Daniela Morou-Luna ~ Where I’m From: Athens, Greece 

I am from a homeland that is surrounded on three sides by clear blue water, and sunny skies

From seeing people playing racket ball and beach volleyball on the beach

From seeing my friends every day at school, and making tree-houses with them in our neighborhood

I am from seeing people with lit candles going to Church at midnight before Easter.

I am from smelling homemade food every day, fresh bread with feta cheese

From the smell of cooking over the open pit Easter lam

From the aroma of fresh fish, octopus, my father brought home from fishing

I am from smelling the Greek souvlaki, and the nice lam meat in the taverns.

I am from the sound of people talking loudly, and playing at the beach

From drivers beeping their car horns to one another

From my dog barking whenever he saw a cat, and my Tweety bird singing in the morning.

I am from so many proverbs spoken by wise seniors, like “Haste makes Waste” and “Money does not bring happiness”

From my mother saying every time we argued “The door is open and the dogs are tight” meaning

if you do not like it here, you are free to go.

I am from feeling the hot sun on my skin, and the salt from swimming in the clear blue sea

From the cold breezes from the sea on hot summer mornings while playing beach volleyball

I am from the nice warm feeling of the fireplace when it was cold and snowy.

I am from the taste of feta cheese and the famous Greek salad

From the barbecued fresh lobsters and octopus

From the hot cheese pie and bread bought from the bakery

I am from the taste of homemade food my mom made like “mousaka”, “tzatziki”, and fresh baked cookies.

I am from these moments.