Ya’ll to Yamas: Our Story

Ya’ll:

My name is Elizabeth Howell and I am the ‘Ya’ll’ in Ya’ll to Yamas. I am from Chatom, Alabama, a very small town (one red light) in the Southern region of the United States. For those who don’t know, the word ya’ll is one of the defining characteristics of a true Southern vocabulary. 

Before moving to Athens, Greece, I practiced law for five plus years in my hometown. Although the first 30 years of my life were centered around the state in which I was born and reared (Roll Tide), I always felt drawn to meet people from different backgrounds, explore our amazing planet and eat everything in sight – really, I love food. 

Callings aside, how in the world did a small-town, Alabama lawyer end up residing permanently Athens, Greece? The answer – LOVE of course. This is how it happened…

As I approached my 30th birthday, I longed to take a trip to Greece. I asked several friends about planning an international trip, with no firm itinerary ever coming to fruition. At last, while sitting alone on a hunting trip in Burwell, Nebraska, watching Harry Potter, I vowed to myself that this would be the year in which I would do all the things I had been waiting for ‘the one’ to do with me. I set out on my quest by googling group travel for young professionals and became instantly intrigued by For the Love of Travel (FTLO). I quickly found my dream trip to Greece, expertly curated by FTLO, and forked over the down payment within minutes. I would soon be going to Greece with 10 or so people I had never met. I could not have been more proud of myself. Note, just about everyone else thought I was crazy.

When trip time rolled around in June of 2019, I was a good three months into my 30th year on this planet and had resigned myself to the idea that I would be flying solo for the rest of my mortal existence. I felt burnt out, dry and discouraged. I also felt guilty that I somehow was not satisfied in my independent state despite the many blessings that surrounded me. Nevertheless, I looked forward to reconnecting with my love of life and travel on this trip. I just knew something was on the horizon. 

The trip… the trip changed my life to say the least. On my second day in Greece, I lost my cell phone, which was in hindsight best-case scenario. I lose things. It’s part of who I am. I have accepted the flaw and try to mitigate the loss of important objects as much as possible, but you win some and you lose some, literally. Interestingly enough, being unplugged allowed me to clear my mind of all ties to my everyday life, including the ones that caused me pain or occupied the space in my head that should have been reserved for creativity and caring for others. With this open door in my mind and my spirit, I was able to better connect with our travel group, comprised of several of the most genuine and accomplished individuals. I was also able to really soak in the wonders of the Greek islands. Most importantly, the mental and emotional freedom I experienced allowed me to also connect with Nikos, my dearest love and the ‘Yamas’ in Ya’ll to Yamas. 

Yamas:

Yamas is the Greek equivalent to Cheers. When you hear this word in Greece, you know you are in the middle of a good time! Nikos of course hails from the land of yamas. He grew up on the island of Crete, where his family still lives and operates a beautiful restaurant. Nikos works in law enforcement in Athens and checks all of my soulmate boxes!

Nikos and I met on the beach on Paros Island during the last leg of the FTLO trip. He has since grown to be my greatest gift. Fast forward to February 2020 – I moved to Athens for us to be together permanently. Since combining lives and cultures, we have added our Persian kitten (Twyla) to the mix and are loving this wild ride we call life. I could not leave out that we give thanks to God for setting this all up. 

We have decided to share our future travels with the goal of inspiring others to explore the beautiful place we call home. I independently wish that cataloguing our adventures will serve as a way to stay connected with my family and friends in the United States. The name Ya’ll to Yamas is not only representative of the two halves of our relationship but also pays homage to my transition from Southern culture to Greek culture. Thus, I will also use this platform to share my personal journey. Y’all to Yamas will always be a place where others can be encouraged to look toward the horizon. One trip, one moment, can change your life – Nikos and I are living proof!

30 replies to “Ya’ll to Yamas: Our Story”

  1. I’m beyond excited to finally follow the blog! God has done amazing things in your life’s and I can’t wait to see what all comes next! Much love from Alabama!❤️

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      1. I love this blog! So inspiring! I would love for you to tell me more about being unplugged! Have you continued to practise switching off from the online world since then? If so, what advise can you give to someone who wishes to alter their way of living? I’d love to hear more from you and your future endeavours! Love, Bethan x

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      2. Hi Bethan,

        Thank you so much. I’m hoping to add a new post this week. Ironically, after I moved abroad, I took a job working in digital marketing and social media marketing, so I am anything but unplugged these days. I would totally recommend unplugging on your next vacation, without having to lose your device to do so. I am hoping to have a few days unplugged on our anniversary trip in July. I am sending you all my support in making any life changes you have been dreaming of.

        ❤️ Elizabeth

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  6. I am so excited for you and can’t wait to experience Greece through your eyes. Maybe one day I can see it for myself it one place I’ve always dreamed of going. Much love to you cousin so happy you found your Happy!!!!

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  7. Elizabeth, I miss you and think of you often. So glad you are happy and doing well. I’ve been to Crete and other parts of Greece. Yes, it so so beautiful!!
    Love you!!

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    1. Thank you so much Ms. Karen. I think of you too. I saw a photo of a restaurant in Santorini and thought of the little place you told me about by the sea! I hope that you will enjoy following along. I miss seeing you and John T. Love you lots!

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  9. Wow! 🤩 Can’t wait to hear more! Christmas was completely different this year and we missed our annual picture together! 😔 I had Covid anyways, so was stuck at home during Christmas. Seriously tho, how many people pick up and move to Greece!?! Glad to see you happy, you deserve the world! 😘

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  10. This is an amazing story and I am thrilled to follow along on your adventure and experience Greece through your eyes. I am so very happy for you!!

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  11. Great to get an opportunity to see this beautiful part of the world and get a southerner to narrate. I love you, Elizabeth. I look forward to new posts.

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  12. Oh my sweet friend! This is the best thing I’ve read all year 🥳! Love you much and can’t wait to Visit in August!

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