For Carla and me, there have always been two threads running through our travels. One is the simple desire to see and experience as much of this beautiful, complicated, astonishing world as we can . . . to meet new people, hear other languages, walk through unfamiliar towns, and experience the many different ways people live their lives. That part has always mattered to us. But there has been another thread running alongside it. We’ve also been looking for a new home.

Being back in Chania reminded me that places, like people, can have a soul. And Chania, perhaps more than anywhere we’ve been, wears its artistic soul openly. It also reminds me that a place can be beautiful in more than one way. There’s another layer we always hope to encounter, even if we don’t have words for it right away. But when it’s there, we know. It is the creative spirit of a place, the sense that imagination has found its way into daily life.

Most of us picture the Greek islands with whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, and beach paths. Syros isn’t like that. It’s not a polished vacation spot. It feels like a place with its own pace and history. Maybe not the first choice for someone dreaming of Santorini or Mykonos, but that’s part of why it’s special.

One of the most fascinating things about Corfu Town - known locally as Kerkyra - is that its beauty isn’t flashy or polished. It doesn’t scream for your attention. It’s the kind of beauty that slowly and quietly works its way into your heart. It’s charming, it’s elegant, and it has this quiet magnetism that’s hard to explain. You walk around, and you just feel it - this place is special.

Our second visit to Corfu felt a lot like a second date, and, as we all know, a second date can go one of two ways.

Not only is Plaka the oldest neighborhood in Athens, but it’s also the most beautiful and picturesque.

Corfu has a beautiful coastline, spectacular mountains, and olive trees everywhere.

If you love Italy and you love Greece, then you’ll love the fusion that is Corfu.

We are now in Corfu Town (Kerkyra) on the island of Corfu in northwest Greece . . . and we are loving it!

Naxos is gorgeous - with its imposing mountains, stunning green valleys, and beautiful beaches.

Crete has it all - gorgeous mountains, a spectacular coastline, and ancient ruins dating back to 2700 BC.

Chania is beautiful, charming, and, loaded with history. So, is this a place that we could see ourselves living?

It turns out that Chania is in fact different than what we expected . . . and much to our delight!

The very nature of travel is that it breaks up your routine, and occasionally even within the framework of traveling, it’s necessary.