Smells of Athens and Morocco

            Two weeks ago, I went to Marrakesh, Morocco. I have never been to a place like it before; however, it has been my favorite place that I have visited so far. We shopped at the Souks in the Old City, rode ATV’s and camels in the desert, and drank a lot of tea. It was an interesting experience because it showed me on a first account how some people in other parts of the world live.

The people, but really just the men, did not hesitate to catcall us and try to touch us. However, a few of my friends and I found the shouting hilarious because they would call us things like, “fish and chips”, “chicken curry”, “spice girls”, and “Shakira”. Something interesting was that everyone there thought we were British. As for the women, they were rather reserved, but our host mom was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Every night, she made us home cooked dinners that consisted of authentic Moroccan food. These were massive dinners with several courses and every single thing was delicious, unique, and extremely well spiced.

            The houses looked like they were made out of clay, but looked extremely nice once inside. We did not expect the interior to be as gorgeous as it was due to its exterior appearance. Meanwhile, the streets in the neighborhood were covered in people sitting on the ground trying to sell produce while plucking chickens and skinning live rabbits right before our eyes. Once we reached the old town, there were Souks everywhere, which were so much fun to shop in.

            There was a very pungent and specific smell in Morocco. I noticed it, but quickly grew used to it. I didn’t learn until later; however, that some of my friends never got used to the smell. When we arrived back to Athens, they were still complaining two days later that they smelt like Morocco, as well as all the belongings that they brought with them. Honestly, I did not smell it, but I do not have the best nose.

             Speaking of smells, there are a few specific smells in Athens. For me, sometimes it can be difficult the spot and identify these smells. That being said, I think smells are so important because like a song, scents can instantly bring you to another place or time. Some popular smells around Agia Paraskevi are bread from cafes and bakeries and the smells of gyros and fried honey feta.

            In my opinion, all of the food that I have smelt in Agia Paraskevi so far have been quite pleasant. I mean, it is difficult to make fresh bread smell bad. However, there is an exception of all good foods. Once, one of my roommates cooked something that to this day I have no idea what it was, but it stunk up the entire apartment for the whole day and it smelt so terrible. Other than that, all of the fruits and vegetables smell fresh and inviting. When I smell the bread in the bakeries, I can tell from their scents that they are fresh and still warm.

            Honey is something that I did not like at all before coming to Greece. Now, I am obsessed with Greek honey. Greeks put it on many things, including yogurt, bread, tea, and feta. The honey also smells quite fresh, and there aren’t any preservatives in it. It is so sweet that is tastes like candy. It smells and looks like liquid, golden sugar and improves once it is placed on top of other foods (especially feta and honey).

            When I smell the foods in Athens, it makes me feel comfortable. Agia Paraskevi has become my home away from home these past few months. Because of this, when I smell a food that is specific to Greece, it reminds me that I am somewhere new and exciting. It reminds me how lucky I am to be able to travel and temporarily live and be immersed in another culture. Ultimately, I would say that the feeling I have most here is comfortable.

            Comparing the smells of the traditional food in Athens and Marrakesh, I would say that Marrakesh has food with much stronger smells. This is because every dish is flavored so strongly yet so well. However, the food in Athens is also spiced and flavored very distinctly and well in my opinion. I believe the food and smells of a place can completely change its environment and atmosphere. It is important with identifying and remembering places. I am sure that when I am back home in New York, the moment I smell honey or feta I will as if I am back in Greece. However, I doubt the feta and honey in New York will be close to as good and fresh as it is in Athens.