Tag: surf

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!