I shared with you guys many times that I was heading to Greece this past April to design and flower The Elysian Workshop. It was a 13 day trip. THIRTEEN days away from Kit, Chris, weddings, the studio...it was really tough. Every time I saw a toddler walking around anywhere - the airport, a tourist in Athens, a little boy waddling down the windy paths of Mykonos - my heart swelled and I teared up. For someone who really disliked her child in the beginning, I've clearly had a change of heart.

We stayed in this really great Airbnb overlooking the temple of Zeus. Would highly recommend it. We were able to walk everywhere!

The food! THE FOOD! And how fun to travel with someone who experiences the world through food like I do!

We walked through the streets over and over and over again, shopping for props for the shoots for the workshop. These are some things we came upon...

The best words to describe the trip would be BEAUTY, INTRIGUE and MYSTERY. It wasn't the easiest trip I've taken (it was a work trip, after all) but just about every memorable experience we had there was full of beauty. I was completely charmed by Athens, although after talking with locals, who became friends, I've learned a lot about what the city is really like. As an Orthodox Christian, I've always wanted to visit the churches in Greece and we visited MANY. Like probably at least 25 minimum, maybe more.

Hearing the Byzantine chanting, especially at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. It brought me to tears several times. It reminded me of my priest from when I was growing up. I'm so glad I got to experience it.

We were in Athens for one Sunday and had a really hard time figuring out what time church actually started. So, we went when we thought it did and ended up wandering from church to church experiencing all the different ones in the area we were staying it. It was one of the most beautiful mornings I've ever had!

My best tips for Athens are be curious and see it all. I cannot wait to go back! Part two of this post will be about Mykonos and then eventually I'll show you everything from the workshop!