Ever since my family and I relocated to Germany 18 months ago, my life has been out of balance. It has taken a lot of energy and effort for my children to get settled into their new home, and indeed into the different way of life. I tried to walk the tightrope by keeping up my ties in Greece, while, at the same time, supporting my family here in Germany. Instead of combining the best of both worlds, I have come to realise that I have not lived for real in either.
I will be moving back to Greece within the next three months, despite the economic uncertainties that clearly have never been more intense than right now. It might seem ironic that a German choses Greece over Germany, but I feel that I am German only by citizenship, not by heart. Those who know me well are aware of just how much I respect and support the Greek cause.
Indeed I feel proud to be moving back to a country where society has triggered the start of far reaching, possibly seismic changes. Whatever the outcome of the Greek stand-off with the Euro zone might be, the Greek society will be forever characterized for what they have set in motion.
so touched by your words and decisions !
we will soon follow I’m sure
Dear Markus,
I love you for this (going back to Greece) and – your words could be mine. Because; only when I’m in Greece I feel my heart and my soul are really alive – at home. All the best for your plan!
It will be great to tell you and your family “Welcome Home” soon!
Mein tiefster Respekt.
So eine Entscheidung braucht Mut. Ich nehme mir dein Beispiel zu Herzen. Vielen Dank.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your staunch support in these dire times, but above all, thank you for speaking out like this. It warms us all to know that there are people who support us and who -at the end of the day – are more Greek than those of us who simply have a common, greek ancestry.
Welcome back! We’ve just done the big step some days ago! Your words are really moving!
Good luck Markus
Best of luck to you and your family Markus, not that you will need it.
Good luck – hope it goes well. I know what you mean about living where your heart is happy. I know I have only been to Greece on holiday, but within hours of landing I feel myself relaxing.
So looking forward to seeing you again more often Markus!
We are very glad to have you back. Cheers.
Welcome back to your
home Marcus.
Thomas Glinavos
Hi Markus,
Your words and decisions have touched many of us.
Please get in touch with our team at info@philotimo.org. Please take courage, you are not alone in your search for a new Ithaka.
Manos Hatzimalonas
Philotimo Foundation
Welcome back. It’s nice to have you with us.
Kala krasia
Dear Markus,
I wish I had the same courage as you! Greece is in my Heart!
Niels
Dear Markus,
Keep rocking!Never forget that home is where the heart is.
Καλό ταξίδι σύντροφε!
Theodore D.
Dear all,
The piece, and the comments, brought tears to my eyes. Much needed when I see all the misinformed hatred that prevails in Europe these days.
Hoping for a better Europe,
Nikos
Ohh dear, I have been an occasional visitor of your site but I didn’t realise we are on the same boat.
Same things here Markus, as much as I enjoy the UK safety net I only feel alive when I am in Greece.
Kudos for making the difficult decision to return.
Hi mate i am from Sydney Australia you are a great man you should be proud and i am from Greek background and very proud Greek i love Australia to but Greece is always in my soul my email is rekos7777@gmail.com please send me some sample of the wines or prices on my email address might have someone to look at the wines list take care god bless HELLAS love from Sydney Australia GEORGE REKOUMIS
Hi Markus! Bravo that you are moving back–I wish I could, too. I fell in love with Greece 25 years ago and lived there for 20 years. Circumstances forced me back to the states, but I have dedicated my work to promoting Greece in all aspects, but particularly through its cuisine, which I believe, is symbolic of the Greek way of life and trying to visit as often as possible.
I am currently putting together an itinerary for a culinary & cultural tour of the Peloponnese and yesterday I was researching wineries we could visit on the trip. And today, I stumbled upon your article on the wines of the Peloponnese, quite by accident on facebook!! What a wonderful serendipity!!I am so happy that I found your site and cannot wait to read your research. If you happen to be in the Peloponnese next summer and are interested, I would love for you to participate in the tour
Thank you for all you are doing and following your passion.
Much luck in your endeavors,
Carol
Hi Carol, thanks so much for introducing yourself! Easiest way to contact me is via email, mstolz@elloinos.com Looking forward to learning more.