Kitchen Conversations, Building a Life in Athens

Episode 11: Katrin Sakellariou-Hamburg, Germany

In this episode, Jaime sits down with Katrin Sakellariou from Hamburg, Germany, to hear the story of how a chance holiday romance on the island of Paros eventually led her to build a life in Athens. Katrin reflects on studying history and education in Germany, falling in love with a Greek-French surfer, and the unexpected path that brought her back to Greece years later. She shares stories of learning Greek, working at the Benaki Museum, managing an art gallery, and now teaching young children at the German School of Athens. Together, Jaime and Katrin discuss the cultural differences between Germany and Greece, from bureaucracy and salaries to the warmth and openness of Greek society. Katrin also speaks candidly about experiencing racism during the Greek financial crises, navigating divorce, and why, despite the difficulties, Athens has remained her home. The conversation also touches on favorite places in Athens and the Cyclades, funny memories of life in Greece, a shared love of history, and the importance of learning the language as the key to truly integrating into Greek society. This is a thoughtful conversation about love, resilience, cultural identity, and finding a home in the city that isn't always easy-but can became impossible to leave.

Episode 10: Patricia Gisele Tessari-Buenos Aires, Argentina

In this episode, Jaime sits down with Patricia Gisele Tessari from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to talk about the winding journey that ultimately led her back to Athens. After studying English literature and teaching English in Argentina, Patricia first came to Greece in 2018 to pursue a master's degree while teaching Spanish and learning Greek. She reflects on the similarities between Athens and Buenos Aires, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and why Greece captured her heart despite its imperfections. Patricia also shares her experiences living and working in the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Bali during the COVID-19 pandemic before making the life-changing decision to return to Athens. What followed was an unexpected love story, a surprise pregnancy, marriage, and the beginning of a new chapter as she starts a family in Greece. This heartfelt conversation explores identity, taking risks, motherhood, and the unexpected ways life can lead us exactly where we're meant to be.

Episode 9: Alisa Glebova-Vilnius, Lithuania

In this episode, Jaime sits down with photographer Alisa Glebova, who was born and raised in Vilnius, Lithuania, in a Russian-speaking family. Alisa shares her journey from studying journalism and working as a young reporter in Saint Petersburg to becoming a self-taught photographer determined to build a creative career on her own terms. After spending several years in Portugal, Alisa moved to Athens in 2023 with hopes of expanding her photography business and building a new life in Greece. She reflects on the challenges of starting over in a new country, navigating relationships, and balancing dreams of family, career, and personal fulfillment. Alisa speaks candidly about the realities of life in Athens, including culture shock, bureaucracy, quality of life, and the gap between expectations and reality. At the same time, she shares what she appreciates most about Greece: the warmth of the people, the natural beauty, the climate, and the unique character of the country. This is an honest conversation about migration, ambition, belonging, and the difficult question many internationals face: when does a place feel like home-and what happens when it doesn't?

Episode 8: Georgiana Darau- Arad, Romania

In this episode, Jaime sits down with psychologist Georgiana Darau from Arad, Romania, to explore both her personal journey and the emotional realities of building a life in a new country. Having lived between France and Athens for several years before settling here full-time, Georgiana reflects on culture shock, bureaucracy, family dynamics, and the surprising similarities between Greece and Romania. Despite personal challenges and the practical advantage of living elsewhere, she explains why Athens ultimately became the place where she feels she belongs. As a therapist working primarily with internationals and bicultural individuals from more than 20 different nationalities, Georgiana shares insights into the emotional challenges of relocation, the anxiety that many newcomers experience, and the different stages of adapting to life abroad-from the honeymoon phase to culture shock, adaptation, and finally integration. Jaime and Georgiana also discuss childhood transitions, the impact of moving countries on children and families, the importance of nervous system regulation, and why seeking support during times of change is not a sign of weakness but a natural and healthy part of the human experience. This is a thoughtful and compassionate conversation about belonging, resilience, and finding your place in the world.

Episode 7: Jaime's Story, Part 2-Music, Friendship, and Heartbreak in Athens

In Part 2 of her story, Jaime reflects on her first year in Athens as a Fulbright scholar studying traditional Greek violin. From language lessons and musical discoveries to unforgettable friendships and late nights in Athens' music scene, Jaime finally begins to find the community and culture she dreamed of. But just as she decides to make Greece her home, a tragic accident changes everything. This episode is a story of music, friendship, loss, resilience, and the unexpected turns that can alter the course of a life.