flying home to athens ☁️ business class travel, slow morning & local rituals

 There is a specific kind of magic that settles in during the holiday season—a transition from the fast-paced energy of London to the intentional softness of being home. My recent journey from London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 back to the sun-drenched streets of Athens was exactly that: a reset for the soul.

The Transition: Heathrow to the Clouds

The journey began at Heathrow Terminal 5 [00:18]. Before boarding, there’s always time for those last-minute holiday errands—picking up gifts and finding a quiet corner in the lounge to simply breathe.

To make the trip back feel as "intentional and soft" as the holiday itself, we opted for business class this time [01:03]. There is something incredibly grounding about moving from the rush of a busy airport to the quiet, steady hum of the clouds as you leave the city behind.

First Mornings & Local Traditions

Waking up in Athens brings its own set of rituals. My first morning back was defined by the slow process of making Greek coffee [01:51]. One of the most beautiful parts of being home is the small gestures—like finding my favorite cookies from the local bakery left for me by my mother-in-law [02:01]. It’s these tiny details that truly signal you’ve arrived.

A Winter Recommendation

During these quiet morning hours, I’ve been immersed in A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza [05:07]. It is a deeply moving exploration of family dynamics and the concept of belonging—fitting themes for a trip centered on returning to one's roots. If you are looking for a read that is both beautiful and heartbreaking, I highly recommend picking this up.

Simple Winter Style in Athens

Even in winter, the light in Athens remains warm, even if the air is crisp. My go-to outfit for a day of walking through the city has been:

• Minimalist Wool: A simple, comfortable set from COS [06:03].

• Vintage Touches: My new vintage pearl necklace to catch the light [06:12].

• The Scent of the Season: Spicy Mimosa by Dossier—the perfect fragrance for a crisp Athens day [06:20].

Gratitude & Homemade Comforts

The highlight of the trip, as always, is family. There is nothing that compares to a table overflowing with homemade Greek food and the company of the people you love [07:17]. It was a day filled with quality time and a heavy dose of gratitude [07:26].

We ended the day in the most peaceful way possible: a minimal skincare routine, a few more pages of my book, and watching Planet Earth as I tucked into bed [08:33].

Coming home isn't just about the destination; it’s about the shift in pace. It’s about leaning into the slow rituals that make us feel like ourselves again.

Watch the full vlog here: travelling home for the holidays

Helen ♡

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