{"id":47303,"date":"2023-04-23T09:12:11","date_gmt":"2023-04-23T07:12:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/unearthing-my-roots-a-memorable-morning-in-athens-20230419\/"},"modified":"2025-03-13T16:16:16","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T14:16:16","slug":"unearthing-my-roots-a-memorable-morning-in-athens-20230419","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/unearthing-my-roots-a-memorable-morning-in-athens-20230419\/","title":{"rendered":"CAT’S EUROPEAN JOURNAL | Unearthing my roots: A memorable morning in Athens"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Mediterranean has long been a dream destination for me, not only for the tantalising Greek cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and azure waters, but because of my half-Greek heritage. <\/p>\n

My journey to connect with my roots took me to Greece for two weeks, but it was the final hours of my trip, a morning in Athens, that left a lasting impression.<\/p>\n

My adventure began as the Minoan Line ferry docked at the Port of Athens just before sunrise, after a week-long stay on the enchanting island of Crete. <\/p>\n

Excitement filled the air as I prepared to meet my cousin Xristos, who, as it turns out, is a close family friend rather than a blood relative. <\/p>\n

With poor signal, I relied on my investigative skills and a photo he had sent me to locate the coffee shop where we would meet.<\/p>\n

He welcomed me with a warm handshake, a double shot cappuccino, and a cheek-kiss from his mom \u2013 a gesture of affection that transcended borders.<\/p>\n

Traveling light is always recommended, but my souvenirs and newfound treasures required a suitcase upgrade. With a new pink suitcase in tow, Xristos and I navigated our way through Athens.<\/p>\n

Soon, we found ourselves in the heart of Athens, ready to explore the city by train. My first Greek train ride proved to be a passionate affair, marked by its dramatic and loud departure. <\/p>\n

Once in the city centre, we opted for a light beer at 8:00 as a way to bond with my long-lost cousin, taking advantage of Greece\u2019s 24\/7 liquor availability.<\/p>\n

\n
\"trip\"<\/p>\n
Once in the city centre, they opted for a light beer at 8:00 as a way to bond with her long-lost cousin, taking advantage of Greece\u2019s 24\/7 liquor availability. <\/div>\n
<\/span>Photo: Catherine White<\/span> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

We found the perfect spot to enjoy our drinks \u2013 outside an old church, perched on a short wall, watching the ancient city awaken. Time flew by, and soon it was time to head to the airport. There, we enjoyed coffee and Tiropita, a traditional Greek cheese pie that Xristos insisted I try.<\/p>\n

Did my journey to Greece help me find a piece of myself? Undoubtedly, yes. Yet, a more significant part still lingers, beckoning me to return and continue my quest for self-discovery in the land of my ancestors. And I will \u2013 during the Greek summer.<\/p>\n

\n
Catherine White is an award-winning multimedia journalist, and director of Cat White Media. She has worked for some of the largest news publishers in South Africa in radio, TV, print and online video. Catherine, who is originally from Jeffreys Bay, completed her high school education at Global Leadership Academy (2015) after which she studied Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University in Makhanda, and graduated at the top of her class. Her recent move to London, England is in pursuit of an international journalism career with the hope of returning to South Africa as an African correspondent.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
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