The travelling architect

My last post was on the first day of the year—a year already heavy with uncertainty, unexpected events, and the shadow of war. Back home, people felt the fear more closely and had to take extra precautions. Meanwhile, in Central Europe, life simply carried on. Our first trip of the year was a train ride to London. Having family abroad is always a good reason to visit them. I was never a fan of London. However, it wasn't my first time visiting. But it was my first time going there with a kid. And I can say that having a toddler and a stroller are not the easiest conditions to be in London.  The toddler was impressed from the big city, and overwhelmed from the number of people around. We had a plan to follow - he has a book that shows London as the city of rock and we couldn't miss taking him to the places showed there. He enjoyed the big clock- Big Ben, the red phone booths and of course the double-decker buses were a highlight. The Natural History Museum was another adventure. ...

What a year it was! 2025 was demanding, creative, and adventurous. I feel like every year I start my reflection with the same phrase, perhaps because deep down I believed that life would eventually become easier. Yet, each year carries its own challenges and demands, but also its beauties and sweetness. I ended last year's reflection with the phrase "...some upcoming trips and plans help me keep my balance during this turbulent period." So, let's start from the beginning. A year in which just as routine and balance were found, we moved again. We left Cyprus behind – temporarily, we hope – and set up our new life in Belgium. In Cyprus, our adjustment took time, while in Brussels we found our rhythm much faster. The reason? Familiarity with the European way of life. Cyprus is a choice for its conveniences, embraces, and close loved ones. Our impressions of Brussels are positive despite all the difficulties faced by those who have no help around them. 2025 brought us bea...

Στις σχέσεις από απόσταση, τίποτα δεν μας γεμίζει περισσότερη χαρά από το άκουσμα ότι η οικογένεια και οι φίλοι μας θα έρθουν να μας επισκεφθούν. Αυτή τη φορά η επίσκεψη κράτησε μόνο τέσσερις μέρες, αλλά ήταν γεμάτη ζεστασιά και αγάπη. Μπορεί όλοι να μεγαλώνουμε, όμως μπροστά στους γονείς μας παραμένουμε παιδιά — κι εκείνοι είναι το ασφαλές μας καταφύγιο. Σε κάθε επίσκεψη νιώθω ξανά παιδί. Η ευτυχία και η ανυπομονησία που καθρεφτίζονται στο πρόσωπο του γιου μας μάς θυμίζουν γιατί πρέπει να προσπαθούμε να είμαστε όλο και πιο παρόντες στη ζωή τους. Αυτές οι στιγμές είναι πολύτιμες και μας ριζώνουν στην αγάπη. Σας αγαπάμε. Back in our long-distance relationships, nothing brings us more joy than hearing that family and friends are coming to visit. This time, it was only four days, but those days were filled with warmth and love. We may all be growing older, yet in front of our parents we remain their children—and they remain our safe place. With every visit, I feel like a child again. Th...

Olive Trees, Old Friends & One Big Steak Meeting up with friends and celebrating love is always a perfect excuse to travel. Over the past decade, Italy has become our most visited destination—and yet, it continues to surprise and delight us. This time, our journey took us to Pistoia, via Florence. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Pistoia is often called the “enchanted stone city,” and it truly lives up to the name. Pistoia is only 25 minutes by car from Florence and the distances within the city are short. We stayed in a room in a traditional Mansion outside the city, up the Tuscany hills, between olive trees and roses. With a local friend as our guide, we wandered through the city center, soaking in its quiet beauty. We visited the San Giovanni Church, the Romanesque San Bartolomeo in Pantano, and the striking Basilica of Our Lady of Humility. Piazza del Duomo, the main square, was buzzing with locals chatting, sipping drinks, and savoring the simple pleasures of life. The food? A...