Week 13: Αντίο, Αθήνα

My brother left early in the morning to fly back to Manchester, with a cappuccino with hazelnut milk in hand. I started the week off as I usually do, but it was made sad knowing that it was my last few days. I promised to make him a ring with the cuttlefish method, so I made the mould and then busied myself figuring out what stock (i.e. wire, sheet, etc) I needed to prepare before I leave.

I had a lot of things on my to-do list still to get through - things in the workshop, but also fun stuff with friends and people at the museum, since I don’t know when I’ll see them next. Have you ever tried walnut sorbet? It’s delicious. On Tuesday, we went to Django Gelato, and this flavour was amazing. I could eat a whole tub of it. But seriously, I dropped off two commissions I got while I was here, and they look so nice on their owners. They really challenged me in terms of design and making to get these looking like they do, but I am so happy with the outcomes.

Three days went so fast, and before I knew it, it was time to say bye to everyone and pack up all my stuff from the museum. I really did have such an amazing time these last three months. Getting to know everyone, engaging with visitors, showing what I do, and explaining why it matters, was really character-building and makes it hard to leave such a wonderful place. I am so appreciative of the staff at the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum. They were so kind, patient and generous. I am so happy to have crossed paths with so many interesting people from all over the world, and Athens will forever by in my heart for making these connections and memories.

Do I have to go? Legally, yes. But I am already making plans for when I can come back! And don’t ask me how much my luggage weighed, just know that it was far too heavy 🫢

06 May 2026