Upon arriving in Athens, Greece, I was immediately struck by the similarities of urban life it had with New York City. Athens has a sort of vibrant nature with motivated people. The ride in from the airport was nothing short as I got to see just how the modern city blended with its rich history. Although I would point out Athens emphasis on art expression as several building are covered in what some might consider art work and other graffiti.
Following my orientation preformed by our program leaders it was eye opening seeing the potential impact that my group and I could make on our client. We have the unique experience of building our clients business from the ground up because he has not established basic components of his business such as finding a partner, creating pricing sheets, and making a logo.
After settling here in Athens it is very easy to see the cultural, culinary, and economic differences compared to life in the United States. One of the most noticeable aspects was the emphasis on leisure in daily life. Time in Greece feels far more flexible—mornings begin slowly, with many shops and businesses opening around 10 a.m. This unhurried pace stands in contrast to the structured 8-to-5 routine and early commutes back home in Texas.
Another major difference is the dining culture. Meals in Greece are relaxed and often consist of multiple courses, reflecting a deep appreciation for food, conversation, and social connection. Greek culture takes great pride in its cuisine, which is rich in history and flavor, and distinct from that of neighboring countries. Through my participation in Global Business Brigades, I had the privilege of joining a local cooking class with several peers. This hands-on experience deepened our understanding of how cultural traditions shape Greek cuisine. We prepared and enjoyed traditional dishes such as tzatziki, Greek salad, and zucchini pie.
In addition to these cultural experiences, our study abroad allowed us to explore Athens’ economic district. It was here that Athens diverged from my expectations. The streets felt oddly quiet, and many buildings seemed underutilized and unaccompanied. This realization highlighted the economic challenges the city faces, which are directly relevant to the work we’re doing to help our client.
To conclude, from first glances this city seems like a place several people go to express themselves and find more opportunity for both professional and personal reasons. As this week continues I hope to make a difference in my clients business but also make a small impact on the Athens community as a whole.
