The travelling architect

Paris, the most beautiful city of my world Everything started with a message: “I’m coming to Paris for work". My reply was instant—“Great, I’ll come too so I can see you". Because real friendship doesn’t hesitate. It doesn’t calculate. It simply moves without second thoughts. Having you in a different continent is the hardest feeling. I couldnt miss the opportunity to see you. We haven't seen each other for 2 years. How much I missed you. Our hugs, our discussions, our walks around the city that we met...you are one of the most important people of my life my friend Ipek. Back in 2008 you were the first person that talked to me in the university. With just a few words in french we started slowly getting closer and closer. And look at us today. You are my travel buddy, my best friend, the friend that knows everything about me. Every time we meet, it feels as if not a single day has passed—we pick up exactly where we left off. We are growing together, floowing the same path ...

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...