Culture Shock & Sisterhood: My First Day in Greece (And Why You Should Come With Me Next Time)

You know those moments that sneak up on you, shift your perspective, and stay with you long after the trip ends?

That was Greece for me.

Not the dreamy blue domes of Santorini (though yes, we did take photos there), and not the life-changing souvlaki (although that too deserves its own blog post). What truly surprised me was how different — and quietly powerful — the everyday culture felt.

Let me take you to the moment it hit me.

The Culture Shock I Didn’t See Coming

It was my first day in Athens. I was jet-lagged but buzzing with energy — the kind you only get when your suitcase finally lands on the same continent as your soul.

I walked into a local grocery store to grab snacks. I smiled at a woman as I passed her in the aisle. Nothing.

No smile back. No nod. Not even eye contact.

Then at the checkout, I chirped a “hi” to the cashier. She stared blankly, scanned my things, and handed me the receipt in total silence. 

I walked out thinking, Do they not like tourists? Did I say something wrong?

But here’s what I learned: It’s not rudeness. It’s just… different.

Greek culture values privacy. There’s no pressure to perform politeness in public. But once you’re in — once you’re invited to sit at the table, drink tsipouro, and break bread with someone — you’ll see just how warm and welcoming Greeks really are.

What Made It Beautiful? The Women Beside Me.

Culture shock can be disorienting. But when you’re with a group of soul-aligned women, it becomes a shared story — something you laugh about later over a sunset dinner in Paros, or unpack during a journaling circle in the hills of Naxos.

That’s the magic of women’s travel.

There’s something powerful about being surrounded by women who get it — who are curious, open-hearted, and maybe a little bit wild in the best way.

We came to Greece as strangers. We left as sisters.

If your heart longs to dance beneath the stars on the island of Rhodes, to float in the turquoise waters of Symi, or to wander ancient pathways while sharing stories of growth, dreams, and letting go — then this is your moment.

This isn’t just about travel. It’s about soul connection — with women, with culture, and with your truest self.

Our next Women's trip to Greece is unfolding soon. And it’s not just a trip — it’s a return to who you are.