The Intern Dispatches: Chicken Gyros and Koropi

By Zeineb Hajri

One of my favorite days in Athens started with something simple but unforgettable: a chicken gyro. Before heading toward Koropi for a few beach days, I stopped by my favorite place for chicken gyros. The gyro was warm, fresh, and full of flavor. The chicken was juicy and perfectly seasoned, wrapped in soft pita bread with crispy fries, fresh tomatoes, onions, and creamy sauce. Every bite felt comforting and familiar. For me, it is one of the closest things to shawarma, because both are wrapped, flavorful, and full of spices. But the Greek chicken gyro has its own special taste and texture that I liked so much. Greece summarized the beauty of the Mediterranean and Arabic cuisines, which are my two favorites.

After eating, I had one of those unexpected conversations that made the day feel meaningful. Near the restaurant, I met a Greek uncle named George, who works at a clothing store close by. At first, it was just a casual conversation, the kind you do not expect to last more than a few minutes. But slowly, it turned into something much deeper. Uncle George began talking about life, peace, cities, and what truly makes a place feel like home. He spoke about his daughters being away studying in the US and how that changed his perception of home. He spoke with the calm wisdom of someone who has lived enough to understand what really matters. He told me that his advice to young people is to settle in a city that is calm, not hectic. To him, a good life is not only about chasing money, success, or excitement. It is about waking up somewhere that gives you peace with neighbors like he describes them, “ready to help you and there for you always.”

He explained to us that neighbors are best when they become your friends because having people around you who greet you, check on you, and know you by name is something very valuable.

His words made me think about how people can live in huge cities surrounded by millions of others, yet still feel completely alone. The funniest and most honest part of the conversation was when he said that his advice to everyone is “run away from New York” and stay somewhere calm. He did not say it with bitterness, but with humor and experience. To him, New York represented a life that is too fast, too loud, and too stressful. He believed that people should choose places where they can breathe, walk slowly, know their neighbors, and enjoy the small moments of everyday life. That conversation made me appreciate Greek culture even more. There is a warmth in the way people speak, welcome you, and share advice, even if they have only just met you. It reminded me a lot of my own culture in Tunisia. Maybe it is the Mediterranean effect: the love of food, family, neighbors, conversation, hospitality, and taking life with more heart. In Greece, I felt something familiar.

Athens itself makes these kinds of days even better because it is a city that feels alive wherever you go. Even though I do not always walk around the city, I still notice how much character Athens has through its streets, cafés, small shops, and everyday conversations. Whether I am heading to my internship at UN SDSN, going to class, or passing through different neighborhoods, the city always feels personal and full of movement. Athens is not only a place you visit; it is a place you experience through its people, its food, and its atmosphere.

Later, I took the metro toward Koropi, a station on the blue line , which is the last stop on the Blue Line in that direction. One thing I really appreciated was how easy the Athens metro is to use. It is simple, clear, and convenient, especially when you are trying to move from the busy center toward quieter areas. The ride made me realize how Athens gives you both sides of life: the energy of the city and, not too far away, peaceful places where you can slow down.

In Greece, I felt something familiar. The people are expressive, generous with their stories, and open in a way that made me feel close to home. Even a small interaction can become meaningful, and that is something I really loved.

When I reached Koropi, I loved it immediately. It felt calmer, more open, and more peaceful, like the city had finally given me space to breathe. After being surrounded by the movement of Athens, Koropi felt like a softer version of the day. There was something refreshing about arriving there, knowing I was closer to the beach and away from the rush of the city. I then went to Nesos Beach, and it was exactly what I needed. The atmosphere was relaxing, the sea was beautiful, and the whole place had that peaceful beach feeling that makes time move slower. After the gyro, the conversation with Uncle George, the walkable streets of Athens, and the metro ride to Koropi, sitting by the beach felt like the perfect ending. Nesos Beach gave me the chance to enjoy the sun, the water, and the quietness of being somewhere outside the busy center.

By the end of the day, I realized that it was not only about going to the beach. It was about the small experiences that made the day special: a delicious chicken gyro at To Prodorpion, a wise conversation with Uncle George, the warmth of Greek culture, walking through Athens, taking the metro with ease, arriving in Koropi, and finally relaxing at Nesos Beach. It was one of those days that reminded me that travel is not always about big plans. Sometimes, it is about food, people, culture, movement, and the unexpected moments that stay with you.