not! Excursions in nature and especially in Greece, is an ideal activity throughout the year since we live in a country with mild temperatures during the winter and especially during raining season, when the smell of wet soil and the the evergreen landscapes offer a soothing and rejuvenating experience. However, for most of us, it’s a bit challenging to organize an excursion, mainly because we are not well informed about the safe and interesting hiking tours being held for bikers and hikers. For this reason, numerous hiking and mountain biking associations are founded in both the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki, often conducting tours in various rural and urban areas. Therefore, I made a list with the best ones, so that you leave your warm bed and go hike a mountain!

Wandering around the forest

Athens:

A.O.S (Athens Hiking Association): Probably the most well-organized hiking association in Athens, with constant tours and a winter schedule full of unique excursions around Greece e.g Giona Fokida, Gerania of Korinthia, Flabouri of Parnitha etc. With only a 15euro fee for all the members, it is wise that you hurry up because they only accept 30 people for each tour. Check out here.

Greek Travelers: With the belief that every traveler is trying to promote the least touristic areas that offer unspoiled natural sceneries, Greek Travelers observe plants and animals, meet groups of people trying to discover new survival methods and alternative ways of farming, through numerous activities, in which you can participate by contacting them here.

HSPN (Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature): The Non-Profit Organization HSPN, is for hikers that wish to participate in eco management, protection and environmental awareness projects, while enjoying the beauty of Greek countryside. If you want to be part of something extraordinary, contact them here.

Thessaloniki

– Trace Your Eco: One of the most active groups, Trace Your Eco, was founded for those who love nature and wish to escape the monotony of the city life and experience unique moments! Being active for the last 20 years, they organize Trekking- Hiking programs, Eco Tours for families, friends and schools, as well as Mountain Trekking holidays at the National Park of North Pindos (Zagorohoria- Vickos- Valia Calda) and Grammos, Smolikas, Joumerka and the National forest of Olympus. The cost is around 16 euros with shuttle transfer included in the price. Trace them here.

–SEO Thessaloniki: The team of SEO Thessaloniki, aims at the promotions of all forms of mountaineering (classic mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, alpinism, skiing and race track), as well as landscape protection, cultivation of environmental awareness, ethics and values of mountaineering and nature. SEO team conducts frequent hiking, rock climbing and trekking tours across Greece and abroad. For more info look up here.

On two wheels

Athens:

Friend of Cycling: One of the oldest associations that started back in 1986, in an effort to promote cycling as a means of daily transport and entertainment in both urban and rural areas. All their meetings are held at 3rd Eptahalkou Street at Thiseio, and apart from organizing events that promote the use of bikes in the city, the team also organizes seminars that inform all bikers on how to benefit from cycling. Befriend them here.

Thessaloniki:

– Rolling Stoned: On one of my daily escapes on mount Chortiatis some time ago, I met four members of probably the only active, unofficial mountain biking team in the city of Thessaloniki, Rolling Stoned! With already 500 members on their facebook group, they organize daily activities in small groups and conduct excursions on nearby mountains (e.g Seih Sou, Chortiatis), they exchange information for downhill events and simple cycling tours (during night and day) and photos from various tours. Join them now.

– Women Rule Ride: Good news for us women who are not afraid to stain our clothes or sweat on a mountain! Their main goal is to create an active group of women that enjoys riding and at the same time learns all about the fundamental principles of mountain biking (even more than that). Of course the guide is a woman, certified MIAS L1& L2 Mountain Bike Instructor Award Scheme. The excursions are held every Sunday and you can join for free. Now you have no excuses! Send an e-mail at domna@spin-bikes.gr or call them at 2310/427875 and join them now.

In the end, if you want to be well informed about all the cycling events around Greece, you can visit Podilates. Happy rides!

Also published at ThinkFree Magazine

THE HOUR OF THE DEVIL, BY FERNANDO PESSOA

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The “Hour of the Devil” by Fernando Pessoa, one of the greatest figures of 20th century literature, is transferred on stage. A story that combines poetry and prose with mastery, an attribute that remains unchanged in the Greek version of the play.

Giorgos Hraniotis is the Devil, a satyr trying to seduce his Maria (Tina Leonora) as well as his audience- us- in a feast full of dance, music, alcohol and eroticism. Balancing between drama and comedy, one moment a Dark Demon and another, a playful little devil raving with philosophical approach, asking fundamental questions about Life and at the same time finding his own truth in them.

The Devil is good, handsome, imperfect, sarcastic and charming. The Devil is everything we have been wishing for but will never acquire. The Devil triggers our imagination. The Devil is me, the Devil is you. Together and alone…(Giorgos Hraniotis)

Maria (Tina Leonora), a name with religious references is also balancing between a pure Madonna and a sensual Mary Magdalene, letting the Devil seduce her in his paranoid game. During the play, it’s almost impossible to figure out whether this Maria is a loving mother figure or a libidinous Woman that pleasantly gives in Temptation.

Maria is a Woman. It is not by chance that F.Pessoa chose this name…It’s an allegory. He teases the Devil the same way he teases his Maria. As a Woman, she has two contrasting sides. God and Devil. Maria is a light beam trembling in the darkness of her Demon’s soul. She’s enchanted by him in an almost hypnotizing way and decides to follow him only to discover that his darkness is just a mask and beneath it, many other faces and aspects are hiding. Maria is just this magic, mysterious and valuable ingredient. She is the Love that makes even Devil himself, a higher being, in a place filled with Light. Besides knowing that we know absolutely nothing, somehow Love makes us understand everything (Tina Leonora)

A play full of intense moments, contradictions in both the performances and its technical means (music, choreography, projections). A tango of power and submission with Tom Waits singing. A romantic night under the moonlight listening to Moon River by Andy Williams…In a few words, a seductively paranoid and playfully dark play, with many truths about Life and Death, where Good and Evil lose their meaning as defined by human religions, making us wander…What is the real Truth?

Also published at ThinkFree Magazine

ISTANBUL, THE CITY WITH A THOUSAND FACES

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Istanbul; a metropolis full of contrasts that unites eastern with western culture. However, as it happens with many unions, not everything is perfect. Mass media keep on bombarding us with news that promote clashes and terror, giving a wrong impression about the daily life of the locals, but Istanbul will never seize to be the city with a thousand faces, an ideal destination throughout the year and especially during Christmas holidays. I assure you!

Every corner in this city, hides a unique story…Many stories actually, my mother’s memories who was born, raised and still lives in “Poli”. Unfortunately, it’s impossible for me to describe exactly how life was back in the 70’s, with the Armenians, Jews, Greeks and Turkish peacefully co-existing in a city that didn’t even have half of the population and having only a few shops where locals used to sell their goods. However, I can talk about modern Istanbul, that still cherishes its past, for the eldest to remember and the youngsters to learn. I’ve said enough; a picture says a thousand words, so I decided to grab my camera and capture moments, people and spots of the city, so that you can travel with me, through your screen.

Short Stories…

Ara Cafe: Probably my favorite choice when I visit Istanbul during winter time. An artistic café-bistro with the best jazz music selections and a small photo exhibition by its owner, the famous Turkish photographer Ara Güler. The visitors always see Ara sitting at a small table, talking with young people, although he is over 80 years old! Ideal choice for cold winter days. You should definitely try espresso macchiato or Indian tea with spices and milk!

 (Tomtom Mahallesi Tosbağa Sokak No:2. Galatasaray)

Βig Chef’s/ City’s

City’s is a small, cozy mall- compared to the huge malls around the city- that not only offers a variety of retail shops with top brands but hosts a unique and affordable café-restaurant with a view to Bosphorus! It’s actually one of the few places that celebrates Christmas, you can listen to jazz Christmas songs and eat “kurabiye” shaped like a Christmas tree.

 ( Teşvikiye Cad., No:162.Nişantaşi, 34365 Şişli)

Κόκκινα (kokina)

No matter what time of the year you visit Istanbul, you will find seasonal plants and flowers to decorate your home or offer them to a good friend. Street florists sell the most common to the most unusual plants. During Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the streets are filled with mistletoe , locally known as “kokina” (means red in Greek), as “Romioi” used to call them back in the day and as the locals call them even to this day. You can hear the Turkish florists yell “Gelin, kokina!” (Come, kokina!).

Mabel Chocolaterie

We have all heard of “Mabel” but only a few know that the first shop of this company was founded by a Greek resident of Istanbul in 1947, a shop that is still open and now is one of the most historic spots of the city. During Christmas holidays they decorate its window with all kinds of chocolates, Christmas ornaments and chocolate “coins” (fluria)! If you happen to pass by the shop, it is worth visiting it, even to wander around the shop and admire the wonderful decorations!

 (Valikonağı Caddesi 38/a, Nişantaşı)

Also published at ThinkFree Magazine

GREEK AGRITOURISM: THE DREAM OF A TRUE TRAVELER

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What exactly is Agritourism really? It is the absolute experience for every traveler who desires true connection with nature and the culture of a place; local cuisine, customs and traditions. Now you can become one with mother Earth and its people, in a few words, you now have the chance to return to a simpler lifestyle.

Due to its geophysics, its unlimited natural sources and its traditions, Greece should be the ideal tourist destination even during the winter. However, at the Environmental Journalism Conference of Aristotle University, it was mentioned that the statistics are still in extremely low levels and since the state’s support is practically non-existent, private owners eventually take the initiative. On the one hand this is really positive and beneficial for the entrepreneurs but on the other hand, during a harsh financial era for our country, we are not embracing our strongest asset: Greek Nature!

Be a farmer for one day!

The rural areas of Greece, offer a great variety of farming activities where you can literally enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Some of the options:

–Olive harvest and transfer of the fruits to a traditional oil press. Is there anything better than offering your own virgin oil to friends and family?

– Grape harvest and pressing for wine or tsipouro production!

– Seasonal fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herb and nuts harvest

-Beekeeping, a pleasant and safe activity if you have the right equipment!

If you got excited and wish to learn more about this new trend, you can visit the official site of SEAGE (Hellenic Agrotourism Federations) or their facebook page, to keep yourself updated about the numerous activities that take place around Greece. Find the nearest spot and start your journey!

Bend it like…your grandma!

If farm life is not your cup of tea but you’re looking forward to tasting local delicacies, wear your apron and join one of the agriculture associations. You can attend cooking lessons and discover recipes straight from granny’s hands, like pies, marmalades, spoon sweets etc. And if you are an artistic soul, then you can simply join a Ceramic workshop or do handcrafts!

Find out more, here

Connect with Nature…

Ecotourism is closely linked to Agritourism. Back in 2002- the National Year of Ecotourism, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), used the term “ecotourism” for the first time, in order to describe the act of observing and appreciating nature as the main goal of a traveler and with activities that are friendly towards the environment and cultural heritage. Maybe this is the best opportunity to learn everything about the flora and fauna of our destination (eg.excursions at wetlands and national parks) and conduct various sports activities while breathing fresh air and enjoying the colors and sounds of Greek Nature (eg.trekking, hiking etc)

To conclude, I am quoting the words of the American author Sylvia Plath: “I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery- air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, “This is what it is to be happy!”

Also published at ThinkFree Magazine

CARAVAN PROJECT: WE CREATE ANOTHER WORLD

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For the first time in the city of Thessaloniki, the multimedia exhibition of Caravan Project, opened the doors of its two yurts, welcoming everyone to another world. Images, stories, sketches, calendars and memoirs from their first travelogue (2011-2014) are presented in the big yurt, as well as projects from their second journey which continues on to the present. Meanwhile, repeated projections of the documentaries-short films that have been created so far, are being held in the little yurt.

Building a Mongolian Yurt…

One wonders…What is a yurt? Let me give you a brief description of those unique constructions and of the setup process, from my own perspective, as a member of the Caravan Projectvolunteer group.

These yurts are a modern version of the Mongolian shelters used for centuries. Its circular shape combined with the light parts, increase the construction’s durability, using only a few materials. It consists of a sturdy cover made of fabric, a wooden frame which includes a wall grid, radial beams, a central ring and – usually – a framed door. The time needed to build a yurt, really depends on its size and the number of people participating in the whole process. In our case, it took us only four hours, not only to complete the setup but place the interior fabric, the woollen insulation and the external, waterproof canvas.

Our Doors are Wide Open!


After days of intensive preparations, exchange of ideas, points of view, experiences, plenty of laughter and friendly spirit, our Caravan opened its doors to welcome all those who have embraced the whole venture and were introduced to the stories that have been recorded during all these years, by the regular members of the group: Stratis Vogiatzis, Thekla Malamou, Yannis Kostaris, Yannis Adrimis, Elsa Kudig, Christos Karakepelis, Antonis Thodoridis, Dimitris Kourtis and Alexandra Saliba.

Theyurts are filled with music, imagery and happy voices! Eventually, it is quite easy to create a different world and lodge in it, the soul of those people who shook down all stereotypes, created their own rules and inspired us to look beyond social norms. Apart from the extraordinary stories being projected during the nomadic journey of the cinematographers, a huge inspiration are the members of Caravan Project themselves, who have been engaged in a continuous relay of human stories, as a legacy of all those who not only live their own reality but share it with all of us.

Want to join the Caravan Project ? Click here and explore!

Published at ThinkFree Magazine

TASTE THE UNKNOWN SIDE OF LADADIKA

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Some days ago, I had the chance to roam the streets of the most erotic hood of the city of Thessaloniki, Ladadika, with a team of excellent professionals, full of positive energy transmitted to everyone who’s attending their excursions. The team of Thessaloniki Walking Tours, aims to promote unknown stories of the city in the most interactive, experiential way.

Strolling around the streets of Ladadika…

During the second part of a series of gastronomic tours “Taste Thessaloniki”, the team of Thessaloniki Walking Tours created “A Night in Ladadika”, filled with unique tastes and aromas from Greece and mainly with stories about the unknown side of the area.

 With the port of Thessaloniki as our starting point, we walked towards the alleys of the district, making a brief stop at “Lena’s Bistro”, a cozy place with Parisian flair, to enjoy homemade lemonade and a unique cocktail with rum and loads of cinnamon (the original ceylon cinnamon (!) says Lena, the owner of the bistro). After a refreshing drink, good food is always on the menu, don’t you think?

A few blocks away, we found “Tserki”, where Akis and Manolis welcomed us in the most warm way, offering us excellent appetizers, inspired by Greek cuisine; a greek version of our favorite cheesecake, with crispbread, feta mouse and tomato marmalade. Our next stop, “Zithos”, the first beer pub in Greece, opened its doors back in 1990 in Thessaloniki. The owners Dionisis and Despina,  explained to us how challenging it was to transform a neglected historic building, into one of the hottest spots for the locals.

“Canal D’Amour”…

During our tour, right in the middle of Morihovou square, we met Thomas Korovinis– writer, philologist and a restless spirit- who introduced us to the unknown world of Ladadika back in the ‘80s. The misfits, the discussions with the prostitutes of the area and eventually the transformation of this underground hood to one of the busiest touristic sites of the city.

He talked in his own, vivid way, about stories inspired by his own life and his novels, right in front of “Ksefoto” where he recently presented the musical show “Sehrazat”, written by himself. After finishing his narration, he continued on roaming the streets of Ladadika, now filled with students and the laughter of families sitting at nearby taverns…

“On a hot summer night, somewhere in July in the 90’s, I was returning home, drunk and melancholic after a tour on a boat. At 2 o’clock, right after midnight, I passed by the hood of Ladadika. Walking down Dodekanisou street which crosses Tsimiski and ends up at the port, I saw a bunch of youngsters. Some women as well. My first impression was that some quarrel was happening, since the area was full of those. But something else was happening. The whole place was filled with cars. Luxurious cars, Mercedes, Jaguar. You could see traffic controllers, three of them were actual cops, guarding the vehicles. I started observing the crowd and eventually yelled at them “Holy Mary”, I said, “What the hell are you doing here?”

“A new club has opened” they responded; “What, here in this brothel?”, I asked. “The place is different now pal. Now only chic people come here!”

 A violin concert and sweet “rodinia”

We were transferred to previous decades and met the underground side of the area, so it was time to meet the luxurious side. Antonis, the owner of “Paparouna Wine Restaurant & Coctail Bar”, welcomed us to his own space. Once a waiter himself, he decided to open his own restaurant in search of new tastes, tastes he had never met in any of the restaurants he had previously worked. His deepest wish was to create unique dishes and share them with the food lovers of the city. We tasted a different version of traditional “pastitsada” with Italian cannelloni, “riganada” and mincemeat pie a la mille-feuille- all inspired by traditional dishes straight from the island of Kefalonia. During our feast, we enjoyed live music with violin and accordion.

Our tour was almost over and our last stops were “Fry”, where Caesar offered us traditional delicacies from Kasos with raki, then legendary “Panellinion” where they treated us like kings, literally putting all their dishes on our table until they were sure we were full. Somewhere at 23.00, after four hours of walking, chatting, laughing and enjoying good food, we made one last stop at the historic patisserie “Agapitos”, to eat “rodinia”, chocolate and fresh ice-cream!

Have I set the mood for food? Their next gastronomy tour will be held right after Easter holidays. Keep yourselves updated by following their facebook page and…enjoy the ride!

Also published at ThinkFree Magazine

THE FORGOTTEN JOURNEYS OF KARABOURNAKI

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It’s a shiny day. Summer is stealing the show from Spring and it’s inviting me to my favorite hideout, somewhere in Kalamaria, Thessaloniki. Karabournaki or Little Karabournou, a place that is also known as “The little plunger”. So many nicknames for a cape with such a long history, that was proclaimed an archaeological site back in 1989, a place of extraordinary natural beauty in 1993 by the Council of State, and now, it is just a dead zone full of rubbish.

As it turns out, it’s quite challenging for someone to walk across the shore, due to wire fences, cement and thrown garbage. However, if you only have eyes for the true beauty of this place, feet ready to dive into the sea and respect towards the environment and the ducks that swim in its waters, it’s worth the shot.

Within a small walking distance, at the yacht club of Kalamaria, lies a small beach that seems to hide a lot of stories from the past but yet, stays quiet, with some fishing boats that resisted the strong waves but lost the battle against time. Α boat named Nausikaa from Dusseldorf, another one, with no name but a huge window to the sky…

Suddenly, absolute silence is broken by a familiar sound. Makedonas:

“Sto Lefko ton Pirgo, pira ta filia tis,

Ihe ki ena spiti stin Kalamaria

Apo to Vardari itan I mama tis

Pappou pros pappou Salonikia” (renowned greek song)

Behind the abandoned boats, inside a huge workshop, I see an old man- a craftsman, probably the owner of the workshop. “Happy Easter!”, I said keeping some distance wishing to calm down his suspicious look rather than start a conversation. After observing me for a while and made sure that I respect his “kingdom”, he simply nodded and then dived into his own thoughts.

I continued on strolling around for a while and ended up at the Marina and the renowned Aretsou beach, ready to host the upcoming Flower Exhibition (4-8th May 2016). I took off my shoes and  reluctantly jumped into the sea up to my knees, in order to cross the wire fence. I say reluctantly, because the waters of Thermaikos are quite polluted. Once I crossed the fence, I came back to reality. Local youngsters jogging around the marina, wearing huge headphones, a yachtsman quarreling about politics while cleaning his floating “baby”, loud voices coming from nearby cafes. I sat under the shade of a palmtree and indulged myself in sunbathing.

With its highs and its lows, it’s still a magical place worth visiting. I am definitely going back there. This old man has many stories to tell. Many forgotten journeys are longing for someone to tell them…

INTERVIEW: GIORGOS HRANIOTIS THE TRAVELLER

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Monday, 2pm. He’s chilling at his apartment somewhere in the city of Athens. The night before, a text was sent to him: “I found some free time and guess what…I have a great idea! Let’s talk about travelling! “. He accepted the challenge and here we are; talking over the phone for over an hour. Throughout the whole conversation, I only filtered out some minor details, but not his words. His words were direct, intense and yet simple. Unfiltered.

M: Let’s suppose you’re making up your own dictionary. Give your own meaning to the words below:

  • Journey (G.H): Freedom
  • Theatre (G.H): Pleasant duty (!)
  • Music (G.H): Life
  • Sea (G.H): All of the above (!)
  • Life (G.H): Journey…

M: According to which criteria do you choose a destination?

G.H: Lately, according to waves! I also take into account both the local people and the travelling cost. When it comes to Latin America though, I always give in!

M: Apart from surfing, you also practice yoga. Have you ever made a trip solely for yoga practicing?

G.H: No, but it occured on some of my trips, in India, Sri Lanka, Portugal, Los Angeles, Morocco. I was invited at a yoga retreat in Evoia but eventually, I chose to visit Tinos and Italy. I love practicing hatha yoga but I mainly use it as a cool down method after boxing or surfing. The spiritual part of yoga happens naturally, since my body breathes differently and stretches out. However, I only choose instructors that don’t change their voice in an effort to mimic an Indian yogi. We are western people! I find it hypocritical to copy the behavior of an Indian by the time I am mediterranean. I like Yannis Yaple- the instructor who suits me best…Greek, mediterranean, humorous and at the same time, very professional.

The spiritual part of yoga happens naturally, since my body breathes differently and stretches out.

M: Do you believe that lifelong travellers are afraid of permanent situations? Do you consider yourself one of them?

G.H: It might be true…Personally, I enjoy staying in one place; it keeps me calm, I like having a shelter, sort of speak. However, I strongly believe it’s my duty to visit all my other “homes” around the world. Mountains, shores…If someone suggests that we visit Albania, I’ll get off my couch in no time. There is no place in the world that’s not appealing to me. We talked about Kos island and I would like to give it a chance. I am very curious to discover new places. Sometimes I really miss the city pollution and all the noise and sometimes, I literally feel like I can’t breathe. If I stay in the city for too long, I escape in Nature.

M: Are you a free camper?

G.H: I have stayed in a house made out of dirt, with a family of fishermen in Nicaragua! Only for a couple of days though, it was too harsh! However, these people were very good hosts; I only paid for the lobsters I ate, 5 dollars each. I have also stayed in a hippie lodge in Formentera with a group of travellers. I never choose massive hotels. If the premises are relatively clean, I prefer free camping or at least a room that fits the natural environment.

M: Have you ever thought of living at one of the places you’ve visited?

G.H: I have stayed in India and Brazil for a couple of months, back in 2008, just to surf. In 2009-2010, I was that close to moving to Tinos for good, but never made the big step. However, I am not sure if I am going to stay in Athens for the next decade. For instance, I would pleasantly stay in Tinos until December, just to fish or write a scenario. It’s inhuman to live in the city, really…While all our senses are triguered in Nature, they are limited in the city. Whilst in the city, we are wearing headphones to listen to music, whereas in Nature we are enjoying the birds singing. In the city we are wearing sunglasses even on cloudy days, but in Nature all we need are the essential; we are enjoying all the colors of the Earth…It is an unfulfilled desire of mine, to spend the winter on an island! When I’m in Tinos in September, I always wish I could stay more…but damn it! I am an actor, not a writer!

It’s inhuman to live in the city, really…While all our senses are triguered in Nature, they are limited in the city.

M: We often “Google” various places, in search of the ideal destination. Do you think Internet is a handy tool in trip organizing?

G.H: I avoid using Google in this case. I want to see something with my own eyes. For instance, when I watched “The Beach” with Di Caprio, next thing I did ,was to go to Tailand. I also listen to stories…six years ago someone suggested Sri Lanka as a surf destination…and Dominican Republic. My go to guide is “Lonely Planet”. I usually read it on the plane. Every time I hear a story about a destination, I never google it, I simple go there!

M: “Collect moments, not things“: Do you agree with this quote? If yes, do you put it in practice?

G.H: I totally agree. I consider myself a wealthy man in a non- materialistic way. I carry luggage full of memories…faces, images, aromas, colors, cities, villages…I am happy when I own things I really need. Unfortunately, we have no idea what we really need. People are trained to consume; this is how the world goes round. As I grow older, I desire less and less possessions. The other day Evgenia Samara (his co-star in the play “The Hour of the Devil” by Fernando Pessoa”), bought me headphones for my smartphone. I was so happy! I have recently bought my first smartphone. I haven’t invested in many things…for example, I have been looking for a pair of roller skates for a long time and eventually my friend Yorgos Lefkovits gave me his own. He had them since he was 15 years old, when he used to climb trolleys with them…35 years ago! It was a very sentimental gift. The same applies to things I buy for my beloved ones while I’m on a trip. I will not buy useless souvenirs. I will choose an item that means something valuable to the person who receives it.

M: So…you cherish your inner child and appreciate the little joys of life, right?

G.H: Right on point! I won’t feel excitement by buying a jeep, per se. However, I purchased a brown, leather smoke case the other day, for only 20 euros and I was overwhelmed with joy. I needed it for a long time because my previous one, was already worn out. I don’t smoke a lot, but when I do it, I wanna do it with class! It was a serious investment in my happiness. Like my Polaroid! If something makes my life better, I give into it. Luckily, my “toys” are not expensive…except of my surfboards!

M: Before we say our goodbyes, I want you to travel back in time, on a trip of yours. Give me a photo from a special moment during that trip and tell me the first thing that comes in mind…

G.H: Portugal…somewhere near Porto. Right before I surf, I am checking out the spot and I am observing the surfers from shore. That day, I got the waves I wanted; mainly to the right and with a great force. Hoping for more blessed days like this one…Yeah, like this one!