The travelling architect

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...

70 years, 4 days and 1 Unforgettable Irish experience My mum’s 70th birthday was the perfect reason to organize a family trip. Last time, 7 years ago, we were six adults and one child. This time, the group grew to six adults and three kids—more laughter, more energy, even more love but not least more time all together. Dublin, Ireland's capital has many similarities with English cities, like the red brick and the drinking culture. The weather was exceptionally good, which allowed us to walk in the city undisturbed and enjoy the parks.  We spent four days in Ireland: one in Kilkenny and three in Dublin. The train ride to Kilkenny took about two hours, passing through uninterrupted green landscapes dotted with animals—a peaceful contrast to city life. The majestic castle, the secret alleys, the serene cathedral, the scenery and the top restaurant that we picked to celebrate the birthday made our day memorable. "Butcher" is a fine dining restaurant with excellent steaks, coc...