Before coming here, I had countless questions in my mind. The biggest one was: “How will I communicate with people?” I thought language differences would be a huge barrier. But I soon discovered that communication is not built only with words. Sometimes a smile, sometimes a gesture, and sometimes even just a glance was enough to create the most genuine connection. This was such a valuable realization for me.
When I first arrived in Kryoneri, all I saw was a small, ordinary village. But as time passed, I realized that this village was not just a place—it was a story of culture, friendship, and hospitality. Now, as I leave, I know I am not only leaving a village; I am leaving people who gave me so much and became like a new family to me. And I feel the sorrow of that departure deeply.
My task here was to prepare a video. On the first day, when I went to the office, we started researching the history of the village, its culture, and filoxenia—the tradition of hospitality. Over time, as the new group arrived, my task officially began. I started recording their work while gradually shaping the idea of the video in my mind. My small ideas slowly grew and turned into a real story.
But this experience was not just about work; it was truly a life experience. Even though we got tired while opening the pathway, our laughter never faded. Working together, sweating together, striving toward the same goal became some of the most joyful and meaningful moments of my life.
I will never forget our family-like breakfasts every morning, discovering the beauty of nature during our hikes, the adventures of opening the pathway, and the funny and sweet moments when we tried to teach each other words from our own languages. Above all, I will miss the sincerity of the villagers, their warmth, and their loving attitude toward us. Because what I witnessed here was not just a tradition of hospitality—it was a way of life that came straight from the heart.
Kryoneri did not just give me the opportunity to see a new place; it taught me how to build genuine connections with people from different cultures, the importance of patience and sharing, the value of solidarity, and the beauty of being together.
I have one piece of advice for anyone who will come here: don’t forget to greet people in the village. Even the smallest greeting opens the door to sincerity and warmth. And when you come here, you will clearly understand why I want to return again.
For me, Kryoneri is not just a memory—it is an experience that left a mark on my life. And I know this journey gave me a perspective that I will carry with me for years to come.
One day, I would truly love to return here and reunite with these wonderful people.
I hope we meet again, Kryoneri…