Trip: Nature, Flavors, and a Touch of Greek Pride

There are days when you feel like you need a change in your life.

Endless obligations—social, work-related, family commitments. Eventually, the moment comes when you realize you need a shift. And sometimes, that shift can be a change of scenery. Not necessarily as a permanent escape or a defense mechanism, but as a conscious choice to take control of your life and feel like you’re the one steering it—not external circumstances.

We took a trip to a nearby destination: Lake Kerkini. It was a special day for Greece, March 25th, a national holiday marking the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. The festive atmosphere was everywhere, Greek flags waving in the breeze, and a sense of pride and unity filling the air. It felt fitting to spend the day surrounded by the beauty of nature, reflecting on freedom and the simple joys of life with our little one by our side.

I’ve included some information so you can explore this stunning wetland, which my homeland is lucky to host. It’s a true wonder of nature, home to hundreds of rare bird species. Around the lake, there are countless spots where you can stop with your car and soak in both the surrounding mountains and the vibrant wetland. That calmness of nature it pulls you toward healing, stripping away the noise and stress that life in the city creates.

After enjoying our coffee (and after our little one, just seven months old, made some new friends at the nearby tables), we stopped by a local pastry shop that uses buffalo milk! Oh, I forgot to mention, Kerkini is home to water buffalo that are bred in the area. The desserts were incredible, melting in your mouth, with the chocolate taking you on a whole new journey.

Our little one had a bit of a tummy ache afterward, so we skipped the idea of grabbing lunch and headed back to our hometown, Serres. We ended up at a charming neighborhood restaurant, where our little one might have experienced his first crush! A girl sitting at the table behind us was smiling at him, and he couldn’t contain his excitement, bouncing up and down in our arms with the biggest grin. Of course, Mary, being the protective Greek mother that she is, was already wary of future daughters-in-law, worrying they might one day break her precious boy’s heart. Classic Greek mom! 😄

And so, a beautiful day came to an end, filled with flavors, scents, sights, and love. Below, enjoy some of our photos.

Check here for information about Kerkini: https://kerkini.gr/?lang=en

and here for information about Serres: https://www.facebook.com/experience.serres