EuroTrip (Part One)
In May 2014, I took my first trip outside of the United States—and it’s one I’ll never forget. The purpose of the journey? To celebrate the marriage of my best friend on the stunning Greek island of Santorini. But in the days leading up to the wedding, I explored three other unforgettable cities: London, Barcelona, and Athens. What started as a celebration of love turned into a cultural deep dive that completely changed the way I view the world.
🇬🇧 First Stop: London (May 13)
I left Richmond International Airport on Monday, May 12th and after a fun layover in Philly, I was off on an overnight flight to London via US Airways. By 11 a.m. local time Tuesday, I touched down in Heathrow, took my first ride on the London Underground, and headed to Chelsea where I’d be staying with family.
But I had a mission that day—to find the view that gave Richmond, Virginia its name. I hopped over to the Borough of Richmond, where I found the iconic overlook of the Thames River that mirrors our view of the James River back home. And right behind me? The Roebuck Pub, where I enjoyed a classic British pint and hamburger. The best part? I was told I could take my pint outside and enjoy it with the view. Welcome to Europe.
It was a short stay in London—just 18 hours—but that single experience made a lasting impression. The mindset of leisure, appreciation, and open-air living was something I’d come to see repeated across the continent.
🇪🇸 Next Stop: Barcelona (May 14–16)
The next morning, I boarded the Gatwick Express and took a Vueling flight to Barcelona, where I met up with my best friend and his fiancée, who were finishing their studies at IESE Business School.
Barcelona was full of surprises:
A metro system that puts many to shame
Beautiful pedestrian avenues with alfresco dining
Beachfront bars with service on the sand
Nightlife that doesn’t get going until 11 p.m., and doesn’t end until sunrise
Oh, and topless beaches (I’ll spare the details)
That first night, we grabbed burgers from Nello's Bar, then drinks at Dow Jones Bar—a brilliant concept where drink prices fluctuate based on popularity. Supply, demand, and beer. Genius.
Thursday was spent lounging at Barceloneta Beach with Bloody Marys in a can, followed by the Magic Fountain show at Plaça d’Espanya and tapas at Alaire Terrace Bar. Later, we hit a few clubs—where I was surprised to find mostly American music and full dance floors (something bars in the States rarely pull off these days).
On Friday, we went shopping, grabbed lunch at Pizza Que?, and I ran off a few calories with a downhill jog through Las Ramblas. That night, I attended their graduation ceremony. The highlight? The Vice President of the class walking up to the podium, pausing, and saying, “But first, let me take a selfie.” Iconic.
🇬🇷 Athens: Grit, History, and Gyros (May 17–18)
After only a couple hours of sleep, we boarded a flight to Athens. Our hotel may not have been anything to brag about, but Athens as a city exceeded every expectation.
Despite a shaky first impression, I found that Athens offered:
A world-class Metro system (with practically zero enforcement on tickets)
Bustling neighborhoods around the Acropolis, packed with street art, food, and shops
The Gazi district, Athens’ nightlife hub
And Glyfada, a beachy suburb accessible by tram
And then, of course, there’s the food. I’ll never eat a gyro in the U.S. the same way again. Authentic Greek food was everywhere and almost everything was cash-only (heads up: American cards didn’t always work at the ATMs).
I walked the marble steps of the Parthenon, sipped wine beneath the stars, and gained a deeper appreciation for both the modern city and its ancient legacy.
🏝️ The Grand Finale: Santorini (May 18–22)
We flew into Santorini (Thira) on Sunday evening and were greeted by a driver holding a sign with our names—courtesy of our hotel, Aigialos Resort. And the moment we arrived? Magic. Our view of the caldera was the stuff of postcards.
That evening we dined at Argos Restaurant, where I met Constantinos, the manager. I was on my way outside for a smoke when he stopped me, insisted I stay seated, and returned moments later with a shot of Mastica from the island of Chios. It was one of the most flavorful, aromatic spirits I’ve ever had. I thanked him with a cigarette from Richmond, and in that moment, I made a friend.
The next morning—wedding day—I took the groom on a small adventure to a cave near the village of Kamari, just as Constantinos had suggested. We hiked up a switchback mountain road and followed a trail to a hidden chapel carved into the mountainside. It was quiet, sacred, and unforgettable.
Later that day, we suited up. Out of respect for the couple’s privacy, I won’t share too many details, but as someone who’s worked hundreds of weddings, I can say this was one of the most intimate and beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed.
The next day, I went exploring solo—visiting Perissa, Fira, and Oía, finding black sand beaches, cliffside shops, and some of the warmest hospitality I’ve ever known.
Back to Reality (Eventually)
I flew back to Athens, had a layover in Istanbul, and eventually made my way home through Dulles International Airport. My mind was spinning from everything I’d seen, learned, and felt.
This trip opened my eyes to how much the world has to offer—and how much we can learn by stepping outside our routine. From sipping pints overlooking the Thames to watching the sun rise over the Aegean, every moment changed me.
Let’s Connect
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Here’s to the next passport stamp.