Eat, Pray, Love Like The Mediterraneans.

By Lyndsay Scott

There are 22 countries whose shores lap with crystal clear Mediterranean water - sharing either a speck of coastline like Monaco to hundreds of islands and tiny coves weaving around the bigger players in the med like Italy, Greece and Turkey. Not forgetting their southern counterparts, Egypt and Libya. 

Although all of these countries bring something different to the table (we’ll get to the literal dinner table later), particularly in their history, architecture and religion - there is one thing they do all have in common, the mediterranean way of life.

Of course, this varies from country to country, village to village, person to person - but the key pillars are there; live simply and sustainably, share with loved ones, eat well and prioritise rest and relaxation. 

Perhaps it was not by choice originally - this simpler life, but having fewer possessions seems to allow for more space to appreciate the humble everyday items. The pieces that spark joy and have purpose, that have been handed down and have a story, rather than items that give us more choices to make each day and clutter our already busy minds.

By having less - they are rich with appreciation for the smaller moments that we can often take for granted. They live for the easy pleasures like sharing a meal, a plastic deck chair in the shallows reading the paper, catching squid and drying it for dinner, drizzling lemon over gozlemè, still sizzling on the hotplate or that first sip of morning espresso in the sun. It’s like a cat finding that tiny pocket of sunshine on the window ledge - uncomplicated, pure joy. 

They live slowly, they’re generous, family and friends always come first and boy, can they cook.

At the heart of the med lifestyle has got to be their appreciation of food and joy in mealtime. Whether the whole family is over to eat (plus a few more ring-ins of course) or an afternoon snack on the sun-drenched patio - their diet is wholesome and clean with a mostly plant based foundation. 

They cook with whole grains, vegetables, legumes, herbs and spices, cheese, fish and yes - lots of olive oil to create mouth-watering, nutritious meals. Think dolmades, fresh salads and hummus sprinkled with dukkah - plus fattoush or paella which minimises waste and gives left overs new life.

Bowls of spaghetti and hearty gyros are still on the menu - plus fresh sourdough and olive bread. Let’s be honest - few of us have the self-control to say no to the spectacular invention that is carbs (nor should we!) and they are no different.

Along with the mix of religions and beliefs across the region - there is another thing the majority of the mediterranean people worship - the sun. Time in the sunshine recharges their batteries - their skin glittering with a caramel glow my freckled Australian complexion can only dream of. Tanning is like a sport for the mediterraneans, visions of a group of local Italian women pitching a foil like reflective shade to maximise UV exposure is fresh in my memory from my last visit.

I’m not going to pretend it’s all farm to table, slow strolls and pasta grannies -  some of the 22 countries embody this slow and paired back lifestyle more than others. With the dramatically beautiful coastline of the Mediterranean, large resorts are popping up everywhere which feels a little against the grain. The ritzy and glamorous French Riviera is top of mind where luxury cars, super yachts and casinos are the norm, along with Marbella, Spain and San Remo, Italy.

They’re passionate and proud to be mediterranean. They want to show you the villages they grew up in and share stories about their culturally abundant corner of the globe. They are the experts in finding joy through connecting with others - so, let them entertain you their way. Say yes to the home cooked meal (you may offend them if you don’t!), ditch your phone and take in every moment.

If you are lucky enough to visit - pack the SPF, steer clear of the luxury resorts this time and learn about their nourishing way to live by listening, leaning in and embracing it… you might even bring home some wholesome new habits in your suitcase.

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What Else?

Flying from Australia to the Mediterranean is easy - except for choosing where to start! Athens, Naples and Marseille are all great gateways to begin your onward journey.

Book an Airbnb or a family run bed and breakfast for the full experience - preferably with ocean views and a patio to catch the sunset.

Take a local recommendation for dinner, it may look understated but the story-telling and food certainly won’t be.

Slow down - It’s not about seeing every monument and walking 20,000 steps. Start with a swim, feel the sun on your face and see where a slower day takes you.