Paros Gallery, and the Year in Review

Some islands demand your attention. Paros is not one of them - and that’s exactly why it’s magic.

While certain Cycladic hotspots blaze across social media like neon signs, Paros does something far more interesting: it simply exists as its best self. No theatrics. No high-end fancy-pants drama. Just whitewashed villages, glowing marble, working harbors, and evenings so warm and easy you'll have to pinch yourself to make sure it's all real.

My new Paros Photo Gallery is now live, and it’s one of my favorite things I’ve created this year. If you need a moment of Cycladic calm, the gallery is waiting.

It’s a mix of flowery alleys in Lefkes, the stunning turquoise of Naoussa’s harbor, the quiet marble peace of Parikia’s ancient streets, and the small, ordinary moments that make Greece feel like Greece - chairs outside doorways, fishing nets drying in the sun, cats who clearly own the place.

But sharing Paros got me thinking about everything we’ve explored together this past year on The Greekish Life. While there has been a little less content than usual (no trip to Greece this year, sadly), it’s been a surprisingly rich one.

My Interview with Alex Boukouvalos

This was one of the most joyful pieces to put together. Alex manages to make Greek language learning feel doable - dare I say, even fun. Revisit (or check out for the first time!) our delightful conversation with here - equal parts insight, humor, and happy tangents about travel, food and Greek culture, so even if you're not so much into the language (or already know it), it's still a fun watch. The article is an intro, and will link you to the full, fun conversation on YouTube. Or if you want to just go directly there, here's the link.

The Drum Still Remembers

A small clay drum carried from Asia Minor became the doorway to a story about memory, migration, and where we come from. So many of you reached out afterward, in the comments and across social media, sharing your own family histories. It was one of those rare pieces that felt like a conversation with all of you. If you haven’t read The Drum Still Remembers yet, it’s one of the pieces closest to my heart.

Plan Your Trip to Greece in 15 Minutes

Maybe we all secretly want permission to stop overthinking and just go. Give your future self a gift: plan your trip to Greece in the time it takes to have a coffee.

Athens’ Coolest Bars

Athens’ cocktail scene is endlessly inventive and slightly dangerous (in the best possible way). From the award-winning heavy-hitters to quirky neighborhood gems, this was easily the most fun article to “research.” If your image of Athens ends at ouzo and souvlaki, this guide will happily broaden your horizons.

Closing the Year With Paros

Ending the year on Paros feels right. It’s an island that doesn’t compete, doesn’t clamor, and doesn’t try to reinvent itself for the algorithm. It just is. And sometimes, that’s the kind of Greece we’re all craving.

Take a slow wander through Paros here - a small island that speaks softly but stays with you long after you've left.

Thank you for being here, for reading, for commenting, for sharing your own stories. This community is the soul of The Greekish Life, and I’m already excited for what we’ll create together next.

Filakia,

Barbara

While I wasn't able to go to Greece, I WAS able to go to the beautiful state of Vermont for some scenic views and light falconry. (!)