Getting Settled in Athens, Greece

Hello from Athens, Greece!

It's been a bit of an adjustment, but I'm really glad to be back in Europe! My New Year's Eve flight from the U.S. was super easy, and I began the new year here in Athens - ready to rock and roll.

One thing I'm very happy with is the climate. The mild, Mediterranean temperatures are quite pleasant. I'm not sure where I got the idea that it might be rainy here during the winter months because it's been pretty much nothing but sun every day. Temperatures are a comfortable 60 degrees (F) or so. I think I'm going to enjoy the next few months!

Something you can't miss as you walk around Athens is the Acropolis and Parthenon. It's quite a beautiful sight (day or night) and fairly easy hike to get a closer look.

The Acropolis

I’ve been here a month and haven’t yet walked all the way up to the Parthenon. I figure I’ve got plenty of time, and I’m actually saving that experience for a really nice sunny day - or even a nice evening - since this ancient archeological site is breath-taking any time of day!

An “acropolis” basically refers to a complex that is built on a high hill, and the Parthenon is the most famous the temple that sits on that hill. There are strong monumental walls that have fortified the summit of the acropolis for more than 3,300 years. The history runs deep.

Here's my view from a rooftop bar, enjoyihg a beer, and taking in this magnificent site!

Plaka Neighborhood

At the base of the Acropolis is the old, historical neighborhood of Plaka - a former nightclub district that the government closed down in the 1970s due to the loud music and unruly crowds it attracted.

Today, it's a truly magical place, with cobblestone sidewalks, cute shops, little churches, and quaint cafés. It's one of the nicest neighborhoods in Athens. Everyone who comes to Athens will walk through the streets of Plaka. It's appropriately known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods." If you get a chance to visit, you'll know why.

Anafiotika Neighborhood

I came across this scenic, tiny neighborhood in Plaka and immediately fell in love with its beauty! It’s an old, historical neighborhood - a hidden gem known as the “Hidden Island of Athens.”

The white-washed homes with colorful doors and windows, cobblestone walkways and pathways, makes this one neighborhood you must see. Not to mention the incredible views of the city. Oh yeah, and it’s a haven for cat lovers!

Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

To hear more about my January 2023 experience in Athens, Greece, you can always listen to my most recent podcast - and don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Finally...

So, Year 4 of my journey has begun, and I can't be more excited for what's to come. There is so much to explore here in Greece and I can't wait to experience it and share it. Then I'm back to the U.K. and north England once again. There's so much more to see and explore there as well - plus, I'm back in the acting game continuing my learning, networking, and filming.

I really appreciate those who have been reading this blog. Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Moving Forward Into 2023

Hello from Athens, Greece!

The last four months have been life-changing. It's a crazy world, and we're living in unprecedented times. Reconnecting with family and friends reminds me that we all need to show as much love and kindness as we possibly can towards each other.

I found that some of my relationships had changed. Some had stayed the same. And, some had even deepened. Change happens. It's all good. I have nothing but love for my family and friends.

My time in the U.S has been a lesson in not reacting to situations, but rather going with the flow of life. And it's been about trusting that everything will be okay. I shared beautiful moments with family and friends, and those moments are the ones I carry with me forever.

WHO AM I?

Moving forward into 2023 is especially exciting for me. Not only because I'll be spending more time in the U.K. cultivating relationships and furthering my acting career, but because I've become clearer on who I am as a person.

While I was in California, it really hit me. Yes, I'm an actor and enjoy "living truthfully under imaginary circumstances" (to quote acting teacher Sanford Meisner), but I also enjoy filmmaking. All aspects of it. In front of the camera, behind it, or along side it. And on top of that, I enjoy traveling and sharing my travel stories and adventures.

So yes, I'm an Actor, Filmmaker, and Travel blogger. And in 2023, I'm ramping up the travel blogger aspect of my life!

BOB TAPPER: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

I've been writing this blog every month for three years now. And this will continue. But I plan to expand on that - and I'm starting a travel podcast!

My new podcast is called Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

Each month (along with this blog) I'll be publishing podcast episodes that I hope you'll enjoy. I want to inform, educate, create some value, and entertain.

I've come to believe that it doesn't matter where you are. It's your experience of where you are that matters.

I'm starting 2023 in Athens, Greece and will be here for three months! I've never been here before, so I'm super excited and ready to explore. What should I see? Where should I go?

To start 2023, I thought I'd ask people on my travels from the U.S. to Athens what their wish for the world was for the New Year. I then asked some people what I should do first when I get to Athens. Take a listen!

I'm launching my podcast starting with Season 4. If you go back and listen to Seasons 1-3, you'll hear about my journey so far and how I got to this point. However, now is the time to move forward, meet people, interview people, and get different perspectives on life abroad.

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I hope you'll subscribe to my podcast.

Just search "Bob Tapper" wherever you get your podcasts!

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I'm so grateful to be on this journey. Let's keep going...

Thanks for following along - and welcome to my Life Abroad podcast!

ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

The Heartland

Hello from The Heartland!

Autumn has been filled with incredible connections with my wonderful friends and family. I loved my time in California, but the US journey isn't complete without visiting Middle America - or "The Heartland" as it's also known.

The first stop is Oklahoma City, where a mini-family reunion took place! It was so fun to explore this city with people so close to my heart. The loving energy and dynamic of family was good for the spirit and soul.

Then it was on to Des Moines, Iowa, where I spent about 10 days just playing and working downtown. I had no expectations, but I was hoping for some down-to-earth niceness here.

Both cities were really impressive, and I'm glad I got to trek through The Heartland!

Oklahoma City, OK

On April 19, 1995 at 9:02am, our lives were changed forever with the Oklahoma City bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. This tragic event deeply impacted us due to the number of deaths, and particularly the number of children in the day care center that died. There were 168 deaths and 800 injured. The magnitude of the blast also damaged 324 buildings within a 16-block radius.

A task force began the heavy emotional task of building a memorial - The Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

The Memorial Museum is in a building that withstood the bombing. The Museum uses video and artifacts to tell the story and is really well done. It’s a pretty emotional and somber experience.

You experience the entire devastation and sadness of that day - from the hours before the bombing - to the time when the perpetrator was sentenced to death.

The Outdoor Symbolic Memorial

This is a place of quiet reflection. It honors those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever on that day. It encompasses the now-sacred soil where the Murrah Building once stood, as well as the surrounding area devastated by the attack.

Each chair in the Field of Empty Chairs represents and memorializes a person killed in the bombing.

Des Moines, IA

To continue my trek up through Middle America, I spent a week in Des Moines, Iowa - the capital of Iowa.

The Des Moines River runs through town, and Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge stands in glory across the river! It links the east and west sides of Des Moines. There are two separate paths across the bridge - one for bicycles, and the other for walkers or joggers.

The Historic East Village is a vibrant and diverse part of Des Moines, with interesting shops and restaurants - and located near the Capitol Building. It is one of the original commerce areas, and includes the Capitol and other historic places. I loved the character, charm, and culture of this part of town!

Podcast

While I was in California, I had this idea to start a podcast. It certainly wouldn't be to compete with big podcasters out there. But for those that want to follow my journey, it may be interesting, informative, or entertaining.

I have some fun ideas, and I'm pretty excited about it, so stay tuned!

If I started a podcast, would you listen?

Finally...

Now it's time to wind down the year and just settle into family life. I'm so fortunate to have a wonderful family filled with holiday traditions that I can be a part of.

Of course, I'm thinking about next year and starting to plan out 2023. But one thing I've learned over the last three years is that things can change - and likely will. Who knows. But at this point, 2023 will include Athens, Greece, more North England and the UK, and then up to the Scandinavian countries and probably Sweden.

Until then, it's just family, kids, food, and Christmas!

I really appreciate those who have been reading my travel blogs. Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275