Some trips are planned with purpose—work, projects, obligations. Others exist simply for the joy of experiencing something new. Our trip to Greece fell beautifully into the latter category. No agenda, no deadlines—just Amanda and I, immersed in a place that felt both ancient and alive.

We booked this adventure through a tour company, which made it possible to see a wide range of places in a way that felt seamless rather than overwhelming. And we certainly covered ground: Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini—each destination breathtaking in its own distinct way.

Athens was a thrilling collision of past and present. The energy of the city was undeniable—chaotic at times, but in a way that made it feel alive. And, of course, standing before the Parthenon was nothing short of awe-inspiring. It’s one thing to read about history and another to stand beneath a structure that has endured for millennia.

The islands, though, were where Greece truly unfolded for us. Mykonos was vibrant, all white-washed walls and winding paths. Santorini, impossibly picturesque, felt like a dream with its blue domes and endless sea views. But Paros? Paros was my favorite. It felt the most organic, the most “Grecian” in the way I had imagined before ever setting foot in the country. It was slower, softer, yet just as stunning.

As always, my film camera was my constant companion. Unless I bring my drone, film is my only go-to for travel—it challenges me to be intentional with every frame, to embrace imperfection, to lean into creativity. There’s something about the delayed gratification of it that makes the experience even richer.

More than anything, this trip was about the two of us. No projects, no timelines, no need to document anything beyond what we personally wanted to remember. Just Amanda and I, experiencing beauty together, exploring a country that gave us the space to slow down and simply be. And that, to me, is what travel is all about.