The Out-of-Towners: Sai Symphorienne

A busy mom of two, Sai Symphorienne has immersed herself in the Greek culture and tackled the linguistic challenges since arriving here 15 years ago for her university studies in business and economics. Here she shares experiences from her exciting life in Greece.

Name
Sai Symphorienne

Profession
Private employee

Life status
Busy mum with 2 small kids.

Where in the world I am from
I am from a small country called Burundi in central-east Africa, in between Tanzania and Rwanda. It’s in the Great Lakes region where you meet Lake Tanganyika, the second largest and deepest freshwater lake in the world.

Rate Greece v your homeland
I am happy to live in Athens because of the beautiful weather and incredible history all around. I also enjoy the culture and the way of life, which is closer to my own in comparison to western European countries.

I came here because
…of studies back in 2001 at ASOE (Athens University of Economics and Business), where I got my degree in Business and Administration. I would be lying if I told you that it was easy. Not at all; the Greek language is very difficult but at the end I made it. I met a lot of interesting teachers and students that were willing to help me in many ways and give me a hand when needed. This was especially valuable during my first years here.

I’ve fallen in love with
The contrast between old and new, and the sea and the mountains that you come across in Greece. It is a country full of many interesting contrasts both aesthetic and cultural.

It makes me mad that…
Everyone seems to blame Greece for everything wrong with the world at the moment.

The most Greek thing that fits into my hand?
A glass of rakomelo (perfect fit!!!)

If I knew then what I know now…
I wouldn’t have changed a thing, it’s been a great trip……

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO:

eat: Ta Pefka Taverna (34 Chaimanta, Marousi)

watch the sun set: Pounta Zeza, Sounio.

party all night: aaahhhh I miss it…

swim: at Limniona, Tsagarada, Pelion.

shop: at the Athens Mall (35 Andrea Papandreou, Marousi).

watch the world go by: in Monastiraki and Thisseio.

read peacefully: anywhere by the sea, but under an umbrella.

connect with Greek culture: with the ceremony behind the Greek Easter, the souvla and the dance.

work out: Curves, 20 Eirinis Ave in Marousi.

escape: to the mountain in Pelion.

feel like a local: in Kipseli, Athens.